Dates are a fun way to spend time with your person. Sometimes romance novels and television series throw ideas at you that seem so incredible and wholesome, but are often grandiose and difficult to achieve on your own. I am of the opinion that grand gestures are overrated and embarrassing, so finding something smaller and more meaningful is always a good option. In my experience, St. Louis has a ton of options for great dates. Here are a handful of my favorite spots, in no particular order:
- Protagonist Cafe, 1700 S. 9th St
Protagonist Cafe is everything I love. Bookstore? Check. Coffee shop? Check again. Small business? Triple check! It’s a dream. While a bit on the small side, it’s adorable and jam-packed with used books available to read or buy. Pick a spot in front of a window or a wall decorated with vintage book pages and enjoy your beverage. It has items from small crafters inside as well, like stickers, jewelry and other fun things. Prices are average for drinks, but a used book of your choice goes for a dollar. Go live your romantic library dreams with your date. Go do it. Seriously.
- Fiddlehead Fern Cafe, 4066 Russell Blvd
Fiddlehead Fern is an absolute treat. The open layout and bright interior really opens up the relatively small space. Their menu has gluten-free, vegan and vegetarian options and their drinks are just spectacular. Call me biased, but their Green Goddess Matcha is stellar. This place is great for a little brunch date with the gals or a more intimate coffee date with your crush. A little more on the pricey side, but totally worth it as a special place for you and your person.
- Missouri Botanical Gardens, 4344 Shaw Blvd
As someone who loves the outdoors, this place is 100% amazing. I prefer to go in late fall or early summer when things are still colorful and it’s not too cold outside. Anyone love a long walk with nature? Here is one of the prime spots to do so. This is one of the few spots in St. Louis that makes you buy tickets, but $6 for STL residents isn’t too bad (make sure you bring proof!) and members get in free. If you’re willing to pay $14 for regular admission, good on you, and take your date to one of the most beautiful spots the city has to offer.
- Shaw Nature Reserve, 307 Pinetum Loop Rd
This one is a bit of a secret that requires a drive, but trust me, it’s worth it when you get to the gorgeous 2,400 acre sprawl of this nature preserve. It’s another spectacular spot for my fellow outdoors enjoyers, between tons of towering trees and wildflowers. It’s the best place I’ve ever gone hiking and I mean that. Move aside, gym dates, we mean business with this place. General admission is five bucks a pop, and your money will absolutely be well spent here. Some of the more secluded trails do get pretty muddy, so it’s probably best to wait until the weather is less gross before heading this way.
- The Saint Louis Symphony Orchestra (SLSO), 718 N. Grand Blvd
Wait a second, we have a world-renowned orchestra in our backyard? YES! And it’s a dream. I know I said this list wasn’t in order, but the SLSO is easily the most incredible experience I’ve had on a date. They perform in Powell Hall, a gorgeous 98-year-old building right in the Grand Center Arts District that will blow your mind. This immensely talented group of musicians host all sorts of guest conductors and performers, and play music from Stravinsky to John Williams. I watched them do the live music from “Jurassic Park” and it was one of the coolest things I’ve ever seen. However, this is definitely something I would reserve for a special occasion, since ticket prices range from $15 up to $70, which is money I know my fellow college kids are trying to save. So maybe save this for a birthday or an anniversary. Dress up and go enjoy some live music!
These are just some places that have a special place in my own heart and St. Louis is full of spots for everyone and every interest. I guarantee you’ll find somewhere special to take your person, whether that be platonic or otherwise. Go forth and go on spectacular dates!