Great First Dates in Columbus, OH

I've lived in and around the Columbus, Ohio area most of my life. I was also single for most of those years and suffered through many miserable first dates. Often, an attempt to impress me with a high-end restaurant felt uncomfortable. A trip to a movie or nightclub makes it difficult to talk and get to know one another.

My favorite first dates in Columbus were always simple affairs, generally low-cost and filled with time to explore my date's thoughts.

Goodale Park/Short North/Victorian Village

One of the best first dates I was ever treated to was a walking tour of the Short North and Victorian Village area. Hippy Jim had lived in the Short North area for many years and loved his neighborhood.

We met in the late afternoon at the home of the annual Community Festival/Comfest, Goodale Park. Jim told me the history of the park as we walked around the pond. From there, we walked through the historic Victorian Village area as my date pointed out some of the more well-known houses and told me their stories. One of my favorites is known as the Sells House at 755 Dennison. The Sells Brothers Circus was one of the largest in the country and was based in Columbus. Peter Sells commissioned the large house featuring a tiled roof with lines similar to a circus tent.

From the residential district, my date guided me to the heart of the Short North's business district. I learned of unique galleries and specialty boutiques I never knew existed. We finished the evening with a couple of drinks at a sidewalk table, watching the High Street traffic roll by.

North Market - 59 Spruce Street, Columbus

For a casual first date that offers something for every taste, North Market is the place. Grazing through the market choosing appetizers from one stall and a main course from another is a great way to relax without being bound to a stuffy restaurant table.

Stop at Lac Viet for their Vietnamese Egg Rolls or Nida's Sushi. For a main course, Heil's Family Deli or Pastaria offer a wide variety. Dessert brings even more choices, such as a pastry from Mozart's North Market Bakery or one of Jeni's Splendid Ice Creams.

A special note to guys: Whatever dining options you and your date choose, you absolutely must stop at Pure Imagination Chocolatier before leaving the North Market. Yes, each hand-dipped chocolate costs a little more than a dollar. The gesture will guarantee you a second date.

Be certain to get your parking ticket validated with a purchase inside the North Market to qualify for reduced parking fees.

Franklin Park Conservatory - 1777 East Broad Street, Columbus

For a great first date away from the stereotypical dinner and a movie scene, the Franklin Park Conservatory offers Cocktails @ Franklin Park every Thursday from 5:30 - 10:00 PM.

An adults-only crowd can enjoy a casual atmosphere in the Conservatory. The artwork of Dale Chihuly is on display and live music is featured the first Thursday of every month. Admission is a great first date deal also - $10 per person and each person receives $10 in tokens for beverages or hor d'oeuvres. Parking is free.

Sources:Short North Gazette