Dinner and a movie. Sunday brunch and the museum. Bowling and some brews. All these make for classic dates, but as the weather warms, the birds and the bees beget some of their best buzz out of doors—and so can you. Options for romance al fresco can range from an intimate exchange of bread and wine under the stars to a heart-stopping, muscle-tingling, scream-at-the-top-of-your-lungs plunge into action-packed adventure (and we’re not talking running naked from a bear). Whether you prefer your pastimes cerebral or corporeal, getting outside is a great way to get closer to…well, the one you want to get closer to. Here are our top picks for making hay while the sun (or moon) shines.
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A LOAF OF BREAD, A JUG OF WINE AND…
With locations that can vary from the urbane setting of an urban rooftop to the natural splendors of the countryside, picnics date back to the beginning of dating history. According to Ariana Anthony of the popular dating site, HowAboutWe.com, this leisurely activity is three times more popular in the spring. She suggests some great ways to put a new twist on the old classic would be choosing specialty food items, setting up your spread in an off-beat location, or making dining one component of a two-part date: “How about we rent a canoe or kayak, bring a small picnic, and go on a trip around the lake until we can find a nice spot to eat lunch?”
3 of 11
OUTDOOR CONCERTS
Music soothes the savage breast, and during spring and summer, a lot of breast soothing beats can be had for free or on the cheap. Events that close with fireworks can be especially energizing to some female libidos. (Who knew “The 1812 Overture” and the rocket’s red glare could be the precursor to so many sleepover invitations?)
Check your local listings for outdoor concerts in the park and nearby music festivals. Bring something to sit on, perhaps a light repast, and get into the rhythm. Holding hands and reasonable public displays of affection are likely to ensue.
4 of 11
GET SPORTY
Athletic types will appreciate a little friendly mano a womano competition. Going one-on-one at the basketball court (high score buys the beer), the batting cage or on the tennis court is a great way to get your mojo flowing. Exercise, like sex, releases endorphins into your system, and can lead to sweaty pleasures on and off your chosen field of play. Guys, take note, however. If you’re extremely competitive by nature, you might want to think about dialing back that need to win at all costs. Beating the pants off your buddies may net you satisfaction, but unsportsmanlike moves do not a “playa” make when gaming with girls.
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VOLUNTEER
Is altruism an aphrodisiac? If it’s heartfelt, it can be. Local charities, nature conservancies and other service groups are often looking for spring and summer volunteers. Take your best girl and spend the day cleaning up the local stream. Help Habitat for Humanity build a home for a family in need of shelter. Chaperone a field trip for kids at risk. Whatever the cause, making a date to do something that gives back to the community will give you a sense of satisfaction, whether it leads to getting some or not.
6 of 11
GET AN ADRENALINE RUSH
Zip-lining is a dating rush that’s gaining in popularity with adrenaline junkies because it offers many of the thrills of skydiving, but with less formal training required, and you don’t actually have to jump out of an airplane. Couples in top physical condition can also consider testing their mettle on more challenging rope courses. For those who like their excitement wet, whitewater rafting makes for a gloriously physical day out. There are rafting and zip-lining venues throughout the United States. For example, the U.S. National Whitewater Center, just outside Charlotte, N.C., offers a bonanza of outdoor dating opportunities that include zip lining and dining, rafting and even a microbrew cruise, and speaking of imbibing…
7 of 11
WINE AND BEER TASTING
Dates that lead to wine or beer tastings are always in flavor, and a time-honored way to uncork romance is by touring a country vineyard, or tapping into your local craft brewery. Many offer packages that include a pleasant outdoor meal at the end of the trail where you can toast your love and get drunk—on one another’s company.
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DIG FOR TREASURE
Flea-marketing is tried and true for shopping sleuths who love to find the perfect knick-knack needle in the haystack bazaar, but if an Antiques Roadshow date doesn’t get you hot and bothered, there are other options. Did you know that there are plenty of places in America that you can still prospect for gold? This is a date that can really pan out, just be sure to check local rules and regulations before you get started. Fans of Spike TV’s American Digger might also get off digging one another while digging for buried loot, but before you begin searching for booty, learn what’s kosher, and what’s breaking the law.
