The Real Chicago

Top Menu

  • Home
  • E-newsletter
  • Contact

Main Menu

  • Home
  • The Big City Blog
  • General Features
  • Around Town
    • First Look – Reviews
    • Hidden Gems
    • Inside Scoop
  • Eat. Drink. Shop.
    • Good Eats
    • Signature Dishes
    • A Round of Drinks
    • Shop Around the Corner
  • The Local Angle
    • Chicago Insider
    • The Local Corner
    • My Chicago
  • Interviews
  • Forum
Sign in / Join

Login

Welcome! Login in to your account
Lost your password?

Lost Password

Back to login
  • Home
  • E-newsletter
  • Contact

logo

Header Banner

The Real Chicago

  • Home
  • The Big City Blog
  • General Features
  • Around Town
    • First Look – Reviews
    • Hidden Gems
    • Inside Scoop
  • Eat. Drink. Shop.
    • Good Eats
    • Signature Dishes
    • A Round of Drinks
    • Shop Around the Corner
  • The Local Angle
    • Chicago Insider
    • The Local Corner
    • My Chicago
  • Interviews
  • Forum
  • Chicago’s hidden gems: Kiss Kiss Cabaret, Unabridged Bookstore, Lulu Belle’s Pancake House and TNT at The Annoyance

  • New on the scene: Recapping recent restaurant and bar openings in Chicago

  • The Big City Blog: A Chicago summer bucket list

  • Outdoor drinking: A guide to some of our favorite beer gardens and rooftops in Chicago

  • A day at the museum: Exploring the iconic Field Museum in Chicago

Around TownGeneral Features
Home›Around Town›Relationship rejuvenation: Try these unique ideas for adding some romance and fun

Relationship rejuvenation: Try these unique ideas for adding some romance and fun

By TheRealChicagoOnline
January 1, 2013
710
0
Share:

Your ads will be inserted here by

Easy Ads.

Please go to the plugin admin page to set up your ad code.

Stuck in a rut on date night? Try these unique ideas for adding some romance and fun

By Nicole Weddington

Winter is a great time to get romantic and step outside the box when looking for fun things to do on date night. Read on for some interesting alternatives to dinner and a movie for you and that special someone.

Cooking class 

Taking a cooking class is the perfect way to spice up date night (pun intended) and make a few new friends along the way. You and your date will prepare a meal and take those learned techniques home to try out for yourself. “Couples cooking and date-night classes are typically people looking to have a good time but also interested in learning how to cook a meal together at home,” The Chopping Block’s Andrea Miller says. “It’s less expensive and healthier than going out. Plus, you get to spend quality time with a loved one.” Among the city’s many cooking schools, The Wooden Spoon and The Chopping Block, in particular, offer a variety of classes ranging from detailed demonstrations to a heavier hands-on approach. Some classes, especially those sponsored by restaurants, even include wine and beer tastings.

Dance class

Dancing not only is a great way to feel closer to your significant other, it’s also a fantastic workout, not to mention helpful in terms of increasing confidence and reducing stress. This is a combination that naturally makes people feel sexy. Whether you’re practicing for your first dance as a married couple or are part of a fledgling relationship in search of a hip-shaking salsa session, a dance class will get the passion lit. “What’s more romantic than dancing in your partner’s arms?” asks Alesha Bales of Chicago Dance. “Not to mention, if you are angry with each other, you can take your anger out in a sassy tango and feel better.”

Comedy club

Laughter increases the release of endorphins, paving the way for romance and creating positive bonds between people that protect against stress. What better way can you think of to enjoy a night out with your loved one than eating, drinking and laughing your faces off at a comedy show? It’s time to snuggle up in the ambient lighting and giggle your way out of those winter blues. Second City’s new Up Comedy Club in Old Town offers live comedy shows seven days a week. “The best way to take the nerves out of a first date is to laugh,” says Up comedian Carisa Barreca. “I am in a new sketch show called “What the Tour Guide Didn’t Tell You.” It’s a great way to share a laugh with your sweetie and celebrate Chicago!”

Your ads will be inserted here by

Easy Ads.

Please go to the plugin admin page to set up your ad code.

Hotel getaway

Sometimes doing something as simple as getting away from home for the night is enough to spice up the most mundane relationship. Leave the laptops, the bills and the kids (if you have them) at home and enjoy a relaxing evening at one of the magnificent hotels our city has to offer. If you’re worried about the budget, Groupon and various travel sites (Kayak, Travelzoo, etc.) are great sources for exceptional offers on discounted rates and specials for couples. It’s cheaper than you think. “Sometimes it’s good to get away so you can relax from the everyday, normal routine and let someone cater to you,” says Tim Anderson, concierge at the Dana Hotel and Spa. “Just getting away from home, even if it’s in your own town, can be fun. You’re worth the money!”

See a play

With more than 200 critically acclaimed theater companies in the city, you’re bound to find something of interest on the stage. Many small neighborhood theaters produce world-class plays, and some of the troupes perform in non-traditional spaces like storefronts and bars. “I think the best dates are adventures where you discover and experience something together, something exciting and unknown,” says Ryan Martin, artistic director of The Den Theatre. So grab your honey and take them on an impromptu date to experience the arts. You’ll score brownie points for spontaneity and uniqueness. A cocktail and post-play conversation will keep the date going afterward.

