Well, the season for cutesy holiday-themed dates has passed and now we’re stuck in the dreary part of winter. As the snow gets slushier and the cold weather seems to drag on forever, don’t let the gloomy atmosphere hold down your dating life! Check out some of my favorite places to explore in the Twin Cities area with a date:
Ditch the cold and head over to the Como Zoo Conservatory. They even have a free indoor winter concert series so you can enjoy live music while being surrounded by the gorgeous plants, humid air and wildlife.
Snag tickets to one of Minnesota’s great winter sports teams. The Wild, Timberwolves or any Gopher games make for a laid-back and casual date night. Some of our professional sports teams even host college nights where students can purchase tickets at a discounted rate. A cheap and thrilling date night.
Go ice skating! We’re the land of 10,000 lakes, so this date is possible almost anywhere during the winter. Check out St. Paul’s Landmark Plaza, The Depot in downtown Minneapolis or Lake of the Isles for a totally Insta-worthy date night.
Try something new like cross country or downhill skiing, or take a hike through the snowy woods. There are so many places to do these kind of outdoor activities in the Twin Cities and surrounding metro areas. One of my favorites is Lebanon Hills Regional Park. Every year they have a luminary event with candlelit trails and ice skating on the lake. Talk about romantic.
Maybe you and your date are in the mood for something exotic, but your wallets don’t exactly allow for a spur of the moment vacation. Well, the Midtown Global Market is the perfect place for you! This marketplace is a cultural hotspot and with over 50 vendors, there’s an amazing variety of delicious food and shopping options.
Pack up a thermos full of hot cocoa and make the drive to the Stillwater Ice Castles. Though it’s not technically in the Twin Cities, the short 30 minute drive will be worth it when you take in the beauty of these ice masterpieces. Pro tip: make sure to wear winter boots as the ground is covered in ice, and buy your tickets online ahead of time!
So before you turn on Netflix for your next winter date night (or if you need a last minute date idea for Valentine’s day), try exploring the Twin Cities with your sweetheart!