The month of romance is upon us, and many highschoolers found themselves with their partners on a dreary Friday night with no plans for the evening. The indecisiveness about what the two of them could do is a situation as old as time, and it can be incredibly dampening and cast a dark shadow on the evening. The last thing anybody wants is to come across as unprepared in the eyes of someone they care about, which is why it is crucial that peer-reviewed date night locations be brought to light for all to enjoy. Whether it’s a romantic candlelight dinner, an intimate movie experience, or a night of fun and joy out on the town, it can only be beneficial to be prepared to treat that special someone to the nice evening they deserve.
Some of the best date nights can be the simplest, with the truest fun coming from the memories made with that person, and not the expensive gifts and dinner like some may think. Experienced with this situation is Lincoln Southeast Sophomore Oliver Locken, saying that “nowadays there’s not really big dates for valentines day, but instead it’s a chance to explore and have that person time with that special person, your significant other. It’s an opportunity to connect.”
Locken shared these experiences on the basis of the experience had at a bowling alley a little over a year ago, in which something as affordable and simple as bowling became one of his most cherished valentines day memories. He was able to forge this experience at Parkway Lanes located on 48th and Van Dorn, a small bowling alley with excellent food and a wonderful atmosphere. Locken praised the casual and enjoyable nature of being able to spend time with his other half while not having to stress about the expense of the night or how impressed his date was.
However, casual and enjoyable is certainly not everyone’s speed, and for those who are willing to save for an expensive and romantic night out can make memories that last a lifetime. Locken, in conjunction with his experiences at the bowling alley, also testified to his personal experiences at The Oven, an authentic Indian cuisine restaurant with a classical setting, inclusive yet pricey menu, and a romantic atmosphere for the lucky few who can score a table on a night out.
“I would say it meets all of the requirements. It’s not overly nice, but it’s definitely one of those places you could take someone to appear classy and tasteful,” Locken said. “I think it’s really good, and especially if you have a job, it’s a pretty good spot for a night out.”
Whether you’re in between paychecks or you’ve got a pocket full of cash, both of these places can be used as a wonderful spot to spend and give your partner the quality time they deserve.
However, not everybody likes bowling and not everybody can enjoy Indian cuisine on a whim, which can leave many people feeling indecisive about how to spend a romantic evening. Many can feel pressured into having to spend buckets of money in order to get to know somebody, which is exactly how LSE Senior Amelia Johnson feels.
“It’s just not necessary to spend money to get to know somebody like that,” Johnson said.
However, money is not and should not be the focal point for relationships, and that can translate into a price tag free evening with that special someone. Lincoln boasts the gorgeous Holmes Lake, which can be the go-to spot for long talks, picnics, bike rides, walks, and countless other free options. Additionally, O Street, 27th Street, and the in-town stretch of Cornhusker Highway are vibrant with social life on weekend nights. Late night drives in Lincoln, the home to an exotic and exciting car scene, can be romantic and exciting options for those who aren’t necessarily willing or able to shell out for an expensive dinner. Additionally, the opportunity to see expensive cars, colorful social interaction, and listen to good music can create the perfect atmosphere.
All of these places are wonderful options for a night out, and there are dozens more options available to high schoolers. Given that Lincoln is a college town, our business model is developed around younger people being the target audience, and that is apparent in the late night date options. There are arcades like Round 1 and Sun Valley Lanes, movie theatres tucked into every major business district in the city, restaurants ranging from cheap drive-through options to top of the line suit and tie experiences, we have an excellent Zoo program in the spring, fall, and summer, and numerous holiday related events happening in the winter.
However, the importance of dates should be no underemphasized. Saving up some pocket change and giving your partner an expensive and enjoyable night out can be paramount to showing your significant other just how much you care about them. But, fancy gifts and expensive dinners or not, it is the experience of being there with them, of existing in each other’s presence that can make some of the most romantic nights and the fondest memories.
