Ah, the elusive date night- the desperate scramble to find childcare, the tedious task of choosing where to go and what to do, and of course, spending 90% of your time on said date talking about your kiddo.

It’s not that date night isn’t worth the effort, it is! But trying to come up with a fresh idea each time can be tough. No worries though, I’ve got you covered with some cool, unique locations for you and your hun bun to hit up next time you decide to leave the rugrats at home and reconnect for 1 – 3ish hours before driving the babysitter home before her curfew is up.

• Mini Golf and Dinner at The Drive In (Taylors Falls)
  If you’re looking to have some lighthearted fun and enjoy an activity that’s not just for kids, check out The Drive In’s mini golf course! With 18 holes, it’s enough time to slow down and actually enjoy each other’s company while having an uninterrupted conversation (for once!). You can’t skip the food or the homemade rootbeer at the retro drive in restaurant, either.
  If you’re in the mood for a sweet treat after you’ve kicked your spouse’s butt at putt-putt, swing by Coffee Talk for some coffee and baked goods, or visit Schoony’s Malt Shop for a milkshake or scoop of ice cream.
  
• Kari’s Create and Paint Studio and MatchStick (Stillwater)
  For those of you who are on the creative side rather than athletic, Kari’s Create and Paint Studio might be right up your alley. If you’ve really got your life together, you can book ahead of time, but if you’re like me (aka just winging it), they take walk-ins Thursday through Sunday 11am – 7pm! You can decorate a special piece of pottery or create a custom canvas painting to commemorate your romantic night away. Who says all the art hung on your walls has to be made by the kids?
  Once you’ve painted your hearts out, stroll down Stillwater’s Hallmarkesque downtown area to MatchStick restaurant located inside of the new Hotel Crosby.
  You have to try their caramelized brussels sprouts! Everything I’ve tried there has been delicious, and the vibe is unmatched (pun intended). It’s got a moody, dark ambiance, and an awesome waiting area to pass the time in while your table is being prepared. If you’re feeling really wild, book a room at Hotel Crosby (okay this one you really do need to plan ahead for)- it’s such a cool hotel with a rooftop hottub, and the perfect location to explore your surroundings.

• Valley Bookseller and Trolley Tours
  Fellow bookworms and history buffs, you’re going to appreciate this one! If you’re all about enriching activities, and stimulating your minds- you’ve got to book a trolley tour with Stillwater Trolley. They have historic tours and haunted tours for the lovebirds, but keep their princess and story time tours in mind for the next time you visit with the kids in tow. Once you’re done there, grab a latte at The Daily Grind Espresso Cafe located inside Valley Bookseller and peruse the latest bestsellers. If coffee’s not what you’re looking for, you can grab a cocktail at Brick & Bourbon and enjoy the patio view before walking across the lift bridge for a little fresh air.

These are only a few options, but there are so many interesting, cool places to explore for date night- share your favorite date night spot in the comments below!