Looking to spice up you dating life? Well, one of the first and easiest steps you can take is to try out new venues and events. Here are 5 secret date spots that have managed to stay hidden in plain sight! Whether you’re a Glendale local or just looking for something cool to do in the area, these semi-unconventional date ideas might be just what you need to jump start your love life.
1)Odd Nights at the Autry
On the third Friday of the warmer months, the Autry (a good date museum in it’s own right) turns into a outdoor flea market extravaganza with vendors, odd wares, food trucks, music, dancing and general merriment. You don’t need to be looking to buy to have a good time here, but if you’re the DIY type, you and your date can get your Flea Market Swap on. Finding a project to work on together (like an end table that needs a little TLC) can give you a fun activity for future date nights. Who knows, you might even discover a new talent for making the shabby chic again.
2)Glendale Centre Theater
For the number of aspiring actors and creative minds in this city, it’s shocking how few live theaters exist. There are the big ones like the Ahmanson, Pantages and Kirk Douglas, but there are also a handful of smaller theaters scattered across the city that are packed with above average talent just waiting for their big break. The Glendale Centre Theater is one of the longest, continuously running, privately owned and operated theater companies in America, so you know they must be doing something right. You don’t have to be the artsy type to instill your date nights with a little culture. If you’re looking for something fresh and exciting, check out a show! It just might inspire you or at the very least it’ll give you something to talk about over post-show drinks.
Single? Find someone to take to these cool spots!
3)Forest Lawn Cemetery Museum
Yes, there’s a free museum in one of Los Angeles’ largest cemeteries and yes, it does make a good date spot if you can get over the initial weirdness. The permanent collection at the Forest Lawn Museum is fairly religious in nature, but a large hall of rotating exhibits spans all manner of art. Past exhibitions have been centered around the works of Charles Schultz, David Bowie and Eyvind Earle (the iconic Disney animator). You and your date can soak up some sweet art and then, if you’re into this sort of thing, take a stroll through the rolling hills of the cemetery. I promise it’s not as creepy as it sounds and, in fact, is actually quite peaceful and relaxing. As a bonus, you can pay your respects at the final resting place of stars like Walt Disney, Jimmy Stewart, Michael Jackson, Elizabeth Taylor and Humphrey Bogart. There are more stars buried here than anywhere in the world! If that doesn’t spell out romance, what does?
4)Brand Park Hiking Trails & Library
If you’re tired of yelling at your dates across noisy bars, you’ll find Brand Library a refreshing change of pace. Hushed whispers will be all you’re able to share here vocal-wise, but you can marvel at the castle-like structure and listen to records together on the communal turntable. The library specializes in music, but also acts as a safe haven for anyone looking for a quiet place to study. Outside the library you can check out the attached art galley which hosts frequent events, picnic on the lawn, watch a little league game or the parade of wedding parties posing for pictures (if you go on a weekend, there’s always a wedding party), or hiking the trails the go into the Verdugo Mountains. With so much to do and see this is a date spot you can keep coming back to again and again.
5)Raffi’s Place
Maybe you enjoy the dinner date structure, but are looking for something new to try. In that case I would ask, have you ever eaten Persian or Middle Eastern cuisine? If the answer is no, you should get yourself and your date to Raffi’s Place stat. The food is delicious, the indoor/outdoor seating is atmospheric and romantic and the staff are a joy. Your tastes buds will be sent on an exotic adventure that might just inspire you try cooking your newly discovered favorite dishes at home. If your date is game, you can have the next date night already in the bag!