5 Romantic Spots in CapNY

Updated: July 2025

No matter the season, the Capital Region has some of the most romantic spots for a date night with your special someone!

While you may think of this as a strictly summer activity, the Central Park Rose Garden is truly a place you can visit all year round. Roses may only be in bloom certain months of the year (June-October), but the park is a place of serenity and peace all year long. Formerly maintained by the city’s park department, the rose garden is now consistently enhanced and maintained by a non-profit organization called the Rose Garden Restoration Committee.

If you find giving back to your community together a romantic activity, there are volunteer opportunities to help with garden clean up on Tuesdays and Saturdays. Just walking through you can see how much care is put into the over 4,000 rose bushes. In the center of the garden is a beautiful fountain and you’ll be sure to see some cute creatures hopping around by the pond. Date enhancement: stop by Gershon’s Deli for some fresh sandwiches on your way to the garden. Picnic among roses? Talk about romance!

If you’re looking for a reason to dress up and step out, The Berlin is the perfect cozy spot to snuggle up to a loved one while drinking a delicious craft cocktail (we recommend their espresso martini). It’s hard to find many spots across the capital region where you can get dressed in a sexy outfit, but at The Berlin it is definitely the norm. We’re talking velvet couches, dim lighting, and tables for two nestled in the corner for extra privacy. With their craft cocktails and sexy speakeasy vibe, you won’t only fall in love with your date but also the atmosphere! Be sure to check their Instagram for nights with special guests like jazz bands or pianists.

Note: they do not serve food in this space, but EMRY’s Garden is right below the space and run by the same owner. Here they have great small bites, pizzas and more! Looking for something to do before drinks? Troy has the perfect small city feel with a unique city square and waterfront pathway where you’ll see unique art, string lights, and music is always coming from some direction.

Nestled in the heart of Albany, Cafe Capriccio is sourcing their restaurant with local organic products to pair with their freshly made Italian fair. If you want to feel like you’re stepping into your old school Italian grandmother’s house for dinner, that’s what you’ll get here. The steak and gorgonzola gnocchi is a dish you’ll be dreaming about for days after leaving. All the comfort of a home cooked meal but in an intimate and cozy setting. Each booth is spacious and the tables are perfectly placed so that you can enjoy your surroundings while taking in all the unique features of the restaurant. 

They also offer what they call “The Chef’s Table” which is a private dining space for groups of 10-16 people to have a specialized menu and experience. Our favorite part of this place (and the most romantic in our humble opinion)? The Tuscan Garden. This is a small outdoor space with only a few tables surrounded by their urban garden under dim lighting. Only an option for warmer nights, but great to plan ahead for if you’re looking for a unique and special experience for your special someone! Enhance your night: The MVP arena is a short walk away where there are different artists, performers, and events happening on a frequent basis!

Who doesn’t love doing some yoga amongst baby goats? Okay, maybe it’s not for everyone, but it’s one of many fun things going on at June Farms. We’re talking food truck nights, barn crawls, clam bakes, there is truly something for everyone no matter what you’re into. A trip to June Farms can really be whatever you want it to be. Want to make it a double date? They have a giant line up of events perfect for bigger groups. Rather it just be a night out for two? You can do that too! Just walking around the farm is breathtaking in itself and the perfect opportunity to hold hands while taking in the views. The best part of all the fun happening here is they have cabins right on the property where you can stay to relax and enjoy the beautiful grounds. All of the cabins have a different theme so you can pick your level of romance or even pretend you’re in a big city. One of the cabins is NYC apartment style. Use your imagination to create a day or night(s) of romantic bliss!

This last spot was actually featured in the Top 100 Most Romantic Restaurants in America. We’re basically famous here now! In the heart of downtown Bolton Landing you will find this adorable white house turned restaurant sitting right on Lake George. Their menu is frequently updated based on local fresh food and quality. It shows when trying to make a reservation how great this spot is…book in advance! From the atmosphere to the food to the gorgeous view of the lake, this is the ultimate romantic evening for two. The Chateau on the Lake is only open seasonally, but it’s worth the wait over the winter months. Dine inside and then grab a seat by one of their outdoor fire pits after dinner to gaze at the lake while engaging in conversation with your special someone. Craving dessert? The beloved ice cream of Stewart’s (a staple here in CapNY) is right down the road.

A Night at the Ballpark with the Tri-City ValleyCats

Updated: July 2025

What does summer fun look like to us? Hot dogs, beer, baseball, and good company. And this is why spending a night with our local minor league baseball team, the Tri-City ValleyCats, is the way to go.

