It’s the coziest time of the year and the perfect time to try out some new date-night ideas. These are a perfect way to spice up your week with your significant other. Fall date-night ideas don’t have to break the bank and they can also be done as fun activities with friends.
So, grab whoever you love most, pick your favorite date idea (or two) and get to planning. The best way to celebrate any season is with the one you love.
Fall picnic
While it is getting colder, the changing of leaves makes for the perfect background for a cozy picnic date. College Green is an especially good place for a picnic this time of year, as it looks like it’s right out of a movie scene. You can also venture to Emeriti Park for beautiful scenery, but if the weather is too cold you can move the picnic inside.
When it starts to get cold, the first step to any good picnic is a cozy blanket. Grab what you don’t mind getting dirty and bundle up. As for food, you and your date can grab some takeout from Court Street for a special treat or pack some snacks of your own. You can even bring games to the picnic or simply catch up and enjoy a meal. It's a perfect way to slow down and enjoy all of fall’s beauty while spending time with your person.
Go for a hike
Because fall foliage doesn’t last long, it’s essential to see all of the beauty before it goes away. Going on a hike is a great way to get some exercise while spending some alone time with your partner. If you’re looking for a place to hike, Stroud’s Run State Park is beautiful this time of year and boasts over 10 trails to enjoy. Stroud’s is 15 minutes away from campus and a great destination for a day trip.
Can’t make it to Stroud’s? A walk around campus is a great option. You can venture off toward State Street, or even make a big loop around Ohio University’s campus.
Paint and sip
Looking for a date night idea that brings out your creative side? A paint-and-sip night is the perfect way to let your inner artist out. First, you’ll need some canvases. You can find these at Walmartstarting at $2.47, or you can just use white printer paper. Painting kits are also sold at Walmart and range from $5 to $20. If you’re looking for an even simpler way to do this date night, you can use markers and pens you may have lying around.
Pair your painting night with a fall drink to create the perfect “paint and sip” night. You can find amazing fall mocktail and cocktail ideas here. The beauty of this date night is that you can do it in the comfort of your own home. It’s a fun way to mix things up, and even paint something you can use as decor.
Elevated movie night
The best way to unwind and cozy up during the cold season is a movie night. For date night, there are lots of ways to spice up your movie night and bring the theater to you. Rather than watching a movie on the couch, create a cozy hideout on the floor. You can even add lights or candles to add a warm ambiance.
Along with a cozy space, the next thing every good movie night has is snacks. Popcorn is a must for movie watching, and if you want to add even more activities to date night, make a special snack with your partner. Caramel apples are a common fall favorite and can be made with ingredients easily found at the markets on campus. Find an easy recipe to make them here. All that’s left is to turn on your movie and enjoy.
