Relationship Renewal!

Bursts of crimson, gold and orange still delight us with sudden color after the sameness of green foliage. Relationships can bring the same delight. Crisp fall days are made for relationship revivals. It’s the perfect time to plan a overnight get-away.

Bed and Breakfasts always jump to mind…and there is none better than the Out of The Box Date offering called Pillars of Love.  It’s a beautifully packaged romantic weekend at the lovely Pillar Inn in Cold Spring MN.

 Another idea? Homeaway.com gives you the chance to relax around a house with a twist – the novely of a house that isn’t yours, with the time to enjoy the amenties, read a book or take a nap without guilt.  You can rent a lovely home for a night or a weekend, with none of the long lists of things you need to do around your own home running through your head.  And even more delightful, many of Out of The Box Date adventures can go along with you! Try a log cabin on Lake Superior with it’s own semi-private island close to a casino. Or a cottage in Duluth with a private sand dune  just made for romantic beach walks in the fall.

Want a wild and crazy idea? This may take a little planning, but if you don’t mind a road trip or can find a great airfare, many ports on the east or west coast offer a Cruise to Nowhere.  You get great off-season prices on cabin’s for 1-3 day cruises with no ports of call (usually a repositioning for the ship).  You get to enjoy all the amenities of the cruise ship, while cruising nowhere! Sometimes it’s a transfer ship from one city to another. Sometimes they just cruise out for two days and return to the same port. But the prices can’t be beat, and you get to enjoy the spa, casino, multitudes of buffets, wave pools, movies, deck games, night shows and any specialties they offer like wine tastings.  Go wild and crazy!

Sometimes the ”short trip” planning can be more fun than a long vacation. It allows a change of pace that revitilizes you as a couple, leading to opportunities for new activities, and extra one on one time that comes with enjoying a get-a-way!! Enjoy your Fall Get-Away!!

Date Opportunities!

The Holidays are more than gift giving time – they are date opportunities for spending quality time together.  It doesn’t matter if you are dating, or married 20 years, amidst the “musts” and “shoulds” of holiday preparation, consider some true stress relief by spending intentional time together.

Avoid the stress – look for some great dates! We have a few suggestions for activities around town. Perhaps slip back to a simpler time?  A Victorian Christmas at the Ramsey House (Alexander Ramsey House, St. Paul MN).   Visit the Alexander Ramsey House this holiday season as Christmas 1875 comes alive. Take in a Victorian holiday with heirloom ornaments on the 12 foot parlor tree, period china on the dining room table, and fresh cookies from the wood-burning stove.

The popular “Homecoming” holiday tours run through Jan. 3, 2010. Other special programs include Annie’s Kitchen baking classes, Victorian floral workshops and special carriage rides around Historic Irvine Park. Visitors should make their reservations early for these popular events.

Need a date with a few laughs?  A holiday favorite returns with Triple Espresso – A Highly Caffeinated Comedy.  It is back at the Music Box Theatre on Nicollet Avenue through Jan 9.  Triple Espresso tells the story of three guys whose bid for showbiz fame and fortune ended in 4-minutes of magnificent failure on national television. Hugh Butternut, Buzz Maxwell, and Bobby Bean tell their rags-to-rags story earnestly, with hysterical results. Butternut is a musician, a vulnerable soul with a lounge lizard smile; Maxwell is an uncertain magician with an attitude; and Bean is an irrepressible, all-over-the-map entertainer with big dreams. The laughter is infectious and the comedy appeals to everyone from first graders to college students to baby-boomers to grandparents.

Or perhaps a Nostalgia Date with some charitable overtones. Check out the Riverview Theatre!  In what is becoming an annual tradition, they will have screenings of A CHRISTMAS STORY on December 20-23. This year they will also have IT’S A WONDERFUL LIFE on the schedule. Admission to either of these films will help benefit the local Food Shelf.  Popcorn and soft drinks will be available for just $1. Click here for more information. (Advance tickets are now on sale on their website.)

Another intimate date idea?  Consider improve theatre at Stevie Ray’s Improv company at the Chanhassen with a brand new holiday show.

Stevie Ray’s proudly presents its newest holiday comedy with music, O Little Town of Chanhassen November 19-December 30.  Enjoy holiday music and comedy!

Of course the best stress reduction is fabulous easy-to-find-gifts for your special someone – you  can shop for a unique and memorable date to give as a holiday gift! Just shop here – at Out of The Box Dates – see our exciting romantic adventures!  We wish you the best holiday season ever!

