date like a blogger

Stumped for date ideas? Wondering what to do on Valentine's day? Look no further, friends! Today and tomorrow some of the coolest bloggers are sharing their favorite creative ways to spend quality time with their fellas. Responsible for planning your next date? We've got you covered.

Annelise: Daniel and I aren't too into Valentine's Day, so we like to keep it casual. Our fun date-night idea? Take a drive-night! Drive (or walk) around your neighborhood, picking out parts of yards/houses/landscaping that you love! It's fun to see what the other likes, it's a great way to get active, and it can also inspire a new home project. Head home and make each other a lovely dinner!

{AV}: One of our favorite dates seems simple, but it always brings plenty of happiness: we spontaneously end up at our favorite restaurant. I know that sounds boring, but we only go there on a whim--when we have something to celebrate or when we have had a rough week. Whenever we end up there, we spend hours chatting and laughing. We leave with full bellies, but moreover, full hearts. The spontaneity helps, but truly, it's just our happy place.

Allyson: My favorite dates are the ones where we both try something new. Whether it's a restaurant or an activity, the new experience bonds us together more than just a dinner date or movie. Explore your city, visit a museum, visit a wine tasting, do something physical (we did a mud run together recently!)—the options are endless. If you aren't much for leaving home, try starting a new tv series together. You don't have to spend a lot of money to make memories and celebrate holidays.

Anna: I'm not huge on Valentines day, to be perfectly honest. Sure, I think it's fun to send cards (I've already got some adorable Rifle Paper Co. ones waiting to be sent!) and of course I love flowers, but I also feel like we shouldn't just do these things because it's February 14th. I think we should do them throughout the year! SPREAD LOVE ALL THE TIME. As far as my ideal date goes, well, I love a homemade meal. Last year Zan made lobster (OUR FAVE) risotto and we got pastries from one of our favorite Italian bakeries in Boston. We ate at the dining room table, put on a record, and ate our meal with wine by candle light. I guess you could say it was romantic (even though I don't think of myself as one). My second fave date spot? A fancy restaurant with French cuisine. Steak frites? DELICIOUS.

Kate: This might sound simple, but we really like to go out for dessert!  Part of it is a little bit sentimental because we went out for frozen custard on our first date way back when.  But it feels spontaneous and indulgent to go out to a restaurant and order one of the desserts that you're usually drooling over but too full to get if you go out for a full meal (and it's less expensive!)

Cool ideas, right? Thomas + I are all about coming up with creative, new, and fun ways to spend time together and there are a few in here that even we haven't thought of. I hope this post gave you a little inspiration for your next date night! Part two will be up tomorrow. :)

Now tell me, what's your favorite thing to do on a date?

xoxo, Eliza