Contrary to popular belief, dating doesn't have to be hard and it doesn't have to break the bank account.
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Of course, there's nothing wrong with throwing out money for the ones you love or doing things up, but if you're a terminally chill couple or in the early stages of dating, low-key dates are the ones for you.
Here are 7 low-key date ideas, from a walk in Oakland Cemetery to catching a band in East Atlanta Village:
Credit: Courtesy of Pixabay
Credit: Courtesy of Pixabay
Score at any of Atlanta's game bars.
You can learn a lot about somebody by playing games, and no, not the lying, cheating kind of games −actual games. If you like a good game of ping pong, check out Church or Victory Sandwich Bar (and while you're at Victory, try the whiskey coke slushies). Ormsby's and The Painted Duck are also fantastically chill game spots, especially during the weeknights, complete with board games, shuffleboard, darts and more. If you want a more nerdy/arcade feel, Joystick Gamebar in Edgewood would be the place. And if you want a more casual gaming experience, try the back room at Argosy in East Atlanta Village.
Picnic in Piedmont Park.
A high-stress date at a stuffy restaurant isn't the only way to woo someone's heart. A picnic is a great way to show off your romantic side while keeping it low-key. Piedmont Park will supply the gorgeous views of the city. All you need is a blanket and a basket full of delicious picnic foods. If you want to get creative and fancy with your basket contents but don't have any ideas of what to pack, check out Pinterest. And if you want something quick and easy, there's nothing wrong with grabbing a bottle of wine and delicious subs from Publix on your way.
Drink cold ones at The Porter.
If you find someone who loves beer as much as you do, consider yourself lucky. There're tons of breweries in Atlanta and even more restaurants that serve it − but none quite as intimate or chill as The Porter Beer Bar. Located in the heart of Little 5 Points, this local gem offers an extensive menu of over 800 beers and some of the best food in the city. Your date will love you for taking them here, especially after you order the salt and vinegar popcorn.
Catch a show in East Atlanta Village.
If you want to impress your date with live music but not break the bank, adventure on over to East Atlanta Village for a great time. Rock 'n' Roll is alive and well in EAV (which is only about a 12-minute drive from downtown Atlanta) and venues like The Earl and 529 have bands playing just about any night of the week. Whether your date's a music aficionado or someone who just wants to have a good time, EAV is the place to be.
Credit: Jonathan Phillips
Credit: Jonathan Phillips
Take a stroll in Oakland Cemetery.
Wandering around a cemetery isn't everyone's idea of fun, but it certainly makes for a one-of-a-kind date. Tell your date to put on their best walking shoes and wander around this garden cemetery aimlessly or pick up a self-guided tour map at the visitors center. Along your walk at Oakland you'll find ancient oaks and magnolias, beautiful architecture and the grave sites of noted citizens like Margaret Mitchell and Bobby Jones. If your date was impressed with the cemetery walk, keep the date alive by going across the street to Carroll Street Cafe or Republic Social House for drinks.
Break the ice at Laughing Skull Lounge.
For the comedic date, fill your date's belly with laughs at Laughing Skull Lounge. The stand-up-comedy club is located in the back of the Vortex restaurant, and with only 74 seats, you're really up close and personal with the comics. In addition to a great night of comics, the drinks are inexpensive and certainly pack a punch. You can't go wrong at the Laughing Skull Lounge -- you and your date are sure to have a great time at one of the best comedy spots around.
Explore the High Museum at no cost.
Take your date to the High Museum of Art. Tickets are pretty reasonable, but if you and your date want to be extra chill, go on Second Sundays, when it's free for anybody, from noon to 5 p.m. Art-making workshops are also available on Second Sundays (1-4 p.m.) where you and your date can be extra creative with supplies they provide.
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