10 Smart First Date Ideas
There's no question first dates can be nerve-wracking. What to wear? What to say? Where to go? All this uncertainty is compounded when it's not just a first date, but perhaps your first date in a long time.
Spice it Up.
Cooking can be fun and sexy. There're cooking classes for all levels available throughout the country. Checkout the food section of your local paper to see what area restaurants and community colleges are offering up courses.
Cut a Rug Ballroom, Salsa, Swing, and Samba.
The first date choices are endless when it comes to dancing. Even if you haven't stepped on a dance floor in years, there're plenty of teachers who can help you get back in the swing of things. Besides being fun, dancing cheek-to-cheek may also help you further determine the chemistry factor.
Have a Picnic.
One of the most romantic and soothing outings is a picnic by the lake or on the beach. This is invitingly enhanced when both people like the outdoors. If you're shopping for food and drink together, this will add to the adventure. If not, be sure you decide on what each of you will bring to eat.
The Beauty of Art.
Share a love of art by going on a gallery walk or museum tour. You can also sign up for an art history lecture at your local university.
Set Sail on the High Seas.
You can also keep your first date simple by renting a canoe or row boat and heading to a nearby lake or canal. If one of you is skilled, you can even rent a powerboat or sailing vessel. And, don't forget the excitement of a splurge on a moonlight cruise.
The Literary Word.
What better way to bond than over your favorite books? Attending a book reading at your local bookstore or university is a great way to find common ground and keep the conversation flowing.
Get Moving.
Perhaps your new friend enjoys hitting the courts or shares your passion for golf. All types of active outings make great first dates and help you stay in shape at the same time. Engaging in a physical activity can raise the level of intimacy, as you'll be more exposed both physically and emotionally. You'll discover how the other person deals with winning and losing.
Make Music.
Whether you're moved by opera, country, rock, or classical, attending an indoor or outdoor concert is sure to set the tone for a great first date!
Cultivate Romance.
If gardening is a shared passion, a trip to a plant nursery or arboretum could be a fun first date idea.
Wine and Dine.
What's the difference between Shiraz and Syrah? A fun and easy way to find out is attending a wine tasting or by visiting a winery. This is ideal for a first encounter because it's both casual and informative, and yet, you're still able to talk to each other.
What to wear on that first date?
Now that you've finally decided to go on that first date, the next decisions should be easy: Where to meet? What to say? What to wear? Yes, what to wear. According to a recent poll on PerfectMatch.com, 60% of guys believe Jeans, shirt and sport jacket expressed the best first date impressions, while that 46% of women preferred their first date suitors in Jeans, shirt and sport jacket and 43% in just a t-shirt and jeans.
To help you look and feel your best, we've enlisted the advice of Tom Julian, fashion trend analyst, guru and author of Nordstrom Guide to Men's Style.
Fashioning a First Date Look for Your Body Type
Most women think men are totally unselfconscious about their physiques, but most men would (secretly) disagree. Know how to dress your body in order to play up its strengths and play down its weaknesses.
First things first, identify your body type but do not let it limit your fashion choices. Being self-aware about your physique can help you hone in on the right clothing choices for you.
Find out what to wear for your body type on your first date.
Dress to Impress - Be Well-Suited for Your First Date
The right suit can turn an interview into a job, a lunch meeting into a deal, maybe even a date into a long-term relationship...
...But the wrong suit can ruin everything. It's been said that the suit is a symbol of modern manhood; whether a man is 18 or 81, he needs a great suit in his closet. A suit imparts a sense of authority, credibility and class to the wearer. Tom Julian truly believes that it's impossible to go wrong wearing the right suit.
Find the right suit
Finding the Perfect White Shirt
As the saying goes, if you really care about someone, you are willing to give them the shirt off your back. The shirt is a critical part of the tailored ensemble that sits closest to the body, so it has to be comfortable and impeccably fitted. Even though it may seem irrelevant, a great shirt is what makes a great suit look, well, great. The shirt is the heart and soul of the suit - the jelly in the doughnut, the olive in the martini.
Find the perfect white shirt for your perfect first date
Buckle Up to Trousers
Pants are a wardrobe staple - and we are not talking about your standard pair of jeans - but a great pair (or two) of trousers. Trousers feature belt loops, a fly, a waistband, pleats, or cuffs and are an essential part of creating a look that's comfortable for you.
Find the right pair of pants
Selecting the Correct Shoes
Put your best foot forward on your first date by stepping into footwear that matches your personal style - from everyday casual to fine dining dating. Ever wonder what shoes to wear with certain fabrics? We have some answers for you.
Find the right pair of pants
Saint Paul Date Ideas from Saint Paul Singles
Post Date: Jul 18, 2011
Patrick from Saint Paul says: The FoshayPost Date: Jun 17, 2011
Michelle from Saint Paul says: The Melting PotPost Date: Jun 15, 2011
David from Saint Paul says: BeachPost Date: May 5, 2011
john from Saint Paul says: i have two place,s i like axcel on the river and the firehouse in stillwaterPost Date: Apr 14, 2011
Dee from Saint Paul says: Kinda like Bonfire, have not tried aperitif or crave. Enjoy swirlPost Date: Jan 22, 2011
Daniel from Saint Paul says: Indian mounds park.Post Date: Sep 4, 2011
Lucas from Minneapolis says: The Minnesota Renaissance Festival, otherwise I like taking walks anywhere, especially in the fall when I can wear a cozy sweater.Post Date: Aug 23, 2011
Anita from Eden Prairie says: I do love nice restaurants where the volume is low and a couple can have an intimate dinner and conversation. Several locations fit that bill. One in my area is Wildfire, in Eden Prairie. There are several others in downtown Minneapolis.
I also love water..looking at water during dinner or on a walk is very calming. We have several lakes in MN that are beautiful.
I am also very open to new places and ideas. It is fun and refreshing to try out new places. I love being surprised!Post Date: Aug 21, 2011
Greg from Apple Valley says: Any number of great places in the Uptown area!Post Date: Jul 31, 2011
Molly from Plymouth says: Cafe Maude or Bar La Grassa in MinneapolisPost Date: Jul 17, 2011
Marlys from Maple Grove says: Red Wing is very nice, my sister has a nice boat with the boat prople, good place to visit. I like fishing, water, catching fish.Post Date: Jul 2, 2011
Michele from Columbia Heights says: Sarna'sPost Date: Jun 24, 2011
Kerry from Eden Prairie says: WILD game!Post Date: Jun 6, 2011
Holly from Shoreview says: One of my favorite dates was going to a movie and dinner. Also, I love to go out to breakfast.Post Date: Jun 1, 2011
Troy from Brooklyn Center says: A walk around any of the lakes is nice. We have a lot of good sushi joints in town. I haven't tried it yet, but I've heard really good things about chatterbox.