Without the Kids: Knockin' pins down at the bowling alley

"Without the Kids" offers up date night (or date day) ideas that are a little more interesting and active than "The Two M's" -- a meal and a movie. Date nights that bring you back to those old skool days when you and your spouse/partner would go out and actually have serious fun instead of running errands together (liking picking out a new couch) or sitting in a classy restaurant watching teenagers with bad table manners.

And what's more old school than the bowling alley?

In a strange twist, I rediscovered the bowling alley when we took our two sons to one on a rainy day. The four of us played one game and it didn't take more than a few tosses of the old 8-pound ball before an little couple competition kicked in, just like old times. The kids, of course, amused to hear mom and dad smack talking each other.

It hit me: the bowling alley, with all it's gaudy glory, would be an nice change-of-pace date night. You can definitely take it upscale by hitting some of the new retro-chic alleys serving up martinis with their buffalo wings. But dive bowling alleys? They rock for one reason: fantastic people watching.

Bring your thick, thick socks, get past the funky-stank shoes and get thee bowling.