August Date Ideas <3
I hope everyone’s been having wonderful summer so far! As a transplant from the midwest, I’m loving the heat and humidity that the south has been offering up, even if it’s left me a bit more dewy than I’d like at times. The scorching days have been giving way to unseasonably warm (yet much more bearable) evenings, making the sunset the backdrop of choice for my patio lounging and cocktail indulgences, for now. Those of you who know me know that I’m a big ol’ romantic; a sunset can only be made more pleasurable by sharing it with you. Won’t you join me? If your answer is yes, here are a few date ideas sure to get us both in the mood:
Vin Rouge: This is one of my favorite stomping grounds, but I haven’t been in a very long time. (A whole year! How depressing!) I love a man with a fix-it attitude, so I’m eager to thank the one who helps remedy this situation! This Durham based French bistro will make you feel like you’re a parlor in the city of lights. The candlelit tables and quiet croonings of the French greats of old make for an atmosphere that is immersive, yet unpretentious. In my opinion, Vin Rouge is perfect for both brunch and dinner dates, so I suppose that means means we’ll just have to go twice. ;) Let’s pencil a very Parisian evening into our schedules—a delicious dinner well seasoned with intriguing conversation, followed by la petite mort so intense we just might need a snack afterwards. Ooh la la!
Herons: The award winning restaurant located inside The Umstead Hotel is one I’ll never stop recommending. I’ve been here twice and the dinnertime tasting menu is always exquisite. Each course has multiple options to choose from and every item is carefully made, plated so beautifully it almost feels like a sin to eat it. If you appreciate the axis where food and art intersect, this is the place to be. The patio is quiet and cozy, with a gorgeous panoramic view of the gardens. If the weather isn’t ideal for outside seating, that’s quite alright. The restaurant sports floor to ceiling windows that provide the same verdant view we’d get from the patio, with the bonus of a view of the kitchen. Both seating options come with a bonus third view: me in evening wear as tantalizing as the meal. ;) After dinner, we can stroll the grounds and take in the art gallery. By the time we finish, we should have enough room for a second dessert.
The Westin: You heard right: The Westin has finally made its way to the Triangle! Let’s lounge by the rooftop pool and order up food from the kitchen, or soak up the sun while enjoying handmade pasta at Il Falò, the in house restaurant. Afterwards, we can make our way back to our Presidential suite, where I’m sure we can come up with some creative ways to burn off the calories. All the carbs and subsequent…er…action…are sure to leave us sleepy. You might consider an overnight so that we can top off the festivities with some quality snuggle and snooze time.
Jolie: Another French bistro, this time in Raleigh! I haven’t yet had the pleasure of dining here, but the rooftop patio looks to die for! Lush with greenery and framed by views of the city, I’ve heard that this restaurant, brought to you by the owners of Crawford & Son, is sure to please—but there’s really only one way to find out, isn’t there?
The Durham Hotel: What a perfect rooftop! Let’s get cozy on one of the couches, share bites of each other’s food and sip on craft cocktails while we watch people mill about on the city streets below. Maybe we’ll get lucky and get to catch one of the occasional live jazz performances they host. Even if not, luck willl be on our side in other ways. ;) Downtown durham is, in my opinion, a phenomenally underrated city, and the local urban feel makes for a perfect date night. Let’s make the most of it by following up with a leisurely stroll around town, and then head back to The Durham where we’ll spend the rest of the night getting lost in each other.
If you’re someone who likes to set himself apart from the rest, take heed and reach out! This list is just the quick little cheatsheet of surefire ways to win my heart, and those who spoil me can attest that I love to spoil in turn. ;)
Of course, these are just a few of my whims. If you have other settings in mind that you think we’ll both enjoy, I’m always open! I very much enjoy trying new things and dining in new spaces, and am always eager for the chance to put on a cute outfit and step out of the boudoir with you. It’s not something I get to do nearly enough—a crime having so many tantalizing outfits collecting dust in my closet!—so lunch dates, dinner dates, and any other dates that include an outing are taking first priority for me this month. I can’t wait to hear from you, so reach out to me! <3
xo,
Ria