If Indiana Jones has always been a role model, you’ll really get a kick out of geocaching. To take your scavenger hunting to the 21st century, grab your GPS and your date, and log onto Geocaching.com. Once you’ve zoned in on a geocache you want to search out (they can be hidden anywhere from the big city to the middle of the forest primeval), get its latitude and longitude, enter the coordinates into your GPS, and then follow the directions to a cache of hidden “treasure.” Geocaches usually house a collection of take-one, leave-one items that make a great keepsake of your date and a logbook for you to leave a personal “Kilroy was here.”
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GET MOVING
Says HowAboutWe’s Anthony, when it’s time to shelve the winter boots, singles love to lace up their walking shoes, noting, “Dates that mention going for a walk or stroll receive about seven responses on average during the spring.” She also says that those looking to break a romantic sweat should consider taking a hike, “which is four times more popular this time of year.” To stop and smell the flowers, without getting too wild, make a visit your nearby botanical garden. It offers a slice of nature tempered with tame amenities such as indoor plumbing, pleasing dining facilities and a plethora of picturesque places to picnic.
10 of 11
GET IN TOUCH WITH YOUR ARTISTIC SIDE
Spring colors really get the juices flowing—creative juices, that is. According to Anthony, art-related dates see a 22 percent uptick during this season, “Drawing and photography dates are especially popular,” she says: “How about we meet up at an art store, buy colored pencils, then head to the pub? We can take turns drawing the bartender. Whoever comes up with the best picture gets a free drink.”
11 of 11
GET A HISTORY LESSON
Every city tells a story, and there are walking tours that cater to a myriad of interests, from the homes of your favorite literary figures, to which now-chic address formerly housed a brothel, to famously haunted houses. Stepping into the past is a uniquely erotic way to bond that’s sometimes very powerful.
Lastly, if you’re into a girl with a dark side, we do have one “final” recommendation. Some chicks find communing with the historically departed a huge turn-on. While cemetery trysting isn’t for the faint of heart, for those who have no fear of grave consequences, it can be dead sexy.
Dinner and a movie. Sunday brunch and the museum. Bowling and some brews. All these make for classic dates, but as the weather warms, the birds and the bees beget some of their best buzz out of doors—and so can you. Options for romance al fresco can range from an intimate exchange of bread and wine under the stars to a heart-stopping, muscle-tingling, scream-at-the-top-of-your-lungs plunge into action-packed adventure (and we’re not talking running naked from a bear). Whether you prefer your pastimes cerebral or corporeal, getting outside is a great way to get closer to…well, the one you want to get closer to. Here are our top picks for making hay while the sun (or moon) shines.
A LOAF OF BREAD, A JUG OF WINE AND…
With locations that can vary from the urbane setting of an urban rooftop to the natural splendors of the countryside, picnics date back to the beginning of dating history. According to Ariana Anthony of the popular dating site, HowAboutWe.com, this leisurely activity is three times more popular in the spring. She suggests some great ways to put a new twist on the old classic would be choosing specialty food items, setting up your spread in an off-beat location, or making dining one component of a two-part date: “How about we rent a canoe or kayak, bring a small picnic, and go on a trip around the lake until we can find a nice spot to eat lunch?”
OUTDOOR CONCERTS
Music soothes the savage breast, and during spring and summer, a lot of breast soothing beats can be had for free or on the cheap. Events that close with fireworks can be especially energizing to some female libidos. (Who knew “The 1812 Overture” and the rocket’s red glare could be the precursor to so many sleepover invitations?)
Check your local listings for outdoor concerts in the park and nearby music festivals. Bring something to sit on, perhaps a light repast, and get into the rhythm. Holding hands and reasonable public displays of affection are likely to ensue.
GET SPORTY
Athletic types will appreciate a little friendly mano a womano competition. Going one-on-one at the basketball court (high score buys the beer), the batting cage or on the tennis court is a great way to get your mojo flowing. Exercise, like sex, releases endorphins into your system, and can lead to sweaty pleasures on and off your chosen field of play. Guys, take note, however. If you’re extremely competitive by nature, you might want to think about dialing back that need to win at all costs. Beating the pants off your buddies may net you satisfaction, but unsportsmanlike moves do not a “playa” make when gaming with girls.
