Date Ideas

[rod_in_gtown]

I'm looking for feedback from my DC boys and girls but I'd appreciate anyone chiming in.

 

So I met this girl through a dating site that shall remain nameless (after all my posts against online dating I caved).

 

We've exchanged a couple of emails, set a date for saturday, we've already had our first misunderstanding and last night we had our first phone call. We talked for about 4 hours, which is good in my book.

 

We're still on for our date on Saturday for dinner in DC around Capitol hill, what to do after is still up in the air and it's likely that it's going to rain so outdoor activities like a long walk may not be out of the question.

 

She's not to keen on the whole clubbing/bar scene so I'm kind of looking for more creative ideas. I don't want to commit to tickets for any type of show because it's only our first date, but I also don't want the dinner to be over and have no plan as to what to do next.

 

So, ideas?

[Geishawhelk]

Bowling?

 

Shame on me!

 

That's all I can think of, but it's years since I went on a date!!

[rod_in_gtown]

That's actually not bad! good suggestion. Bowling has come a long way though, the closest place in DC is Lucky Strike and it EXPENSIVE! some friends dropped about $100 a head to play recently and they didn't play too long, maybe 2 hours?

 

Now that you mention bowling, I could suggest buffalo billiards, it's nice but it's got the whole bar-y feel.

[flc]

I always use something casual such as a coffee shop or restaurant or bar with an outside seating area since I don't have to worry about weather much. This keeps things light and the option for dinner is open if we are having a good time and if we don't hit it off we can just call it a night without too much expense. Since you have already talked for 4hrs you probably can figure on more time.

[Meaplus3]

Do you know what types of things she like? If she appreciates Art, you could always go to an Art museum. Then...Perhaps after the Museum have her back to your place for desert?

 

AP:)

[Shygirl15]

Dave and Busters can be fun for a date, you know, everything rolled into one.

[laRubiaBonita]

won't it be a little late, after dinner, to go to a museum? plus if you live in or around DC one rarely visits the museums, especially on a date.

 

i like the coffee shop idea... maybe you will find a place with some jazz..... the possobilities are endless depening on where exactly you are in capitol hill

[2sure]

I have to agree...Dave & Buster's or any big Arcade place is great for after dinner. You will have talked enough through dinner...and a place like this is just fun. Most of them have a bar too, so there are not as many children running around evevnings as you would think. I had never thought of myself as an arcade type person - but I have to say: the driving games, where you can sit next to each other are really fun on a date. Skee Ball like when we were little. Its a good date.

[flc]

The problem with doing D&Bs, Bowling or some other physical activity is that the venue can be very noisy and you are committed to spending a few hours of time and a lot of that time is not even focused on the women. For follow up dates any of these are good for a first date I prefer some place quiet where you can focus on each other and also have the ability to bail out if things don't go well. My 2c

 

My MO is pretty fixed fixed, coffee shop first date, second date restaurant on the beach. Nothing better than a good dinner, some wine and then sit by the water listening to the waves watching the cruise ships head out of port.

[Jilly Bean]

What kind of misunderstanding, Rod? Danger, Will Robinson! lol

 

I agree - going to an arcade can be a LOT of fun. Hit the pool tables, play a few games. Great way to gauge someone's PQ (playful quotient).

 

Or, post-dinner, find a nice, quiet jazz bar.

 

Or, you might want to send her packing. lol

[rod_in_gtown]

What kind of misunderstanding, Rod? Danger, Will Robinson! lol

 

I agree - going to an arcade can be a LOT of fun. Hit the pool tables, play a few games. Great way to gauge someone's PQ (playful quotient).

 

Or, post-dinner, find a nice, quiet jazz bar.

 

Or, you might want to send her packing. lol

 

Beanie!!! baby I've missed you! You'd like this girl, she's a Republican.

 

The misunderstanding came out of assumptions she made about me and something to do with her being unhappy with the results of the election. Not a biggie, she also has cats, so I definitely am rolling with many potential deal-breakers here. She also seems wary and guarded, from comments she's made it seems like she's been burned several times before.

 

However the conversation last night gave me hope and I'm going to see how it ends up.

 

I'm leaning towards suggesting Busboys and Poets after dinner, I haven't been there at night but during the day it has a coffee house, poetry house vibe. It's a very nice spot.

[rod_in_gtown]

I always use something casual such as a coffee shop or restaurant or bar with an outside seating area since I don't have to worry about weather much. This keeps things light and the option for dinner is open if we are having a good time and if we don't hit it off we can just call it a night without too much expense. Since you have already talked for 4hrs you probably can figure on more time.

 

We've been emailing back and forth all day and I think the mental chemistry is there and dinner won't be a drag. So if the physical chem is there then I think it's safe to move on to coffee or dessert

[rod_in_gtown]

Do you know what types of things she like? If she appreciates Art, you could always go to an Art museum. Then...Perhaps after the Museum have her back to your place for desert?

 

AP:)

 

Since it's going to be at night, then Museums are not an option because they close at 5:30, but back to my place for dessert is tempting but may come across as sending the wrong message for a 1st date.

Maybe 2nd or 3rd date?