A Charitable Challenge

What  better way to embark on an amazing date than by trying The Great MN Race?!  Challenge yourself and your spouse/date to try something totally different in a couple’s teamwork unique date.

The Great MN Race is modeled after CBS series The Amazing Race, with a few original twists thrown in to give a local appeal. The race will benefit Urban Ventures, a faith-based non-profit that works to break the cycle of generational poverty, specifically in the Central and Phillips neighborhoods of South Minneapolis.

The Great MN Race will take teams of two across the metro area of Minneapolis & St. Paul, Minnesota. Teams will be solving clues and performing challenging tasks that are both mental and physical in nature as they race across the city (by foot, by bus, or by train).

The Great MN Race is unlike any race in the area, combining the fun elements of racing, solving clues, and completing tasks all while exploring the urban areas of the Twin Cities.

There’s still plenty of time to find a partner and register your team of two to participate in the race. Register online for $45 before 11:59pm Friday August 27^th.  

Registration and check-in is at 8:30am on Saturday and the race begins at 9:30 at 1199 Midway Pkwy, the north side of Como Pavilion in St. Paul.

For challenge examples, race details, and other information, email info@greatmnrace.com or visit http://www.greatmnrace.com/.

We are so inspired by this charity event, we may look for more A+ romantic idea as date opportunities that allow you to both enhance your relationship on a date and support a fabulous charity. Dates that Inspire! Watch for more ideas….

Summer’s Date Night!

Every summer night can be your Summer Date Night when you start looking around at the possibilities!  Dancing under the stars?  Perhaps some live music? What better way to replenish your relationship than checking out the ready-made date nights in the Twin Cities!

Thursday evenings through August 12th, the Ordway Center for the Performing Arts and several partners team up to turn Landmark Center Plaza into a venue for dance.

This Thursday, July 29th is Rock ‘n’ Roll night. The evening kicks off at 6pm with instruction by Arthur Murray Dance Studio, followed by live music  from the Rockin’ Holywoods from 7:30 until 10, giving you some time to practice what you learn and dance the night away.

Beer and wine is available for purchase starting at 5:30, so you can come early and mingle with other couples before class is in session.

August 5th, the schedule remains the same for Ballroom Dance night. Cinema Ballroom will provide instruction and live music is by the Jerry O’Hagan Orchestra.

But if dancing isn’t the way to your collective heart, you and your date could check out some upcoming free movies and music. Loring Park has some A+ Date Night opportunities!

 Tuesday nights starting August 3rd and wrapping up August 24th, the live music starts at 7pm followed by the movie screenings at dusk. Then you can head over to Nick and Eddie for more live music at the afterparty.

The series kicks off August 3rd with a live set from local heroes Communist Daughter followed by a showing of Raising Arizona, written, produced and directed by St. Louis Park natives Joel and Ethan Coen. Then at the afterparty, catch local electro pop outfit Estate.

What could be better than a ready-made fresh date night with no planning required!  So if you need something more spontaneous, on a date night of your choice, visit our website.  And enjoy a summer of unique romantic adventures!

An Outdoor Date!

You can hardly miss the romantic opportunities of an outdoor festival!  Check out the possibilities, and see which are most attuned to both your desires…

Aquatennial Block Party  

 The Aquatennial Block Party will officially launch the 2010 Minneapolis Aquatennial on the evening of Friday, July 16. The festivities will take place from 5 p.m. until 11 p.m. on Nicollet Mall between 3rd and 4th Streets in downtown Minneapolis. The Aquatennial Block Party is one of the largest free annual outdoor concerts. No ticket is required! This year marks the 33rd anniversary of the Block Party, the official kick-off event of the Minneapolis Aquatennial. Night Ranger, the iconic 80′s band famous for songs such as “Sister Christian” and “When You Close Your Eyes,” will headline the block party! Minnestoa musicians, Corey Stevens and Romantica will open the show. The Aquatennial Block Party will offer happy hour pricing from 5 p.m. to 6 p.m. with discounts on beer.

 Twin Cities River Rats
West River Road in Minneapolis
1758 West River Rd N
The River Rats perform an hour long show combining various water skiing acts with skits and music. Their acts include Barefooting, Pyramids, Doubles, and more.

The River Rats show site is located just north of downtown Minneapolis on the Mississippi River. The hillside along the river provides excellent viewing for the best show in the Twin Cites.

