The "dinner and a movie" date has become the go-to option for many relationships. If you both want to get out of the house to spend time together, of course food has to be a part of the evening, and what better to precede or follow up dinner than a movie together?

Over time, I had begun to tire of this routine night out. There had to be less traditional options out there that would still allow for a fun, intimate time together. My boyfriend and I both love to learn and enjoy having experiences together in which we both are able to expand our knowledge base. We decided to create the typical Popsicle stick jar full of date ideas, however, the ideas we came up with were far from typical.

With our busy schedules, it isn't easy to coordinate a time for date night, but we were so excited about these cool ideas that we've made a conscious effort to cross one off the list once a week if we can!

Whether you've been in a relationship for years, or are planning your first date with someone you just met, it's never a bad option to suggest something out of the ordinary for you and your beau to enjoy together! Below are some of my favorite things that we've pulled out of our jar thus far!

1. The Farmer's Market

Now, this idea may seem a bit bland. Who wants to go shop around for organic produce on a date? For all you foodies out there though, this is a blast! Living in Carrboro, N.C., I have the luxury of being within walking distance of a lovely little market that pops up every Saturday morning. My boyfriend and I typically start our rounds with a fresh, local cup of joe, then proceed to search for fresh ingredients we both love! After we get home, we set everything out on the table and come up with a new recipe to make out of what we purchased. Cooking up something delicious with the ingredients you both handpicked together puts a fun and personal twist on the usual dinner outing.

2. Local Live Music Performances

This is one of my personal favorites. I love music, and it's both inspiring and entertaining to watch up and coming bands begin their journey to stardom. Accessible venues throughout my town, such as the co-op grocery and the nearby coffee shop, have performances throughout the week. These are FREE to anyone and I usually pass by these places on my way home from school anyways. The performers are typically of a unique musical style, and have a really intriguing backstory about who they are and how they got into music. Be on the lookout for musical outings near you!

3. Guest Speakers

Another luxury of Carrboro is the vast number of guest speakers who come out to spread their wisdom at another one of our local coffee shops! We are able to grab a cup of coffee or tea, along with some delectable pastries, before sitting down for an hour or so of enrichment! We have heard speakers talk on subjects of the psychic capabilities, life's purpose, meditation, and holistic healing! Whatever your brain craves, I'm sure there is an expert out there who travels to speak on it.

4. Fitness Classes

Not all gyms are the traditional weights and treadmills kind of place. Many unique regimens exist in modern society to accommodate all people, body types, and interests. Some of these include Barre classes, aerial yoga, pilates, and kickboxing. Now, it may not be easy work to convince your significant other to take a ballet-based workout class with you, but it's something new that will get those endorphins flowing! Most studios offering these kind of classes offer one free class to new, local members. Give them a call!

5. Craft Fairs/Local Art Shows

Our township combines these two things, but it's likely that most areas have one or the other going on! Our local craft fair comes on a Sunday once per season, and features local vendors selling their handcrafted goods. At these events, I've purchased anything from a hand-blown glass necklace to a handmade rose clay face mask made of all natural ingredients. As for art shows, we have managed to find some really cool pieces from local, young artists to finish our apartment decor! It's super exciting to show each other your cool finds and try them out (or on!) together afterwards. Plus, many of these events where I live bring many food trucks out for the occasion, which is a clear bonus!

Hopefully, this list equips you with a solid base of ideas to begin your conquest to spice up date night! If you're struggling to find events near you, the Facebook local events calendar is a great place to start. I've followed a lot of interesting organizations using that route that continue to come through with fantastic activities in my town!

Once you get a taste of all the unique, enriching date options out there for you and your partner, dinner and a movie will never seem quite so sweet again.