The typical date night usually involves getting dressed up and going to a fancy restaurant or maybe taking in a movie. After time, this can begin to feel a little stale. Here are three ideas to shake things up a bit.
Bull's Eye Indoor Range
Shooting at a range is an exciting experience that can really get your adrenaline flowing. There is nothing like the thrill of hitting a reactive target and seeing the pop of color that lets you know it's a hit. According to Eric Phom, range employee, shooting makes a great date.
"I often take dates shooting, and it is a fun experience," he said. "You can outfit two people with everything you need for about $60 to $80. This includes lane, weapons, ammo and targets."
The range requires at least one person to have firearms experience. There are a variety of targets and weapons to choose from.
Bull's Eye Indoor Range, daily, 9 a.m. to 9 p.m., 414 Puyallup Ave., Tacoma, 253.627.2855, bullseyeshooter.com
Adventures by Appointment, LLC
Not just for gamers, escape rooms feature a game where you are locked in a room. You must use elements in the room to complete puzzles and find clues to figure out how to escape in a set period of time. It also adds characters and a plot to enhance to the experience. Located in the historic post office building, Adventures by Appointment offers two puzzle rooms, each with a unique scenario. One involves escaping a criminal mastermind, the other contacting someone from the spirit world. There are unexpected twists and turns, which will keep you on your toes.
Adventures by Appointment, LLC, by reservation, 1102 S. A. St., Tacoma, adventuresbyappointment.com
The Gig Harbor Gondola
According to Matt Wakefield, communications manager, Travel Tacoma + Pierce County, "The Gig Harbor Gondola is easily one of the most romantic things you can do in the South Puget Sound. The gondolier, John, provides some snacks, and you can bring a bottle of wine and listen to him sing in Italian while you're gliding across Gig Harbor. It's almost too much, but it's not. It's incredible."
To make a great date night experience, dress appropriately for the weather and stop by one of the local stores for a bottle of prosecco. Gondolier John Synco will provide cups, ice and bottle opener. He also provides a small appetizer, and you are welcome to bring more food. Boat trips are 60 or 90 minutes and must be booked in advance.
Gig Harbor Gondola at Gig Harbor Marina & Boatyard, by reservation, 3117 Harborview Dr., Gig Harbor, 253.432.0052, gigharborgondola.com
The three suggestions each run about an hour and can be paired with a restaurant to extend your evening. Keep with the theme: Try barbeque with the firing range and seafood with the gondola ride. With the escape room, try one of the many Asian restaurants in the area and order something adventurous that you have never had. Depending on your location, finish your night with an evening stroll, and maybe you'll luck out and see some stars, all the more precious when so rarely seen.