07/17/2010 3:00 pm 5:00 pm
07/17/2010 7:00 pm 9:00 pm
07/18/2010 3:00 pm 5:00 pm
07/18/2010 7:00 pm 9:00 pm

Star Tribune Beach Bash
10:00 am 4:00 pm
Thomas Beach, Lake Calhoun
The Star Tribune Beach Bash features the beloved events of the Milk Carton Boat Races and the Sandcastle Competition. Join us Sunday, July 18th for the ultimate blast on the beach!

CenterPoint Energy Torchlight Parade
8:30 pm 10:30 pm
Hennepin Avenue
Come line the streets of downtown Minneapolis for the Aquatennial CenterPoint Energy Torchlight Parade. Watch as the parade runs down Hennepin Avenue on Wednesday, July 21st starting at 8:30 PM!

If you really aren’t in the mood for outdoor festivals, perhaps a nice quiet poetry reading tonight?

Poets Sharon Chmielarz, Mark Conway, and J.P. White read from their latest collections at the Loft Literary Center and Open Book    just scroll down the homepage to upcoming events, directions etc.  The best things in life are free!

Have a romantic adventure! And you can always find those right on our website!

We wish you a very romantic week…

Romance Always!

We went on a little journey in search of romance….and have 7 fresh unusual tidbits to entice you!  Join our tour of insights for always finding Romance.

Start a Joint Diary

 When it’s hard to communicate face-to-face, try writing in a book. Purchase a beautiful notebook or diary, and record your thoughts from the day as a message to your partner. Have your partner do the same.  Even though you can’t be physically together, you will feel a sense of unity by creating this one-of-a-kind record of correspondence. Then, when your schedules slow down and you have more time with your partner, you’ll have a special keepsake to re-read years later and cherish.

Read more at Suite101: Keeping Romance Alive: Strengthen Your Relationship Even When Schedules Keep You Apart http://dating-advice.suite101.com/article.cfm/keeping_romance_alive#ixzz0t9ZddXAo

Keep Him in the Dark
For the ultimate lights-out love nudge, fake a power outage. “Unplug the phone, computer, and TV, then turn off all the lights,” instructs Godek. “With nothing else to distract you, you have no choice but to break out the candles and cling to each other as you tell scary ghost stories…or just plain cling to each other.”

http://www.cosmopolitan.com/sex-love/tips-moves/285737-3

Share a Book

Chicken Soup for the Soul: True Love (Chicken Soup for the Soul Publishing, LLC, December 2009) is a fun read about dating, romance, love and marriage, guaranteed to inspire a renewed search for that special someone, or open your heart a little more to the one you already love.

Read fascinating stories about how couples met, when “they knew,” incredible good and bad dates, imaginative proposals, wedding day adventures, second chances, the ones that got away, and all the other ups and downs that come hand-in-hand with true love, including great examples of how to keep relationships strong.

http://www.amazon.com/Chicken-Soup-Soul-Heartwarming-Humorous/dp/1935096435

Touch

Plato once said “Every heart sings a song, incomplete, until another heart whispers back. Those who wish to sing always find a song. At the touch of a lover, everyone becomes a poet.”  In any relationship touch is as essential as sunlight. A child who walks into this knows his mother by her touch and can recognizes her mother among thousands just with one touch. Touch is a powerful tool in romance. Hold her hand as you shop or walk down to the mall. Hug her when she brings you your bed tea. Kiss him Goodnight. Just snuggle and cuddle on the couch watching TV. Don’t limit the touch to the bedroom; bring it out– of course not outrageously but in a subtle romance reminiscent of your early days of marriage when you couldn’t get your hand off her/him.

http://hubpages.com/hub/HOW-TO-KEEP-ROMANCE–ALIVE-AFTER-MARRIAGE

Flowers

…Make a point to give your wife flowers once a month — on random days. The flowers, from hubby and children, thank Mom for being a great wife and mother.

http://sexsmart.com/article_bringing-back-the-romance.htm

Make a List

Determine what it is that makes you feel attracted to someone. What attracted you to your partner in the first place? What are the things that you find attractive that you would like to see in your spouse? What gets your attention?

http://www.focusonthefamily.com/marriage/daily_living/keeping_romance_alive.aspx

Date Night

Well, no matter how many articles you look for regarding romance, you will find advice to go out on a date night. Look no further! Out of the Box Dates give you variety, simplicity, plan-free freedom!

Is it all the recent rain – or is it your relationship that needs some sunshine?

