Back at the Ranch: Courting During COVID-19: Date Nights Reimagined

Remember when the awkwardness of dating was purely rooted in uncomfortable moments with someone you just met at a bar, in hopes of maybe, possibly, hopefully creating a long-lasting relationship? Of course, the dating scene naturally adapted to a fast-paced environment where swiping left or right helped narrow down and eliminate unnecessary conversations with dead-end prospects. In-person dates were reduced to a handful of highly eligible individuals based on engaging digital conversations.

Then 2020 happened. A global pandemic put a complete halt on the dating scene. Whether looking for a serious relationship or casual dating, married or single, kids or not, date nights became a thing of the past. For months on end, the entire world has found itself in some form of isolation holding pattern.

What now?

Almost a full year later, the community is still reeling. Taking time with a significant other or to scout new friendships needs to evolve to meet the landscape of our current society.

This begs the question: How does one date during a pandemic, when physical distancing and face masks are part of daily practices?

Capitalize on Carryout or Delivery

Dining in no longer means relying on takeout pizza or the contents of your fridge. Some of the most upscale restaurants have begun to offer five-star meals in to-go containers. You can now enjoy delicious meals from the comfort of your couch or set up a first-date picnic waterside at Nathan Benderson Park or one of Sarasota’s five-star beaches.

Michael’s On East in downtown Sarasota boasts a regularly changing menu of taste bud pleasing plates from around the globe. It’ll even deliver if you live in the surrounding area (63.4 square miles of coverage, to be exact!). So go ahead and dim the lights, add a candle, and pair it with a perfect bottle of wine from the wine cellar. You’ve got yourself the perfect in-home ambiance.

Looking for day-dates? Offering takeout or delivery, skim the brunch menu at Grove in Lakewood Ranch to discover a wide array of choices for every craving. And with locations in both Lakewood Ranch and Sarasota, Libby’s Neighborhood Brasserie offers curbside pickup for a variety of menu items and price points to please any palate and budget.

And always remember, when you don’t feel like picking it up or are outside the delivery radius, Uber Eats and Door Dash are available to save the day.

Embrace the Escape (Room)

Ready to get out of the house but not yet ready to be around hordes of people? Recently popularized in the entertainment industry are escape rooms. Typically involving a group of friends, co-workers or family members, escape rooms have adapted their business model to offer private (two-person) experiences. If the thought of being trapped with your partner for hours doesn’t scare you, go visit Lokey’s Escape Rooms or Escape Room Sarasota for a fun-filled night of problem-solving.

Fun for the Family

What about a family night? If you’re looking for some intentional time spent with everyone together, but the kids roll their eyes at the thought of another evening lost to a game of Monopoly, try some to-go pottery painting kits. With these convenient little “take and paint” crafts from both Arts A Blaze and The Artful Giraffe, all family members can put down their phones and pick up a paint brush to explore their creativity.

Dates Aren’t Dead!

As the entertainment industry continues to adapt to our current culture, keep your eyes peeled for additional unique at-home or private date ideas. Just know, date nights aren’t a lost art. You can and will find great alternatives while keeping yourself and your family safe.