Date Night in Columbia with Debbie Simon

Here at the Olde Un we’re all about having sexy, sensual fun with your partner(s) of choice. But when it comes to romance, what happens outside the bedroom (or the living room, on the desk in your office, wherever) is just as important as getting physical.

With that in mind, here are just a few suggestions for having some fun around town before you get down and dirty:

For the foodies among us:

Cooking Date Nights at Back2Basics: Have you always dreamed of being Julia Child but don’t know how to cook anything fancier than macaroni and cheese? You and your date will spend the evening preparing and then enjoying meals ranging from pan seared pork loin with a sweet cherry glaze to vegan Portobello pizza topped off by desserts like salted caramel peanut butter truffles.

Check it out at www.back2basicscooking.net.

Columbia Culinary Tours: This unique tour gives you an insider’s look at some of downtown Columbia’s best restaurants and food specialty shops. Guides will lead you on a stroll of The District with stops at locally-owned eateries to owner and/or chef and get a taste of the best they have to offer.

Check it out at columbiaculinarytours.com.

For the outdoors enthusiast:

If you like nothing better than an outdoor adventure — taking a hike and communing with nature — there are plenty of opportunities in Mid-Missouri for you to scratch that itch, especially in the two Missouri state parks that lie within a few minutes’ drive of Columbia. Pack a picnic and head up to Finger Lakes State Park, take a hike up to Devil’s Icebox at Rock Bridge Memorial State Park or hit the Katy Trail on foot or by bicycle.

Check it out at MoStateParks.com/park/finger-lakes-state-park, MoStateParks.com/park/rock-bridge-memorial-state-park or www.bikekatytrail.com

For Baby who wants to get out of their corner:

Studio B Dance Studio: Whether you’ve always imagined yourself twirling around the stage with Patrick Swayze, dreamed of stalking across the dance floor performing an intense tango, or long to kick up your heels like the Swing Kids, a night of dance lessons is a fun way to cut loose (and maybe get that libido going). With the option of group or drop-in classes or private lessons, you have plenty of opportunities to learn your way through everything from ballroom to the two-step.

Check it out at www.danceatstudiob.com.  

For a break from everyday living:

A swanky night or weekend away from home: This one may be especially appealing to parents who want to get away and have more than a few hours where they aren’t responsible for anyone but themselves, but really who doesn’t like a nice mini-vacation from reality? Get all dolled up and treat yourself to a night on the town and instead of heading home when the clock strikes midnight, spend a night or two at one of Columbia’s more upscale hotels — we suggest Tiger Hotel or The Broadway. If you’re at The Broadway, have a nightcap or two at The Roof for a spectacular view of Columbia. If you’re at the Tiger Hotel head down to The Vault and maybe grab a sweet treat from Velvet Cupcake. Then head to sleep in a ridiculously comfortable bed, order up some room service and pretend the world outside doesn’t exist for a while.

Check it out at thebroadwaycolumbia.com or www.thetigerhotel.com.

For the music lover:

Concert city: There is no shortage of music venues in Columbia; whether you want to catch a show by a local or regional artist at The Bridge or Rose Music Hall or bigger tours at The Blue Note, there’s a place to go. With summer just around the corner, there are also outdoor options like 9^th Street Summerfest, the city’s Stephen’s Lake Park Amphitheater Concert Series, the Shelter Gardens Concert Series and the Missouri Symphony Society’s Hot Summer Nights.

Check it out at thebridgecolumbia.com, rosemusichall.com, thebluenote.com, www.gocolumbiamo.com, www.shelterinsurance.com/aboutshelter/events and www.mosymphonysociety.org.