Fall brings more dating options

Midterms are in the fall. Disappointing football games are in the fall. Not enough school holidays happen in the fall.

There’s a lot to dread in the fall.

But this time of year also has plenty of good things to offer in the dating department.

International studies junior Krisha Sherburne said she and her boyfriend enjoy going to Bluebonnet Swamp Nature Center in cooler weather.

“It’s so gorgeous, especially because there aren’t any mosquitos,” Sherburne said.

She said the swamp walk is also a great way to exercise.

“It’s an easy way to sneak in a little workout and do something fun together that isn’t sitting on the couch and watching Netflix,” she said.

Couples also might enjoy Clark Creek Natural Area and Tunica Hills on warmer days, as both boast refreshing waterfalls and creek beds to walk in during an extensive hike. Hiking intensively can also keep couples warm as they visit these locations in the cooler weather.

Benedict Esposito, a Georgia College State University mass communication senior, noted that annual autumn traditions are conducive to fun date nights.

“In the fall, one good date idea is a corn maze,” he said. “It’s nice and cool at night, and you usually get a good view of the moon.”

Esposito said a fall evening outdoors has a pleasant ambience, especially with fall leaves and pumpkins everywhere.

Corn mazes provide a good excuse to spend time outside at night and to explore something new together. Chemical engineering and classical civilization senior Kurt Ristroph cited the Cajun Country Corn Maze in Pine Grove as a good choice.

“It’s a bit of a drive to get there, but the attractions range from a haunted maze and trail to a larger maze with puzzles and objectives,” Ristroph said. “Be sure to go after dark if you’re interested in the haunted portions of the area.”

Many opt for corn mazes and pumpkin patches. But there are some alternatives that offer a louder time, including Crescent City Blues and BBQ Festival in New Orleans and Swamp Haunting Hikes offered in Bluebonnet Swamp.

Architecture senior Tess Baudry said the Angola Prison Rodeo is a fun date to go on during the fall.

“I’m going on Sunday, actually,” Baudry said.

Halloween can prove to be a favorable holiday for dates, especially with possibilities of scary movie marathons and sharing candy corn. Visiting 13th Gate Haunted House — “one of the top ten haunts for 2014,” according to hauntworld.com — also is a fun way to get closer to a date.

English literature senior Victoria Selden offered more animated dates centered on general fall events, such as attending tailgates together or drinking “holiday-flavored coffee.”

Selden added that several date ideas can happen throughout the year but are better during fall, like brunch at Magpie Cafe, walking around the lakes, renting a canoe from the UREC and challenging each other to The Chimes ‘Around the World’ beer challenge.

Other favorites students mentioned include stargazing and going to the University Lakes at sunrise or sunset. Many students enjoy taking the time to relax during their dates. Bringing blankets and warm beverages to a park is a simple way to improve a basic outing, but making it a meal can make a considerable difference.

“My favorite date is having a picnic at the Arsenal Park downtown,” said Megann Jones, communication disorders sophomore. “It’s really pretty and there’s a great view of the lake.”

Louisiana, however, has plenty of unpleasant days, and sometime dates are best spent indoors. Carving pumpkins, cooking together and playing board games are easy alternatives to outside dates. Many find television to be an entertaining ritual for a couple to share. Recent Loyola University music graduate Thomas Lin said fall is an ideal time to watch television.

“It may not be a bad idea to just have routine television nights where you both stay in, eat together and catch up on the latest shows,” Lin said.

The general consensus seems to be that fall is an optimum time to go on dates, it can prove to be an awfully romantic time of year.

Leave a Reply