Easy Date Ideas for the Summer in SD&G

Spring is finally here and unless we get another unexpected snowstorm in April, we’ll be pulling out our flip flops and boat shoes in no time, eager for the summer heat to hit us at full force. There’s not much better than tanned skin, longer days, and sweating so profusely that you’re not sure whether or not you should jump in the closest pool or soldier through thinking maybe it’ll help you lose a few pounds. Not much is better unless you’re dating someone, sick of being cooped up all winter, and looking for some fun things to do. Sure, you could drive to Montreal or Ottawa for a day date but why do that when this area already offers so many options, right at your fingertips.

Drunk on Summertime

There are so many great places in town and along the outskirts that offer amazing patios to grab a drink on and relax with your significant other. Throw back some ice cold beer together at an inner city patio like Schnitzel’s or Kelsey’s, where you’re bound to run into a few people you know, giving you a chance to turn your one-on-one into a group date. Or venture a few minutes outside of the city to places like Nautica Wine & Grill (at The Long Sault Marine) or Blue Anchor and take advantage of the amazing view of the St. Lawrence River while you enjoy each other’s company and the benefit of getting a tan while getting a buzz. There are so, so many great patios in this city of ours to enjoy and after you get drunk on summertime hop in a cab back home, hop into bed, turn the A/C off and get extra sweaty together. Good bye winter!

Make History Part of Your History

Sometimes when we’re dating, we get caught up in the old Netflix and Chill routine and barely recognize the many opportunities around us that can make for great memories and bonding time. When was the last time you visited Upper Canada Village (besides that grade 6 field trip or the family fun day when you were 14 and way too cool to be there)? Check it out with your partner and I bet you’ll really enjoy walking around hand in hand checking out all the cool history within the park. Also, I’m sure you could get some hilarious pictures together while there. Another idea is taking a guided tour of the Historic Cornwall Jail House together. What better way to force closeness upon someone than to venture into an old creepy jail while you bond over what it used to be. I guarantee you’ll go home afterwards closer than you were before and hold each other a little more snug when you go to bed (if you can sleep)!

Festivals Galore

If there’s one thing the Cornwall area has a lot of in the summertime, it’s Festivals and Specialty Weeks. Between the upcoming La Poutine Week where you and your date can go check out extravagant and original poutines all over town to delicious Rib Fest which celebrates its fifth anniversary this year, your date options are massive. What better way to get to know someone than while mowing down ribs, with sauce all over your face and not a care in the world. The atmosphere of our local festivals is fun and exciting, so you’ll get to see your partner in a youthful light. Also, if you’re not much of a patio person, you can still get drunk on summertime at most of the festivals, especially Cornwall’s Beer Fest where beer takes center stage but your relationship can also get the limelight it deserves.

Dating in general can often times become boring and monotonous but living in Cornwall doesn’t mean your options are limited. Take a second to look around and enjoy what’s at our disposal. With the nicer weather around the corner, any regular day can be turned into a date day just by wondering down to one of the many city parks or the waterfront where you can take a walk, enjoy a bike ride, or just admire the view together, sitting side by side in flip flops and shorts.

Shannon Ferguson is a writer who recently returned to her roots in Cornwall. With degrees in Communications, Psychology, and Broadcast Journalism, Shannon created her successful blog, The Love Hawk, and is a contributing writer for many websites including The Huffington Post and Elite Daily. View her blog at www.thelovehawk.com, like her page on Facebook and follow her on Twitter @TheLoveHawk and be sure to listen to her online radio show “The Love Hawk” every Tuesday at 6pm at www.dunet.ca