Why should all those people on The Bachelor or The Bachelorette have all the fun? Whether you are looking for new ideas to impress that special someone or just looking for something different to do with your spouse, we’ve got you covered (and no camera crew following you)! From an adventure in the trees to lounging by the water, we’ve found some great places for lovers of cats, fans of science or people who just want to get lost once in a while.
Need a little excitement with your relationship? Venture over to Bellevue Zip Tour where you can soar between the trees on seven zip lines and cross over two suspension bridges. It’s adrenaline-building, for sure. Or opt for an "Aerial Adventure" on the high ropes course. If the weather is poor and you’d rather not be out in the elements, consider tackling the Bellevue Climbing Wall located at the same place. They offer 90-minute "Intro to Climbing" classes that will calm any nervousness. When finished, stop by Resonate Brewery and Pizza to discuss how you conquered your fears.
Before Netflix, there was a thing called a drive-in movie. Experience it for yourself by visiting the Blue Fox Drive-In. Surprise your date with a drive to Oak Harbor (stop for coffee on the way - the drive up I-5 takes about an hour and 45 minutes from Seattle). We recommend that you get there early as the best spots fill up quickly. The movies don’t begin until dusk, so while you’re waiting for the sun to go down, check out Blue Fox’s Backlot Tavern with 12 rotating taps and a variety of appetizers. Stop by the Snack Bar to order a freshly-made pizza, Philly Cheese Steak sandwich or just a good ol’ hamburger or hot dog. Their pagers will let you know when dinner is ready.
Getting lost is not the best way to impress, except when you do it on purpose. Puzzle Quest Escape Rooms offers four different experiences where you and your date will have to solve riddles and/or tasks to literally escape the room. (Don’t worry, they will let you out if you fail!) The newest room is the Puppeteer’s Workshop where a legendary puppeteer has returned from an unexplained hiatus and is looking for a new apprentice. Of course, things are not quite what they seem. This puzzle is ideal for a private double date.
Bowling is cool again. Another retro option, Garage Billiards & Bowl not only has 20 lanes for classic bowling, but the place has 25 full-size pool tables, too. They also have air hockey and ping pong for good measure. Visit the sports bar to watch the game on TV or cuddle by the fire at their outdoor bar. And when was the last time you had street tacos, cauliflower bites or a plant-based burger at a bowling alley? Don’t worry, Garage also features classic burgers, fries, nachos and pizza, too.
You love cats. They love cats. No brainer. Take them over to Neko Cat Cafe for a tasty beverage and a Cat Cookie Sandwich (chocolate cookies filled with dulce de leche and covered with white or dark chocolate) to go with your kitty snuggles. Neko is a sanctuary for rescue cats and humans to relax and enjoy each other's company. Your date will see your sensitive side and you'll earn some major creativity points. Pro Tip: Great for a first date, but make sure they don't have allergies. Wise to reserve in advance.
MORE: Feline fun awaits you at NEKO Cat Café on Capitol Hill
Are you and Fido craving some canine and human companionship? Check out the Dog Yard. It’s a one-of-a-kind bar for dogs and their owners. Want a little time to get to know your date better? No prob. The safe dog park is under the care of trained Bark Rangers so you and "sit" and "stay." The Dog Yard serves up dishes like quiches, biscuits & gravy, flatbread pizzas and, of course, a handful of different hot dogs. Check out their special of cold brew or hot drip coffee, three beignets and dog treat for $10. That's a good boy.
Some say that the feeling of love is just a chemical reaction happening inside one’s brain. Whatever. If your and your loved one are really into science, you won’t want to miss this. Pacific Science Center’s Happy Hours have returned for adults only. Pick up your date after work and head on over for special shows in the Laser Dome, Planetarium and Tropical Butterfly House all while enjoying cocktails, wine, beer and food provided by Navi Catering. Bill Nye will be jealous.
You may not be old enough to remember, but there was a time before video games existed. Yes, before there was even Pong, people would play on what is known as a pinball machine. The Seattle Pinball Museum in the International District is a time machine full of these machines, dating as far back as 1956 up to 2022! Games are rotated throughout the year and you can play them in the order that they were made. This is a great place to visit for an afternoon of old-school fun while sipping an adult beverage. After your pinball date, grab a burger and seasonal shake at Uneeda Burger. Two straws, one check? Girl, I got you.
Whether you prefer to play games with another couple or with just your sweetie, Mox Boarding House (locations in Seattle and Bellevue) has lunch and dinner served alongside games borrowed from their free library. (Don’t worry – all of the pieces are there!) Menu items include a nice mix of appetizers, soups, salads, sandwiches and main dishes paired nicely with a selection of craft beers, wines and hand-crafted cocktails. Or maybe you’ll just want a quiet table for two and dessert. If you fall in love with a game, you can purchase a new version for 15% off.
No one needs to tell you about how grand the Seattle Great Wheel is. However, many people are still not aware of another great attraction located right next door. Wings Over Washington knocks the sock off everyone who tries it. The "flying theater" is currently the most state-of-the-art theater of its kind that takes love birds over amazing sights throughout the state, including the Olympic National Forest, Mount Rainier and the San Juan Islands, among others. When finished (and once you've caught your breath), consider a meal at The Fisherman's Restaurant or The Crab Pot just steps away.
Here’s a unique take on waterfront dining. Hot Tub Boats offer rentals of hand-crafted boats made with a hot tub right in the middle! Pack along a romantic picnic and you’ll be on your way to see the sights around Lake Union. No boating experience is required (they don’t go that fast anyway) and they are easy to navigate. A truly unique experience that you’ll never forget. Note: While romance might be in the air, Hot Tub Boats has strict rules against nudity and overt displays of affection. Invite a few friends along to help keep you in check – up to six people per boat.
If you and your beau are fans of ABC’s Holey Moley TV show, you've got to check out Flat Stick Pub. With two locations in Seattle, one in Kirkland and a new one opening soon in Tacoma, this is the place to show off your miniature golf skills (Don’t go crazy, Tiger). You also need to try out their own “Duffleboard,” which is shuffleboard with a golf twist. Each course is as different as its location. Each menu is different, too with brick oven pizzas, Bavarian pretzels, snacks and salads and a l-o-n-g line of different beers, ales, IPAs and ciders on tap.
What's your favorite PNW date idea? Email us at hello@SeattleRefined.com
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