As I’ve established before, dating in Louisville is the worst. If you’ve been lucky enough to find a special somebody, you need to start thinking about where to take him or her out for your first date. Not to put too much pressure on you, but the first date can make or break your chances at a future with a new beau. Here are a few of the best places to check out in and around River City.
The Parklands at Floyds Fork
There are some people who find it romantic to take a hike and get close to nature together. I am not one of those people. However, I do know a good park when I see one.
The Parklands is a project to be completed in 2015 that will include four parks that stretch from Shelbyville Road to Bardstown Road. Currently only two of these parks, Beckley Creek Park and Pope Lick Park, are open. Head over to either with a date and enjoy a nice picnic, hiking, biking or canoeing. Bring your dog along if you feel like you need a chaperone. Find more information about the project here.
21C
Nothing says art like red penguins - 21C is a great place for a date. Permanent and temporary exhibits can range from conventionally engaging to grotesquely fascinating and allow you and your new love to come back to the museum many times over your relationship without getting bored. You and your date can lose yourselves for a few hours in the museum before hitting the hotel bar or wandering down Museum Row. Take a look at the exhibits here.
Georgetown Drive-In Theatre
So, obviously the Georgetown Drive-In isn’t in Louisville, but it’s only 20-30 minutes away, so it counts. What’s better than a classic drive-in movie? The drive-in shows new movies and makes a great place to go on a first date.
Beware, though – a first date in which you spend two hours in closed quarters with someone you’re romantically interested in can put on some undo pressure. If you’re afraid your date might get a little awkward, try lying out on the hood of your car, hanging out in the back of your truck, or bringing along some lawn chairs to sit in the grass. Feel free to bring your own cooler full of drinks or to check out the on-site snack bar.
If you’re going on the weekend, show up early because the place gets packed pretty quickly.
Garage Bar
Garage Bar has a perfect balance – It’s fun but knows how to keep it classy, hip without being pretentious and cool without being too weird. It’s the kind of place that you can go to with a group of friends to have dinner, hang out, or drink. It’s also a perfect place for a date. The open atmosphere of Garage Bar makes it a great place to meet and hang out without the pressure or awkwardness of an intimate meal. It’s easy to mingle with friends or find a spot for a private chat while also giving you the opportunity to show off your Ping-Pong skills.
Don’t forget their killer pizza. Buy one of those for your date and you’re sure to secure a place in his/her heart.
Slugger Field
There are plenty of guys who would love to date a girl who’s down with grabbing a beer and watching the local baseball team play – I’m pretty sure that it is the actual American dream. If you’re lucky enough to have found someone who wants to hang out with you and watch the game, take him/her to a Bats game (You might want to check ahead of time to make sure it’s not Kids’ Night, though. Talk about a mood killer).
Plus, ladies, this is the date that proves you can be fun and sporty without actually having to take part in any athletics. Look for their nightly promotions here.
While the first date can be important to setting the tone for your relationship, don’t psyche yourself out. As long as you both have fun, your date will be a success.
Photo: Courtesy of Garage Bar
