If you are like me, you struggle with finding the time, energy, and creativity for dates with your partner. As parents, it can be quite the challenge to align energy, caregivers, time and finances to go out just the two of you. My husband and I rarely get the opportunity to go on a date. The last two times we went out, it was just for dinner at a chain restaurant. We had trouble even deciding on where to go. We drove around aimlessly for more than 30 minutes debating one restaurant over the other, not excited about our choices and growing more frustrated as the time ticked on. We are certainly out of the habit of having the kind of fun we had when it was just the two of us. Heck, we couldn't even figure out or agree on what a fun date would be!
We know it is important to make date night a priority. So I decided to come up with some date ideas for us to tackle this year. Some are traditional date night ideas we have not experiences in a while and some are new ideas to get some freshness into our together time. So, here is the list of 10 ideas to enjoy a date night and explore around McDonough, Stockbridge, Hampton, Locust Grove, and Griffin. I’d love to hear what date ideas you would add.
Ten Date Night Ideas Around McDonough
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Get on Target Together
Recreational axe throwing has been growing in popularity. I guess we all have some pent up frustration to get out of our systems. The goal of the sport is to hit a target with your axe from 12-14 feet away. At the end of the game, players tally their throws and the one with the most points wins. We have two great places to go axe throwing nearby, Axe Country and Georgia Axe Company. Clay shooting is a fun, outdoor past time and Cherokee Rose is a state of the art facility nestled between McDonough and Griffin offering daily rates and membership packages. Perfect option for a day date.
- Axe Country. McDonough
- Georgia Axe Company, Griffin
- Cherokee Rose, sport clay shooting, Griffin
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Enjoy a Classic Arcade Night
Bowling is a classic date night activity and a little competition is healthy for relationships. Today's bowling alleys are more like entertainment centers with pool, arcades, even obstacle courses and 3D rollercoasters. This date night option will have you feeling like a kid again and may even get your kids a bit jealous.
- Pin Strikes bowling, pool tables, food, a bar, arcade games, virtual reality, 3d rollercoasters, laser tag, and bumper cars in Stockbridge
- Magnolia Lanes An old-school bowling alley with billiards, arcade, beer and food in Griffin
- Starlight Family Fun Center, McDonough
- Dave & Busters, McDonough
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Feel the Vibe with Live Music
I love to get out and enjoy the vibe at these local taverns and supporting local artists. There are a number of great places to check out with live music weekly.
- Southern Roots, McDonough
- Rutabagas, Hampton
- Shawn O'Brien's Roadhouse - Jackson
- Queen Bee Coffee - McDonough often hosts music outside
- Tipsy Daisy - Griffin
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Enjoy a nice meal
On date night, it is a great time to step it up a notch from fast food and big chains. I like to put on a nice outfit and enjoy a unrushed meal at a locally owned restaurant or skip the meal and just enjoy some sweets.
- Starshine's Cafe and Patisserie, McDonough
- Fusion Restaurant, McDonough
- Pasta Max, McDonough
- Scoops, McDonough
- Sweet Ashley's, McDonough
- Sweet Charlie's, McDonough
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Experience a Thrill
Going through a hair raising experience can bring a little thrill back to your relationship. During this time of year, you can get a scare at a local haunted house. A good scare will get you jumping in each other's arms! Or feel the rush of working together against the clock to solve a puzzle at an escape room. These things get us out of our comfort zone, our blood rushing, and lots of shared squeals and laughter
- McDonough Ghost Tour by Southern Ghost Tours
- Escapology, McDonough
- Escape the Museum, McDonough
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Enjoy a round of golf
There are many public and private golf courses where you can play a leisurely game, take in the beauty of nature, and enjoy one another without the distractions of kids calling "Mom! FYI - Playing golf with my husband is how I fell in love with him some 24 years ago. You can pack a small cooler with some adult beverages and tasty sandwiches to enjoy a light meal, have good conversation without digital distraction, enjoy friendly competition, or learn a new skill together. Then be sure to watch the sunset as you head back to the pro shop.
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Get Creative
Explore your artistic side at a local studio. Some studios offer classes in different mediums such as painting and pottery. You can also purchase a DIY take home kit for an at-home date. Getting silly and allowing yourself to create something together can bring creativity to other areas in your relationship too.
- Stache' Studio - Griffin
- Cre8tivity Cafe - McDonough
- Painting with a Twist - McDonough
- Party by Design - Stockbridge
- Treat n' Paint Studio - Locust Grove
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Share in Selfcare
Enjoy an intimate time of relaxing, releasing stress, and getting in touch with your bodies by sharing an experience at a local spa. From couples massage, to floating therapy, infrared light therapy to a shared yoga class you can sooth your stresses away and share intimacy. Parenting is tough, we can all use a little pampering now and then.
- True Rest Float Spa - experience float therapy in your own pod and start your evening in total relaxation.
- Spa by the Square - Get a relaxing couples massage.
- Perspire - Experience the heat of a sauna studio and experience infrared sauna and color light therapy together.
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Capture your Romance
So often, our kids are the ones in front of the camera. It's your time to shine. Record who you are in this stage of your relationship. Loosen up with a couples photo shoot and experience a little fun while you memorialize your relationship. There are a couple selfie studios in town with beautifully designed themed sets to fit any mood - from silly to romantic. They offer ring lights and camera stands and will also help capture that perfect shot for you. Who said make believe was just for the kids? You can also bring along a tripod or selfie stick and go around to your favorite local spots to capture that perfect couples photo. The square downtown, one of our local parks, or in front of a wall mural all make great backdrops for your photo session.
- The Self Xperience, McDonough
- Your favorite spots around town
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Take in a Show
Support local theater and take in a play for a fun and different evening. Our local actors have been ready and waiting to perform and the local theater companies say the show is on! Check out their winter schedule and plan on a night at the theater!
- Henry Players, McDonough
- Main Street Players, Griffin
- Camelot Theater, Griffin
- Jefferson Community Theater, Jackson
Find out what's showing in Local theaters in 2023.
I hope you are inspired by these ten date night ideas in McDonough and the surrounding area. Feel free to send me an email if you have any suggestions to add: mackidmcdonough@macaronikid.com.
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