While there’s nothing wrong with having a few “favorite dates” that you and your partner frequently fall back on for your date night, it’s also a good idea to make sure that you’re periodically trying novel activities together in order to keep the spark alive and avoid falling into a rut. And fortunately, the changing seasons provide a great opportunity to try out some new date ideas that work best at certain times of the year.
As a Houston marriage therapist, I encourage couples to make time to focus on their relationship and schedule a regular date night (or date day). If you’re having trouble coming up with new date ideas for the late fall season, consider some of the suggestions below. Don’t hesitate to branch out from these suggestions, as well—talk to your partner about what he or she would most like to do this season and come up with activities that you’ll both enjoy.
5 Fall Date Recommendations from the Houston Marriage Therapist
Go camping. Here in Texas, late fall is actually an ideal time to go camping because the weather is finally starting to cool down. If you live somewhere with pleasant temperatures this time of year, consider planning a weekend camping trip with your partner to break up your usual routine and start the week refreshed. Popular destinations in my state include Big Bend National Park and Lost Maples (one of the only places in the region where you’ll see fall foliage). If you live somewhere a little colder, take advantage of a clear day, bundle up, and go hiking at the nearest state park or natural area.
Sign up for a Turkey Trot together. Just about every town and city has some variation on the Turkey Trot, a fun run or walk that usually takes place on Thanksgiving morning. Signing up for this type of event may get you and your partner motivated to get outside and run or walk together on a regular basis in preparation.
Make a seasonal dinner together. For a romantic night in, go shopping for seasonal ingredients and look up a new fall recipe to try together. Fall is also a great season for mulled wine, which is relatively easy to make, or apple cider, if you’re looking for a non-alcoholic option.
Go to a harvest festival. Fall is festival (and state fair) season, so plan an outing to a nearby weekend event where you can enjoy live music, delicious food, and maybe even a corn maze.
Explore a nearby small town. If you and your partner are looking for a change of scene, try driving to a nearby small town where neither of you has stopped before. Spend an afternoon exploring the downtown area, and get lunch or dinner at a local restaurant. If possible, look for a scenic route to get to the town rather than just taking the highway.
No matter what specific dates you and your partner choose this fall, spending time together doing new activities that you can both enjoy is an important part of maintaining a healthy relationship.
