Finding the venue for date night in your very own college town doesn’t seem very difficult, but you’ll be surprised how quickly Chipotle and Regal 10 become monotonous. College is the time for interesting, eclectic, and eventful dates with either your significant other, your best friend, or just yourself. Here are my personal date night favorites for the nautical college town of Norfolk, VA.
- Elliot’s Fair Ground
This quaint and artsy second-floor coffee shop sends me to Ghent area close to two times a week. Not only does Fair Grounds have the best frozen coffee and Rugula around, its architecture accommodates to every type of coffee-shop customer. There are three main areas of the shop: one room that’s quiet and small enough for studying/reading, one room that allows for fun conversation, and outdoor seating for those of us who just enjoy watching the cars pass by.
Fair Grounds makes for the perfect brunch date; coffee dates are always a great idea. As if the thought of coffee and pastries couldn’t get better, the first floor of the coffee shop is a low-priced boutique called Texture that is filled with fun crafting supplies and household goods.
- O’s Donuts
Who doesn’t love donuts? Especially donuts that are made right in front of you! Similar to the popular Outer Banks chain Duck Donuts, O’s serves you your donut (or a dozen) to you piping hot with whatever glaze and topping you ordered (my favorite is the maple glaze with bacon bits). O’s doesn’t just have to be for a mid-morning sweet tooth. One night I took myself on a me-date for dessert and ordered the donut sundae. Atop my usual bacon donut were two scoops of vanilla ice cream, caramel drizzle, and whipped cream—talk about a heart attack!
- The Naro
Forget about the average movie theater and head over to The Naro! This authentic theater, first built in 1936, still stands and shows independent films such as "In my Dreams," "Love and Mercy," "The Wolfpack," and even the well-known "Birdman."
Not the biggest fan of indie films? No problem. That is, as long as you're okay with the all-time classic British-American musical comedy horror film "Rocky Horror Picture Show"! The second and fourth Friday of every month, The Naro shows the horror film with a live theater performance to go along with the movie and interact with the crowd. "Rocky Horror" begins at 11:45 every other Friday night-- sharp!
- Strawberry Fields
Found just across the street from The Naro is Strawberry Fields. Inspired by the hit Beatles song, this healthier take on ice cream tastes more amazing than anything you could buy from Coldstone. Every week, the store offers ten different flavors of gelato, most being unusual yet tasty. The next time you and your honey/bestie are looking for a post-dinner dessert, check out Strawberry Fields and fall in love with the magic of gelato.
- The Elizabeth River at Whitehurst Beach
Known as the most scenic view on the campus of Old Dominion University, The Elizabeth River never fails to leave me relaxed and ready to tackle the next day. The river-front has a large grass area with picnic tables, trees perfect for hanging a hammock, and sanded volleyball courts. The beach tails off to a wooden dock that leads to the floating pier, perfect for sweet conversation or silence behind the soft sound of the water. A bonus of this secluded spot is in its proximity to free street parking and downtown.
- The NorVa
