If you’re missing date nights with your honey and are craving a little romance, it’s time to get creative. It’s fair to say we’re all getting tired of Netflix these days, and longing for some fun and inspired interaction, which is why we compiled a list of fun and local things you can do to keep the spark alive while you’re #togetherathome.
Consider this list a throwback to the 1950s and what would have constituted a date night back then – then break out the poodle skirt and embrace a simpler (and let’s face it, far more romantic) night in with your significant other.
Host a Games Night
Charades are just as much fun when you’re playing by zoom than when you’re in the room with other couples. Organize a virtual games night with friends or have a romantic evening with just the two of you. Break out the Monopoly set or move on to something a little more challenging like Settlers of Cattan.
Tip: Michael Bainbridge and Brigitte Gall, founders of the The Occurrence in Haliburton, are puzzle makers-extraordinaire and are good resource for challenging and fun puzzles you can purchase online. Make games night a family affair with a game purchased from Family Pastimes Cooperative Games, made in Brooke Valley near Perth.
Count the Stars
You may have to leave the house for this one, but you won’t need to travel far. Nothing reminds us how small we are in the world more than a glimpse of the vastness of space. Go for a walk outdoors at night and find a place where the night sky is in full view in all its starry brilliance. Visit a local provincial park or conservation area at dusk and sit back to drink in the beauty of the night sky. If you really want to break out the romance, bring a picnic blanket and a few treats to tide you over while you wait through the gloaming. Don’t forget the bug spray!
Tip: Ontario’s Highlands is known for being home to some of the darkest skies in Ontario – the North Frontenac Dark Sky Preserve and the Lennox & Addington Dark Sky Viewing Area. Both are now closed, but Bon Echo Provincial Park, Sharbot Lake Provincial Park, and Silver Lake Provincial Park are close enough to still give you the full starry effect.
Do a Tasting (at Home)
Plan ahead and pick up some new brews or spirits to experience and create your own at home tasting. Order for delivery or curb-side pick-up from a local brewery, cidery, or distillery and expand your palate. Try something new, like a vodka made with dairy permeate from Dairy Distillery in Almonte, a cider made from wild apples from Ugly Apple in Lanark Highlands, or a rye whisky from O’Kenny Craft Spirits in Renfrew. Expand your craft spirit horizons without leaving your home!
Tip: Kings Mill Cider’s tasting room is open for pick-ups but they also ship anywhere in Ontario. Try a wood-fired pizza from their brand-new pizza oven for pick-up Thursday to Sunday and get a bottle of cider at the same time.
Dinner and a Show
Take-out doesn’t need to mean eating out of Styrofoam dishes. Get dolled up, set the table with the good dishes and bring in some take-out. You can have a romantic, candlelit dinner at home without the fuss of making it yourself. You can elevate your takeout fare with chef-prepared fine dining meals from The Stone Cellar in Perth, Rhubarb in Haliburton, or explore Greek cuisine from Coco Jarry’s in Renfrew. All offer take-out menus that will inspire a little romance.
Tip: There are some creative alternatives to watching a live show going on right now. The Haliburton County Folk Society has been screening live performances, with one planned for June 6 at 7 p.m. featuring Gord Kidd, while Bowie’s in Smiths Falls has been doing a live Bluegrass Brunch streaming. Bowie’s bartender, Ambre McLean has also been streaming live performances every Friday.