40+ Something Love & Dating - Where to Go (4/10)

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The purpose of this thread is to assist 40+ something WP members identify “the where to go/what to do on the first and successive dates” (activities conducive to a good date(s).

For either a first date or an early successive one, I think it is important to go somewhere that allows you and your date to talk and interact regularly throughout the date. The crux is this: you are still getting to know each other to ascertain whether you want to continue going on dates because the perceived compatibility is there. For this reason, I think that going to a see a movie together is probably not the best choice. Moreover, I think that some good phone chats enable getting to know each other as well.

Here in Charlotte, NC where I live, we have a really cool place called The Carolina Raptor Center which is an outside sanctuary for injured birds of prey who have been rescued. The birds of prey include owls, hawks, falcons, vultures,. eagles and the like. These majestic birds have been injured (blind, can't fly, etc) to the extent that they can not fend for themselves in the wild anymore.

Overall, I love the Carolina Raptor Center because many of the birds are rare, beautiful and majestic. Some have big huge personalities - they are hams and quite full of themselves.

All in all, it's a great cause (I love animals), it's very reasonably priced and it's good exercise because you get to do some walking in a beautiful wooded setting.

Here is a link: http://www.carolinaraptorcenter.org/

Actually I did go there on a first date and we had a blast!

^^^ agree

Diner and a movie is a night out for a couple. A place that is not to loud, dark or where your mouth is full of food. It makes conversation difficult.
Having to yell in the others ear makes it rough to judge their reaction, and expression.

When the other tells a joke and the heimlich maneuver is required,....could be a bit embarassing and most likely gross.

Park, Lake, River, Gallery, Museum, Historical Area and the like are usually a good bet.

I am trying Laser Tag for a first real date after an initial meeting.

Dinner and a movie is hard. Better left for later in the relationship. Dinner is An Event which is also social in nature. And a movie, while being a shared experience, doesn't really involve a lot of interaction between people.

Start with coffee. Or lunch. Less intimidating. If that works, or if you have more encouragement, try dinner and a walk & talk in the park. Those are less social, more conducive to getting to know someone though discussion.

Most other activities that I can think of either require more commitment or more preparation that would seem to be appropriate for an early date. Unless you both happen to be doing them already, in which case those are fine opportunities and might even be good ways to meet people.

I live in a rural area - town with a population of 1,000 people. Not much to chose from here. There is dining out, bowling (not really my thing), and movies. I have a first date this coming weekend, but can't think of anything to suggest we do. We both agree we'd like an activity where we can talk, so that rules out a movie. A walk in the park would be nice but it's just too hot for that right now. Since I've met him in person I suggested we hang out at my house for a while. I know this isn't safe generally, but I don't have a car right now and can't meet in a public place. And I've met him, I'd never do that with someone I've never met in person before.

Any suggestions or thoughts?

@ToughDiamond - You're right, I don't know him very well. It isn't a wise thing to do, and it could be misunderstood as an open invitation. I let him know in advance that my (adult) daughter will be here, so we won't be alone. Hmmm, would be better if my son were here instead.....I live in a duplex, so the neighbor can hear if there's any trouble, and my daughter could get help. Hopefully he won't stay 3 days....