Sometimes, rain or shine, you just need to get out on a date! Maybe it is time to do something different.  There are lots of fun activities in the summer in the Twin Cities.  You can do some web searches, talk to friends, or just log on here and look for some fresh date ideas…this week with an emphasis on MUSIC!

Coming soon….

Check out the Twin Cities Jazz Festival June 17 -19 at Mears Park in St. Paul

You could enjoy a relaxing date with a sit and stroll while listening to fabulous music.  Friday afternoon, the music starts at 4 p.m. on the Main Stage with Story City. There will be an additional stage, the Sixth Street Stage, with more live music on Friday night as well, featuring Pete Whitman’s X-tet and Aakash Mittal. The Main Stage headliner for the evening is Joe Lovano with Us Five starting at 8:30. 

Mears Park

Saturday the 19th includes a concert at noon on the Main Stage. Highlights for Saturday include such giants as saxophonist Bobby Watson at 4 p.m., John Ellis & Double-Wide at 6, then the main attraction at 8:30 featuring guitar virtuoso John Scofield.

Also on Saturday, a third stage is added, presented by the Dakota Foundation for Jazz Education. This stage features the BFGS Quartet, and a number of student jazz groups from the area.

Or flip the memorable possibilities and try a new style together – Country!

Check out Toby Keith’s I Love this Bar & Grill for a little country fun! The vibrant atmosphere would shake off the cloudiest blues. The website shows their upcoming event, including Accoustic guitar with Tim Siegler on June 21^st!  You’ll find it in the newly reborn “West End” of St. Louis Park – if you haven’t been recently you’ll find the area looking quite different! 

For those die hard rock fans who like their relationship renewal in a comfort zone, a good date night can be found between First Avenue and Hard Rock Café downtown Minneapolis .  Check out the live music on June 18^th with Big City.

Revist First  Avenue if it has been awhile. It’s been the Twin Cities Danceteria since 1970!

Check out Delta Spirit, Lookbook, or Fujun on Friday; or  the JayHawks, Haunted House, or HollyGoLightly and the BrokeOff’s on Saturday.  Or visit their full June Calendar to find your perfect date! 

Can’t you just feel the fresh sunshine of new experiences creating a new Date Night like you’ve never had before?  Of course – you also need to remember that you can find your own unique Romantic Adventure with Out of The Box Dates.  That makes for an exciting and fun date night any time – with no waiting lines!  Enjoy!

Hints & Hotspots to Help You

Have you ever heard of Dr. Pepper Schwartz? She’s a Sociology prof at the Univ of Washington, and a sexologist who has written 12 books and is a leading industry expert on relationships.  She has some effective tips on staying married, which we are going to pair up with some exciting Twin Cities hotspots for date nights. You can earn an A+ in Romantic Ideas!

Hint #1

Don’t try to persuade your spouse that you are right; instead look for a comfortable middle ground.

HotSpot #1

Perhaps finding a good spot for a comfortable conversation would be helpful?  Try  Piccolo in south Minneapolis – voted Best New Restaurant by City Pages in April.  They believe in enhancing the dining experience with variety in small tastes and healthier eating. Now that is romantic advice!

Hint #2

If you find either of you are getting defensive in conversations, take responsibility and suggest a do-over. This can make it easier for either of you to admit you’re are wrong.

HotSpot #2

Suggest a do-over in a wide open place – perhaps a park with ample walking time to help you both keep your cool!  You may have a favorite neighborhood park, or for something new, visit Ft.Snelling State Park.  Just off 494 by the airport, you can’t miss with hiking on Pike Island, swimming or walking the beach of Snelling Lake, or canoeing on Gun Club Lake.  Be corny and stop in the Thomas C. Savage Visitor Center for a memento of your day and maybe a fridge magnet to represent your new efforts to communicate defenselessly. Now that is a  cheap date night!

Hint #3

 Affection isn’t just about sex – it’s about hugging and holding hands too. Share a smile, a kiss, or a hug at the end of the day.

HotSpot #3

What better place to rekindle romance than walking hand in hand through a winery, on the gorgeous 55-acre grounds if Chateau St. Croix (complete with a carriage house, stables, gardens, and a fishing pond). Schedule a tour and learn about winemaking, or sign up for their Tuscan Vine & Dine evening on June 11^th or the Marseille and French Riviera Vine & Dine evening on June 25^th.  Have fun!

So try our hotspots, check out Dr. Schwartz’s book, “The Love Test: romance and relationship self-quizzes”, and consider an Out of the Box Date for a romantic adventure!  Watch your marriage endure!

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!