We’ve all been there…it’s Friday afternoon, work is winding down and you start thinking about date ideas for the weekend. You text your sweetie “What do you want to do this weekend?” They text back “I don’t know…what do you want to do?” A few hours later, you end up at the restaurant you always go to then head home to watch Netflix. To help you mix up your next date night, we asked the Elevate team to share their favorite Colorado dates. Bring on next Friday!
Ryan
Sunday hike at O’Fallon Park near Evergreen and brunch at Country Road Cafe
I like day dates because there is less pressure! I like the hike because it’s close to Denver but still makes you feel like you’ve escaped the city. The cafe is really special. They have Smashed Mashed creations which are mashed potatoes mixed with popular and intriguing fixings. Sounds weird at first but you have to try it. Only order a half order though because they are huge!
First Friday Art Walk on Santa Fe
I enjoy exploring the always changing characters on Santa Fe during their First Friday Art Walk. Visiting the different galleries stirs up great conversation and inspiration. There are also always great food trucks around for a bite to eat.
McCory
Browsing at The Tattered Cover and a Movie at Alamo Theater in Aspen Grove
Since we share a passion for reading, exploring Tattered Cover is always a fun way to spend an afternoon with my wife. Afterwards, we head to the Alamo Theater just across the parking lot. This independent theater has a great selection of microbrews, bottomless popcorn, fun events (Check out their Elf showings during the holidays) and quirky staff. Aspen Grove has a variety of restaurants too!
Snowshoeing and Beer Tasting
After “retiring” from skiing, my wife and I decided to give snowshoeing a try. We like the solitude it provides, the gorgeous landscapes and the fact that you don’t have to fight traffic. We especially like Brainard Lake outside of Boulder and Rabbit Ears in Steamboat Springs. Afterwards, we hit a brewery on the way home to warm up and relax.
Katie
Farmers Market and Brunch
I love morning dates with my husband, and son because we start out the day on a high note. We love walking around the farmers market and stopping on a patio for brunch. We especially love the Pearl Street Farmers Market because it is quaint and close to our house.
Amanda
Red Rocks and BBQ
Spend a morning walking the steps of Red Rocks Amphitheater. The views are stunning, you will feel better about yourself for getting out and sweating, and you can sit on the stage afterwards and take in the beauty and history of Red Rocks. Then head to Piggin Out BBQ for lunch. This little shack, owned by a sarcastic old man that you can’t help but love, has some of the best BBQ in Denver. Save room for dessert because Piggin Outs cobblers and banana cream pie are epic.
Massages and Pho on Federal
This one might be my favorite. Head to Miracle Touch and Reflexology on Federal for a $30 hour-long massage. You don’t even have to call ahead. Then go to Pho95 and share the whole blue crab appetizer. When it comes to Pho, the options are endless, but my favorite is the rare beef pho. And I always get a large so I have lunch for the next day. Boom. You’re welcome.
Patrina
A Quiet Night at Home
We like to plan and cook a nice meal together. It’s also fun to come up with a signature drink. After a long, relaxing dinner, we like to watch a movie together. We have a projector so it feels like a real movie theater. One day, we’d like to have an outdoor space where we can watch movies.
Janae
Dinner & Speakeasy
My husband, Scott, and I love going to Postino in LoHi for dinner. They have the most amazing selection of bruschetta and a great choice of wines as well. After that we like going to the speakeasy, Williams and Graham. It is nice and quiet and the perfect place to go if you really want to have a conversation. My favorite drink is the princess bride, it isn’t on the menu so be sure to ask for it if you like vodka drinks. It is delicious!
Allie
Snowboarding and Happy Hour
One of the very first things my husband and I did together when we started dating was snowboarding at Keystone. He has an amazing amount of patience, and took the time to really get me riding through trees so now we both have a love for the same type of terrain. We also cannot leave Keystone without a stop at our favorite bar in the village – 9280. Their nachos are amazing, and our favorite bartenders Scott and Alex make the best drinks!
Ramen at Uncle
Whenever we decide to skip cooking and head out for a date night we always end up at Uncle for their amazing Spicy Chicken Ramen and Cold Noodle Bowl. They are currently working on opening a second location near Wash Park, but for now their LoHi location fills up quick and we’ve been known to get there as they open at 5o’clock for the best luck!