Whether you’re looking for the perfect date night, an outdoor family experience, or a casual night out with friends, you’re going to want to get your seats at the Joseph L. Bruno Stadium in Troy.

From June to September, the ValleyCats don’t only put on a show of extreme athleticism and excitement, but they bring the CapNY community together in a way that only sports can. Local pride roars through the stadium during all nine innings and this (well, along with good craft beer, ballpark food, mid-inning competitions, giveaways, and more) is the reason it makes a night at the ballpark one of the most fun and unique CapNY summer activities – EVEN if sports aren’t your thing.

At Micropolitan Matchmakers, we connect CapNY singles, so obviously we’re always on a lookout for a hot date night opportunity – especially a first date night opportunity and in our professional opinion, a baseball game has to be one of the top 5 best summer first date night options. Think about it…typically people offer to get dinner or grab drinks when they first ask someone out and what a perfect way to set you apart from the others by asking someone to be your plus one to a minor league baseball game?!

First dates are nerve-racking and there can be awkward moments of silence, but the game, the music, the array of food (vegan options!) and drink options, the people watching allow for some distraction which can ease some tension on the first date. There will always be something to talk about when you’re spectating at an event like this..plus there are some seriously funny inter-inning competitions and announcements that would help anybody loosen up.

We love this date night idea so much in fact we planned a singles mixer there in mid-August (yes you can plan all-inclusive private group events there!) and boy, did it get people minglin’ (a few couples connected and scheduled dates following the event!). Here are a few photos from our event…

We took a few of our girlfriends to a game one night and we had a blast. It was fun catching up in an energetic environment…plus, we’re all craft beer lovers and Brown’s has a special booth set up for the local beer lovers. WIN! Since the ValleyCats are such a community staple, we all ran into people we knew and got some cute IG pics.

Plus, the tickets are SO affordable, it allows you to spend money on other things offered at the stadium which support the local vendors.

Which leads us to our next point – this is a phenomenal, affordable family activity. Bring the kids out to experience the party that a night at the ballpark is! We saw kids getting their faces painted, winning free t-shirts and hats, dancing with the mascot, and simply living their best lives. Trust us, they’ll leave happy AND will likely zonk out on the way home. Doesn’t get any better than that.

See the Tri-City ValleyCats Schedule and purchase tickets here – and be sure to follow the team on FB and IG!

4 Self-Care Ideas for CapNY Singles

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Capital Heart Connection always celebrates singledom – but that doesn’t mean it can’t be tough sometimes!

Whether you get a little down seeing your coupled up friends on the gram, or maybe you find yourself wishing you had a romantic partner to do some exploring with, or just feeling down due to being stuck in the middle of a pandemic…we get it.

Being single can get a little bit lonely sometimes. The good news is, there are so many great ways to enjoy a little self-care all throughout CapNY. We’ve got a few of our favorite ways to show ourselves a little love for you here:

I’m a big believer that you have to show yourself the love that you want to bring into your life. So, with that, sometimes I take myself on a date.  

If you’ve never done it, eating out alone can feel intimidating, but I’d bet many of you have a favorite spot or two where you know some of the bartenders or waitstaff. That’s a great place to start! (And, if you don’t have a favorite spot yet, this is a perfect way to find one). Clean yourself up, put on a favorite outfit and grab yourself a seat at the bar. Order a favorite drink and something decadent and enjoy! A few of my favorite spots for this are The Van Dyck and The City Squire in Schenectady. In my new neighborhood of Downtown Albany, I love DPs and The Hollow.

The City Squire’s French Onion Soup with a glass of Pinot Noir never disappoints

Pro tips — if you like sports, do this to watch a game and you’ll almost always make friends! And, if you’re not feeling social or chatty, bring a book or magazine with you so you can take a break from your phone while giving off a “no thanks” vibe to those who might try to chat you up. 

During the pandemic, I still try to create the same atmosphere for myself with some candles and special takeout. And yes, occasionally, I’ll even put on something cute just to stay home to show my non-sweatpants clothing some love. Some spots even do cocktails to go which is SO fun. Check out Plumb Oyster Bar’s Cocktail Club, or Rosanna’s for some fabulous creations you can enjoy on your couch.

Another favorite form of self-care is to get moving! There are so many ways to do this and you have to figure out what brings you joy. Movement should not feel like a punishment! 

