1. Picnic at Art Hill

Forest Park in St. Louis is one of the greatest places for college students. It’s mostly free and there are many things to do. Among them, Art Hill is one of the best places to lay a blanket down and pop open a bottle of champagne! On the weekends, there are numerous couples and families having picnics and tossing footballs. It’s incredibly peaceful and a great place to people watch.

2. Kayaks Coffee

If you’re a coffee or tea lover and like to converse in peace, this is a great place to do so. Kayak’s Coffee has a great setting; it reminds me of a northern cabin. During the school year, it is swarming with college students. Not only is there coffee great, but it’s also photogenic – the baristas are amazing at latté art.

3. Fitz’s at the Loop

It is a great place if you’re looking for a burger and fries or just going for dessert. They are famous for their Fitz’s root beer, and you can see the whole factory area where they make it right there in the restaurant. There are numerous types of root beer floats including Nutella and coffee flavored. This is a must if you and your date have a sweet tooth!

4. Vintage Vinyl at the Loop

If you’re more on the hipster, trendy side and love old fashioned records, you’ll love Vintage Vinyl. There are hundreds of old and new vinyl that you can browse through and purchase. Going through all the old music is super fun and will give you a chance to get to know the music taste of your date! It’s also right across the street from Fitz’s, so if there’s a long wait, it’s easy to just walk across the street and browse through cool records!

5. Pin Up Bowl at the Loop

It is a super vintage, retro bowling alley! It’s also a bar so you can blame your horrific bowling score on the liquor. If you’re looking for something fun to do late at night, this bowling alley is lit up with colorful lights while you’re bowling and opened until 3 am! It’s definitely a must go to on the loop and doesn’t cost very much either.

6. James S. McDonnell Planetarium

This is a very unique place to go for a date! If you want to gaze at the stars but avoid actually being outside, this is the place to go. It’s very close to the Science Museum. What’s more romantic than stargazing with your date?!

7. Chase Park Plaza Cinemas

A great movie spot! It’s very old fashioned and in a high end area, but it doesn’t cost any more than a normal movie theater. The seats are also very spacious and the candy isn’t overpriced. There is a limited amount of movies shown and they aren’t all brand new, but it’s sometimes fun to get away from trending, popular movies. This is located at the Chase Park Plaza near many fun bars and restaurants as well to end your date on a solid note.

8. Botanical Gardens

A great way to have full conversations, but also appreciate nature at the same time. There are many different gardens within the area and it’s a great place to take pictures as well! Try to get there as early as possible, since families usually take over the gardens pretty quickly. It’s most peaceful in the mornings.

9. Drive in Movie

Located at Skyview Drive-In isn’t technically in St. Louis, but it’s a semi-close drive and much worth it for the experience. It’s in Bellville, IL just about 25 minutes from St. Louis city. Bring blankets and snacks and roll the windows down. This will make you feel like you’re on an old-fashioned date!

10. Katie’s Pizza

Located on Manchester Rd. is a little bit on the pricier side, but is SO worth it. If you love pasta and wine, this is the place to go on your date. This was the most authentic tasting Italian food I had ever had. While you’re eating, there is a big screen behind the bar playing vintage black and white movies. You can also sit outside when it’s a nice summer night. This is by far the best Italian restaurant I have been to, and I highly recommend it.