Just because the nights in the Black Hills are cold doesn’t mean your date nights can’t be hot.
Laugh, flirt, play. Never stop dating your significant other. It’s a recipe for a long, happy relationship. However, planning fresh, exciting dates can prove challenging over time — especially as winter makes outdoor activities less of a possibility. But don’t worry; from your outfits to your entertainment, our winter date night ideas are sure to keep things spicy this winter.
#1 A Night on the Town
The communities of the Black Hills are dotted with all sorts of great things to eat and fun things
to do. Think of this date as the classic — get dressed up, sit down to a fabulous meal, gaze into each other’s eyes, yada yada yada.
Outfit
Get dressed to the nines. Well, maybe the eights. You’ll want to look good but still be able to walk and be comfortable. Think jackets, dresses, collars, even ties. Have fun looking sharp together.
Food
There’s so many wonderful choices in the Black Hills. A way to experience a diversity of tastes is by having your date night be a progressive dinner, also called a supper safari. Start with appetizers and drinks from one restaurant, eat your main dish at a place that’s way different from your app place, and round out the evening with dessert from somewhere — you guessed it — different. Onion rings, sushi and ice cream, anyone?
Conversation starter
Talk through the upcoming week. Ask each other what’s one (or more) things you can do to help support your partner this week. This could be as simple as “Could you unload the dishwasher on Tuesday, because I know I’ll be exhausted after soccer practice?” or “I have a big meeting
at work on Thursday, can you help me process it when I get home?”
Activity
Go somewhere unique to take a selfie while you’re all dressed up. Suggestions would be Dinosaur Park or Art Alley in Rapid City, the giant Smokey Bear carving in Hill City — the Black Hills are brimming with these sorts of eclectic sights. The resulting photo would make a great background for your phone or you can even print it out and frame it.
#2 A Night In
Create a hygge vibe at home. (That’s the Danish idea of coziness and comfort; visit blackhillsfamily.com/hygge for more. Warm lighting, comfy blankets, calm music. Get in that relaxed hygge headspace, too.
Outfit
In the spirit of hygge, get cozy. Don your favorite pair of fuzzy pajamas, long socks, even robes. Be comfortable, but still cute. But you’re always cute, so you’ll be good there.
Food
Order in your favorite take-out or if one or both of you are culinarily inclined, plan an epic, but stress-free dinner (maybe with local ingredients from Breadroot; see page 30). Talk while prepping, and sample as you cook.
Conversation starter
Conversations that are hygge are warm, friendly and deep — and there’s always a sense of humor. These talks may even verge on the philosophical. So, for this, share an embarrassing childhood story with each other. Then discuss how you know something is important. Do you “follow your bliss” or do you follow a code of some kind?
Activity
If you’re cooking at home, the prep of the meal can be a great way to connect. A puzzle or a board game in front of a roaring fire (or a Netflix video of a roaring fire) is another great way to relax together. Let your conversations flow, along with the herbal tea or other beverages of your choice.
#3 A Weekend Away
The Black Hills are host to a plethora of romantic rendezvous. Find a little cabin in the Hills, an elegant hotel room or a cute bed and breakfast. Discovering a new getaway or re-visiting one that’s dripping with pleasant memories with someone you love is one of life’s great delights.
Outfits
Obviously you’ll need to pack something nice for dinner, and you’ll need something a little more comfortable to relax in. For fun, bring along a couple of articles of clothing from your past together. Maybe it’s a shirt from the college where you met or something you wore on your first date.
Food
Each partner chooses a meal to be in charge of. Plan that meal with your significant other in mind. What are some of their favorite dishes? Is there a food that has any special meaning? Bonus points if you can surprise your partner.
Conversation starter
Talk about the future. Dream together. Make plans to create the life you both want. Revisit dreams you might have discussed when you were first getting to know each other. Walk down memory lane and spend some time basking in the reasons you fell for each other.
Activity
Try something neither of you have ever done before — snowmobiling, ice skating, snowshoeing. Get creative and find something novel to try that’s in your budget.