We all want to impress our sweethearts with gloriously memorable dates that will leave their hearts beating for days and weeks to come. The thing is, when living in Toronto it can be easy to get locked into a habitual approach to dating: coffee shop dates, making dinner, and cuddling up for a movie. We all love these homely comforts and would never speak down about a chance for a good snuggle, but let’s step outside the box for a moment. Surprise your darling and share in some unique dates this summer.
- Photoromance
This one is really two dates in one. Buy a couple of film cameras and stock them up with some black and white or coloured film. Go for a hike in High Park and snap photos of the plants and of one another trying to act natural (but secretly posing for the camera). Record the small moments of your day together on film.
- Photoromance part deux
Head over to a place like Hart House Camera Club to develop your pictures. Amp up your know-how and take a class on developing photos yourself. Just be sure to watch at least one YouTube video on camera terminology so you can manage to impress your date with everything you already know. You and your sweetheart can then create memories developing the photos you snapped with your film camera and enjoy the artistic process together. Taking home your images will remind you of two spectacular days spent together!
- Marketlove
Start the day hitting up the farmer’s market and buy a delicious bundle of fresh, organic fruits and veggies. Head home to make yummy juice and smoothies that you can pack in some containers and carry in a backpack (if this were Montreal, we would suggest buying a bottle of red wine!). Take your honey to High Park and let him or her close their eyes. Hold their hand as you guide them through the park, letting them experience the world through their other senses. They will almost certainly feel nervous about running into a tree or another person, and you will get to be their pillar of safety as you guide them to a special spot, like under a flowering tree. Apparently people are more attracted to someone when they are afraid, hence horror flicks being a classic date idea, so take advantage of this phenomenon! When you get to a special spot, enjoy the smoothies or juice that you prepared together beforehand.
- Costume kissing
Choose a bar you have never been to and invite your date to meet you for a drink. Both you will make up a costume beforehand that you will wear to the bar. This is more about creating a totally new social persona rather than looking completely wacky with clown shoes and a big red nose, though you can definitely go that route if you have the guts! Some great ideas are wigs, classy lady getup, vintage wear, sport team apparel, monocles, and pipes. When you meet at the bar, you will meet each other as completely new people, both of you acting into the character you’re playing for the night. This is awesome for long term relationships when things need a little spicing up!