One of the most essential pieces of making a good first impression on a date is picking the right place to have it. Fortunately for those in Virginia, your options are abundant. From hidden gems like a drive-in movie theater to nostalgic arcades, the first date options in Virginia are second to none. Here are our favorites.
Originally a munitions plant, the Alexandria Torpedo Factory Art Center is “home to the nation’s largest collection of working-artists’ open studios under one roof.” Why not explore the transformative power of art with your potential future partner?
The Spirit of Norfolk is a glamorous cruise ship that travels along the Elizabeth River in Norfolk, Virginia. Enjoy panoramic skyline views, delicious meals, and the rocking river below as you get to know your date.
Take a ferry from Norfolk across the Elizabeth River to nearby Olde Town, Portsmouth. Walk around this historic city, originally established in 1752. Stroll through ancient (by American standards) homes, peruse antique shops, and stop for a coffee while you admire the river and each other.
The Cape Henry Lighthouse in Virginia Beach, Virginia, is the first federally-funded lighthouse in the United States, and where the English settlers originally arrived. Take a self-guided 30-minute tour to the top of the tower and the on-site sand dune. While there, consider stopping at the ocean front beach or boardwalk, perfect for a date. Keep in mind that the lighthouse is on an active military base, so ID will be required to get a visitor’s pass.
If the weather is nice, why not take your date to a pick-your-own farm where you can get to know each other while picking fruit? Extend your date by bringing your baskets of fruit home to bake a tasty treat.
You’re never too far away from a professional baseball game in Virginia. The Washington Nationals play along the D.C./Northern Virginia border at Nationals Park, and tickets are reasonably priced. Find out if your new spark is into baseball, and, if they are, swing for the tickets. You’ll have a memorable time regardless of which team scores most.
Drive-in theaters are a sure-fire hit with just about any movie lover, and Virginia is lucky to have many seasonal options to choose from. One of the favorites is the Goochland Drive-In in Hadensville. This is a truly classic first date option.
Virginia has plenty of arcades throughout the state, but one of the most popular is the Circuit in Richmond. They’ve got a wide variety of standup arcade games, brews on tap, and food. If your date is into the geekier side of life, then taking them to show off their gaming skills is a surefire win.