City Lights Date
/The View from Above a City can give you A new Perspective in more ways than one.
When my husband and I were first engaged, there was one summer evening with a spectacular lightning storm. We drove up the mountainside of our neighborhood and situated our car in the parking lot of a local open space. High up on the mountain facing the valley beneath us, we took in the beauty of the city lights, backlit with gorgeous strokes of lighting. It was both peaceful and romantic. Until the cops showed up.
Apparently, the parking lot we had chosen was a playground for teenagers who liked to do donuts in their newly-acquired rides and someone in one of the adjacent houses was in the habit of calling the police anytime someone drove up that way after dark. Panicked, we explained to the unenthused officer how we were there to watch the lightning storm. He told us that the open space—and it's parking lot—closed after dark. After we apologized he shrugged it off, saying we were fine to hang out.
It is now a joke between Matthew and I: the first time we got the police called on us (and so far the only time). We are aware that because of our privilege we are able to laugh about it and we haven't had the idea ruined for us. Though, we do view the lights from a different location now. Word of advice: find the perfect place to overlook the city, just make sure you are allowed to be there.
We’ve outlined below how to make a nighttime viewing of your city the ideal romantic date night. We’ve even curated a playlist of songs to fit the theme, as well as a printable list of conversation topics, and a printable invite. So gather everything you need, locate the perfect viewing spot, and wrap up in a blanket next to the person you love.
a quick online search will usually give you great options for viewing the city lights.
Advertisement
City Lights Date
Time: 2+ hours | Cost: $ | Location: Outdoors | Level: Easy
Nothing says summer like venturing outdoors at night. So, pick a clear evening and get ready to feel refreshed. On this date you will get a little distance from your everyday lives and find the best viewpoint overlooking your hometown.
What You’ll Need:
Printable Invite
Printable Questions
Jar
Blanket
Beverages and Snacks
Flashlights, Headlamps, or Glowsticks
Our Spotify Playlist
What You’ll Do:
Download the free printables below--including the invite and questions--and print. Cut out the pieces (we recommend using a portable paper cutter like this one). Put the questions in the jar and tape the label around the outside. Then, gather any other materials you may need.
Deliver the invite to your date. You could leave it out on the counter one morning, send it via snail mail, pin it to your fridge, or come up with something else creative.
Decide where to go that overlooks the city. If you don't know, try asking around or searching online. Ideally look for somewhere open to the public that gives great views of the city, or town, lights at night. Some of the best locations may require a hike, so consider what you and your date should wear—think about footwear—before you go.
When your date arrives on the night of, hop in the car. On your way, listen to our recommended playlist.
Once you arrive at your overlook, wrap the blanket around yourselves. (Don’t have an outdoor blanket? Try one like this.) Then take a few minutes to take in the sights and relax. Getting out of town will give you distance, quiet, and fresh air.
Whenever you feel like it, draw one of the questions out of the jar and take turns answering. You can also come up with questions of your own. The point is to spark conversation that will bring you and your date closer together.
Find more fun date ideas by subscribing to our newsletter or by following us on social media @makeadateofit!
How did your date go? Show us your great view on instagram #datenight @makeadateofit
You May Also Be Interested In . . .
We’ve made a list of fun and romantic things to do for any anniversary. Whether you are celebrating your 5th or 50th, whether you want to stay in at home or go out on the town, we have come up with ideas for everyone.