For as long as I can remember I have always loved taking myself on solo dates. While I tend to hibernate during the winter months of the year I always start looking forward to getting out and about again once the first signs of spring start to arrive. Solo dates can be so enriching as you’re able to spend time with yourself doing things that you enjoy on your own timetable and pace. It’s a chance to reconnect with yourself and to savor the things that you love to see and do. While I very much like doing things with my husband and girlfriends, a solo date is time that is just for me where I get to enjoy my own company without having to check in with another person.
A few things that I often carry with me on my solo dates are a cross body bag, my noise canceling air pods, a hair tie (in case it’s a windy day) a canvas bag, and a stop at the coffee shop for a drink to enjoy.
Every spring I start making plans for these outings by myself on the weekends and here are 10 solo dates that I usually have on my list every year.
- Antique Shops
Raleigh has some wonderful antique shops that I love to visit. There’s something so enchanting about a little treasure hunt at an antique shop where one can get lost for hours admiring all of the beautiful objects to peruse.
- Bookstore
A must-have solo date for the booklovers. Whether it’s a Barnes & Noble or Books-A-Million, an independent bookstore, or a used bookstore, I am simply delighted every time I go book shopping with some jazz music playing in my headphones and a coffee in hand.
- A Movie at the Theater
It’s simply a fun kind of solo date to pick a movie you are looking forward to seeing and then go to the movie theater, pick up a warm popcorn and soda (or other snack) and to cozy into the theater chair for a couple of hours and enjoy watching.
- Coffee Shop
Especially a cozy coffee shop where you can grab a coffee, pastry, pull out a book you’ve been reading and just enjoy time to yourself as leisurely as you’d like.
- Gardens or Arboretums
With the flowers in bloom and the mild temperatures to greet us in spring, visiting a garden is a simple pleasure of being surrounded by so many beautiful blooming plants and trees. I take my time walking through and enjoy the sounds of nature and the fresh air of a gentle breeze.
- Favorite Shops
Whether it’s a cooking store like Sur La Table or Williams-Sonoma, a home store such as Pottery Barn, or a clothing store such as J. Crew or Banana Republic, I love to visit my favorite shops to see the offerings for spring and to also get inspired by the season’s colors and themes.
- Museum Exhibits
Every year I attend the Art in Bloom exhibit here at the local art museum. Being surrounded by art and beautiful floral displays inspired by them is a beautiful way to welcome spring back. I am also able to pick up a coffee and pastry at their coffee shop and enjoy even more time out in the courtyard.
- Brunch
There’s always one or two little restaurants that have a wonderful spring brunch menu and every year I like to visit and savor the flavors of local and seasonal meals offered at my favorite brunch spots.
- Farmer’s Market
The Farmer’s Market here in my neighborhood starts back in April and I am looking forward to gathering my French market bag, grabbing a coffee, and visiting the season’s offerings of fresh produce as well as visiting the others offerings from artisans such as the bakery, macarons, flowers, and soaps and candles.
- Nature or Beach Walk
With the trees and flowers blooming and the weather becoming more pleasant, it’s fun to get out and take an extended walk through the nature trails (or the beach if you live near one). It’s a great way to get some sunshine on your skin after months of being inside as well as a chance to enjoy the peacefulness of nature.
Having solo dates can truly help to keep us in a state of excitement for our everyday lives. It gives us something to look forward to throughout the week as well as enjoyment while experiencing them. Trying new places to visit as well is very enjoyable as you get to be a tourist in your own town. I try to plan at least 2 solo dates a month for myself and carving this time out reminds me that enjoying these moments is what makes life a wonderful experience to savor.
I love solo dates too! They feel so free 🙂 Thanks for listing the kinds you enjoy.
I love to take myself on solo dates too! In the summer there’s free yoga classes on Saturdays outside at a town close to me that is walkable to their farmer’s market. I love doing yoga and then wandering around the farmer’s market. I LOVE solo walks – either with my dog in the neighborhood or by myself at one of our parks or trails. And I love doing craft nights at the library by myself. Sometimes I go with friends but I almost prefer it by myself because I can just be absorbed in what I’m doing. And I also love going to the movies by myself! It feels like such a little treat!