Sometimes romance IS in the crowds…

Sound crazy?  A couple can be come an island of closeness even with people all around. Whether it is an excuse to hold hands, squeeze together, or have a face-to-face conversation, a crowd can be very romantic!  We have several intimate-crowded-adventure-ideas for you…..

My husband I and recently went to Luci Ancora in St. Paul, billed as a casual elegant restaurant for people who like food.  The first thing I noticed is how close the tables were to each other. I shrugged – and decided it was like the cute little bistros in Europe.  The funny thing was, as you get lulled into the gentle buzz of all the conversations, you actually cease to notice any individual chats around you, and focus on your own. 

We had what really felt like a “date night” of non-stop conversation, easily moving from kids and jobs to sharing experiences and really talking. Thumbs up to Luci Ancora!  And we recommend the mussels appetizer and try the Limón cello sorbet for a light refreshing dessert!

Another inspired crowded yet cozy date night?

Add a little jazz to your date-life!

Try a Blues singer/piano combo at the Dakota Jazz Club.  Davina has been a hit in Minneapolis, Memphis and even Switzerland for the melting pot of her blues, American roots, and New Orleans music.

Or try a little Pop with 10-time Grammy nominated Meshell Ndegeocello!  Her music, energetic and assertive, is equal parts funk, folk, hip-hop, jazz and African roots music. And you won’t be the first to find romance in the intimate candle-lit jazz room. 

And here’s an A+ romantic idea that can bring intimacy whether it is crowded or not – tho you will find people there! Try Patisserie Margo. They’ve been referred to as the bakery version of “Cheers”, where everybody knows your name. If you need desserts for a party, morning pastries or just a treat for the two of you, this is the place to be. They have muffins, scones, croissants, danish, bars, cookies, bread, quiche, sandwiches, and famously sinful desserts. Of course, they make everything from scratch daily.

What better way to create a memorable date night and relationship renewal than splitting a scrumptious hand made dessert?  Share a fork and look into each other’s eyes – the crowd will melt away!

So what does this A+ romantic idea company  have in common with Bed & Breakfast Getaways?  Well, Out-Of-The-Box-Dates Founder and CEO, LeeAnn Williams participated in our very first trade show – which means YOU are going to see some more cool and unique dates around Minnesota and Wisconsin.

LeeAnn displayed Out Of The Box Dates (OOTBD) at the Crown Plaza North in Minneapolis with the specific purpose of sharing our Romantic Dates and offerings with the Bed & Breakfast community of Innkeepers.

 The Bed and Breakfast owners, all 55 of them, primarily in Minnesota, and some in Wisconsin are very proud of their properties and the experience they offer their guests.  In LeeAnn’s words, “it was a privilege to meet the owners, and hear their excitement as they shared their unique offerings. ”

OOTBD offered a free assessment of the B&B’s current romance package… and we discovered the number one reason why people don’t stay at a B&B when traveling is because… they didn’t think about it.

 We’re about to change that!  Stay tuned as each of a myriad of proposals we received to create custom dates at B&B’s  in and around their hometowns become available. You can be the first to experience an exceptional new Date!

 In the meantime, don’t be one of those people who stay in some sterile suite with bagels for breakfast, when you can  experience an OOTBD at a B&B! Check out our current exciting, no planning required,  romantic MN date called The Pillar of Love!  And feel free to click on these B&B search sites and enjoy a unique and personal travel experience!  

B&B Directory  B&B Planner  B&B Online  BnB Finder  Lanier B&B

And one more fun and amusing fact?

During the show, we found out that the first thing a male guest will do is check out the shower head to see how nice it is!

Well, we recommend you watch for Out Of The Box Dates updates regarding weekend get-away Bed & Breakfast Dream Dates…which make great gifts….(we’ll let you know about the shower!)

 Thanks to the OOTBD staff’s help in preparation for this show!

HUGE thanks especially to Scott for his help at the show!

Great Dates that Shout “WOW” without all the planning!

How do you plan for such a date for one of the toughest Date Nights of the year?  There are options!

 You could just spend a ton of money:

• 4 star restaurant – but you better have a reservation already
• Big concert – check out Ticketmaster – pay more to get good seats
• Plan a party – but I guess you wouldn’t be looking here if you’d done that

You could also go for the minimalist approach

• Red roses (never mind the number that turn droopy in 3 days)
• Hand made card ( a trip to Michaels? Hallmark first to get ideas?)
• Lobster Dinner at home (well – rent a chef? Ok – add to above points $$)

Let’s face it. The date that you can plan in the next two weeks is a box date.  You can find it, because it’s in a box – you know – four corners, square, exactly as expected. But you are not a box person! You are looking for something

• Unique
• Surprising
• Personal
• Memorable
• Exciting
• Inspiring
• Romantic

 A REAL Valentine’s Day Date is one that doesn’t fit all the usual suspects.  Have you seen this one coming?? YOU NEED AN

Yes!  A romantic WOW date –without the planning!

