12 Fun Date Ideas for Memorial Day Weekend
Ah, Memorial Day, the unofficial start of summer and the promise of sun-drenched days and long, hot nights. Time to grab your honey and your sundress to make some lasting memories! Check out the below tips for a lot of fun date ideas.
1. Bonfire and S'mores
What's more summery than melted marshmallows sandwiched in between chocolate and graham crackers? Get messy and make s'mores fireside with your loved one during one of summer's infamous warm nights. Things are bound to heat up between you two, with the cozy fire roaring and chocolate (an aphrodisiac, of course!) running through your system.
2. Camping Day Trip
If you're not committed to spending an entire night in nature with nothing but your sweetie and your tent for comfort (bathrooms, anyone?), try a camping day trip instead. Invest in a two-person tent and stake out some ground at a nearby regional park. Make sure to pack a lot of food and drinks (wine coolers spell summer!), sunblock and bug spray. If you're lucky enough to find a good lake for swimming, dive in! The best part? Privacy is only a zippered tent door away!
3. Hike with Scenic Views
Get lost in nature with your loved one and hike your way to the top of a mountain with a scenic view. See if you can spot interesting birds or animals on the way up, and watch out for poison ivy! It's a great way to be active and torch some calories together. When you get to the top, find a tree for shade and enjoy the view-you earned it!
4. Beach
This is by far my favorite way to spend a hot, summer day-lounging on the beach! My fiancé and I always keep our car packed with the essentials for a day on the beach: a picnic basket and blanket, sunblock, a tent, pool towels, an oversized umbrella and a cooler. Beaches always get packed when the weather is warm, so get there early to catch the best views of the water-don't get stuck staring at someone's umbrella all day! It's always fun to play in the water together-bonus points if you wear a super sexy bikini!Read More: 7 Reasons "Bikini Season" Is Stupid
5. Outdoor Concert
There's something magical about outdoor summer concerts-the mix of great weather, good music, fun summer drinks (like a tropical strawberry daiquiri) and awesome company. It's the perfect time to break out those cute cowgirl boots and short shorts and sway to the music with your man, who might not be able to take his eyes off of you!
6. Restaurant Night
Instead of the same old dinner routine, shake things up by hitting a few different restaurants downtown. Have your guy pick out your first destination for appetizers and entrees, then head over to your favorite frozen yogurt spot or cupcake store for dessert. Spend the rest of your night drinking signature cocktails in a lounge or sipping vino in a wine bar with outdoor seating. Keep it fresh by surprising each other with what's next-it's a great way to build excitement throughout the night!
7. Photo Shoot
Mall photo shoots are a bore, so grab your digital camera and favorite guy, and be photographers for a day. Scouting out your chosen location is a fun way to explore a city in a new way-don't be afraid to get creative with it (brick walls with graffiti are an excellent backdrop)! Plus, your photos will serve as great keepsakes of your date. Be sure to bring a tripod for shots of the two of you-no more awkward arms-out photos with your point-and-shoots!
8. Farmer's Market
Summer brings an abundance of fresh produce and yummy fruits, and heading to your local farmer's market is the best way to get a taste of the season. Make a date out of it by going with your guy, asking sellers what veggies they recommend, and the best way to cook and slice your selection. Later that night, head home and test out what you learned. Use summer berries to make a fresh, fruit smoothie for a cool, healthy dessert.
9. County Fair/Local Art Fair
The increase in temperature always spells outdoor fairs galore, so head to your local art and wine festival or county fair to see what your town has to offer. Share some funnel cake with your date, sample local wine and go on the Ferris Wheel for guaranteed snuggling. Read More: Summer Is Bad For Relationships, Says Facebook
10. Ice Cream & Milkshakes
This Memorial Day, go on an old-fashioned, All-American date by meeting your guy at an ice cream parlor. Find one that has an old diner feel, or go to your fave joint that has to-die-for-milkshakes for the two of you to share. Strawberry malted milkshake, a cozy booth and a hot date? Yes, please!
11. Boating
Test your boating skills at a nearby lake for a day full of fun and laughs under the sun. Boating is a team effort, so you and your date will learn how to work together while spending good old quality time with each other (there's no room to hide on a tiny boat!) Rent out a paddleboat for a more leisurely ride, or go for a fishing boat with paddles for a bigger challenge (and an excuse to see his arms in action!)
12. Picnic & Painting
Upgrade your standard picnic date by painting together outdoors. Paint the view side-by-side, or paint each other-no peeking until you're done! Don't worry about your painting skills or talent -- just have fun. All you need is two small canvasses and a set of paints.
Written by Mona Lisa Maclino for YourTango.com.
More From YourTango.com:
