Top 3 Places to Take a First Date in New Smyrna Beach, Florida

New Smyrna Beach is a quaint and friendly beach town offering numerous opportunities for a fun-filled first date. From strolls on the beach to sunset cruises, and art galleries to ocean view restaurants, deciding where to go on a first date will probably be your biggest challenge.

Nearly every place in New Smyrna Beach makes for a great date experience. Where you end up will depend on the type of experience you prefer. The following first date ideas encompass cultural, environmental and gastronomical adventures that are fun, entertaining, affordable and appropriate for people of all ages.

Cultural First Date in New Smyrna Beach

New Smyrna Beach ranks as one of the best small art towns in America, so it only makes sense to embark on a cultural date. The fourth Saturday of every month, Gallery Group of Flagler Avenue presents the Flagler Avenue Art Walk; a free event that takes place between 10 a.m. and 5 p.m.

Begin your cultural dating experience at Ta Da Gallery, located at 113 Flagler and offering original artistic creations and fine crafted gifts. Continue on to Jonah's Cat's Art Gallery and converse with your date about the details and colors in the abstract works of artists, John Hostetter and Samuel Ruder.

The next stop is Galleria di Vetro, where you and your date can be entertained and amazed by live glassblowing demonstrations. The art walk continues to Anthony Bell Creations where an eclectic mix of Florida artwork is displayed and available for sale.

The final stop is at Palms Up Pottery located at 413 Flagler Avenue. This New Smyrna Beach icon has been providing residents and visitors with unique handmade pottery since 1987. Watch as pottery is made on site and browse the gallery. If you and your date enjoy ceramics, consider signing up for a pottery class together.

If your date is going well, consider stopping for ice cream at Treats on the Beach or enjoy burgers and fries at The Breakers. Nearly every seat in the house provides an oceanfront view, but grab a window seat if possible. The Breakers is a beach restaurant, so if you and your date are seeking a higher level culinary experience, you'll enjoy the next first date recommendation.

Gastronomical First Date in New Smyrna Beach

The Garlic restaurant is by far one of the best restaurants in New Smyrna Beach. It is great for a first date because it is cozy, yet active. The only downside is most of the food is prepared with lots of garlic. Better take along some powerful breath mints or forego the first date kiss.

Appetizers and meals are served with a piping hot loaf of freshly baked bread and an intoxicating roasted garlic bulb. Your server will mash the garlic bulb and add a splash of balsamic vinegar and olive oil to create the most sensational bread dip.

When dining at The Garlic it's best to order the Italian food. After all it is their specialty and one bite will show you why. Try the Ravioli Bolognaise, stuffed with four cheeses and topped with a ground filet mignon spicy marinara sauce. While it might be tempting, it's probably best to avoid ordering the Bocce Ball; a one-pound filet mignon meatball. Consuming a pound of meat on your first date might not be the best idea unless your date is a member of the Federation of Competitive Eating.

The Garlic is located at 556 East Third Avenue and doors open at 4 p.m. Attire is dressy casual. Entrée prices range from $15 to $25 per person. Indoor and outdoor seating are available.

Environmental First Date in New Smyrna Beach

There's nothing better than taking a nature walk and New Smyrna Beach doesn't disappoint. This area is blessed with an abundance of beautiful parks and nature centers where you can escape from the noise and chaos of every day life.

One of the best parks for an environmental date is Canaveral National Seashore Park. Located at the southern tip of New Smyrna, Canaveral Park is rich in history and natural resources. The Seashore Park is comprised of more than 24 miles of undeveloped beach, diverse estuaries and natural vegetation.

Once inside the park you and your date can explore on foot, pedal or paddle. Four self-guided hiking trails are located within the Seashore, with distances ranging from one-quarter to one-half mile treks. An abundance of wildlife resides within the park and lagoons including bottlenose dolphins, manatees, loggerhead turtles, armadillos, brown pelicans, egrets and ospreys.

Canoeing and kayaking is permitted within Canaveral National Seashore Park. A launch facility is available in the north district of the park with access into Mosquito Lagoon. If you have never been to Mosquito Lagoon, there is a reason for the name.

Before heading into the park, stop at Mother Ocean's Bait and Tackle Store and ask Chris for his super power bug spray. Located at 6495 Turtlemound Road, Mother Ocean's is the last bait shop on the island and about four blocks from the park entrance.

There are plenty of places to enjoy a picnic lunch, so take along some gourmet sandwiches, chips, pickles, veggies and bottled water. Drinking alcohol is prohibited within the park, but you could share a bottle of sparkling juice with your date. Just be certain to clean up afterwards because nobody likes a litterbug and if caught littering, you'll be charged a hefty fine.

Last, but not least, two dedicated fishing docks are situated within Canaveral Seashore Park. Take along fishing poles and experience the excitement of landing the big one. Redfish, trout, sailfish and black drum are common catches in this area. When you purchase bug spray, ask Chris for a fishing report and bait recommendation.

Canaveral National Seashore Park entry fee is $3 per person. Park hours vary by season, but gates are open by 8 a.m. and the park closes at sunset or 8 p.m. Location is at the end of A1A in New Smyrna Beach.

Sources:

Flagler Art Walk - www.flaglergallerygroup.com
The Garlic Restaurant - www.thegarlic.net
Canaveral National Seashore Park - www.nps.gov/cana/index.htm