 

What do you think?

[rod_in_gtown]

Dave and Busters can be fun for a date, you know, everything rolled into one.

 

This is a great Idea, I may run it past her depending on where the mood of the evening is going, she's pretty playful and quick to bust my balls about silly things so I think her PQ is at a decent level.

[rod_in_gtown]

won't it be a little late, after dinner, to go to a museum? plus if you live in or around DC one rarely visits the museums, especially on a date.

 

i like the coffee shop idea... maybe you will find a place with some jazz..... the possobilities are endless depening on where exactly you are in capitol hill

 

The restaurant is near Union station but we'll both be driving so getting anywhere from there won't be a problem. I know there's a new Busboys and Poets near the new convention center so that may be an option. I know there are some great jazz clubs in the U street corridor But without an actual name I'm pretty much shooting in the dark.

[Meaplus3]

Since it's going to be at night, then Museums are not an option because they close at 5:30, but back to my place for dessert is tempting but may come across as sending the wrong message for a 1st date.

Maybe 2nd or 3rd date?

 

What do you think?

 

Well.. If you present it right like "Would you like to come back to my place for a cup of coffee and a piece of cake"??.which of course you baked yourself, then I think it would be fine. If she looks hesitant and nervous you could always just bag the idea. I dunno, honestly I'm just back to dating myself after years so I'm afraid I need all the help I can get, lol. In any case, I hope your date does well.

 

AP:)

[Jilly Bean]

I definitely wouldn't invite an internet first date back to your house for "dessert". That's like, "do you want to come up and see my stamp collection?". Plus, we all know that few women would go to a strangers house on date one.

 

Have a great time, Rod! Maybe she'll dump the cats...

[flc]

Since it's going to be at night, then Museums are not an option because they close at 5:30, but back to my place for dessert is tempting but may come across as sending the wrong message for a 1st date.

Maybe 2nd or 3rd date?

 

What do you think?

 

Would not on first date, following depends on how things are going.

[alphamale]

We're still on for our date on Saturday for dinner in DC around Capitol hill, what to do after is still up in the air and it's likely that it's going to rain so outdoor activities like a long walk may not be out of the question.

you both agree before hand to have a one or two hour dinner and then go home after. since this is an online meeting and the first date then keep it short and sweet.

 

if, on the outside chance there is extreme mutual interest then you can both agree to keep the date going longer.

[2sure]

Whoa!!

 

Rod, while answering what might be fun after dinner I completely forgot my oen cardinal rule ( made from years of experience):

 

First Date: Has a specific begin time and end time. Period. This way its an easy out, no one is offended, no need to have a reason to go home.

 

Also: Since you are just starting OLD - dinner with every first date can get very expensive for a guy.

[Shygirl15]

Looks like this one is not a typical first date.

[rod_in_gtown]

Whoa!!

 

Rod, while answering what might be fun after dinner I completely forgot my oen cardinal rule ( made from years of experience):

 

First Date: Has a specific begin time and end time. Period. This way its an easy out, no one is offended, no need to have a reason to go home.

 

Also: Since you are just starting OLD - dinner with every first date can get very expensive for a guy.

 

I was just thinking that myself. The date is just Dinner for now, so after it's done I imagine it's ok to go our separate ways.

 

I would usually start with "let's go out for drinks" on the first date, but I got a good feeling for her and we had really good conversation last night. I had to cut it off at 3 am and say, "we have to hang up. It's way to late and tomorrow we're going to be exhausted", otherwise I think we could've gone on and on for a while.

 

I'm taking a leap of faith on her based on last night. I saw some things that may not work out in the long run but I'm hoping that it won't matter.

Namely, she's a republican (I don't agree with many republican principles), active catholic (I don't do church), doesn't like unions (my work is related to unions), has 2 cats (I'm allergic).

 

We'll see.

[Lizzie60]

I agree with 2sure.. a starting and finishing 'time'...

 

I personally don't like 'dinner' as a first date.. I like it short and sweet.. just in case he gets on my nerves..

 

If, after dinner, you still feel you both want to spend more time together.. maybe something 'quiet' like a small pool hall, coffee shop where you can take a dessert...

 

Bowling.. are you serious.. I don't think that's a good idea after supper... too much bending and efforts.. could be dangerous..

[2sure]

"....I'm taking a leap of faith on her based on last night. I saw some things that may not work out in the long run but I'm hoping that it won't matter.

Namely, she's a republican (I don't agree with many republican principles), active catholic (I don't do church), doesn't like unions (my work is related to unions), has 2 cats (I'm allergic). "

 

LOL. THIS I know. Forget her. Don't even go on the date. You can get past the republican haircut, you can even be christian but not catholic, but NOT PRO UNION/ANTI UNION.

 

Maybe a date or two. Good union guy like yourself....even tho its just your work, its encompassing. Cant be put aside to that degree. If you work for/with that industry you argue enough. You aren't going to want to do it after work as well.

[The Seeker]

I have always wanted to take someone here, but haven't had a chance yet:

 

http://mrsmiths.com/

 

I've been told the Jon guy who does the entertainment Wed-Sat is really good.