Starting a new year means starting new year’s resolutions, especially after the tumultuous year that was 2020. Many couples vow to one another to plan more date nights. From safely dining out to finding creative ways to stay outdoors, there are a variety of ways to put valuable, quality time on the books with your partner.
T he town’s new Italian restaurant, Vieni Ristobar, offers half-priced bottles of wine Monday nights, saying they see an influx of couples dining in on the first day of the week. “We exist to create memorable experiences,” said owner Randi Cinelli. “I want to create a place where people can go and say ‘remember that great restaurant and experience we had?’” Vieni is located at the Town Hall Commons Shopping Center in downtown Holly Springs and is offering outdoor seating.
Think of yourself as a homemade chef? Wynton’s World in Cary offers popular date night cooking classes for couples. You can bring wine or beer and a date, friend, partner, neighbor – whoever you’d like! After cooking, each couple sits down to enjoy the meal together. The first couples cooking class of the new year is scheduled for January 8 at 6:30 p.m. The Beauty and the Beef class is $75 per person. To learn more, go to wyntonsworld.com/my-calendar/ or call 919-694-5188.
Adventure something new by picking up a racquet and stepping foot on a tennis court with your loved one. Exercise, the outdoors and sunlight – even in the colder months – can boost endorphin levels and give you both an opportunity to work as a team while meeting other people in the community. To register for an upcoming tennis clinic or another class altogether, go to recconnect.us or call 919-557-2939.
Try a date night that tests your wit at Whole Brain Escape in Apex. Escape rooms are designed for excellent team building activities in an hour’s time span. From Bustin’ Out of the Eighties to Escape the Supervillain’s Lair and much more, it costs $29 per participant. During the pandemic, all bookings are now private, and rooms are disinfected between each group. Contact 919-355-2714 to book a private game with your loved one.
From girls’ nights out to birthday parties to date nights, Wine & Design in Apex offers date nights that are the perfect place to unwind and relax with your special someone. No artistic talent is needed – just the desire to have fun! Some classes are BYOB, so you can even bring your favorite wine, beer or snack. Most classes cost around $35. If uncomfortable in a class setting, Wine & Design offers home paint kits where customers can choose any painting set online, pick it up at the store and paint at home. The paint kit includes a 16×20 traced canvas, acrylic paints, mixing plate, brushes, paper towels, color printout of your painting choice and basic instructions. Take a kit or two home and enjoy a relaxing night in with your special someone. To learn more, call 919-355-2855 or email apex@wineanddesign.com.
For those looking to give back during the pandemic, think about spending quality time with your partner serving the local community. Mama’s House in Fuquay-Varina is always seeking volunteers to sort through donations, prepare for the next event or simply organize inventory. Mama’s House is located at 1501 N. Main Street.
If you’re searching for a Tuesday date night, try dusting off those old running shoes and heading over to Pace Yourself Run Company. Every Tuesday, a group meets at the shop at 6:30 p.m. to tour the town in exciting and new routes to help runners achieve new PRs or simply provide company to those wanting to get a little exercise. Pace Yourself is located at 242 South Main Street.
Missing the beach this time of year? The Blind Pelican offers everything from sushi to crab to wings to so much more. Get out on a Friday night for $1 off all drafts or try $1 oysters on Sundays. And don’t forget $5 margarita Mondays! Store manager Brandon Lambert says, “The total experience is what makes us the perfect date night spot. Guests say they feel like they’ve been transported to the beach where the food and service is top-notch. It’s the cleanest and most consistent restaurant I’ve ever run.” The restaurant, located at 120 Bass Lake Road, offers outdoor seating.
