5 Downtown DSM Date Night Ideas: Social Distancing Style
It’s true. Date nights haven’t been a high priority over the last nine months as we navigate the COVID-19 pandemic. How do you social distance, mask up and still get to know someone or have a date night with your long-time love? We’ve got five ideas that will help you plan your next date night in a safe, socially distanced way. Check them out below!
1. Bundle Up for a Romantic Stroll Around Gray’s Lake
What’s more romantic than a walk under the stars? Slip on a warm hat and some cozy gloves and make your way across the lighted bridge at Gray’s Lake. Once you walk the 1.9-mile trail, head on over to the lighted 425-foot bridge connecting Gray’s Lake to the walkable neighborhood of Gray’s Station.
2. Sled Down Capitol Hill
Stay active on date night by hitting one of Downtown DSM’s most popular places for sledding this winter. At Capitol Hill, you’ve got the Iowa State Capitol as a backdrop. Located at 1111 East Court Ave., Capitol Hill is fun, fast and easily a favorite for sledding enthusiasts.
3. Reserve a Skating Session at Brenton Skating Plaza
Spend your date night (or date day!) at the ice-skating rink and then follow it up by getting hot cocoa from Slow Down Coffee Co., just a short drive from the Historic East Village to DSM’s Highland Park neighborhood. This year, ice skating requires a reservation, but it’s also a chance to impress your date — whether you’ve just started dating them or been married for years — by planning ahead! Check out the schedule for skating sessions here and find info on parking here.
4. Attend a Virtual Live Show
Miss the experience of live music at a small venue? Make that venue your own home, pick a band or artist, invite your date and a few friends to join you virtually and enjoy live music in a whole new way. HomeDitty makes this easy, and by hosting a house concert, you’re not only creating a unique date night experience, but supporting musicians during a tumultuous time. If you live with your date and there’s no need for social distancing, this is the perfect excuse to order dinner locally and have it delivered ahead of the show. Try Quinton’s Bar & Deli or any number of Downtown DSM restaurants offering curbside pickup and delivery. You can also order wine in the days leading up to the show from Jasper Winery, where you can get 50% off shipping on all orders.
5. Take a Virtual Cooking Class
In 2020, Kitchen Collage, a Historic East Village staple, took their cooking classes virtual, and in December, you can sign up to take the Virtual Knife Skills 101 class or the Virtual Mexican Christmas Dessert class. Meet up with your date virtually during the Zoom class, or if you live with your date, take the class together. You might not physically be in Downtown DSM with this option, but you won’t be missing out on what it has to offer either.
Downtown Des Moines (DSM) is a growing, vibrant community that offers the energy, sophistication, housing and attractions of a burgeoning city with a brilliant future. It’s also easy to visit with plentiful and affordable street and ramp parking options.