Top 3 Outdoor Venues for a First Date in Holland, Michigan

If both you and your date enjoy spending time outside, consider an outdoor venue for your first date. Whether you prefer leisurely walks or outdoor games, you'll find plenty to do in Holland, Michigan.

Outdoor Discovery Center of Wildlife Unlimited
A-4214 56th Street

If both of you are nature lovers, the Outdoor Discovery Center of Wildlife Unlimited is the perfect place for your first date. The two of you can walk around and enjoy the wildlife no matter what the weather is like; this nature preserve is open year-round during daylight hours. Resting on approximately 130 acres, it includes more than four miles of nature trails and a seven-acre enclosed area where deer and elk roam freely. Other activities include fishing, archery, kayaking, and snowshoeing. There's no entrance fee, although this non-profit center gladly accepts donations.

Winstrom Park
160th Street and Perry

If you're interested in something a bit more active, check out the disc golf course at Winstrom Park. The 18-hole course is free and includes scorecards and maps, which you can pick up at the first hole. Each of you will need a Frisbee or other brand of disc, so if you're planning to surprise your date with this outing, make sure you're prepared. When you've finished the course, take a look around; Winstrom Park has much more to offer. The park is open daily from 8:00 am until dusk.

Holland State Park
2215 Ottawa Beach Road

For your first date, consider a leisurely walk along the beach at Holland State Park. You can watch the boats, surfers, and gulls, and you can even get your feet wet if you want. A sunset walk would be especially memorable; on nice days, the sunset over Lake Michigan is breathtaking. Since this is a state park, there is an entrance fee for each vehicle, but if you already have a permit on the windshield, there's no additional cost to enter the park.

No matter which of these activities you choose for your first date in Holland, you'll want to continue the date with a nice meal and conversation. If you're making a day of it, you could pack a picnic basket. However, since this is your first date, a restaurant would be better; it would give each of you the opportunity to order what you want instead of taking the chance that only one of you likes what's in the picnic basket.

One good option for a nice meal is 84 East, but only Monday through Saturday; it's closed on Sundays. Located at 84 East 8th Street, this restaurant has a casual atmosphere. Order one of the designer pizzas or the mozza poppers as an appetizer. Pasta lovers should considering trying the baked spaghetti pie, but if you're not interested--or if the day's supply of this dish has been depleted--look over the menu and choose one of their other delicious offerings. If your date is reluctant to order dessert after such a decadent meal, point out the World's Smallest Sundae on the menu.

All these venues would work for an enjoyable first date for anyone who loves being outdoors. You'll have a great time, make lasting memories, and learn a lot about each other.

Sources:

84 East
Outdoor Discovery Center of Wildlife Unlimited
Holland, Michigan