Hear ye! Hear ye! That beloved Hallmark holiday is right around the corner. Are you ready? Maybe you revolt against tradition and specifically don’t go out *that* night. Regardless, there are so many options for a fun night out around greater Lafayette. Grab your gal pal(s), bro(s), or whomever you want to spend some quality time with and check out these ideas!
The Cellar Wine Bistro and a Show
If you’ve not been to The Cellar Wine Bistro, it’s lovely (and recently renovated with stunning décor). Two sisters put their passion for wine into this space, and it is the perfect spot for a date night! They have a fabulous dinner menu, too! Don’t leave without trying some of their delicious cheese to go with your wine—the cheese board is excellent.
Once you’re finished with delicious food and drink at The Cellar Wine Bistro, catch a show. Downtown Lafayette has offerings at the Lafayette Theater, Civic Theater, The Long Center and even Carnahan Hall! With such a variety of shows, you’re sure to find something you and your date will enjoy.
The Black Sparrow and Games
Wine and a show too stuffy for you and your date? All right, why not get down to the Black Sparrow? It’s like a British pub right here in Lafayette. They have an appropriately sized menu and an awesome bar (with frequently rotating craft beers and a great cocktail selection)! Try the fantastic Thai chicken soup, the El Diablo pizza, or their take on a bahn mi.
Once you’re done, head over to Main Street Amusements and get your pinball on! Or settle in for a board game (they have an extensive library to play from) and another beer at Merlin’s Beard, which just reopened in a spiffy new location. They even have cookies, ice cream, and milkshakes for dessert if you start getting a little hungry again.
Richelle in a Handbasket and Bowling or an Escape Room
Speaking of dessert, if you’ve never been to Lafayette’s FIRST dessert bar, check out Richelle In A Handbasket in its new location. Once you’re sufficiently stuffed with delicious truffles and wine (she also serves soups, sandwiches, and salads if you don’t want only sugar for dinner), it’s time to move on to something more physical.
Work off those calories at Cosmic Bowling night at Arrowhead. Or, get your brain engaged and try an escape room! Mission: Breakout Lafayette has four rooms of fun, or see if you can escape in time at Rugged Xscape. (Some of these escape rooms require more than one person, so this might be perfect for a Galentine’s night out). There are various levels of difficulty, so you can pick whatever you feel comfortable with tackling.
Harry’s Chocolate Shop and an Event at Purdue
Feeling like a kid again? How about drinks at Harry’s Chocolate Shop? (Warning: Not a ton of chocolate is sold there, but there are a whole lot of drinks to choose from.) Harry’s has been around for a hundred years! Just think of all the date nights that have happened there.
From Harry’s, take on one of the gazillion events happening at Purdue! From arts to athletics, there’s ALWAYS something happening, and oftentimes it’s at low or no cost! We also love bowling in the basement of the Purdue Memorial Union. Winner pays for a milkshake at Pappy’s Sweet Shop (just like you stepped into a time machine, I swear)!
Create an Artistic Masterpiece
All right, all right. Date night is for conversing, right? Perhaps you need to let your inner artist out. Well, fear not. The artsy date nights are here, too! Enjoy step-by-step instructions in a colorful, casual party atmosphere at Painting with a Twist. Bonus: Take your painting with you!
If you prefer a different medium for your night on the town, how about pottery at All Fired Up? There are tons of great offerings at Flourish Studio & Classroom in downtown Lafayette, too (and you’re welcome to take your adult beverage with you).
Hiking and Farm-to-Table Dinner
Looking for some fresh air for your date night? How about a nice long hike or bike ride at Prophetstown State Park? There are some awesome trails to enjoy where the Tippecanoe River meets the Wabash near the town of Battle Ground.
If you’re lucky, you might land a spot at a Farm to Table dinner at The Farm at Prophetstown. (Warning: They sell out, so book soon!) These small farm meals by Chef Lauren are absolutely delicious.
Get Active with Your Date
Another fun outdoor date is at Ross Hills Park! Pack a picnic and make it almost free! There are also some lovely trails at Happy Hollow Park in West Lafayette, which is conveniently located near the Silver Dipper! Why not work for those calories and enjoy all the beauty in our area?
Or, head over to the south side and enjoy some indoor climbing at Climb Lafayette! Who doesn’t love a little physical activity and healthy competition? This is an especially good option if it’s crazy and snowing on Valentine’s Day (which it better not be).
There really is no shortage of fun in Greater Lafayette, no matter what your interests are. Get out there and make some memories, y’all!
(Props to the smattering of friends who answered my requests for their favorite outings!)
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