I sometimes enjoy running, but lately I’ve found long walks a bit more relaxing. The Mohawk Hudson Bike path is within walking distance of my home. From the Corning Preserve, I can hop right onto the path. I also love the portion of the bike path that starts at Lions Park in Niskayuna.

I also absolutely love yoga! Connecting breath to movement — and being really intentional about checking in with myself — feels amazing for my body and my brain. Now is a great time to try yoga if you’re a newbie. Thankfully, you can find tons of free and low-cost online options. Many local studios are also offering online courses that will allow you to practice safely and support small business. One of my favorite spaces that I can’t wait to get back to post-pandemic is Studio 4 Hot Yoga — with a special shout out to the “Sweet Sunday Surrender” Class! 

Teaching a yoga class at the (sadly) now closed Elevate 518 Studio
Solo travel (and being single) means lots of selfies…like this one in pub in Dublin drinking my first Guinness

I’ve done a lot of solo travel, domestic and abroad. I traveled solo for a month and a half through Europe and it was one of the most awakening experiences of my life. I’m what one would call an ambivert – with extrovert and introvert qualities. So, despite the fact that I love being around and meeting new people, I rejuvenate through alone time, where I can reflect in peace. Solo travel is my definition of self-care. I’ve put together some of my favorite overnight stays in CapNY, which you can see via these links — Albany and Catskills.

If I’m riding solo, I’d choose to stay in a Getaway tiny home in the Catskills. I’d bring my pup, Mochi, and spend a night in nature — phone off. Bring a book you’ve been wanting to read, turn up your favorite podcast, and cozy in for a night of stillness and peace. Wake up in the morning, brew yourself a cup of coffee, and take a stroll through the calm woods. There’s nothing like it.

My forever date/travel partner, Mochi
I love making charcuterie boards at home from goods I found at Farmer’s Markets

Self-care is about feeling good and paying attention to your health – mental, emotional, and physical. When I consume fresh, healthy goods and support small local business, it makes me feel whole and it truly nourishes my soul. Spend a day browsing local shops and farmers markets, and invest in some foods that make you happy. Find some treats that you love but rarely have. Buy yourself a bouquet of flowers. I tend to engage in these type of self-care days often and here are some of my favorite CapNY spots to do it:

  • The Local in Cohoes – I’ll grab a breakfast sandwich and coffee (only $6!) and then buy a locally made candle, a plant or two (I’m an obsessed plant mom – my collection consists of more than 30 plants at this point), and I’ll always pick up some fresh veggies.
Hudson has some of the most amazing food shops I’ve ever been to

Becky Daniels of Albany, 34, and Gabby Fisher of Schenectady, 28, are two boss women who ROCK being single. Now, they want to share with you why they love living and experiencing CapNY solo…so they present to you, Capital Heart Connection! Follow them on Facebook and Instagram to be kept in the loop on singles content, events, and more fun than you could imagine.

Jay Zhang Photography: CapNY LGBTQIA+ Entrepreneur

jay zhang

Updated: July 2025

Jay Zhang is committed to both outstanding visual representation, as well as community care. As a self identified queer person of color, Jay’s photography celebrates a wide spectrum of people and couples.

And, his investment and love of the Capital Region is evident throughout his work.

Jay’s engagement and wedding photography cleverly infuses each client’s personality into the documentation of their big day. Just one glance at the “Wedding Blogs” portion of his website shows how he celebrates each couples’ unique chemistry. My favorite examples show elated partners snuggling amidst a backdrop of sun dappled mountain ranges, or blanketed in surrealist fog on the Brooklyn Bridge. Wide smiled nieces affix glistening jewelry onto their auntie’s ready neck; husbands fasten each other’s ties while sharing in an excited kiss. Stop what you’re doing, and take a look at his amazing work!

Jay is also drawn to local events and projects with a favorable community impact. He has worked for a number of local organizations, including My Brother’s Keeper, Alliance for Positive Health and GLSEN,  Gay, Lesbian & Straight Education Network.

Since 2007, he has documented and celebrated National Coming Out Day (NCOD) through his photos. His 2014 NCOD work, “Color Splash,” features queer community members in animated layered images, their bodies and faces awash in rainbow paint, along with their words of wisdom to fellow queers. His 2015 iteration, “Light The Way,” includes portraits of locals holding sparklers, their faces framed by the text, “You don’t have to come out, but you don’t have to be in the dark alone.”

Jay’s projects celebrate people who embrace being “quirky, weird and full of interesting personality traits.” He believes “everyone is multifaceted, it just depends on how much you want to present.” LGBTQIA+, BIPOC and people of all body types are welcome in front of his camera. “I love the community,” he said, “and I want to provide for it.”

