Everyone's idea of the perfect date can be different. An ideal evening out for one couple isn't necessarily the preferred evening out for another. With this in mind, we've put together a wide range of date itineraries in for all different types of personalities and interests, all right here in St. Charles. Keep reading below to learn more!
Outdoor Enthusiasts
Photo Courtesy of Brigette Burgman of Nomadic Soul Photography
For some couples, the most fun is had when spending quality time out in the fresh air, and we have date plans that any outdoor enthusiast would approve of. While the sun is still shining, grab your best pair of walking shoes and head to one of the forests preserves, parks, and trails for a leisurely hike! This is a great opportunity to catch-up with your significant other, all while being surrounded by all the natural beauty that St. Charles has to offer.
Photo Courtesy of Brigette Burgman of Nomadic Soul Photography
Once you've wrapped up the hike, refuel by grabbing 2024 Kane County Magazine's finest steak at St. Charles Place Steakhouse! Bringing back the times of the classic supper club, St. Charles Place Steakhouse has a romantic feel that is ideal for any date night. On top of their award-winning steak, you can indulge in numerous favorite like their popular Flaming Duck or Rack of Lamb.
Photo Courtesy of Brigette Burgman of Nomadic Soul Photography
For the last stop on this date, if the weather calls for it, lace up your skates and head to Lincoln Park to hit the ice on their outdoor rink! This ice rink has lights, making this a fun, unique activity that you and your partner can do in the evening to cap off your date night. Need a pair of skates? Play It Again Sports has a variety of new and used ice skates available for purchase.
Foodies
Photo Courtesy of Fox Den Cooking
It isn't uncommon for couples to be passionate about trying new restaurants and cuisines. Knowing this, it only makes sense that we have a date night itinerary that revolves all around food! Before you head to one of the amazing restaurants in town for a meal, you and your significant other are going to visit Fox Den Cooking to take a cooking class! At Fox Den Cooking, they walk you through step by step on how to make a certain dish (dishes can be viewed ahead of time on their website). The best part is, after you're done, you get to eat everything you make!
Photo Courtesy of The Graceful Ordinary
Assuming you are not stuffed from Fox Den Cooking, you and your partner's next stop is going to be an award-winning kitchen that has turned into a destination for food lovers everywhere: The Graceful Ordinary. With every trip, you're getting more than just a typical meal, you're getting an experience. Blending multiple American regional styles in their cuisine, their menu is seasonal, ensuring there is always something new just waiting for you to try.
Photo Courtesy of The Lewis
Did you know: The Lewis is named after James K. Lewis who was the very first mayor of St. Charles? What better way to end your foodie date than having a night cap at a premier lounge that gives a nod to the roots of this city! Here, you can sip on an array of popular cocktails, like a Manhattan or a Phil Collins, all while enjoying the ambience of their vintage 1970's vibes.
Competitive Spirits
Photo Courtesy of Brigette Burgman of Nomadic Soul Photography
Let's face it - relationships can sometimes get a bit competitive, especially when you're always trying to win games and activities against your partner. If this sounds similar to your relationship, then we have a date planned that even the most competitive of spirits would adore. Roll on over to St. Charles Bowl to start your evening out, and see who can rack up the higher score. If you can't wait until dinner for a bite to eat, you can visit the Spare Time Bar & Grill inside the alley for an appetizer and a beverage to drink.
Photo Courtesy of Brigette Burgman of Nomadic Soul Photography
Now that you've determined a winner from your bowling competition, travel to downtown to grab some fare at Flagship on the Fox - a favorite in the community to catch all the latest sports action on one of their 32 televisions. Keeping true to the competitive theme of this date night out, you and your partner can root for your favorite teams while enjoying their delicious American fare, like their ample selection of burgers and grilled cheese.
Photo Courtesy of Pollyanna Brewing & Distilling
Once you're stomach is filled from Flagship on the Fox and you can't eat another bite, head next door to Pollyanna Brewing & Distilling for craft beverage and to conclude your evening. Once you've grabbed your drink, it's time to engage in one last competition with your partner for the evening: pinball. They've recently added four new pinball machines with popular themes that include Deadpool and The Simpsons. See which one of you can reach the highest score by the end of the night to crown the true winner of this competitive date night.
How Do You Plan on Spending Your Valentine's Day
Catching a Show
Going to Dinner
Doing an Activity
Spending Time Outdoors
Social Butterflies
Do you and your partner thrive when being in social settings? If this rings true, start your date with a shopping trip around town to find pieces that would be terrific for hosting a celebration with friends and family. While there are plenty of retail stores in town that offer unbelievable products, you have to make a point to stop by Campbell Creations. Campbell Creations crafts hand-made, one-of-a-kind charcuterie boards that are absolutely stunning. This beautiful piece of craftmanship is sure to be the talking-point of any social gathering.
Photo Courtesy of The Dance Lab
Now that you and your partner have found some perfect pieces for your next social gathering, head to one of the dance studios in town to socialize during a group lesson. The Dance Lab, Lux Dance Studio, and Fred Astaire Dance Studio all hold group lessons where you can learn or practice a certain style of dance. What makes this activity so much more fun is that you have the chance to interact and socialize with new people! Who knows? You may even make some new friends and turn these dancing nights into a tradition you all can enjoy.
Photo Courtesy of Brigette Burgman of Nomadic Soul Photography
Doing all that shopping and dancing is sure to make one build up an appetite. End your evening at a famous St. Charles staple that's been in town for over 25 years: La Za'Za' Trattoria. Not only will their Northern Italian cuisine leave your taste buds ecstatic, but when you dine with them, they always make you feel like family. Plus, with a romantic interior inside their space, you can be sure that it will make your evening that much more special.
Music Lovers
Photo Courtesy of Brigette Burgman of Nomadic Soul Photography
One of the many things that St. Charles is known for is their live music scene. Whether it be at one of the theatres in town like the historic Arcada Theatre or Moonlight Theatre, or at a local restaurant or bar in town, you can be sure that on just about any given night of the week, you'll hear the sounds of music in the air. Take a look at our Weekly Live Music Page while your planning the date, and find a performance that you and your significant other would love!
Photo Courtesy of Rox City Grill
Up next on this date itinerary, we are going to keep the music theme going through dinner with a trip to Rox City Grill. Located inside the historic Hotel Baker, Rox City Grill serves an array of indulgent plates that look just as good as they taste, and you can quench your thirst with an award-winning martinis! Not to mention, you can enjoy the sounds of live performances here every Friday and Saturday evening from 7:30pm-11pm making this an exceptional eatery to include for this date itinerary filled with music.
Photo Courtesy of C & E Photography
Before you and your partner head home for the evening, make one last stop at The House Pub downtown, located in a building the dates back to 1926! While your here, you can enjoy a late night cocktail or craft beer, all while continuing to be entertained by live tunes. At The House Pub, you can expect live music on Wednesday through Saturday evenings. It is important to note that they do charge a cover for certain performances, so it's best to keep up to date on their website and Facebook to find more information.
Romance is in the air in St. Charles! This Valentine's Day, many local businesses are offering special sales, promotions, and events in honor of the holiday that you are sure to fall head over heels in love for. Click above to learn more!