If you have been reading this blog, but have yet to check out the rest of the website, now is the time!  The most WOW date you can imagine is at your fingertips!

• Without a ton of money
• Without any planning
• You will find personal touches  -  discover surprises in the “Secretly Hers” and “Secretly His” envelopes
• Unique and tantalizing specially designed romance games
• All the supplies (some silly and some dreamy) for your date
• As with all of our dates, your adventure begins the week leading up to your date

So NOW is the time to go shopping…for your WOW Valentine’s Date! No planning – just shop and click!

Tell us YOUR romantically unusual  Dates!

 Yes, this blog post is about the Secret to the Unusual Date, but in preparation for Valentines Day, we’d love to get some real life examples of your romantically unusual Valentine’s Day dates! Please email your Best or Worst unusual Valentine’s Date to  romance@outoftheboxdates.com. Your submission will remain anonymous!

So what do we mean by unusual?

Truly, there are some unusual dates out there. Don’t have the stomach to take tango lessons together?  Not considering the tandem sky diving lessons that have popped up?  Whether your partner is married to you, or you are planning a date with someone new, it is courageous to desire to create the unusual date!  Dinner and a Movie couldn’t be more passé, not to mention you don’t get to converse while watching a movie!

 So how do you make it unusual without making it a turn-off?

The key is in unlocking your observational skills and looking for unique things you have noticed about your date or spouse. Think about his/her interests or hobbies or a chance remark about travel. A personalized approach to date planning is endearingly appreciated by the recipient! 

Need some suggestions to get you started?  Well, here are a few unusual date ideas:

•  S/he nurtures a desire to paint? Try an art school where you can enroll together for a workshop – include a kit of some painting supplies as your invite!
• Does S/he love reading?  Ask at your local bookstore about an author- reading coming up.  You could tuck the invitation inside a copy of a book by that author.
• Perhaps cooking is a favorite? Try looking for a local high-end cooking store. Many of them offer “event” classes, like a couples cooking class, or a special menu preparation class (you just watch & eat) combined with live music or a classic film.  You could copy off a description of the class event registration and slide it in a basket of cooking goodies.
• A fashion guru?  Do some googling or check with local boutiques asking about any upcoming fashion galas (could be only once a year – so planning required!)
• You uncover that s/he loves the idea of a trip to Africa or the Amazon. It may not be the same, but s/he will appreciate your surprise visit to a zoo. Many zoo’s offer special events for new members – buy her/him a membership and see!
• And of course, not all of us can create something out of thin air – and that is why Out Of The Box Dates is such a great idea! Check it out! http://www.outoftheboxdates.com/romantic-adventure-shop.php

Once you think of something that you are sure s/he is interested, work through your friends – connections- brainstorm- to create a truly unique and personal date. It’s a great romantic gesture, practically guaranteed to be not only an Unusual Date, but a success! And the key to their heart!

Because we are in the business of romance, we are always seeking romantic ideas.  Here are a few that made the grade:

Magical Moments

• For Valentine’s Day I usually make my husband’s favorite cookies. He also gets a special bag of cookies with other goodies including wine glasses, candles and something sexy for me to wear for his pleasure. He very much enjoys pulling each item out of the bag and, of course, the activity associated with the item.
• An Anniversary get-away in our own city! A truly magical boutique hotel, champagne, a show, and brunch the next morning. I’ve never felt more romanced at 25 years!

Surprises your Love bestowed upon you

•  Pass on giving flowers on Valentine’s Day or anniversary. Instead give a bouquet of her/his favorite flower or favorite color on a completely random day just because you love her/him.
• I was so stressed out about a company party….and I’d had no time to shop. My husband came home the next day with 6 varieties of Little Black Dresses. I got my own private dressing room and he got a private showing. And I had a dress for the party. Fabulous Husband Award! (He even returned the extras!)
• We dedicated one day to each other – doing whatever the “day owner” wished

Dream Dates

• My dream date is to have my husband surprise me with a weekend get-away to Manhattan. I would love for him to make all the child-care arrangements, time off from work with my boss, and pack me a small bag. Then show up at work on a Thursday morning and whisk me away to the airport. Once we arrive in New York, my surprises would continue with a shopping outing and salon visit to prepare for a romantic evening out with dinner and a show. (Sigh… maybe when we win the lottery☺)

• The perfect dream date is a North Shore cabin on Lake Superior, walks along the lake, a bonfire under moonlight, and then coffee in beach-chairs on the same shore in the foggy soft morning.
• A very long 4 course dinner. No show/no movie, just lots of talk time.

• How about making desert together? Check out the date “Somethins Cookin’ by us!     http://www.outoftheboxdates.com/somethins-cookin.php