Seeking a date night out in our Summit, Short Hills, SOMA, NJ area? Don't we all?
The occasional date nights out are important for parents to connect and focus on each other. Date nights can "enhance your friendship as well as your emotional connectedness," Dianne Grande, Ph.D., a licensed clinical psychologist wrote in a Psychology Today article called "Date Night: Not a Luxury, a Necessity."
"Usually, the challenge for long-term couples is to get out of the routine that they have fallen into and put in some effort to make their lives together more fun and joyful," she writes.
So find a babysitter, schedule a playdate, or recruit a family member or friend to take over kid duties for a few hours this weekend, and plan a great few hours away with your honey. Here are five ideas for creative dates in the Summit, Short Hills, SOMA, NJ area.
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Take a hike!
Find a new trail to explore together by foot, on bike, or even on snowshoes — depending on the time of the year! Some of my favorite places to get out in nature:
- South Mountain Reservation, West Orange & Millburn - a 2,000+ acre nature reserve with trails, a dog park, and a fairy trail. See our article about frozen waterfalls!
- Reeves-Reed Arboretum, Summit - public garden and arboretum with wooded trails
- Great Swamp National Wildlife Refuge, Basking Ridge - has a 1.2 mile accessible boardwalk & stone dust trails at its Wildlife Observation Center. Only a short drive from Summit.
Where to eat after hiking nearby?
After working up an appetite on the trail, stop at one of these great lunch spots:
- Artie’s, Maplewood - the former Arturo’s serving pasta, pizza, small plates, sandwiches
- Summit Diner, Summit
- Sterling Hotel, Stirling - comfort food
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Create!
Take a class together to get those creative juices flowing! You may find classes at places like:
- Pinot's Palette, Summit
- Artevino Studio, Millburn
- Fire Me Up Studio, Cranford
Where to eat after being artistic?
After creating your masterpiece, head to one of these restaurants, known for their innovative and creative dishes:
- Summit House, Summit
- Moonshine Modern Supper Club, Millburn
- Black Sheep Bar and Provisions, Garwood
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Get out that stress
Life have you both feeling stressed out? Relax together! From throwing axes to couples massages — here are a few of our favorites:
- Woodhouse, Summit
- Soothing Zen Spa, Millburn
- Zen Float Center, Scotch Plains
Where to eat in a relaxed setting?
You'll want a nice relaxed meal after getting all that stress out! Try one of these restaurants for a casual, unrushed meal to enjoy together.
- Lucco Cucina & Bar, Florham Park
- Millburn Standard, Millburn
- Publick House, Mountainside
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Enjoy your favorite attractions... without the kids!
You probably always have kids along when you visit some of the best attractions nearby. So leave the kids at home and get out to explore on your own — you might be surprised how you enjoy places in a new way when the kids aren't pulling you in different directions. Here are some of our favorite places to visit again ... without the kids!
- RAM Gallery, Summit (#ad hosted our Moms and Mimosas event)
- Chatham Hickory Cinema, Chatham
- The Summit Playhouse, Summit
Where to eat in and around Summit?
Have a great brunch before heading out to your favorite attraction! Some of our favorite spots for brunch are:
- Due 360, Summit - Latin & Italian tapas!
- Sorriso Kitchen, Chatham
- Sweet Basil's Cafe, Livingston
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Relive your early days
What did you love to do together when you were dating? Here are some of our favorite spots that are great for reminiscing about those early days.
- Bowling in Garwood
- Shanghai Jazz Restaurant & Bar, Madison
- Roosterspin, Westfield - karaoke & Korean food. Fun and food!
Where to eat in a cozy and romantic setting?
Maybe you're seeking something cozy and romantic after thinking about your early days. Head to these highly recommended spots.
- Restaurant Lorena’s, Maplewood - romantic with a seasonal French fare menu including vegan options
- Restaurant Serenade, Chatham - French
- Huntley Taverne, Summit
Where to Drop Off the Kids?
When a babysitter isn't available, try these...
- Color Me Mine, Summit - Kids Night Out (#ad)
- Code Ninjas, Livingston - Parents Night Out
- Metropolitan YMCA of the Oranges - Parents Night Out
Looking for more fun in Summit, Short Hills, South Orange, Maplewood, Chatham, Livingston, Millburn, West Orange, Orange, Vauxhall, and Florham Park?