Originally from Ridgewood, Queens, Jay arrived in the Capital Region to study architecture at RPI in Troy. School prepared him with strong design skills, which later helped him become a professional photographer. He was first drawn to photography as a financially sustainable career. And, he also enjoyed its potential to show and support people, environments and situations. He draws much inspiration from CapNY’s rich creative ecosystem of fellow artists.

Community based projects, including public statement artwork and grassroots outreach initiatives, have contributed to his ongoing inspiration and experimentation. “There’s a lot of fight here,” he shares. “And a lot of energy for people to do things and participate.”  CapNY’s relatively small size and central location also provide opportunity for professional and casual travel. Jay’s leadership extends into local athletics as well. He proudly participates in the city’s LGBTQIA+ soccer organization, Albany Empire Soccer Club, as both player and board member.

As an entrepreneur, Jay encourages others to “keep going, because the hardest part is hitting that wall of doubt.” As for his company’s future plans, Jay sees himself continuing with wedding and event work. He remains especially committed to taking on queer couples as clients. Jay’s passion for nurturing a culture of mutual queer creative support is undeniable. “I can offer a rewarding experience (and) other queer entrepreneurs want to do the same,” he says. “We’re in a similar mindset. We want to build each other up and create community while also offering services for the community.” Jay’s sincere and purposeful application of both skill and talent are a shining example of the creatives who call CapNY their home.

10 Reasons We Love Being Single in CapNY

Becky Daniels of Albany, 34, and Gabby Fisher of Schenectady, 28, are two single, boss women who ROCK – and love being single.
Now, they want to share with you why they living in and experiencing CapNY solo. They’re not the only ones who think this place is perfect for free spirits…

Insurantly ranked the Albany-Schenectady-Troy Metro the nation’s 7th Best City for Single Millennials.

It’s nice to have our 10 reasons we love being single in the Capital Region confirmed by researchers! With over 71% of millennials in CapNY living single – whether you love ridin’ solo or are looking for a partner, this is the place to be. 

I am a near life-long resident of the Capital Region, growing up in Schenectady but recently moving to Downtown Albany. Here, I have built an incredible life living and loving in the 518. And the dating scene is great. However, being single is pretty wonderful, too. I take great care of my furchild, Izzie, even if I struggle to keep plants alive. So whether you’re looking for love — or are happier solo —  here are just a few of my reasons being single in #CapNY can be awesome: 

When I moved back after graduate school, I was lucky to have a great group of friends from high school to come back to. But I still wanted to expand my professional circle, find a mentor… and maybe some potential dates. There are so many ways to build a network. I found my people through joining the Palette Cafe Community and Junior League of Albany, attending events with our awesome local chambers and young professionals groups. Volunteering with community organizations including the local St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital team, New Leaders Council, and Capital Region Sponsor a Scholar also helped.

There are so many ways to feed your passion for making our community a better place. Whatever causes you might be interested in supporting, you can find it all here. Living in a community with such a vibrant nonprofit scene means that there are always an abundance of opportunities to lend your talents and treasures to worthy causes. For example, serving on nonprofit boards can be a rewarding way to enhance your own skills and experiences while meeting new people and making positive change in the world. As a current board member for the Schenectady City School District Education Foundation, I support our fundraising events, help distribute grant money to teachers and work with the other board members to guide the organization and make the biggest impact possible on the teachers and students we serve.

I’ve rented, I’ve owned and I’ve even crashed with my parents for a month or two in between (spoiler: it wasn’t that bad!). I’ve recently returned to renting and love living in such a wonderful, vibrant downtown. Moral of the story? There are an abundance of affordable housing options in CapNY for a happy-being-single person.

Whatever living situation you’re looking for, it’s here. And, while moving can certainly be stressful, it’s fun to be able to try out different situations to see what suits you best before you take a leap and settle down in a more permanent situation (if that’s what your goal is).

bullmoosecoworking

There are tons of ways to have fun and learn something new at the same time! As an added bonus, dorking out over something you enjoy is a great way to meet new friends and potential dates with similar interests!

Here are some favorites that I’ve tried or come highly recommended by friends: 

  • Education institutions 
  • Health & wellness organizations 
  • Nonprofits that offer free and low-cost training on a variety of topics  
  • Local historical societies that host tours and workshops throughout the year (the haunted ones around Halloween are the BEST!)

