Who among us doesn’t enjoy a good “Boxed Wine And Youtube Night” with the one we love? But sometimes you feel the need to do something different, no matter what stage you're at in your relationship. A 2012 study says that couples who “shared participation in novel and arousing activities” experienced a “greater increase in relationship quality,” which backs up what most of us know: that you've gotta shake it up from time to time. So here are some offbeat dates to try with your partner(s). They range in prices, locations, and shock value.
“Hey let’s try a new food..and EAT ITS BRAINS!”
Most date nights involve going to dinner, maybe a movie, maybe drinks if you’re really crazy, and then calling it a night. Why not add a slight twist to this template, and by twist I mean brains. I recommend crayfish brains. There are several really good crawfish joints in the city (I like this one) and for not that much money you can order a bowl of these little guys to share. Crawfish are fun because not only are they delicious, but you look ridiculous while eating them! Even an experienced shell cracker will look like Daryl Hannah in Splash when it comes to crawfish. Getting messy and sucking all the meat out of the shell can help you get into a relaxed, playful space with your partner.
“Hey, let’s play!”
It’s pretty standard couple fare to stay home and play board games. What’s not standard is playing board games in a giant warehouse, video games on jumbo-sized screens, and extremely competitive ping-pong. Those kinds of things can be found Tuesday nights at The Folsom Street Foundry. This is your game night on steroids. The space is incredible and big enough to feel roomy even with the tons of people that come to play. You can bring your own board game and mingle with other couples, or compete with them by playing video games like Mario Kart on huge screens. There’s also a full bar with creative cocktails and there usually are few food trucks nearby as well. Playing with other people will remind you what you and your significant other are: a really good team.
“Hey let’s drink this big thing!”
Contrary to what all the couples on The Amazing Race have shown us, undertaking a challenge together can be a great way to bond with your boo. My favorite challenges almost always involve drinking. Find a place near you with obscene portions (I suppose this could also work for food) and try to tackle them together. I recommend his and her Beer Boots which can be found at Biergarten, Gestalt, Pink Elephant, and other places. While boots come in several sizes, the biggest usually is two liters, roughly a 12 pack. Order one (or two if you have a ride home) and see what it’s like to scale Das Boot. Even if you sip it (and I’d recommend you do, unless you are an Olympic trained beer drinker ala Beerfest) drinking the boot will take a long time and give you time to really talk with your partner. Plus if you haven’t yet broken the “first burp” barrier with your love, this can be a great setting in which to do so.
“Hey, let’s jump around!”
The right relationship may make you want to jump for joy (or jump someone’s bones for joy). Why not get some air while you’re at it. House of Air has over 100 trampolines for you to jump, do tricks, or play dodge ball on. For the price of a movie and snacks you can get an hour-long session with these bad boys. You and your partner are mature, successful, sophisticated adults most of the time, right? So forget all that and jump like crazy for an hour or two. The adrenaline and core workout will ensure that you’ll be set for some more mature adult activities afterwards.
“Hey let’s watch something funny!”
Comedy is a great way to de-stress after a long week and there are lots of good places to see it in the city. Sure you could go to any of the big venues in towns (Cobb's, the Punch Line) but those tend to be pricy. San Francisco is teeming with underground comedy shows and they happen in basements, bars, and back rooms almost every night of the week. Funcheapsf usually has a great listing of free comedy shows, so do we, and both sites mention if drinks or food are included. Another great resource is the Tumblr of local comedian Matt Gubster. This blog posts daily about comedy shows all over the Bay Area. And why limit yourself to stand-up? Checking out local improv groups is another cost effective form of entertainment, especially for those worried about being heckled them from stage.
“Hey, let’s look at a porn studio!”
I’ll admit, this one is a varsity level date for most. For the price of a nice dinner (especially now that there’s a Groupon) you and your mate can tour the San Francisco Armory, the home of Kink.com. The tours cover many of the sets used in Kink.com shoots and give insight into the building’s rich history. Sure, it’s easy to get giggly over giant vats of lube. And there may be a slight awkward moment when your partner exclaims, “Oh, I recognize this!” when you enter a certain set. But in the end this place offers a sex positive adventure that's definitely off the beaten date path. Afterwards you and your date can head over to the Armory Club across the street and sip swanky cocktails and discuss what you’re going to do when you get home!
Photo courtesy of Flickr user, Ale Art
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