There seems to be a shortage of date ideas in the wintertime. Yes, you've got sleigh rides and ice skating, but summertime does appear to be the season of dating; concerts, festivals and outdoor soirees all disappear to make room for movie night after movie night in the winter months. Don't despair; here are a few creative dates that are perfect for the chillier seasons and are sure to keep you and your beau warm and toasty.
S'more loving, please
Bring the warm and lazy summer nights indoors with a nonscented candle and a twist on the classic s'more. You might not be dressed up in shorts with salty and sandy hair, but you can still spend hours chatting by firelight (how romantic). Make your s'mores a little more grown up by adding in fancy chocolates, cookies instead of graham crackers, and fresh fruit like strawberries and raspberries.
Birdie of a feather flock together
A whimsical date never ceases to impress. Move around some furniture and snag a couple putting clubs for an evening of indoor mini golf. Make a simple course or two and see who can get the best score. Or, blindfold the golfer and let your partner be your eyes and guide your stroke to make things a little more romantic.
1 fish, 2 fish ..
Bring a little sunshine to a cold winter day by venturing out to an aquarium "¦ sans kids. It's a quietly romantic date that's perfect for a few hours of uninterrupted conversation. The brightly colored fish and coral are a nice change of scenery from the gray skies and white snowy streets of the season.
Table for two
Heat things up in the kitchen by cooking something spicy. Trying a new restaurant is a classic date idea, but does mean you'll need to go outside in the frigid weather. Plan ahead and pick up ingredients for a spicy Indian Bhartha or test your spice level with a riff on the classic Isreali Shakshuka. No matter the weather outside, having a spicy hot dinner is sure to warm you up without needing a plane ticket to the tropics.
Pack up a picnic
Picnics aren't just for summertime. A thermos full of hot soup and one full of hot chocolate goes quite well with warm bread and cookies, and will help keep you both warm. Bring along a warm fuzzy blanket to snuggle up in and pop the trunk of your car or brush off a picnic bench to have a place to sit and enjoy your lunch.
Sunny screenings
Have your own summer movie night during the snowy season. Project a summertime film (something that must include baseball games, beach scenes or a tropical setting) on a blank wall and lay out blankets and pillows like you would on the grass. Pop some popcorn and other favorite movie treats and pretend it's August, at least for an hour or two.
Walk in Wonderland
It may be absolutely glacial outside, but sometimes that's the prettiest time to take an arctic walk around the block. If the snow stops falling late into the night, grab your warmest gear and your honey and take a wintry walk in the quiet. There's nothing quite like being the first to walk in just-fallen snow, and the snowflakes that float down make things awfully romantic. Just make sure to hold hands with this pair of "couple's mittens" so your hands don't get cold.
Indoor beach
Landlocked lovers can still enjoy a warm night out on the beach (of sorts), if you get a little creative. Crank up the heat for just an hour or two and draw a warm bath with sea salts for your "surf." Put on some Beach Boys to set the mood. Sip your hot chocolate and spiced cider in fancy cocktail glasses and don some sunglasses to complete the beachy picture.
Snow and ice may not paint the picture of summertime, but you can certainly take a bit of the summer season inside this winter and enjoy a cozy date without needing it to be warm outside.
