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The lazy, hazy, crazy days of summer. They’re here for the next three months, and for those of you who live near the beach, you’re probably thrilled. For the rest of us, not so much. We tend to stay indoors listening to the whirr of the air conditioning, because only crazy people would go outside to brave the torrid midday sun.
But your summer doesn’t have to be boring! We’ve listed seven summer date ideas for couples who want to do more than watch Friends re-runs on Netflix.
1// Visit a pick-your-own farm // Spend a morning (read: not so hot) with your partner at a local farm getting back to nature. Take your bounty home, and sip cocktails as you prepare a seasonal meal together. We suggest using the meal plans from Huckle & Goose – tell them Love Knot Photo sent you! For those of you living near Loudoun County, you should visit Fields of Flowers in Purcellville to pick fresh flowers to display as a centerpiece, or simply pluck blooms from your own backyard.
2// Take a cooking class // Cooking is one of those tasks that can be made so much better when it’s done with someone you love. Not only does it strengthen your bond through the act of teamwork, but you also get to enjoy the fruits of your labor together as a reward. Learning a new skill or experimenting with a new ingredient can inject a bit of adventure in an otherwise ordinary task. We love taking classes at Knead and Know, and you can read more about them here.
3// Visit a swimming hole // Okay, so we’ve already talked about the lucky ducks who live near a beach. I used to be one of those people, but now I’m hours away from the nearest dose sand and sea. Pack a lunch and spend the day at your favorite local swimming hole, like the Beaver Dam Swimming Club just outside of Baltimore. You can relax and soak up the sun, or take turns on the rope swing. There’s nothing like a bit of splashing around that makes a couple of adults feel like two teenagers in love.
4// Take a hike // This may not necessarily help you beat the heat per se, but by hiking under the canopy of tall trees, you have the chance to keep cooler in the shade. Bonus points if you come across a lake along your way – we give you permission to jump in.
5// Go stargazing // If you’re in the city, this one is going to require a bit of a drive. But it’s so worth it. Every summer, my husband and I join the in-laws for a week in the Adirondacks of upstate New York. One of my favorite things about being so disconnected from the norm is having the chance to stargaze. My husband and I will spend an hour or two laying on the dock getting existential as we survey the near universe for shooting stars (and aliens).
6// Go for a tasting // Here in Loudoun County, we are beyond blessed with dozens of local wineries; there are several just a stone’s throw from where I sit right now. While some of them serve light snacks along with their tastings and bottles, many allow patrons to pack a picnic and enjoy the afternoon amongst the vines (figuratively speaking). If vino isn’t your thing, local craft breweries like Belly Love are popping up left and right. And for those with penchant for the hard stuff, Catoctin Creek Distillery offers tastings of their world-famous rye – straight up, or in cocktail form.
7 // Experience the high (or low) seas // Whether you already own a boat, or have to hitch a ride on someone elses, taking to the open sea (or lake) is one of the best ways to keep cool during the summer. Take a page out of The Notebook and hit the lake with your other half and a rowboat for two. Or make a night of it in the Naval town of Annapolis: nibble on crabs for dinner, and then enjoy a sunset sail on The Schooner Woodwind. The same breeze that creates relaxing swells on the water will feel wonderful on a warm summer evening.
What are your favorite summer date ideas? Share in the comments below!
I've pulled together my favorite and most-used art supplies + tools to make the process easy for you!
I make whimsical art for color-lovers and California dreamers. I'm based in Virginia, outside of Washington, D.C. where there are most decidedly no palm trees in sight.