As the air gets cooler, adding a date to your week could be just the thing to warm you up. Perhaps you are able to enjoy one another’s company on a more traditional Saturday night date or maybe your date needs to happen on a Tuesday afternoon to make it work for your family life. No matter when you can schedule it, fall is a great opportunity to reconnect with your partner after the summer’s busy-ness – and there are lots of options in Rochester to fit your interests, budget, and schedule.
Movement & Fresh Air
Take a scenic bike ride or a leisurely walk along one of the beautiful trails in Rochester. For example, the Genesee Riverway Trail offers amazing views of the river and the surrounding landscape is especially beautiful in fall. High Falls just appears in the middle of downtown! It’s a great place to enjoy one another’s company while taking in an unexpected beauty in our city. If you’re feeling adventurous, try renting a kayak or canoe. Baycreek Paddling Center in Webster might be a great place to start with a lesson. Any of these will allow you to see the changing leaves and breathe in crisp air.
Seneca Park Zoo is at its best in the fall and even through winter. Animals are more active, the crowds are minimal (perfect for a midweek day date), and the walk without kids allows you to stop and see the animals that YOU want to see. The Zoo does offer seasonal adult-only events in the evenings so be sure to check the website for more information about a special night out with the animals.
Cozy Vibes & Low Key Fun
A favorite date night for my husband and I is Caramel Bakery & Bar on Park Avenue. Whether you want dessert, coffee, or a cocktail, this is the PLACE for cozy vibes. Intimate tables, seasonal selections, and unique pairings makes this a truly perfect experience. Find a place that you and your partner love and return to it when you want to reconnect.
Radio Social is another Rochester favorite for date nights if you’re looking for some friendly competition in a fun atmosphere. There’s bowling and indoor & outdoor games along with dining and bar options. This one might require a little more planning to reserve a lane or get tickets to one of its many events but it’s always a good time there.
Rochester’s theater scene is quite impressive; if you want to try a play, check out Blackfriars or Geva Theater, both of which have a wide range of shows throughout their season but each has at least one comedy. Shared laughter on a date ignites a spark along with a shared experience.
On a Budget
After the dinner-bath-bed chaos ends, find a quiet spot to enjoy the fresh air and dusky sky. Lay out a blanket and stargaze! Bring along a thermos of hot drinks and you have a truly splendid evening. This could even happen in your backyard so that you don’t have to pay a babysitter.
Wander a Bookstore or library: Spend time browsing a local bookstore, find a travel or a different shared interest book, and page through it together. Or maybe make a list of books you’d like to read together this winter or choose one of the book club books to read and make next month’s date night attending the book club.
In my opinion, fall is an even better time to check out a market than summer because it’s a little less chaotic which means opportunity to move more slowly with your date and a warm beverage, hand in hand. Explore the Public Market or Powers Farm for fresh fall produce, homemade treats, and seasonal flowers. Challenge each other to find the most unique looking pumpkin, the tastiest sample, or crunchiest apple variety. Through the fall, there are plenty of fall special events at these locations (and others) so plan your date accordingly!
Use the Change of Season To Turn Up the Heat on Your Relationship
Just a reminder that a date doesn’t need to cost hundreds of dollars, be planned for weeks in advance, or even last longer than an hour. Sandbar Park in Webster or Charlotte Pier in Irondequoit offer great views over the water and to say goodbye to another day with your beloved. Sometimes all it takes to reconnect is watching the sunset on a busy day in a new location while holding hands or with your arms around one another.
