Ok, on a scale of 1-10, how badly would you like to wow your partner with a date to remember this summer? Assuming you are a decent person, you probably landed closer to 10 than you did 1 – right?
*clears throat*
Anyways. Keep reading either way.
1. Franklin Park Conservatory & Botanical Gardens
1777 E. Broad Street Columbus, OH 43203 / more info
Ah, the Botanical Gardens. Is there anyone who genuinely despises the sight of jaw-droppingly gorgeous florals or an array of vibrant greenery? Franklin Park Conservatory and Botanical Gardens will have your date saying, “wow, this is beautiful and you are so thoughtful and you know me so well and I am so happy right now and nothing will ever amount to this moment,” in no time. Take a stroll (and hold hands pls) while you explore the exhibits together. You’ll feel as if you’ve been transported to a magical land.
2. The South Drive-In Theater
3050 S High St Columbus, OH 43207 / more info
Sometimes it’s nice to not have to spend approximately 12 minutes timing out when to meticulously open your crackly bag of snacks at the movies. Do you experience PSOA (pre-snack-opening anxiety) too? Gosh, we get it. That’s why we strongly suggest a healthy break from the movie theater and advise you to start a little summer-fling with the South Drive-In. You and your boo can watch from the comfort of your car! Say “goodbye” to PSOA and “hello” to an appropriate amount of PDA. Ok, moving on.
3. The Topiary Garden Park
480 E. Town St Columbus, OH 43215 / more info
Grab the picnic-basket, a blanket, and your favorite finger foods and get all set up for a picnic at The Topiary Garden. Stop and smell the roses with your soulmate while letting the sculptural garden set the scene. If you really want to impress your date with a little backstory, go ahead and let them know that the garden is an ode to the impressionist painter Georges Seurat’s, A Sunday Afternoon on the Island of LaGrande Jatte. If they proceed to ask you to elaborate, divert as best you can and begin to make comments about the weather, or perhaps the lovely pond.
4. Clintonville Farmers Market
3535 N High St, Columbus OH 43214 / more info
This Farmers Market is happening all summer long and is certainly a crowd-pleaser amongst the Columbus locals. Show your date that you really care and help them stock their fridge with this summer’s freshest local produce, tangy jams, and artisanal breads. Make sure you show up in time to snag some flowers so that your significant other can reminisce about you and your farmers market date for days to come.
5. SegAway Tours of Columbus
400 N High St, Columbus OH 43215 / more info
Keep your partner on their toes this summer and surprise them with a unique tour of Columbus. It’s a bird, it’s a plane, it’s – a segway? You read that right, my friend. It may seem like a daunting trip, but even the most inexperienced riders are encouraged to give SegAway the ol’ college try. On this segway tour, you’ll get to learn numerous fun facts about the city with a humorous tour guide leading the way. Come on, have a laugh with your s/o and call it a date.
6. The North Market
59 Spruce St, Columbus, OH 43215 / more info
Go vendor-hopping at the North Market and sample Columbus’ finest local foods and drinks; it’s all in the same place! You’ll definitely want to save some room for the food, so you may want to have a light breakfast. If your date tends to get hangry, grab a granola bar on the way out and let them know there is a glorious assortment of food on the horizon – they will thank you.
7. Blendon Woods Metro Park – Sugarbush Trail
4059 Meadowick Dr, Columbus OH 43230 / more info
How about a little hike with your lovely date? Head over to Sugarbush Trail with your sugarbush and breathe some fresh air together. It’s nothing too crazy, just a chill hike that’s perfect for those of us who dislike looking out of breath in front of other people (especially on a date). You? Winded? Never.
8. KEMBA Live!
405 Neil Ave, Columbus OH 43215 / more info
Come see a concert this summer at KEMBA Live! It’s an indoor and outdoor venue that can accommodate up to 5,200 people. Imagine this; It’s your first date (or 50th) and you surprise your partner with tickets to see their favorite artist performing right here in Columbus. I can hear the wedding bells already. Just kidding.. kind of. Did you know that attending concerts can actually release a happy hormone in your brain? You might want to hop on that.
9. Wyandotte Winery
4640 Wyandotte Dr Columbus, Ohio 43230 / more info
Join the fun at Wyandotte Winery with your lover-friend-person and do some wine tasting together! Whether you’re better than all of us and are able to accurately pinpoint the individual notes in each glass, or are more simple-minded and can easily identify a red from a white, this is the perfect summer date. There’s almost always live music or a fun event happening on Wyandotte’s “Fabulous Fridays,” so you may want to consider reeling in the weekend here at this lively winery.
10. The German Village
German Village, Columbus OH / more info
If you want to feel like you’re in a quaint little European town, take a stroll on the historic brick sidewalks of the German Village. Don’t forget to bring your favorite person, this is definitely a location you will want to explore together. You may find yourself daydreaming about what your life may look like living in one of the many darling historic homes (with your beau of course), but try to stay focused – there’s more to see. The shops, food, and seasonal events make for an ever-evolving experience, and you won’t want to miss it.
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