Three Great Places to Take a First Date in Greensboro, NC

Not Just Dinner and a Movie

Everyone knows the first date is about first impressions. Even if you are going out with someone you have gotten to know somewhat either at work, school, church or a social group, the change of setting from the usual to a first date scenario shows you in a new and completely different light. So in this case, you still have to make a first impression on a different level: your date has graduated from evaluating you as a person in general to a person with whom he or she may want to form a more lasting relationship, so you want to pick a location for your first date that reflects your personality and shows that you put some thought into what might be fun and interesting for your first date.

So, dinner and a movie? Too predictable! What we need on a first date is something interesting to do. The conversation can sometimes lapse into uncomfortable pause over the dinner table if you don't know each other well enough to keep it going. Some people may welcome the respite from having to talk that a movie provides, but a shared experience will give you plenty to talk about. So, the following are great spots to take a first date:

Bicentennial Garden, 1105 Hobbs Road at Cornwallis -The lovely Bicentennial Garden is a perfect spot for a stroll, with plenty of gorgeous plantings and interesting scenery to check out and talk about. Winding paths take you through shady gardens, over a bridge, and past gazebos, sculpture and historical landmarks. There are picnic tables at which you can share a bite of lunch, and there is also a bonus-there is another park right across the street! Cross Hobbs from the Bicentennial Garden's main entrance and you will find the Bog Garden, which features a romantic boardwalk stroll through the trees and flowers to an observation deck overlooking the lovely lakeside from which you can feed the ducks, geese, turtles and fish. These great parks combine to make a nature lover's delight!

If you are feeling more playful, Celebration Station (4315 Big Tree Way, just off I-40 at the Wendover Avenue East exit) features a wealth of activities from go-karts and miniature golf to video games and air hockey, pool tables and more! Follow this link to learn about hours and attractions.

The Greensboro Science Center and SciQuarium at 4301 Lawndale Drive is an amazing combination of museum and zoo. Live animals range from petting-zoo sheep and bunnies to lemurs, a giant anteater, and even a pair of tigers! Peacocks stroll the grounds and display their lovely plumage. Or go inside and enjoy the many displays of gemstones, fossils, historical inventions or even catch a show in the planetarium! The Greensboro Science Center is full of interesting things to look at and learn about, and the accompanying SciQuarium (separate ticket required) is a fantastic experience featuring cute penguins, otters, a touch tank with rays and skates and even a huge shark tank. It's quite an experience!

If you are ready to follow up your outing with a meal and want some great restaurant recommendations, check out my post on romantic restaurants in Greensboro. Good luck and have a great time on your first date in Greensboro, NC!

You can also find What's Good in Greensbroro? on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/Whats-Good-in-Greensboro-848569635208317/ . See you there!

Photo of the beautiful Serenity Falls at the Bog Garden, on Wikimedia Commons  http://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:BogGardenSerenityFalls1.jpg