There are so many places you can take that special first date, but you want to be sure you select just the right spot. First dates can be casual to light romance, a day excursion or evening hot spot, a wide selection of restaurants to a game arcade, a local park or festival event—the choices are endless. The best first dates are planned, but you need to be willing to go with the flow when needed.
Stone Mountain Park
The park has so much to offer. Nestled in DeKalb County, a small drive outside the heart of Atlanta, you will find one of the most visited parks in Georgia. Built around the largest piece of exposed granite, Stone Mountain is literally a mountain of fun. Wear your walking shoes and be prepared to spend the day or at least an afternoon.
Piedmont Park
Located right in the heart of midtown, you and your date will appreciate the feel of a New York City park. Easy to navigate, and there are a lot of close-by, low-key restaurants where you can go for a quick bite before or after. Go for a bite first, and then take a stroll to gently get to know each other. Enjoy the scenery and relax on one of the park benches. Take time and take in the view; you will have a nice relaxed time getting to know each other in a great environment.
Canoe
If romance is what you are looking for, this is the restaurant for you. Alongside the banks of the Chattahoochee River, in the community of Vinings, you will find one of the best restaurants in Atlanta. Culinary expertise co-mingled with nature’s aesthetics, your date will remember this trip! Receiving numerous awards and given the honor of being one of the top 20 restaurants every Atlanta resident must try, this would be a date you both will remember.
My Parent’s Basement
On the other side of the spectrum for restaurant fare, you have the campy atmosphere of My Parent’s Basement. Featuring craft beer, comic books, and casual food, this unique eatery/bar has the makings for a fun date with low pressure. Located in the Avondale Estates area of Atlanta proper, explore this beer bar that loves good food and comic books!
The Southern Gentleman
This is a southern-inspired gastropub that serves extraordinary food. Located in The Shops of Buckhead, it exudes southern hospitality and service of excellence with the feel of home, from its touches of camel leather booths and seersucker draping to its white marble countertops and chandeliers of dramatic proportions. Why, there is even an oversized portrait of Mark Twain! The same details go into the food, drinks, and staff, complementing its southern atmosphere.
Cypress Street Pint and Plate
This is a nice casual food restaurant located in Midtown, a place where “everybody knows your name”! Serving good food hot, drinks ice cold, and service with a warm smile, this neighborhood bar makes a first date easy. With over 14 beers on tap, 40 bottled choices, and a large selection of wine and spirits, the menu offers a wide range of stick-to-your-ribs goodness.
Topgolf
Want to keep things light and get in some exercise? This is a great place to go on a first date. It’s relaxed, and you can have some fun even if you are not an avid golfer. Think of “a bar meets restaurant meets driving range”—then you have described Topgolf, a great idea that is catching on fast. It’s perfect for a first or a fifth date, and it has locations in Atlanta and Alpharetta.
Bowling
Why not go bowling? It’s fun, and it takes the pressure off. Even if you have not bowled since you were 12, you still remember the basics of the game. It’s a little healthy competition, and you can slowly get to know each other. Play a set through, and it takes about an hour or two. You can even have a bit of bowling fare food and keep it simple. BowlMor; The Painted Pin; Stars & Strike; Brunswick.
More places to go and things to do than you can imagine . . .
None of the places above are sparking your interest? There are a variety of other ideas that may work for your first date. Here are a few more:
- Do a Potluck Friend Gathering – A few friends get together, and each person brings a dish—this takes the pressure off the first date.
- Painting Date – Set an appointment at one of the many available painting classes around town. Fun and creative! Then go for a light bite or drink after.
- A Little Game Play – Go to a trivia night, bingo, a billiard hall, escape rooms, or karaoke sing-alongs. Any of these will add spice to a first date.
- Museum | Planetarium | Fish Aquarium – Any one of these will be interesting, educational, and new for both of you if you have never done this before.
Bottom line
Think outside the box a little bit. Surprise your date with something neither of you might have thought of as a first date option. Have fun with it, and remember: Don’t take yourself too seriously. It is, after all, just a first date!