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Even if you've got your love to keep you warm this winter, you and your love might still want to venture out into the cold for a date. These ideas will keep you and your partner active, while helping you build and maintain a healthy, exciting relationship.
Hit the ice
First: Go ice skating at Steinberg Ice Rink
Then: Drinks in the Central West End
Lacing up a pair of skates and cruising around the Steinberg outdoor rink (400 Jefferson Drive) is a tried and true St. Louis tradition for a reason: Skating is super fun, and a decent workout, to boot. Impress your partner with your speed—or your ability to merely stay upright. Sometimes less is more. General admission is $10, and a skate rental is only $6. Afterwards, warm up (or nurse your bruises) with drinks at any number of cozy establishments along Euclid, including Brennan’s (316 N. Euclid), Lazy Tiger (210 N. Euclid), or Pagan Wine Bar (239 N. Euclid), among other hot spots.
Play in the snow
First: Ride the slopes at Hidden Valley
Then: Refuel at Sarah’s On Central
You don’t have to go all the way out west to spend some quality time on the snowy slopes. Hidden Valley is a good spot for beginners. Better yet, it’s only a short drive from the city, making it an easy day trip for any couple looking for a unique, seasonally-spirited date. If you’re not quite skilled enough for skiing or snowboarding, stick with snow tubing. Day passes start at as little as $40. After the hills wear you out, head down the road to Sarah’s On Central for drinks and/or a quick bite, and recap your adventure. Sarah’s also offers an impressive selection of fresh-baked treats. After burning some calories at Hidden Valley, it’ll be good to treat yourself.
Spice up your night
First: Grab a bite at Cocina Latina
Then: Salsa dance at one of Club Viva’s Latin Nights
Cocina Latina specializes in Peruvian cuisine, while also offering dishes that pay homage to Cuban and Colombian classics. After dinner and drinks, walk two blocks south to Club Viva and dance the night away. The club hosts Latin Nights on Thursdays and Saturdays. There’s a $10 cover, but you can take a quick, complimentary lesson on Salsa and Bachata dancing if you’re there by 8:15 p.m.
Have a winter fling
First: Throw axes at Top Notch
Then: Dinner and drinks at Small Batch
Taking your date to throw things is a sharp idea for a fun night. Book a reservation ahead of time to get 90 minutes of UFOs—uninterrupted flying objects. If axes aren’t your jam, try tossing ninja stars or throwing cards. Top Notch has locations in St. Charles, Ballwin, and downtown St. Louis. If you end up at the latter spot, head over to Midtown for some post-throwing craft cocktails and interesting plant-based delicacies at Small Batch, where the whiskey list promises to be even more on target than your axes.
Take your relationship to new heights
First: Scale the wall at Climb So iLL
Then: Dinner and drinks at The Bellwether
A climbing date at Climb So iLL will add new stories to your relationship. Purchase a day pass for $18, and rent a full set of climbing gear for just $10. After scaling the walls, head upstairs to The Bellwether. There, you’ll find elevated small plates, elegant entrees, and literary-inspired drinks to gently bring you back to earth.