It’s pretty hard to be bored in CapNY! When I’m feeling outdoorsy, I love going for a run or walk on one of the waterfront bike trails. For a fancier mood, there are some incredible places to get a little dressed up and enjoy great food and service. I also absolutely love live music and comedy and there is no shortage of that here.

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Great Flats Nature Trail, great place to go for a walk!

I recommend keeping an eye on the Funny Bone in Albany, to catch some pretty big names and local comedy talent. Open Mic Nights at the Comedy Works in Saratoga are also always a good time! For live music – the free shows in the summer at places like Mohawk Harbor, Central Park and Freedom Park in Schenectady and Empire State Plaza in Albany are always fun. And for a bigger night out, SPAC is always a favorite! Want to try something new? Some of my favorite new activities include ziplining and  axe-throwing — which are both super fun with just friends or a date. 

Gabby and her nephew Julian

Ah, to be single in CapNY… I love this place and I think it’s an especially dope place to be single. I was in a relationship all of high school and  college. When that relationship ended, I moved back to Albany, where I was born and raised – and found a new love for this place and the people in it. My relationship with myself, and this region, is blossoming every day. It was difficult to narrow down the list, but here are my 5 reasons I love being single in CapNY.

In October 2020, I bought a multi-family home in Schenectady. The fact that I can afford to buy this place as a single woman is huge. I love being single and living on my own. Plus, I live within a mile of two bustling downtown areas – restaurants, bars, boutiques…whether I feel like riding my bike to grab a bite by myself or meeting friends, the location is perfect.

millennialhomeowner

An influx of interesting, ambitious people are moving to CapNY from all over in crazy numbers! I swear I meet a CapNY transplant, someone who has moved to CapNY from another place, at least once a week. It makes for a dynamic, diverse community. People of all backgrounds are here for many different reasons and it’s one of the things that make this place great.

From homemade dinner on a farm, to renting Kayaks on the Mohawk River, to grabbing a local beer at a dive bar, there is never a shortage of first-date spots. Trust me, you’ll never have to take your new Bumble date to the place you took your last Bumble date!

I’ve lived in three cities in CapNY in my lifetime – Albany, Troy, and Schenectady. Each city has a distinct vibe, a unique character, and different communities of people. I hear from some friends, especially single friends, who live in other cities that they’re “over” living where they are. They’ve felt they’ve experienced all there is to experience in their current city and are ready for a new adventure being single in a new city. I’ve traveled to places all over the world and I’ve never felt that way about CapNY. If I ever get bored of Schenectady (highly doubtful), or feel like I need a different vibe, I’ll just move to a different city or town within CapNY. 

Okay, going to get a little sappy on this one…I was born and raised in CapNY. My entire family lives here and has lived here for generations. Being single isn’t equivalent to being lonely. In fact, quite the opposite. I’m surrounded by loved ones who I can always count on to make me feel loved and at home. I can’t imagine living – or loving being single – anywhere else in the world.

Becky Daniels of Albany, 34, and Gabby Fisher of Schenectady, 28, are two boss women who ROCK being single. Now, they want to share with you why they love living and experiencing CapNY solo.

First Date Ideas in CapNY – Beyond the Ordinary

Updated: July 2025

When it’s time to connect in person with that crush you’ve been texting for months, or that new connection you just made on Hinge, contributors Becky and Gabby have your back.

From sports and outdoor activities to foodie experiences, shared time is the way to get to know each other. Becky Daniels and Gabby Fisher (along with some of their social media followers) have put together their favorite first date ideas in CapNY that go beyond the ordinary “let’s grab a drink.”

Gabby: I haven’t had the opportunity to go on this date yet, but I have an idea of combining two of my favorite spots in CapNY, Forts Ferry Farm & Lions Park in Niskayuna.

Start by meeting your date at Forts Ferry Farm, an heirloom farm in Latham. There, you’ll find produce, thoughtfully curated provisions, and goods for any home… These are all perfect talking points when you are going through the “small talk” phase. The farm not only has the cutest little barn structure, but they offer delicious coffee and homemade bagels. Grab a cup and take a seat at one of their outdoor tables, and enjoy the scenery and beauty of the farm. 

In case you needed a visual of me rollerblading on the path…

When you’re done there, drive about four minutes to the entrance of Lions Park in Niskayuna. This is one of my favorite trails in CapNY. It runs along the Mohawk River and is perfect for a romantic walk or if you feel like just chillin’ on a bench along the water. You may see me rollerblading on the path, it’s my favorite spot to blade in the spring and summer. I will try not to interrupt your date by tripping over a stick and making a scene, but it happens often and I cannot make any promises HAHA.

