Love is in the air! With so many things to see and do in the Austin area, there’s no shortage of ideas for a great wintertime date night. While we can’t guarantee you’ll have a magical night worthy of a Hallmark or Lifetime holiday rom-com, we can definitely help you set the stage for an awesomely romantic and unique winter rendezvous. Here are five ideas that are great for a cozy and unique date night when there’s a chill in the air:
1. Snuggle up and enjoy a drive-in movie
Have you been to Doc’s Drive-In Theatre? You can see a movie, enjoy beer and wine from Mama Merlot’s, eat dinner at Doc’s Diner and even make it a staycation destination with a night in the Hollywood-themed Weewok Village! Drive-in movie theaters give you a little more privacy than a standard movie theater and are great opportunities to cuddle up, enjoy a great movie and talk with a special someone. Other great drive-in movie choices: The Blue Starlite Mini Urban Drive In and the Ultimate Drive-In, which delivers concession items right to your vehicle.
Of course, you may enjoy a date night in a traditional movie theater. Those are great, too! There are so many options in the Austin area in terms of movie theaters, including some with full bars and great food. The Alamo Drafthouse Cinema, for example, has an award-winning multi-course menu, cocktails, draft beer (more than 30 different varieties on tap!) and more. These aren’t the movie theaters of years ago with only popcorn and soda — these are definitely one-stop destinations for a night of fun and mouth-watering food. Pamper yourself and your date with a great meal and a great movie.
2. Tap your inner child with a night of mini-golf (and great food)
The great thing about our incredible Austin weather is that you can still enjoy outdoor activities in the wintertime. So grab that sweater or light coat and enjoy a night out with some golfing fun! Three great options: Peter Pan Mini-Golf, Topgolf Austin and Butler Park Pitch and Putt.
Follow a round of mini-golf up with one of these great date night restaurants. At Geraldine’s, music lovers can enjoy a fantastic meal in the downtown area featuring authentic Texas cuisine. There’s the Jazz Brunch and a cocktail program featuring local Texas songwriters. Which is YOUR favorite eatery on this list? Another great option for date night is trying a new restaurant. Here’s a list of new eateries you can try and discuss whether it’s a keeper.
3. Visit a bookstore.
With how fast-paced everyone’s lives are becoming, it’s important to slow down and take in moments that someday could become special memories. Reading and looking at books forces you to slow down and take in your surroundings, and that is exactly what your attitude should be on a date, too. Here’s a list of favorite independent booksellers in the Austin area. How many have you been to?
Winter is the perfect environment to fall in love because the cold leads you to find opportunities to get warm, which leads you to very special cozy places. Take a new romance or an existing one on a sweet winter date and then go read with them (hopefully, in front of that roaring fire!)
How about a book club for two? Select a book you can read together and get back together to discuss over a nice meal. Books are a great way to connect with and get to know someone else.
4. Visit a brewery, winery or distillery.
Austin is home to a wide variety of locally owned and operated breweries, wineries and distilleries. Our favorite: The Austin Beer Garden Brewing Company, winner of the 2016, 2017 and 2018 Great American Beer Festival Brewpub of the Year award. Not only does it have awesome beer and other beverages, but you can enjoy its expansive menu, featuring mouth-watering pizza and even a Muffuletta sandwich! Check the calendar for performances by local artists, too!
Enjoy a nice cruise in the evening or even better, dinner during a cruise! Meals are served on plates, room-service style during a two-hour excursion on Lady Bird Lake. If you’re trying to do something a bit different than dinner at a traditional restaurant, this is a great option. (You can bring your own adult beverages and desserts!) Relax, de-stress and take the time to get to know a special someone as you glide across the water.
At PMI Silicon Hills, we love the Austin area. We provide professional community association management in the greater Austin metro and Hill Country areas of Texas, supporting HOAs/COAs of all sizes and structures. We know your community is where you live, where you foster deep connections and roots and where you raise your family. We’re here to strengthen communities and help make them stronger.
