6 Best Downtown Date Night Ideas For Your Relationship

Just because Valentine’s Day has come and gone, romance doesn’t have to end! With a downtown landscape that never seems to sleep, there are opportunities for you and your partner to share in new memories around every corner. Check these out!

Written by: Matthew Ternus

1.) Town Square 

Looking for a good place for a first date? Somewhere that has a buzz around you and will leave little room for awkward silences? Try taking a partner to an event in Town Square! Town Square offers those looking for a date night experience an opportunity to see concerts, contests, farmers markets, and, during the winter months, the FCCU Downtown Ice Rink! The busy atmosphere will ensure those first date quirks are minimal, leaving you and your partner excited for the next.

2.) Dinner and a Show 

There’s something special about going to wine and dine, followed immediately by a performance. Harry’s Steakhouse offers its guests with a variety of fine dining options, with incredible portion sizes (Want to see what we’re talking about? Order their hash browns!). Afterwards, you can walk to the Empire Arts Center or the Fire Hall Theatre to take in one of their many plays and musicals, concerts, comedians and more! 

Photo Credit: Brenden Swanson

3.) Coffee House Dates 

Getting coffee in the evening hours isn’t everyone’s Cup of Joe, but there’s something to be said about the atmosphere of both the Urban Stampede and The Ember Coffeehouse in the evening hours. The ambience inside accompanied with the large windows that let some of the light escape makes for a more intimate feeling. And who doesn’t love a nice pastry and warm drink in the winter months? Both places, too, will have live music and events from time to time. Makes for equally casual and exciting dates! 

4.) Long Walks on the Beach 

A long walk on the beach, in Grand Forks, might be a bit of a stretch… But the Greenway offers anyone downtown a chance to escape the “city feel” and walk a green path (or white, pending the season) alongside the Red River. It’s the closest we might get to a beach in town, so it will have to do! Beforehand, you and your partner can fuel up for your Greenway stroll at one of the various herbalife stores, such as Impact Nutrition, so you’re hydrated and ready for the adventure! 

5.) Something New, Something Unique 

Downtown Grand Forks has exciting opportunities for you, a partner, and any amount of third wheels or double dates to attend! From renting a lane at Downtown Axe to partaking in the Grand Forks Escape Room, there are plenty of places and spaces to have fantastic date night experiences. Both Downtown Axe and the Escape Room are relatively low cost activities that can provide hours of enjoyment for two love birds looking for thrill! 

6.) Sweet Treats

There comes a time in every relationship’s life where both partners just want a sweet little treat. Lucky for downtown, Insomnia Cookies is here to supply! Their location offers a variety of seating options for you and a partner to sit and enjoy the warm and inviting treats, or you could have them boxed up and enjoy them on the go as you take in the sights of downtown after dark. 

Photo Credit: Insomnia Cookies