Becky: I wouldn’t consider myself the sportiest gal around (the only teams I follow religiously are from my alma mater, Syracuse Orange). But, I do love attending a live baseball game. There’s something about an exciting atmosphere, the energy of people cheering on their team. Plus, there’s the anticipation of not knowing what’s going to happen next. It’s especially fun for a date, because it’s casual and comfortable, the game is a great conversation starter, and you can deepen your convos during lulls in the action. Plus, who doesn’t love a little junk food and beer? 

Lucky for us, our local Tri City Valley Cats always deliver a great experience! They’re exciting, feature fun entertainment between innings, and have a great selection of stadium food and beer. And for a date night, pick a game that’s followed by fireworks — and maybe you’ll end up feeling some of your own (sorry, I had to!).

Gabby: The Hollow Bar + Kitchen! wins hands down with Indie rock, hard rock, beatboxing competitions and everything in between. The Hollow is a dope date spot. Not only can you grab delicious cocktails and dinner before the show, but the small intimate music venue helps you find your vibe with your date. Personally, music opens me up and I’m in my zone if I can dance and move with the music along with my date. If you relate to that, you definitely want to see if your potential partner is as fun as you OBVIOUSLY are…tearin’ up the dance floor.

Becky: This category is so tough for me. I love live music, theatre and comedy, so it’s hard to pick just one! While I do think that a comedy show for date night can be a bit of a gamble, I happen to love it. It offers a bit more opportunity for conversation than a concert and gives you a strong glimpse into someone’s sense of humor, and potentially how they handle some gentle roasting if the show is more interactive. I’ve caught great live comedy all around CapNY, including MopCo and Proctors in Schenectady, The Funny Bone in Albany, and The Comedy Works in Saratoga. 

Becky’s bestie Fran onstage for open mic night at Saratoga Comedy Works.

Gabby: The Saratoga Winery is one of my absolute favorite places  during the spring or summer. Not only does the winery offer tastings of handcrafted wines and local craft beers, the brick oven pizzas are to die for and the outdoor seating area is absolutely gorgeous! Lights hanging across the trees in the back. Cornhole sets for couples who love a friendly challenge. Fires to enjoy during a chilly night…this place is a first date dream come true. Wait, let’s back up to the handcrafted wine. If you get a wine flight, it comes out on the coolest contraption you’ve ever seen at a winery or brewery. Instagram worthy to the max.

Becky: Craft beer is booming in CapNY, with so many great places to grab a pint. Flights can be such a fun activity for a date because you can learn a bit about what you’re drinking and why you do (or don’t!) like certain varieties. After years living in Schenectady there are a few spots I’m particularly fond of that would all make for great “grab a beer” dates.

Have someone you think you might want to experience more than one  tasting date with? Check out the Schenectady Sips Craft Beverage Trail and get beer flights at multiple breweries – including Back Barn Brewing CompanyDruthers SchenectadyFrog Alley Brewing and Wolf Hollow Brewing. Each of these spots have a great vibe. You’ll have a blast getting to know their beers while you get to know your date!

Gabby: I LOVE SPORTS. I consider myself a backyard athlete star – I excel at things like wiffle ball, badminton, kickball, spikeball, etc. You catch the drift. One thing I’m looking for in a partner is someone who can jump into athletic games at family parties and ummm…WIN! So here’s my next first date idea: All Stars Academy. Indoor batting cages, baby! I love some good competition on a date. It leads to some fun flirting and gives good insight on the playfulness of your date. If they can keep up with me, and make me laugh while they do it, a second date may be on the horizon. After, make the short drive to Tipsy Moose Tavern for a craft beer and bomb food (try their poutine!)

Becky: Being a little playful is such a fun way to break the ice and ease tensions while you’re getting to know someone new. Paint and Sip experiences are one of my favorite ways to tap into your creativity. And, they’re great for dates, no matter where you’re at in a relationship (or potential relationship). Saratoga Paint and Sip and Canvas Corks & Forks in Schenectady are so much fun. If you’re worried about being a terrible painter, well, most of us are! But each of these spots have teachers on hand to guide you through creating your masterpiece. You’ll have a lot to laugh about as you each create your own version of the selected painting at the direction of the teacher with your paintbrush and one hand and, if you choose, a fun drink in the other. 

My friend Leah and I at “Paint Your Pet Night” – photo credit: Saratoga Paint and Sip Studio