Inspire Romance With These Out-Of-The-Box Summer Date Ideas

Five memorable outings and getaways to liven up your relationship
2072
summer date ideas
Westwind Balloon Co. Photograph courtesy of Perfect Shot Blue Sky

As schedules relax and the days begin to stretch long, it’s time to make room for a little romance. Here’s a quick guide featuring local summer date ideas so you can swap the go-to dinner and a movie for an adventure with your special someone that neither of you will forget.

Take to the Sky

Soar the evening skies with your sweetheart in a one-hour private hot air balloon ride over Oakland county woodlands and waterways. Flights with Westwind Balloon Co. in Plymouth include the chance to see white-tailed deer and hundreds of other birds and wildlife as you skim the treetops of several state and metro parks. When you touch back on the ground, keep your adventurous spirits high by walking over to the seasonally sourced Barrio Cocina Y Tequileria for modern Mexican street food, finely crafted cocktails, craft beers, and Michigan’s largest tequila selection. Westwind Balloon Co. Michigan, 1310 Maple St., Plymouth; 734-667-2098; westwindcos.com/balloon. Barrio Cocina Y Tequileria, 555 Forest Ave.; 734-738-6754; barrioplymouth.com

summer date ideas
Voice-o-graph machine photograph courtesy of Third Man Records

Make Music Together

Create your own stardom with a visit to Third Man Records in Midtown. Inspired by the rock duo sounds of owner Jack White and his once bride and bandmate Meg, you can cut a single inside a recording booth on a refurbished 1947 Voice-o-graph machine. Whether you’re trading love ballads or spoken word valentines, you’ll leave with your own two-and-a-half minute, 6-inch phonograph disc. Acoustic guitars are available, and additional instruments are welcome. Shop together afterward for cool new vinyl, decorative LP and 45 cases, and tricked-out turntables. If you’ve always wanted to learn to play an instrument you can both start easy by picking up your own three-string Loog mini guitar and its complimentary video lessons. Third Man Records, 441 Canfield St., Detroit; 313-209-5205; thirdmanrecords.com

Pamper and Relax

For a taste of luxury, spend the day at the Detroit Club, a historic social club in the city that features a spa, hotel, cigar bar, and dining. Pampering treatments at the club’s boutique spa, Soak, include The Presidential, which includes a warm shave and scalp massage for men; the Fire and Ice, a glycol peel facial; and a 50 or 80-minute Couples Massage, which is available for purchase when you stay in one of the club’s Executive Suites. Once you’re pampered to the limit, refresh and meet up at the club’s Grille Room, a French-American restaurant that’s backed by an award-winning culinary team. Detroit Club, 712 Cass Ave., Detroit; 313-338-3222; thedetroitclub.com

summer date ideas
Obstacle course photograph courtesy of TreeRunner Adventure Park

Get Physical

Rev up the endorphins with an aerial climb through the trees at West Bloomfield’s TreeRunner Adventure Park. With nearly 200 obstacles to fit your experience and height preferences, this activity center is the perfect way to build teamwork, work up a sweat, and have some crazy, stomach-dropping fun together. Obstacle trails feature challenges like Devils Discs, the Tarzan Swing, and Spinning Log Ladder. This park also features over 40 zip-line courses. Admission includes a four-hour experience that will leave you and your partner exhilarated. TreeRunner Adventure Park, 6600 W. Maple Road, West Bloomfield; 248-419-1550; treerunnerwestbloomfield.com

Spend the Night…or Weekend

Honor and Folly, the lovely Airbnb located above Slows Barbeque in Corktown, is a mix of modern-industrial-meets-cozy-farm décor. The small-scale guesthouse features a well-lit seating area, bedrooms, and a pantry that can be stocked with Detroit goods for an additional charge. An innovative food scene is just steps away from Honor and Folly. Enjoy drinks at the Sugar House or Two James Spirits, brunch at Astro Coffee or Brooklyn Street Local, and any dinner you can possibly crave: Gold Cash Gold, Ima, Cork and Gable, Mercury Bar — the walkable list goes on. Honor and Folly, 2132 Michigan Ave., Detroit; honorandfolly.com


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