If you have clicked on this article, then you probably told your significant other that you were going to take them out on a date. You then proceeded to tell them that it was a surprise because you have yet to figure out what you’re going to do with them. Then again, maybe you thought this article looked interesting/ needed ideas for the future when you find yourself in this situation. Here are 5 Date ideas that are local, affordable/easy, and perfect for the winter season.

Places to Go for Food

#1 The Cheesecake Factory

Location: Blue Back Square

Hours: 11:30 AM-11:00 PM Weekdays and Saturday; 10:00 AM- 10:00 PM on Sundays

Prices: $7-$20

Website: http://locations.thecheesecakefactory.com/ct/west-hartford-126.html?utm_source=Google&utm_medium=Maps&utm_campaign=Google+Places

This is a personal recommendation of mine because this is where my boyfriend took me on our first date. Cheesecake Factory does make you wait at least 20-30 minutes for a table, but if you put your name in, you can then walk around Blue Back Square and get to know each other. If you are still hungry after a meal, then you can share a slice of cheesecake which is definitely big enough for two people.

#2 Sweet Frog

Location: West Hartford Center

Hours: 11 AM- 11 PM

Prices: $0.58/oz

Website: https://sweetfrog.com/locations/store/sweet-frog-west-hartford-ct

This idea came from Hannah L (Senior): “Sweet Frog is a great first date. You can eat delicious froyo and toppings while getting to know the person you are dating”.

Activities

#3 Ice Skating at Veterans Memorial Ice Skating Rink

Location: 56 Buena Vista Rd, West Hartford, Connecticut

Hours: 7 AM- 7 PM

Price: Resident Adult: $7, Non-Resident Adult: $8, Skate Rental: $4

Website: https://www.westhartfordct.gov/gov/departments/leisure/vmsr/default.asp

Beca M (Senior) and Hannah L (Senior) both pitched this idea. Ice skating is very popular this season. This is great for both expert ice skaters and even those that aren’t that great at skating. It gives you an excuse to hold your S/O close.

#4 Movie Night Cinépolis

Location: Blue Back Square

Popular Hours: Friday & Saturday: 11:00 AM- 10:00 PM (the theater is open around the same time every day)

Price: Tickets: $8-$9 Candy: $4

Website: https://www.cinepolisusa.com/

Personally, I am not a huge fan of going out to the movies for a date night because it’s a lot of money to pay for something that doesn’t really allow you to talk to each other. However, it works for those that maybe need a break from talking and there just so happened to be a movie that you both really wanted to see. Beca M (Senior) recommended a movie matinee which is a little bit more affordable.

#5 Elizabeth Park

Location: Pond House 1555 Asylum Avenue West Hartford, Connecticut

Hours: Dawn to Dusk

Price: No Admission Fee

Website: http://elizabethparkct.org/

Braedon M (Senior) recommended this idea to me and it’s the most versatile idea on this list. Elizabeth Park is a place that never stops looking beautiful. In the fall, the leaves are changing colors and falling to the ground. People come to the park and go sledding in the winter. The flowers are blooming beautifully in the spring. Summer brings in the lovely rose arches. There are many events that occur in Elizabeth Park, but there are too many to name. Food and events vary in price but other than that it’s free.