By Shreya Ghoshal and Jordan Kwong
On a Budget?
Take A Hike:
Explore a new trail in a local park or wilderness preserve! Hikes are a great way to stay active while connecting with your partner. Whether you prefer a gentle stroll down a paved path or an arduous trek through an unkempt trail the South Bay is filled with scenic hikes for everyone. Crossing streams, spotting wildlife, and exploring new terrains, you will always discover a surprise around the bend. Henry Cowell State Park, Fremont Older and Rancho San Vicente Open Space Preserve, Sanborn County Park, and the Los Gatos Creek Trail are just a few of the many local destinations that provide beautiful scenery to enjoy
A Culinary Road Trip:
What is more romantic than a trip around the world with your partner. Now experience it from the comfort of your own kitchen! Together, choose 4 countries around the world. Then, assemble a four-course meal, cooking a dish from each of the countries. Throw on some vibrant music and dance around the kitchen with your partner as you mince and chop up ingredients (do not dance with a knife in hand). Your night is sure to be filled with laughter, love, and a slightly burnt meal.
Time to Splurge!
Downtown Dinner:
From Los Gatos to Saratoga to our very own Campbell, the South Bay has many beautiful downtowns. Firstly, research your restaurants! Finding a dining location with raving food reviews, a warm ambiance, and great service. Now throw on a nice outfit and some cologne, grab some flowers, and treat you and your partner to a romantic night out. After a hearty dinner, stroll around downtown! If it’s the holiday season, take a look at the lights hung around the area.
Funny Dates
Offer Kids Candy from a White Van:
As children, everyone has been told not to accept candy from strangers, especially those driving suspicious white vans. Now imagine how funny it would be to do exactly that. The process starts by acquiring a white van — an old, rusty one would be best. Renting is the best option. Then, the two of you need candy. Ideally, buy lollipops or something else that can dangle easily out the window from your fingers. With your van and candy, drive around places that are filled with little kids. Parks, schools, and neighborhoods are all valid choices. Finally, watch the chaos unfold. Children will start holding each other back, parents will begin to panic, and maybe even call the police on you. The important thing to remember is to not break any laws and don’t kidnap any children! With these steps, you’ll have yourself a wonderful date filled with laughs.
Escape Room Sabotage
Escape rooms are fun, but in the end, you always escape! The staff are always giving hints and pointing you in the right direction so that you’ll be able to solve the puzzles. What if you purposely don’t follow their hints, and stay in there as long as possible. Roleplay as terrible detectives, and come up with crazy conspiracy theories about every clue. If you move on from one room to the next, try going back to the first room! Watch as the staff get annoyed and confused as you seem hopelessly tangled in your own imaginations.
No Recipe Challenge
Pick a dish to make, like a chocolate cake or apple pie. Then, with your entire kitchen at your disposal, try to make the dish! There’s two rules: everything must be made from scratch, and you cannot look at a recipe. You could do it separately and try each other’s dishes at the end, or work together to make one. Either way, the end result is bound to be hilarious. Who knows? Maybe you two will be the next Gordon Ramseys of the world.