Ice skating

Bundle up and relive the nostalgia of your youth by taking your loved one ice skating this season. The McCormick Tribune Ice Rink in Millennium Park is open through mid-March and free to the public (skate rentals are $10). Grab a hot chocolate from the Park Grill restaurant, spike it with your favorite spirit and take a hand-held skate with your significant other. “The falling snowflakes, the backdrop of the gorgeous Chicago skyline and the snow-covered bean made for a beautiful and warm experience,” says Brian Goldfine of Logan Square. “It reminded me of why I love Chicago.” The Rink at Wrigley will also be set up in the Cubs parking lot at the corner of Clark and Waveland this winter, as well as an indoor skating option at Navy Pier.

Your ads will be inserted here by

Easy Ads.

Please go to the plugin admin page to set up your ad code.

TagsChicago DanceChicago hotelsChicago TheaterDana Hotel and SpaDen TheatreGrouponKayakMcCormick Tribune Ice RinkMillennium ParkNavy PierRink at WrigleySecond CityThe Chopping BlockTravelzooUp Comedy ClubWhat the Tour Guide Didn't Tell YouWooden Spoon Chicago
Previous Article

The Big City Blog: Ready or not ...

Next Article

First Look review: The engrossing “Faith Healer” ...

0
Shares
  • 0
  • +
  • 0
  • 0
  • 0
  • 0

TheRealChicagoOnline

Related articles More from author

  • The Big City Blog

    The Big City Blog: Stan’s Donuts, holiday exhibits at the Museum of Science and Industry, The Santaland Diaries, SpinOff and ...

    November 3, 2015
    By TheRealChicagoOnline
  • First Look - Reviews

    First Look review: The dark, blues-filled “HooDoo Love” at the Athanaeum Theatre

    October 10, 2012
    By TheRealChicagoOnline
  • First Look - Reviews

    First Look review of Phantom of the Opera: The reimagined classic shines as brightly as ever

    January 22, 2014
    By TheRealChicagoOnline
  • Chicago Insider

    Chicago Insider: Tim Anderson on Bistronomic’s new menu, Fat Willy’s and the Chicago Crime Tour

    August 7, 2014
    By TheRealChicagoOnline
  • First Look - Reviews

    First Look review: The Hypocrites’ take on Samuel Beckett’s existential “Endgame” is a rewarding watch

    March 11, 2015
    By TheRealChicagoOnline
  • First Look - Reviews

    First Look review: The entertaining “Lottery Day” at the Goodman Theatre holds a magnifying glass to Chicago, revealing both pleasures ...

    April 11, 2019
    By TheRealChicagoOnline

You might be interested

  • Around TownGeneral Features

    Alfresco dining: Outdoor seating is key for these Chicago restaurants

  • Around TownGeneral Features

    Rise and dine: Start your day off right at these fun Chicago breakfast joints

  • Around TownHidden GemsOther Recent Articles

    Chicago’s hidden gems: Kiss Kiss Cabaret, Unabridged Bookstore, Lulu Belle’s Pancake House and TNT at The Annoyance

  • LATEST REVIEWS

  • TOP REVIEWS

Timeline

  • November 11, 2021

    Inside Scoop: Massive FoBAB beer festival returns to Chicago this weekend, Nov. 12-13

  • July 31, 2019

    Chicago Insider Etienne Padin on obscure museums, shopping in Andersonville and dining at Maple & Ash

  • July 30, 2019

    First Look review: CMX CineBistro provides a fun, fresh take on the luxury dine-in theater experience

  • July 28, 2019

    Finger lickin’ good: Six trusted Chicago spots for a stellar barbecue experience

  • July 25, 2019

    The Big City Blog: Four Friday Night Flights beer tastings remain this summer, including July 26 in Ravenswood

Latest Comments

  • The 14 Best Fireplaces in Chicago | UrbanMatter
    on
    October 11, 2017
    […] Photo Credit: The Real Chicago […]

    Cozy on up: We asked active Chicagoans for their favorite spots to warm up in the ...

  • Why You Should Visit a Museum | FreeForAll.org
    on
    January 16, 2017
    […] Photo Credit: Therealchicago   […]

    It’s cold out there: A few spots to warm up this winter

  • Why You Should Visit a Museum – FreeForAll.org
    on
    October 23, 2016
    […] Photo Credit: Therealchicago   […]

    It’s cold out there: A few spots to warm up this winter

  • The Real Chicago – The Big City Blog: A very Chicago night on the town
    on
    May 31, 2016
    […] up was The Redhead Piano Bar for drinks and live music. I’ve said it before ...

    Friendly, unfussy, and serious about music: Hanging with Marshall Nelson from the Redhead Piano Bar

  • Scouting Logan Square: A Renewed Historical Neighborhood - The Annex, a blog by Casamatic
    on
    March 10, 2016
    […] (cover photo via The Real Chicago) […]

    The rise of Logan Square: Why this diverse area has quickly become one of Chicago’s hottest ...

Find us on Facebook

Originally launched in 2006, The Real Chicago — as a glossy entertainment magazine, website and email newsletter — has consistently provided the very best insider information, features and reviews to help both tourists and active locals get the most out of exploring the greatest city on Earth.
  • Latest Posts

  • Inside Scoop: Massive FoBAB beer festival returns to Chicago this weekend, Nov. 12-13

    By TheRealChicagoOnline
    November 11, 2021
  • Chicago Insider Etienne Padin on obscure museums, shopping in Andersonville and dining at Maple & ...

    By TheRealChicagoOnline
    July 31, 2019
  • First Look review: CMX CineBistro provides a fun, fresh take on the luxury dine-in theater ...

    By TheRealChicagoOnline
    July 30, 2019

Photostream

    Follow us

    © Copyright The Real Chicago. All rights reserved.