VOLUNTEER
Is altruism an aphrodisiac? If it’s heartfelt, it can be. Local charities, nature conservancies and other service groups are often looking for spring and summer volunteers. Take your best girl and spend the day cleaning up the local stream. Help Habitat for Humanity build a home for a family in need of shelter. Chaperone a field trip for kids at risk. Whatever the cause, making a date to do something that gives back to the community will give you a sense of satisfaction, whether it leads to getting some or not.
GET AN ADRENALINE RUSH
Zip-lining is a dating rush that’s gaining in popularity with adrenaline junkies because it offers many of the thrills of skydiving, but with less formal training required, and you don’t actually have to jump out of an airplane. Couples in top physical condition can also consider testing their mettle on more challenging rope courses. For those who like their excitement wet, whitewater rafting makes for a gloriously physical day out. There are rafting and zip-lining venues throughout the United States. For example, the U.S. National Whitewater Center, just outside Charlotte, N.C., offers a bonanza of outdoor dating opportunities that include zip lining and dining, rafting and even a microbrew cruise, and speaking of imbibing…
WINE AND BEER TASTING
Dates that lead to wine or beer tastings are always in flavor, and a time-honored way to uncork romance is by touring a country vineyard, or tapping into your local craft brewery. Many offer packages that include a pleasant outdoor meal at the end of the trail where you can toast your love and get drunk—on one another’s company.
DIG FOR TREASURE
Flea-marketing is tried and true for shopping sleuths who love to find the perfect knick-knack needle in the haystack bazaar, but if an Antiques Roadshow date doesn’t get you hot and bothered, there are other options. Did you know that there are plenty of places in America that you can still prospect for gold? This is a date that can really pan out, just be sure to check local rules and regulations before you get started. Fans of Spike TV’s American Digger might also get off digging one another while digging for buried loot, but before you begin searching for booty, learn what’s kosher, and what’s breaking the law.
If Indiana Jones has always been a role model, you’ll really get a kick out of geocaching. To take your scavenger hunting to the 21st century, grab your GPS and your date, and log onto Geocaching.com. Once you’ve zoned in on a geocache you want to search out (they can be hidden anywhere from the big city to the middle of the forest primeval), get its latitude and longitude, enter the coordinates into your GPS, and then follow the directions to a cache of hidden “treasure.” Geocaches usually house a collection of take-one, leave-one items that make a great keepsake of your date and a logbook for you to leave a personal “Kilroy was here.”
GET MOVING
Says HowAboutWe’s Anthony, when it’s time to shelve the winter boots, singles love to lace up their walking shoes, noting, “Dates that mention going for a walk or stroll receive about seven responses on average during the spring.” She also says that those looking to break a romantic sweat should consider taking a hike, “which is four times more popular this time of year.” To stop and smell the flowers, without getting too wild, make a visit your nearby botanical garden. It offers a slice of nature tempered with tame amenities such as indoor plumbing, pleasing dining facilities and a plethora of picturesque places to picnic.
GET IN TOUCH WITH YOUR ARTISTIC SIDE
Spring colors really get the juices flowing—creative juices, that is. According to Anthony, art-related dates see a 22 percent uptick during this season, “Drawing and photography dates are especially popular,” she says: “How about we meet up at an art store, buy colored pencils, then head to the pub? We can take turns drawing the bartender. Whoever comes up with the best picture gets a free drink.”
GET A HISTORY LESSON
Every city tells a story, and there are walking tours that cater to a myriad of interests, from the homes of your favorite literary figures, to which now-chic address formerly housed a brothel, to famously haunted houses. Stepping into the past is a uniquely erotic way to bond that’s sometimes very powerful.
Lastly, if you’re into a girl with a dark side, we do have one “final” recommendation. Some chicks find communing with the historically departed a huge turn-on. While cemetery trysting isn’t for the faint of heart, for those who have no fear of grave consequences, it can be dead sexy.
