The sun is shining, the birds are chirping, and the Pittsburgh wind is blowing street grit into your eyes: spring has sprung in the Steel City! Winter was the season for movie nights and cuddle sessions by the space heater with your significant other. Now that warmer weather has arrived, why not celebrate the temperature being above freezing by taking your canoodling outdoors? Here are some first date ideas that make the most of that flighty temptress, the Sun.
1. Picnic at Point State Park— Simply hop on any 71 or 61 and head downtown to one of the most recognizable landmarks of Pittsburgh. At the confluence of the Monongahela and Allegheny rivers into the Ohio, the Point State Park Fountain is a beautiful place to relax, enjoy a picnic, and bask in the natural beauty of our city.
2. Walk through Schenley Park – Located closer to campus is Schenley Park. With a myriad of trails, this is a great spot to take a stroll and get to know your potential suitor. After a delightful walk, you can stop in Schenley Plaza and let them treat you to some Waffallonia waffles and ice cream. It’s too delicious to say no.
3. Drive-in Movie – If you’ve got a car, this is a must for first dates. Located in McKee’s Rocks, roughly a twenty minute drive from Oakland, the Twin Hi-Way Drive shows movies starting April 3rd. They show popular movies and use local FM stations to broadcast the sound so you can stay in your car if the night gets chilly… and you want your date to warm you up *wink wink*.Â
4. Pirates Game – Go watch the Bucs play and enjoy a hot dog, some peanuts, and a beautiful view of the city. The team offers college student discounts on tickets, and public transportation to the stadium is free with your Pitt ID. After the game, walk along the river and then back across the Roberto Clemente Bridge. It’s scenic and perfect for some quality hand-holding.
5. Outdoor Concert – Stage AE, Heinz Field, and First Niagara Pavilion all offer outdoor shows now that the weather is nice. Check out the list of bands coming this spring and summer here. You can go with your significant other or go with a group of friends and then bond later over how totally awesome it was.
6. Ice Cream at Dave and Andy’s – Enjoy some ice cream from Oakland’s best ice cream shop. If the weather is nice, you can take your cones to Flagstaff Hill across the street from Phipps Conservatory and get to know each other while getting some much needed Vitamin D. And Flagstaff is a great hill to roll down… just saying.
7. Brunch in the Strip District—The most casual of meals! There are plenty of cafes and restaurants in the strip district with outdoor seating. Sit and enjoy the best meal of the day while people-watching. When you’re done, walk around and peruse the street vendors hawking their wares, varying from fresh produce to handmade clothing.
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