Whether you forgot the art 30 years ago or make it a monthly habit, a double date in Atlanta can be challenging to coordinate but rewarding to carry out.
Just think: conversations that don't revolve around the water bill; someone to make up a table at special events instead of strangers − and the best part − two more potential designated drivers.
The Atlanta area offers all sorts of double date inspiration for the evening (or the day.)
Here are five surefire double date ideas to get you started:
1. Break out with an escape room game.
Ultimate Escape Game, 3200 Cobb Galleria Pkwy #150, Atlanta.
Kind of like a corn maze only indoors and you solve puzzles to break out, an escape room evening like Ultimate Escape, Atlanta's largest, is great for two couples. You'll pool your brain, brawn and daring at one of five different escape scenarios, $28 per person. Each is ranked for what it takes in terms of "pressure," "physical," "brain power" and "puzzle skills," but not every player needs to have each attribute, so this is a nice time to bring your own group. And it's timed down to the minute and won't refund cancellations: a good option for those who need to tell a babysitter exactly when they'll be back or who have trouble actually making it to date night.
Credit: Google Reuse
Credit: Google Reuse
2. Make it a mini-golf evening.
The high school date standard is inexpensive, at least sort of active and will make you feel young and goofy again. The nice thing about taking two couples is you'll have more conversation while the big group ahead delays, and also more likelihood of someone who shares your competitive level and someone who can keep score!
One good venue in the Atlanta area is Marietta's Monster Mini Golf, 2505 Chastain Meadows Pkwy, which is, ah, indoor glow-in-the-dark miniature golf with animated monsters. Another option is Pirate's Cove, 3380 Venture Pkwy, Duluth, aye matey. If the bunch of you have flex schedules, give their half price Monday-Thursday 4-6 p.m. "happy hour" a whirl.*
*Pirate’s Cove is only open noon to 6 p.m. Saturday and Sunday in the winter. Spring hours start in March.
3. Head out to Harrah's Cherokee Valley River Casino in Murphy, North Carolina
This is pretty much the opposite of "what happens in Vegas stays in Vegas" since all of your best friends and mates will be right there with you. Consider it: you probably really could bend the schedule for a day or even a weekend at a casino, and this Harrah's is just two hours outside of Atlanta in North Carolina on land owned by the Eastern Band of the Cherokee Indians. Sure, there's a chance Georgia casinos will one day be a reality, but until then, this is a cool way to enjoy slots, craps, cards and your friends. Book a room on Caesars Entertainment's website.
Credit: Jason Getz
Credit: Jason Getz
4. Take a high falutin' cooking class and savor the food you create.
Sur la Table, Phipps Plaza, 3500 Peachtree Rd #1035, Atlanta, GA
You can score a classy night out, finally spend some quality time with another couple and extend your home-chef repertoire in one fell swoop. Atlanta's Sur La Table offers two-hour "date night" and "night out" classes ($79-$85 per person) where pro chefs teach technique to groups of four and you share "a generous taste" of each dish you create. At the Spicy Latin Favorites date night, for example, you'd learn cheese-stuffed masa cakes, chargrilled steak with chimichurri sauce and dulce de leche ice cream. And this can become two dates in one; consider inviting the other couple over another night to share what you learned with a second meal.
5. B-I-N-G-O
Seriously. Bingo's a "toss stress to the wind" kind of activity and lots of fun for two couples, maybe even on a weeknight/work night. There are plenty of chances to play in the metro Atlanta area, including many venues that offer free games to draw customers to their bar or grill. This is carefree fun and, unlike grade school parties, you can now order a beer or two or even a split a bottle of champagne while you listen for your lucky number.
RECOMMENDED VIDEO: Buttermilk Kitchen: Pimento Cheese Omelet
