Take a Break from Wedding Planning: 5 Date Night Ideas for 417 Area Couples
5 Date Night Ideas for 417 Area Couples
Hey you, you got engaged!
It was magical, ethereal. Your partner was waxing poetic and your nails were picture perfect. A few months have gone by and the joy and elation has given way to planning induced stress and anxiety. Your cuticles are on death row, and your partner’s replies have reverted to the more efficient, “yep” and “nope”.
Alas! It may be time to take this opportunity to set aside your planning duties, and take a break from all of the decision-making. You don’t even have to burn any brain cells to plan this outing, we have done the work for you!
There is definitely no shortage of fun things to do in the 417 area code, and regardless of your wedding planning-conscious budget, we’ve got the plan for five different date night vibes, just for you!
Even if you are just visiting the area for your wedding (woot!) weekend (woot!), chances are you need a quick escape to refresh and regroup before (or after) the big day… if so, this guide is for you, too!
Night on the Town
If you need a chance to switch out your planning pants for some party pants, then how about a night out in Springfield?
Nothing says relaxation like a couples massage. Why not start your escape from planning by booking your spot at Acacia, where a couple’s hot stone massage is just a reservation away.
Foodies unite! If a unique dining experience is your thing, check out Tea and Bites. For something outside of the ordinary, grab a seat at one of their themed dinners (reservations required).
If releasing a little bit of pent up planning energy is due, how about a date night activity that is begging for you to take a whack at it? The Rage Room is Springfield’s answer to couples therapy with its “you break it, we clean it” approach to every frustration on your list.
Become one (or two) with Nature
Day Tripping! The natural landscape of the Ozarks lends itself to so many great opportunities for a low-cost or no-cost date. Take a short road trip to visit one of these hidden gems:
Lost Valley is a dog friendly, 10.8-mile loop located near Defiance, MO. Great for hiking or biking the day away.
Sam's Throne is open year-round and boasts some of the most amazing sunset views around! Near Mt Judea, this Boston Mountain trip is worth the drive. Be sure to stop at the Low Gap Cafe before you leave town!
Yellow Rock Trail, near West Fork, Arkansas, is a bit more challenging. Be sure to download the trail map so that you can take in the views at the Outlook.
Pack a lunch and tune out of all of the distractions that come with planning a wedding, and just focus on each other. There is a practice called forest bathing that is immersive, and grounding. Check out our local resources and see if your mini-escape culminates with you two feeling refreshed, reinvigorated, and reconnected.
Thrift it Up!
If you are like us, we love a good treasure hunt and these spots are sure to turn up all kinds of surprises. You may be able to score a unique piece for your future home together, or even stumble upon an item that you could transform into your wedding day decor.
Red Racks is a Springfield thrifting staple. It is packed full of everything from clothing to home decor and you can usually find a prize or two.
With over 26,000 square feet of shopping space, Camp Flea in Ozark, MO never disappoints. They have more than 200 vendor booths, and attract the thrifter who is on the hunt for more home decor and conversation pieces.
Located about 20 minutes from Glass Haus is our local favorite, 417 Vintage Market. This three-level market is a hidden gem, located a few blocks from the Branson Landing. It boasts vintage clothing, furniture, and artwork, right alongside brand-new home decor, and clothing. Grab some coffee at their in-house coffee shop and stroll the day away.
“For it is in Giving that we receive” St Francis of Assisi
It may sound strange to consider volunteering together as an idea for a date, but the sense of worth and contribution will open up a new layer of connection in your relationship. Consider one of the worthy opportunities below, or find your own way to give to another. Altruism can be an aphrodisiac!
Miracle League serves children and adults with disabilities. Using a "Buddy" system, the league pairs each player with a volunteer buddy to assist in hitting, running, catching - or just cheering on! The Miracle League is all about making new friends, building self-esteem, and the joy of playing ball. Find your way to their website to see if it’s right for you and your boo.
There is no greater gift than the gift of your time. And what better way to give than the Make-a-Wish Foundation? Your time and talents could offer strength and hope to kids when they need it most.
If creating magic is your thing, how about offering your time and skill to the Springfield Little Theatre? This volunteer-driven community theater has a need for ushers, ticket takers, poster distribution, costume shop, and tech/scene shop work for all of the productions that take place at their Springfield locations.
Craving Pickles anyone?
No, not that kind… we’re talking about checking out Pickleball! It’s the latest sports sensation that is grabbing the attention of young and old, for a good reason! It’s fun, easy to learn and play, and you don’t have to be a hardcore athlete to play and enjoy. Check out these area locations with open play to see if working up a little sweat together is your new jam.
Springfield’s own Ozarks Pickleball Club caters to all different skill levels and offers a schedule with open play spots.
Branson Parks & Recs has open play at the Rex Plex with players of all levels.
During warmer weather, Meador Park in Springfield has dedicated pickleball courts available for open play and team events.
If you are Instagram savvy, you should definitely check out these accounts that highlight all of the fun and exciting things to do in the Springfield area! The date ideas are truly endless!
@lovespringfield
@downtownsgf
@sgfeats
@springfieldmolocal
Escape your adulting responsibilities for a day or night, (or both) and take a deep dive into a new experience. You will find that you gain better communication, greater affection and gratitude for each other, and a decrease in your perceived stress levels. When it is time to put your planning hats back on, you will feel refreshed and renewed. It’s counterintuitive but true; take the time to disconnect from your structured planning in order to bring a sense of connection back to you and your partner. Cheers to you and let us know what you did for your play date!
Xoxo,
Kathy and Rachael
