5 Unconventional Date Ideas

 We all have our go-to’s when it comes to date night, but ice skating at Dillworth Park and dinner at Landmark, again? Not this weekend! Read on to get some fresh ideas for your next time out with your guy. 

 

 

We as Drexel students are incredibly lucky to live in one of the largest cities in the country. Just across the Schuylkill is a cultural hub filled with potential, which most of us have left untapped. Somewhere in the fray we decided that deliver-to-your-door Chinese food and a LeBow Starbucks latte sufficed to keep us self-contained in University City. But we at Her Campus Drexel are here to help you break out of your routine by getting out into the city! And what better way to do it than with a special someone? Here are five more unconventional options to inspire you this Valentine’s Day. 

 

 

3025 Walnut Street, Hours: 10 am – 10 pm (Daily)

If you’re not quite ready to explore the heart of Philly, no problem! World Cafe Live is American-style dining just steps from campus which means it’s easily accessible for a weeknight date. Most afternoons and evenings “upstairs” (the cafe entrance from Walnut Street) you can catch a bite to eat—and a live performance! The food is as phenomenal as the artists who perform here, so make sure you buy tickets and make a reservation before just showing up. But don’t let the word “reservation” scare you! Their appetizers, entree salads, and sandwiches are around $10 a plate, and their premium entrees are around $15. So what are you waiting for? Check out their upcoming performances here: http://tickets.worldcafelive.com/

 

 

 

 

1009 Arch Street, Hours: 11 am – 1 am (Daily)

Because of its location in Philly’s vibrant Chinatown neighborhood, this gem remains relatively unknown to most students. Banana Leaf serves up authentic Malaysian cuisine all day, and then expands its menu to include Japanese cuisine and sushi during dinner hours. Right as you walk through the door, you see the chefs crafting dishes for guests, and the aroma of East Asian spices is enough to make your knees go weak. Not only is Banana Leaf rated five stars on Yelp, most of its dishes (including vegetarian fare) hover around $10 per plate and the servings are heaping, so save the boxed fried rice for finals week or Netflix night.

 

 

Joseph Fox Bookshop, 17th and Sansom, Hours: Monday-Sat: 9:30 am – 6:00 pm

Book Trader, 7 North 2nd Street, Hours: 10:00 am – 10:00 pm (Daily)

How long has it been since you sat down with a page-turner that made time completely slip away? If you’re bummed that it’s been so long, it’s time to go bookstore hopping! If your guy likes to read too, this can be a great way to introduce each other to different genres and new authors. If you find yourself near Rittenhouse Square, head over to Joseph Fox bookshop at 17th and Sansom. Their bright, fresh interior is filled with recently released nonfiction. Titles like “Food and Wine” and a photo book of cityscapes caught my eye when I stopped in here. Book Trader on North 2nd Street is a store that specializes in used books, so you can get some well-loved literature for a budget friendly price. They have two stories of floor-to-ceiling books in all genres and subjects imaginable. 

 

 

Art aficionados, unite. Every Friday evening, from 5-9 pm, the Philadelphia Museum of Art hosts jazz musicians to perform while patrons indulge in hors d’oeuvres and peruse the museum galleries. As if that wasn’t cool enough, the first Friday of every month, over 40 art galleries in Old City hold open viewings from 5-9pm. What that means is you get to wander the beautiful streets of Old City with numerous other art lovers and experience as many galleries as you want, FREE! 

 

 

221 Church Street, Hours: 7 am – 6 pm (Daily)

Need a caffeine boost after trekking through the city? Then check out Old City Coffee! This warm and inviting coffee shop is nestled in a cobblestone alcove just off of 2nd Street and Church. Their coffee is roasted on-site and brewed freshly throughout the day. You can also choose from their selection of espresso classics, including an Americano, cappuccino, or cafe latte. And if you catch your cup at the right time, you may even get to see live performances by local musicians.

 

There you have it, Dragons! While we all love our local fallbacks, going out to make new memories in new places will definitely be worth it. Philadelphia is your home for at least four years, so start getting to know the spirit of the city and immerse yourself in the culture that is so unique to the City of Brotherly Love. And if all else fails, Landmark will still be there next weekend. 

 

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