Top 5 Unconventional Places In Illinois To Go On A First Date

Dating is hard.  Don't tell me it's not, because I know you've been swiping on your dating app for the past 3 hours and are having absolutely no luck.

When I was single, I used Tinder A LOT.  As much as my mom wanted me to meet people organically, that just wasn't going to happen.  Oddly enough, I did meet my current boyfriend in the CherryVale Mall food court in Rockford by pure luck, so I guess I do have my mom to thank for the words of wisdom.

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Anyway, enough about my love life - we're here to talk about yours!  I want to find you some unconventional places to go for a date night in Illinois.  We've already been to Chili's for dinner, AMC for a movie, a forest preserve for hiking, and probably done the Netflix and Chill one too many times.

Here's 5 surprisingly fun places you'll ((hopefully)) have a wonderful time with your date!

Thrifting Together

This is fun for everybody. I personally love Smiley's Vintage to shop for vintage tees. Piece together vintage outfits for each other to wear to dinner later, you could get really creative with this one!

Visit an Animal Shelter

I don't know how this date could go wrong, you're spending quality time with someone while playing with puppies and kittens!  But don't make the mistake like I almost did, signing adoption paperwork with someone you weren't totally sure about.

Attend an Open House

I'm soooo guilty of this. Don't you get the itch to just act like you can afford a house way out of your price range? Why not go on a date to an open house and make it really look like you're shopping for a new home together? Yeah, now we're talkin'!

Hit up a Karaoke Bar

If you're really extroverted and feeling bold, get down to a Karaoke Bar in town and put on a performance together.  This could really bring out the fun side of you! I spent many weekends at the Rue Marche and it never disappointed.

Sign up for a Sip N' Paint class

There's always a Sip N' Paint happening somewhere.  Don't know what that is?  You literally sip on some delicious wine, beer, or whatever you fancy, and be Bob Ross for the night! Put your creative skills to the test for this date.

These date ideas can be found in Illinois pretty much anywhere.  If I can do all of these in Rockford then you can find it in your city, too! It's out there, you just have to look for it!