Spring into romance with these fun and creative date ideas for the warmer weather.
As the weather becomes warmer, and cool breezes start to feel refreshing instead of freezing, I have decided to return to writing date ideas to inspire the young love that blossoms in tandem with the flowers and trees of spring. Whether you want to go with a partner, friends, family, or just by yourself, these date ideas, thought up by The Axe staff and myself, guarantee a fun and relaxing time. As always, I will preface this article with the acknowledgement of my seemingly unqualified status as someone who has never been on a date, but I will also mention that this fact just means that I am completely unbiased in my endeavor to write the story.
Go to Prom
Take advantage of the moment to go out and buy a nice prom dress or suit, and satisfy your innate desire to dance your heart out! If you don’t have the courage to ask someone out, go with friends and enjoy the spirit of the night. South’s prom theme this year is A Night in Paris and will take place on Saturday, April 27th from 8:00 pm to 11:00. Get your ticket fast, because they’ll soon be out.
Take a trip to the Owen Rose Garden
As spring hikes ever closer to summer, there’s no doubt that you should take a trip to Eugene’s Owen Rose Garden on the Willamette River as the magnificent blend of pinks, reds, and yellows blooms and comes to fruition. It’s time to take a stroll through the garden with your partner and admire the beautiful scenery as you go, taking every opportunity to take photos of the blossoming flowers. If you feel even more inspired, there’s always the option to take a longer drive up to the City of Roses and visit Portland’s International Rose Test Garden, which hosts more than 600 species of roses and was created in the early 20th century to save rose varieties from extinction due to the bombing in Europe during World War I. In addition to its incredible history, the rose garden also includes a breathtaking view of Mt. Hood on clear days. Roses typically bloom starting in late May.
Play a ‘mellow’ sport:
If your idea of romance includes a more physically demanding activity, a great option is to go out to the Westmoreland Pickleball Courts (next to the Arts and Technology Academy in southwest Eugene) on a sunny day. Here you can enjoy chatting with your partner and fighting to win a hard-fought match. Pickleball, of course, is as much a social activity as it is a physical activity. If you desire an activity that allows you to stroll, compete, and socialize, head out to Camp Putt Adventure Golf Park (next to Roaring Rapids on Franklin) and hit some holes-in-one as your partner watches on in both awe and shock. Take advantage of nice days to do so, and if you so desire, head to Roaring Rapids to get some pizza and a good view of the McKenzie River.
Cheer on South spring sports
Though it must be acknowledged that none of the spring sports are as popular spectator sports as some fall (i.e. football) or winter (i.e. basketball) sports, it can be incredibly fun to watch a South game of baseball or softball, a track meet, or the newly added flag football. You could also spend time watching one of the undefeated South tennis teams on the small bleachers next to the South tennis courts as the Axe take on their opponents. Whatever the event, be sure to check that it is a nice day outside so that you and your partner can enjoy the game in comfort and peace.
Picnic
Spend time with your loved one packing a picnic basket and head to the river or your favorite park to relax with them and enjoy the lovely weather that the spring season in Eugene provides. In my opinion, Washburne Park, Washington Park, and University Park, as well as the University of Oregon campus have the best grassy areas in south Eugene, but the best location for a picnic is one that you and your partner feel comfortable and happy in. So, pack sandwiches, pasta salad, and freshly baked banana bread into a basket, and head off to your local location.
The Axe 