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First date ideas in Denver
Denver dates are easy because half the city already wants to be outside. Mix one outdoor thing with one cozy thing and you're set. Everything below was open this year, but places change, check hours before you go.
The low-key drink
- Williams and Graham (LoHi, Tejon St). You walk into what looks like a bookstore and a shelf opens into the bar. Get there early, it's small. Text her: "theres a bar behind a bookcase in lohi. thursday at 6?"
The walk and talk
- Washington Park (south Denver). Two lakes, flower gardens and a loop that's long enough to talk the whole time. Text her: "wash park loop sunday morning then coffee? i'll even walk slow"
The activity date
- Meow Wolf Convergence Station (just west of downtown, 1st St). Four floors of weird, interactive art. You'll be talking the whole time without trying. Text her: "meow wolf saturday? i need someone to explain it to me"
- Denver Botanic Gardens (Cheesman Park area, York St). Gardens, art in the paths and evening events in season. Text her: "botanic gardens saturday afternoon? i want to see if you know plant names"
Cheap and cute
- Denver Central Market (RiNo, Larimer St). A food hall in an old warehouse. Pizza, coffee, a bar, and everyone can get what they want. Text her: "denver central market friday? you get pizza, i get whatever you don't finish"
The rainy day
- Tattered Cover on Colfax (East Colfax). Two floors of books in an old theater, with some of the original seats. Text her: "snow day plan. tattered cover on colfax, we each pick a book for the other"
- Denver Art Museum (Golden Triangle). Huge and easy to wander. Closed Wednesdays. Text her: "art museum saturday? i want your honest opinion on modern art"
The impress-her dinner
- Tavernetta (next to Union Station). Italian, handmade pasta, a patio by the train platform. Feels like an occasion. Text her: "i got us a table at tavernetta friday. pasta and trains, you're welcome"
The late-night bite
- Pete's Kitchen (East Colfax). An old school diner that runs 24 hours on Fridays and Saturdays. Breakfast burrito smothered in green chile. Text her: "this is going well. pete's kitchen burrito to close the night?"
Texts you can send
theres a bar behind a bookcase in lohi. thursday at 6?
meow wolf saturday? i need someone to explain it to me
this is going well. pete's kitchen burrito to close the night?
A woman's read
Denver girls are outdoorsy, but nobody wants a first date that's a five hour hike. A loop around Wash Park is the right size. You get the outside, you get to talk, and you can end it at coffee if there's no spark. If there is, the night version is a drink behind the bookcase and a burrito on Colfax.
The move
Pick one outside spot and one cozy spot. Text her the outside one for a weekend afternoon. Keep the cozy one ready as your second stop.
Before you go
Places change, check hours before you go. Meow Wolf uses timed tickets, so buy ahead. Williams and Graham fills up fast on weekends. Want help with what to wear? Jules has what to wear on a first date.
Tell Val about her and she'll plan the whole night.
Questions guys ask
What is a fun first date in Denver?
Meow Wolf Convergence Station. It gives you something to react to the whole time. Buy timed tickets ahead.
What is a cheap first date in Denver?
A loop around Washington Park, a book swap at Tattered Cover on Colfax, or a food hall dinner at Denver Central Market.
Where can we eat late in Denver?
Pete's Kitchen on East Colfax runs 24 hours on Fridays and Saturdays. Check hours before you go.
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