Ever been on a first date in New York City where the big date idea was... wait for it... dinner?
Yeah, we know, yawn right?
How about a first date where the date was going to a random bar for drinks? Right, we're falling asleep too.
If you’re into the person you’re about to go on a first date with, why don’t you see if that person wants to do something just a tad more creative than going to a random restaurant for dinner, or even worse, a random bar for drinks?
Why don’t you try to do something that’ll be fun for both of you, or something that caters to both your interests?
We know that we're suggesting a revolutionary concept here, so now you’re probably wondering how you could possibly implement this crazy plan we’ve suggested.
So below, there's this: 8 unique first date ideas that aren't just dinner in New York City.
1. See a free concert
Whether it’s Central Park SummerStage, free jazz at Prohibition, or free concerts at BAMcafé live on select Friday and Saturday nights, there is plenty of free music bumping daily in this wild, wild city.
With a tiny bit of research you can find a concert that’s the perfect pitch and timbre for your date, and the two of you can jam and sing all night long.
Even if you wind up having to pay for the concert, it’ll still be totally worth it. But if you don’t have to pay for the concert, it’ll be even better. You feel us, right?
2. Go on a walk
Dating on a budget? Perfect. Here’s what you have to do: buy a bottle of whiskey (or whatever’s your drink of choice), and choose an awesome ass location for a walk.
Maybe it’ll be the High Line at sunset, maybe it’ll be Central Park beside the pond, or along the Esplanade on either side of the island. Or maybe you’ll take the tram to Roosevelt Island.
We're not trying to tell you where your walk should be, we're just saying it’ll be greatly enhanced by bringing a discreet water bottle full of liquor.
3. Watch an independent film
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Alright, so now that we’ve established that a random, generic dinner is no way to show your date you care, here’s some more crazy news: neither is going to the movies.
Or at least, not a commercialized, commodified, shove-popcorn-down-your-throat movie. To hell with the blockbusting big screens. Too frequently do we find ourselves leaving these movies disappointed. So, fortune favors the bold.
Go see an artsy movie. Take your date to one of NYC’s own artsy independent film theaters, like Angelika Film Center, IFC Center, or Lincoln Plaza Cinema?
At these theaters, you can see a niche, artistic, well thought-out and emotion-filled film with a plot that has a better chance at not sucking than, say, a reboot of a film franchise from the 80's.
4. Go to a museum
From the MOMA to the Met to the Guggenheim, taking your date to a museum shows your date that you’re interested in beauty, talking to them, discussing culture, and hearing what they have to say about all of those things.
Here’s the plan. Go to the Met, look at some awesome paintings, and then go drink on their rooftop bar.
Seriously, whichever museum you pick, this is an A+ first date choice.
,5. Go see some animals
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If you want soul points, getting some cute, happy animals involved in your first date is definitely the move.
Here are some thoughts about how animals can get integrated into your first date fun. You could head to CitiPups and play with puppies, an idea we really don’t think can be topped. Do we even have to explain why?
Puppies are the cutest and the happiest, and there’s nothing that will amp your collective libido than seeing your date in nurture mode.
Also, you could head to the Bronx Zoo for the day and explore the wilderness.
Or, you could make it this simple: go to one of NYC’s many dog parks and dogwatch (from outside the fence, of course).
6. Do yoga
This can be precarious, so make sure your date is on board with vigorous exercise before you suggest this.
Nothing can kill a vibe like a nonconsensual workout, but likewise, if both parties are into the muscle exerting, sensation feeling, judgment-free-zone that is yoga, taking a yoga class on a first date can send the sexual tension soaring.
7. Get a tattoo or piercing
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If you’re feeling extremely adventurous, you could stroll around St. Mark's for prime tattoo and piercing real estate.
Even if neither of you actually wind up getting a tattoo or piercing, it’s never a bad thing to get your heart rates bumping, which tends to happen in the face of these permanent decisions.
Also, don’t get a tattoo unless you’re sure about it, and don’t try to blame it on us if you get a tattoo you’re not sure about just to impress your date, k?
8. Cook lunch or breakfast yourself
Since we’re not involving dinner in this date, lunch and breakfast are the only options left.
Taking one of the various cooking classes NYC has to offer, like cupcake baking classes or a class on the basics of sushi, would be extremely dope, as it would give you and your date a perfect way to bond while also producing an edible treat.
Cooking these meals at either of your apartments is also a fantastic way to get to know one another, as well as a great way to show your date how much you'll like pleasing each other.
And, of course, making breakfast or lunch is also a great way to break the mold of dinnertime dating.
Want more date fun? Check out 7 Date Ideas in NYC that Don't Suck.
[Feature Image Courtesy: Tumblr]