Four simple and fresh ideas for date night from a Columbus, Ohio couples photographer
Date night. Add it to the never-ending list of chores that piles up in parenthood. Leaving the house? At the end of the day when you want to live in jammies on the couching binging Netflix? The horror! (Do you feel seen yet???)
Despite my crummy attitude about arranging date night, I do actually believe it is important. Important to have some uninterrupted time doing something fun/new/relaxing/easy with your partner, where you can give them your full attention.
As a Columbus, Ohio couples and engagement photographer, I hear a lot about how people met and the fun dates they’ve been on. It’s inspired me to round up a list of ideas to share that:
Don’t include going to dinner at the restaurant you end up at every. single. time.
Don’t require you to stay out all night.
Are easy but unique and (dare I say) fun.
Four simple and fresh ideas for date night from a Columbus, Ohio couples photographer:
Explore a neighborhood
One of the things I miss most from pre-parenthood is the luxury of having a free afternoon with which to be utterly spontaneous, meandering, and “wasteful” of time. Exploring a new neighborhood gives me a taste of that freedom. (Btw, this is also a fun solo “date” idea (ya know, when you take yourself out on a date. It’s what personal days are for.)) Head out with your partner for a walk around a neighborhood you haven’t explored, with no firm plans as far as what exactly you will do. This can be entirely free by the way. The walk itself and taking in new sights together will be plenty of fun on its own.
One of my favorite nearby neighborhoods/towns to explore is Granville, where the images from this post were taken. Some other fun ones include: Franklinton, German Village, Bexley, Bridge Park in Dublin, Old Worthington, downtown Delaware, and Italian Village. (Alternate idea - take a hike at one of the metroparks. We love Highbanks and Battelle Darby).
2. See some live music.
I absolutely love seeing live music, and it made up a lot of my weekends spent with my husband during our earlier years together. But alas, we grew old, and leaving the house at 8pm to see a concert that will have me up until midnight is not as appealing. (We still do it, but very, very occasionally). Thankfully there are opportunities to see great live music around town earlier in the day.
Here are three spots where you can catch a show at an early hour and expect the music to be good.
Natalie’s Coal Fired Pizza: two birds, one stone. You can get absolutely delicious food AND see some of the best local and touring live acts around. Unfortunately their Worthington location, which we could walk to, closed, but the Grandview location is stunning and features two stages. “Charlie’s Stage” hosts free happy hour shows starting around 5-6pm, as well as live acts during the day on Sundays. We’ve even taken the kids, who had a blast dancing to the tunes.
Ginger Rabbit Jazz: this one’s on my “to-visit” list, but I’ve heard nothing but rave reviews from friends. A quick visit to their website lists shows starting between 5-6pm, and their cocktail menu looks absolutely delightful. Heads up- they do require reservations.
Rumba Cafe: Looking for something a little more low-key, a little dive-y even? One of my favorite local joints, a staple from my time at OSU, is Rumba Cafe over in the SoHud neighborhood, and they fit the bill. A lot of their shows do start later, but I’ve caught a few happy hour shows at 7pm.
3. Head to Studio 35 for dinner and a film.
It’s probably not going to come as a shock that I love and am inspired by films, and maybe that’s not exciting/enticing enough to warrant paying a babysitter, but Studio 35 is a special place. It’s a Columbus institution, and it features solidly good pizza, craft beers, indie films and classic as well as cult favorites. One of the funnest date nights my husband and I had in recent memory was heading there for a “PeeWee’s Big Adventure” beer tasting. Keep an eye on their calendar because there’s sure to be something you can’t resist coming up soon.
4. Get active
Studies show that doing something new and/or active with your partner strengthens the bond you share (don’t ask me which studies, I just know I’ve read about it more than once, and find it to be true from personal experience). My husband and I love to go indoor rock climbing in the winter and kayaking in the summer, but if that’s not your jam there’s no shortage of opportunities. I’m thinking: bowling, ninja ropes courses, trampoline parks, escape rooms, laser tag, ice skating. These places can be visited during the day, when you still have energy ;)
