The warm weather appears to be here to stay for a few months. Many people go outside more often and enjoy the beautiful, sunny weather. There are many exciting things to do outside with your significant other or even a first or second date. Here are seven great outdoor date options.
1. Beach
This is always a popular one, especially in my state, home of one of the most famous beaches in the country: Myrtle Beach, South Carolina. You can take a walk alongside the beach as the sun goes down, sit on the sand together, and, of course, swim together. The list goes on when it comes to the beach. It is simply an exciting, relaxing place. TripAdvisor awarded some of the best beaches in the entire country.
2. Picnic
Yes, this may seem corny to some; however, simply pack a picnic basket and eat outdoors with your better half. You can go to Kentucky Fried Chicken or Popeye’s and get some food, or you can go traditional and pack ham and turkey sandwiches along with potato salad and baked beans. Don’t forget sodas, juice, or your non-alcoholic beverage of choice. You can also have picnics at the beach, national parks, even your own backyard if you live in the country like I do.
3. Walk/run together
Getting out and exercising is simply good for both parties. However, this is a good chance to explore the neighborhood and simply talk. You can even be a little competitive and have a small race with that person. This is all in good fun, of course. There are a plethora of awesome places to go take a good walk, run, or even hike, which can be found at Bike Trails and other sites.
4. Festivals
This is another staple in South Carolina, and even parts of North Carolina and Atlanta. It seems there is a festival happening weekly within driving distance during the spring and summertime. South Carolina has numerous ones: The Peach Festival, The Cooter Fest, The Chitlin Festival, Spoleto, Come-See-Me, Iron City Festival, and The Pecan Festival just to name a select few. Charlotte has their popular Taste of Charlotte every June in uptown where you get to purchase tokens and sample various restaurants in the area. I have been to a couple of the festivals, mostly the Peach Festival since they have a 10K run and I enjoy those. There are typically lots of fun for all ages at these festivals. One of my best friends actually met his wife at a festival, the Watermelon Festival in Hampton, South Carolina.
5. The River
It’s hard to go wrong at the river. They are typically free and public. Speaking personally, Broad River in South Carolina has several different areas and parts across the state. One can have a picnic, fish, swim, build a bonfire, go tubing, and just sit back and take in the flow of the water. It’s a good load off, and very cost effective and practical. You can also camp out at many river spots, making it a mini-getaway. Many do not look at the river in this fashion, but there is a lot more than meets the eye.
6. Theme Park
These can include Carowinds, Six Flags, Kings Dominion, Busch Gardens, or even a standard water park. You get to really see the adventurous side of your mate. The two of you can ride the various rides, play the games, and go to shows. It also establishes intimacy as you hold on to that person on the roller coasters and you hold hands as you circle the park. Cost to go to these theme parks can vary from $30-$60, depending upon the park. However, many such as Carowinds offer season passes, which are great and less costly especially if you enjoy frequenting these theme parks.
7. Cookouts
You cannot leave out cookouts when there is warm weather. Cookouts are typically one of the most relaxing warm weather gatherings. People playing cards, dancing, playing corn-hole, the smell of the delicious food, and just the overall atmosphere makes this a great activity to partake in. It is typically a wonderful, stress-free environment to gather with a significant other and your friends/family.
The warm weather will last for a few months, but it still flies by. Therefore, get out from under that air conditioner, grab your sunscreen and have some fun outside!
