Best casual date spots in College Park
By Riley Brennan
December 8, 2021
Image Credit: Josie Jack for The Campus Trainer
Dating in college is stressful.
There’s apps, social media, hook up culture, and give or take ten other factors that can over complicate something that could be so simple - going on a date.
And while reworking the way young people today view dating and romantic relationships may be a bit of a challenge, going on a date doesn’t have to be. Or at least, finding a place to go on a date (everything else could get pretty complicated).
With College Park being located between both D.C. and Baltimore, there’s lots of fun places to go nearby. However, College Park itself also has a few perfect date spots as well.
Picnics on McKeldin Mall
The mall is probably one of the easiest date spots in College Park. Just set up a picnic blanket and bring some food and drinks. It’s easy, fun, and can be a pretty cheap date night for students looking to cut back on spending. And if you’re looking to be productive, it can easily be a great study date spot too.
The Hall
An easy go-to for a meal at any time of day. It’s walking distance from campus, with a diverse menu and reasonable price point. Complete with fun appetizers, unique drinks, pizza, and much more, there's a lot of options, whether it’s a brunch or a dinner date. Junior journalism major Austin Cole is a big fan. “The Hall is a great spot for a date night! Conveniently located adjacent to Fraternity Row, The Hall offers a modern atmosphere with beautiful outdoor seating, unique craft drinks, and delicious food at affordable prices! The Hall also has a great brunch menu and is the perfect spot for a date,” says Cole.
Climbing Wall
A great date idea for anyone looking to do something adventurous or outdoors. The Climbing Wall and Bouldering Grotto is a part of the Adventure Program at Eppley. Featuring a 55 foot climbing wall and free to anyone with a university ID or RecWell membership card, it’s the perfect active date. According to Carson Hoover, a senior fire protection engineering student, and a climbing wall program assistant, the climbing wall “could definitely be a fun outdoorsy date to get certified and then belay each other.”
The Board and Brew
The Board and Brew, a restaurant and cafe, features over 500 board games guests can pick from and play. They also host trivia nights and sell hand-crafted cocktails and specialty craft beers. So whether it’s getting coffee, a meal, or breaking the ice with a board game, there’s plenty of options when it comes to this date spot. Their staff will also offer game recommendations for anyone looking to try something new.
Lake Artemesia
Located within Lake Artemesia Natural Area, this is a great date spot for sunny, nice days. The park consists of a 38-acre lake, fishing pier and two miles of trails. The park is a great place to fish, walk or run, ride bikes, or even just sit and drink coffee. Located in College Park and nearby campus, it’s an easily accessible date spot with lots of different options to offer.
There’s apps, social media, hook up culture, and give or take ten other factors that can over complicate something that could be so simple - going on a date.
And while reworking the way young people today view dating and romantic relationships may be a bit of a challenge, going on a date doesn’t have to be. Or at least, finding a place to go on a date (everything else could get pretty complicated).
With College Park being located between both D.C. and Baltimore, there’s lots of fun places to go nearby. However, College Park itself also has a few perfect date spots as well.
Picnics on McKeldin Mall
The mall is probably one of the easiest date spots in College Park. Just set up a picnic blanket and bring some food and drinks. It’s easy, fun, and can be a pretty cheap date night for students looking to cut back on spending. And if you’re looking to be productive, it can easily be a great study date spot too.
The Hall
An easy go-to for a meal at any time of day. It’s walking distance from campus, with a diverse menu and reasonable price point. Complete with fun appetizers, unique drinks, pizza, and much more, there's a lot of options, whether it’s a brunch or a dinner date. Junior journalism major Austin Cole is a big fan. “The Hall is a great spot for a date night! Conveniently located adjacent to Fraternity Row, The Hall offers a modern atmosphere with beautiful outdoor seating, unique craft drinks, and delicious food at affordable prices! The Hall also has a great brunch menu and is the perfect spot for a date,” says Cole.
Climbing Wall
A great date idea for anyone looking to do something adventurous or outdoors. The Climbing Wall and Bouldering Grotto is a part of the Adventure Program at Eppley. Featuring a 55 foot climbing wall and free to anyone with a university ID or RecWell membership card, it’s the perfect active date. According to Carson Hoover, a senior fire protection engineering student, and a climbing wall program assistant, the climbing wall “could definitely be a fun outdoorsy date to get certified and then belay each other.”
The Board and Brew
The Board and Brew, a restaurant and cafe, features over 500 board games guests can pick from and play. They also host trivia nights and sell hand-crafted cocktails and specialty craft beers. So whether it’s getting coffee, a meal, or breaking the ice with a board game, there’s plenty of options when it comes to this date spot. Their staff will also offer game recommendations for anyone looking to try something new.
Lake Artemesia
Located within Lake Artemesia Natural Area, this is a great date spot for sunny, nice days. The park consists of a 38-acre lake, fishing pier and two miles of trails. The park is a great place to fish, walk or run, ride bikes, or even just sit and drink coffee. Located in College Park and nearby campus, it’s an easily accessible date spot with lots of different options to offer.