As the weather starts to cool, many of us start to feel a little bit more romantic than we did a few months ago, when we were sweating it out in our non-air conditioned apartments. The urge to find someone special to snuggle up with is strong.
The good news is that Fall is the perfect time to get out there and date! Not only does autumn signal the start of “peak online dating season,” there’s also so many uniquely fall-centric date activities to take advantage of (when else are you going to be able to enjoy a hayride with the object of your affection?!)
From fun and casual to sexy and romantic, here’s 10 date ideas to try this season –
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Drink up the season – literally.
If you’re looking for a fun date idea that’s also super budget friendly, look up local breweries, wineries and cideries to see which ones offer tastings (usually available at a minimal cost.) You can then spend the afternoon sampling the best your area has to offer. Whether you indulge in a tangy apple cider or the latest heavy, fall brews – going to a tasting together provides a great opportunity to get to know each other in a fun environment while keeping things nice and casual. It also provides a welcome break from your usual watering hole.
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Go apple picking.
It probably sounds cliche, but there’s a reason why people always list apple picking as a fall date idea – it’s actually really fun. Visit a local orchard, pick some apples and learn more about each other while you enjoy the crisp fall air. Your date will be simple, sweet and memorable – just like the apple pie you’ll bake together when you get home.
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A romantic bonfire for deux.
Looking for a date idea that’s as laid back as it is romantic? Build a bonfire for two in your backyard or at your local park/beach (wherever bonfires are allowed.) Grab some supplies to make s’mores and play a game of “s’mores jenga” where you see who can build the most impressive stack of sweet deliciousness before it topples over.
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Go on a hayride.
Here’s another one that’s a cliche for a reason. Nothing says fall romance like cuddling up with someone under a blanket while taking a hayride. To avoid children and get the most romantic vibe possible, book an evening ride if you can. Bring a thermos full of cocoa or even spiked cider and enjoy looking at the stars together.
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Go Tailgating together.
Although not usually thought of as a typical date idea, if you’re both big sports fans, going tailgating for your local football team can be a lot of fun. Alternatively, check out a local high school football game that you can enjoy outdoors.
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Get spooked together.
Fan of all things Halloween? If your date is too, plan an entire evening devoted to embracing everything the spooky season has to offer. Haunted houses seem to have become a lot more sophisticated and high-tech in recent years. Make plans to visit one in your area and enjoy the moment of closeness when one or both of you get completely freaked out. If haunted houses aren’t your thing, take a ghost tour together. Not only is this a step out of the ordinary date-wise, it’s also a fun opportunity to learn about the spooky history of your area.
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Tap into your artistic pumpkin carving skills.
Looking for an enjoyable and pleasantly old-school date idea? Grab a few pumpkins and carve them together while watching your favourite scary movies. The upside to getting your hands covered in pumpkin guts? You can season and roast the seeds for a delicious snack. Enjoy them along with the movies or save them for when you have the tailgating munchies. I think this is what you call a win/win.
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Go for a nature walk and check out the foliage.
If you’re in search of a casual first date option, why not grab a few hot chocolates and go for a walk to check out the changing leaves? If you hit it off, you can take the same walk again next week (and the week after…) to see how the colours have changed.
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Make apple cider or mulled wine together.
Research some recipes and make it happen. If the delicious beverage doesn’t put you in a romantic fall state of mind, the wonderful smells filling your apartment will.
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Go on a weekend retreat.
One of the perks of fall is that it’s officially a “shoulder season,” meaning that many hotels, resorts and tourist destinations offer reduced rates. Take advantage of them and plan a weekend getaway (even if it means checking out a venue in your own city!) Don’t have the funds to get away? Spend the day playing tourist in your town and take in the local sights minus the summer crowds.
