14 fall date ideas that don’t involve the apple orchard

When you’re dating someone, especially in those intoxicating early months, you have a funny way of seeing them. You notice everything — the way they laugh, the stories they tell too often. You see them with something close to wonder. Perhaps that’s not so far from how Christ sees us: not as problems to fix or people to tolerate, but as little children, worthy of delight. 

The trick is carrying that kind of attention beyond the early infatuation or honeymoon phase. These 14 fall date ideas are an invitation to make room for delight, play, and the simple pleasure of noticing the person you love.

1. Host something together 

This is a good way to learn to work together to create something beautiful. Hosting a dinner party or movie night together is a hands-on crash course in conscientiousness, creativity, and skill. Every summer, I attend an Italian-themed, summer dinner party hosted by my talented friends who met in college. I get to see each one of them shine as they contribute to the cooking and staging of the event. I even get to see the love they have for one another, and especially the love they have for each of their guests.

2. Go to a bookstore and pick out books for one another 

If you love to read, this is a step above the thrift store or antique mall. A good used bookstore has plenty of aisles to get lost in. It’s also a good practice to see what your date or boyfriend  would pick for you. This is great if you’re already in a relationship, but if the date is with someone new, you can tell a lot about someone by what they like to read… or dislike reading. 

3. Crack open a cold one, and break in that spine 

Once you have said books, find a cozy bar, grab a drink and begin reading side-by-side. 

4. Visit a coffee shop and play cards

Chances are, you’ll know a cardgame or two that your date doesn’t. Embrace those teachable moments and don’t be afraid to show off your competitive side. It’s also telling to watch how your date reacts to having fun in a public space!

5. Catch your local high school’s football game 

Pack a blanket, grab a thermos for two, buy a cheap ticket, and pretend to be in high school again. 

6. Sign up for a 5K

Challenge your significant other to run with you or take things slower and walk together. This is a great exercise (literally) of discipline and commitment that can be made in the early stages. It’s like your own personal run club. With a little lead-time, you can even train together ahead of time to get in extra dates.

7. Candy apples for two 

Skip the apple orchard. Yes, really. Take a trip to the store to buy caramel, sprinkles, nuts, mini candies, and whatever else you like and bring it back home. Chop up your apples into slices, dip into caramel, and decorate away.  

8. Long walks in a wooded wonderland 

In other words, go on a hike. This one is simple, but it also could be fun to make a list of things you want to find while on a hike — 10 orange leaves, a water source, or squirrels fighting. 

9. Farmer’s market 

Couples who grocery shop together, stay together. What I like about this one is how you can fit it into busy schedules and it’s kid-friendly, if needed. There’s often live music, vendors to discover, autumn bouquets to be admired and bought, plants to be potted, and fresh produce.

10. Watch an episode of your girl’s favorite show 

Choose your comfort show or a movie you’ve loved since you were little and enjoy each other’s commentary and questions. Let your date try to understand why you think this particular episode is the funniest thing ever made. It’s a surprisingly good way to learn what makes someone laugh. If nothing else, the commentary will probably be funnier than the show.

11. Bundle up and go kayaking 

If you have the opportunity to go by the water, this is an awesome way to see the fall leaves change! 

12. Visit a sunflower field 

Look around your neighboring towns for a pick-your-own farm or a field of late-season flowers. Sunflower fields are particularly good for this. Spend an afternoon wandering the rows, picking a few flowers, and letting the conversation take its own course. 

13. Do a puzzle 

Your truest self surfaces when you can’t find the last edge piece after 15 minutes of looking. You can either bend or break under the pressure of a 1,000 piece puzzle. Personally, I’m more of a 500-piece girl myself, but a puzzle can be a great way to engage the brain and spend a chilly afternoon together. 

14. Support your favorite local dive 

This one is for the early risers. Before work, take your date somewhere the coffee is best served across a Formica counter. Skip the trendy matcha spot. It’s an early-morning pick-me-up, but there’s something wonderfully old-fashioned about starting the day together.