Winter in Ohio usually means one thing… complaining.
Complaining about the cold. Complaining about the snow. Complaining about how your car has betrayed you again by taking 10 minutes just for the warm air to start blowing.
But every once in a while, winter gives you something that actually feels magical. And yes, I said magical. Because there is one winter date night in Central Ohio that only works because it’s cold outside.
Winter: The Most Romantic Season of All
Summer is great for a lot of things. But a romantic date night? No chance.
This winter date all starts at Riverside Crossing Park, home to one of the most scenic seasonal ice skating rinks in the state. When the lights come on and the river fog mixes with the cold air, it looks like you accidentally stepped into a snow globe. The good kind. Not the creepy antique store kind.
The rink sits right between Historic Dublin and Bridge Park, which means you get the perfect mix of charming old brick buildings and shiny new-city glow. Grab skates, cling to the wall until you remember how ankles work, and try not to fall in front of the Instagram influencers who somehow look flawless in 19-degree weather.
This is the part where winter stops being annoying and actually becomes fun.
But that’s not all.
The Cozy Reward You Earn for Not Falling on the Ice
After your skating session, walk across the bridge to The Pearl in Historic Dublin, which might be the single coziest winter dinner spot in Central Ohio.
Fog rolling off the Scioto River? Check.
Snow drifting under the streetlamps? Check.
A vibe that feels like a winter date night scene from a movie, minus the dramatic breakup? Also check.
The Pearl has windows that look out over the river and Bridge Park, and when the snow is falling, it’s unreal. Order something warm and comforting, settle into that dim, golden lighting, and suddenly winter feels… romantic? Is that allowed?
Their seafood, fried chicken sandwich, and legendary deviled eggs are always solid picks, but honestly, you could order a plate of napkins here and still feel classy.
And Yes… You’re Getting Ice Cream After Dinner
I know it’s freezing. I know ice cream sounds like a terrible idea logically. But this is a winter date night, and winter date nights thrive on bad decisions that feel oddly correct.
Luckily, The Pearl is only a few hundred feet from Jeni’s, so this is basically fate. Grab a scoop of Gooey Butter Cake or Brown Butter Almond Brittle and wander around Historic Dublin while pretending you can totally still feel your toes.
Between the lights, the river, and the sound of ice skates in the distance, it’s surprisingly peaceful. It’s the kind of moment that makes you forget that your driveway is currently a Slip ’N Slide of despair.
Trust Us. This Date Night Works.
Ice skating under the lights.
A warm, beautiful dinner with a view.
Dessert that makes zero sense for the weather but 100% sense for the vibe.
It’s simple, it’s charming, and it feels like the kind of winter moment you only get once in a while. So yeah… Midwest winters might be rough. But this winter date night in Dublin, Ohio?
This is the one that makes the cold worth it.
Date Ideas
Attention Central Ohio Business Owners!
We built the Step Out advertising program for local businesses that want to get in front of locals in Central Ohio — people actively looking for places to eat, shop, and explore.
A business we advertised even had to hire 2 more people after working with us.
Curious if we’re a good fit for your business?
👉 Learn about our audience
Already thinking, “This sounds perfect for us”?
👉 Learn more about our ads