With Valentine’s Day out of the way, single T-Birds no longer have to fear becoming accidentally cuffed on the holiday. However, love is still blooming with the promise of spring. As the snow melts, a plethora of activities are becoming available once again— none of which are short of romantic.
With the sun shining, student’s have no excuse for carrying out the cliché and, frankly boring, “dinner and a movie” date. To aid in the planning process, here are the top four outdoor date activities for any couple in Cedar City.
Pushing Pedals
Though tandem biking may seem like something out of a Nicholas Sparks novel, it’s actually tougher than it looks. Don’t worry, that’s a good thing. First dates have a bad rep for being awkward and the hardest thing can be breaking that ice.
Sometimes the best way to do this is to lean into it together. Tandem biking will require you to communicate and work together to find a pedaling rhythm. If it goes horribly wrong, you can laugh it off, pull out some packed goodies and hang out at the park.
Tandem bikes can be rented at Cedar Sports for $15 per day. East Canyon Park, located at 500 E. Center St., gives access to a quaint paved path that leads up the canyon or down to West Canyon Park. Hop on the tandem and give it a try. In no time, you both will be laughing and cruising through red rocks, like stars of your own chick flick.
Take-out and Look-out
Picture this: You’re sitting on a bench with your date overlooking the valley as the sun dips behind the horizon. The clouds begin to look like cotton candy and the air begins to chill. You tighten the shared blanket around your shoulders while reaching your hand into the warm bag on your lap to pull out three salty french fries.
The number one reason to go on dates is to getting to know someone and this activity offers the most time to chat. That being said, this activity is best for a second or third date. Nothing seems sketchier than asking, “I know you don’t know me but let me take you deep into the mountains at night.”
Here’s what you do: grab a few blankets, pick up your date and their preferred fast food and head up to “The C” before dusk. There are a few benches in the parking area but the hood of your car will do just fine. All that’s left is to pull out the blankets (and your moves) and enjoy the sunset.
DIY Drive-in
Sadly, drive-in movies scarce these days, especially during the winter. As an alternative to the overdone movie theater date, here’s a different way to watch a film, be outside and still have time to talk.
Beforehand, pop a few bags of popcorn, bring your laptop and dozens of blankets for the two of you to share. Once you’ve picked up your date, visit a gas station and pick out your favorite drinks. Though anywhere works, visiting 2000 Flushes is secluded enough that the sky will be full of stars and there is still a chance for cell reception.
If you own a truck, let your date help transform the bed into a cozy nest. Back seats of smaller cars work just as well. After some classic star gazing, open the laptop, grab the snacks and cuddle up. It’s showtime.
Two Peas in a Pod
Let’s get real: Picnics are always a good idea, but have you ever had one in a hammock? There is nothing like basking in the warm sun shining through blossoming trees while eating a fresh home-cooked meal.
Depending on what you want, you could either invite your date to help you prepare and pack the food or pick them up with everything ready to go. Make sure your meal is easy to eat but don’t be afraid to impress your date with your presentation. Fruit kabobs with gourmet cheese and crackers can say both “I’m sophisticated” and “I’m fun.”
Regardless, it’s fun to say you will be having a picnic but exclude the fact that you will be sharing a tight hammock. Take a drive up the canyon, Woods Ranch is a popular choice, and pick out a nice grove of trees. Once the hammock is set, have fun squishing together and sharing your delectable meal.
Story By: Ansleigh Mikesell
outdoors@suunews.net
Photos By: Christopher Dimond
