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Tired of dinner and a movie? Next date night, you and your significant other (or Tinder date!) don’t have to settle for the same old, same old in Jersey. Think outside the box and try one of these fun, quirky rendezvous spots instead.
Pier 13 (1301 Sinatra Drive N, Hoboken): Get lost in your date’s eyes or, better yet, the views of the pristine Manhattan skyline while sipping summer cocktails and noshing on artisan food truck grub. Afterwards, grab a frozen treat at Amanda’s Bananas, then walk down a few blocks to Pier A for free Movies Under the Stars every Wednesday.
Delsea Drive-In Theatre (2203 S Delsea Drive, Vineland): Don your finest poodle skirt or Buddy Holly glasses for a blast from the past at the drive-in in South Jersey’s town of Vineland. You pay by screen instead of movie, so if you’re up for it, you can catch a double or even a triple feature.
Poached Pear Restaurant (816 Arnold Ave, Point Pleasant): After spending a sunny day at Point Pleasant Beach (or possibly reliving your childhood at Jenkinson’s Boardwalk), treat that special someone to a mind-blowing meal at the Poached Pear. The BYOB spot's offerings include pistachio panko-crusted salmon and rack of lamb persillade, with classic cheesecake for dessert.
Jersey Artisan Distillery (32 Pier Lane W, Fairfield): Take a tour of history at Jersey Artisan Distillery, New Jersey’s first distillery since the Prohibition era. Try the famed, highly-rated Busted Barrel rum and take an Uber home so your date doesn’t have to be the DD.
Stress Factory (90 Church St, New Brunswick): Before catching an open mic night at legendary comedy club Stress Factory, grab a gourmet hot dog at Destination Dogs in New Brunswick to cap off an adorably stereotypical hipster date night.
Barcade (163 Newark Ave, Jersey City): Channel your inner child by playing classic arcade games while casually sipping domestic craft beers. Engage in friendly competition over Ms. Pac-Man or Mario Bros while your nostalgic side buzzes and your adult side gets tipsy.
Long Valley Pub and Brewery (1 Fairmount Rd, Long Valley): This spot mixes scenic views of Schooley’s Mountain with local beer made on site. Non-drinkers can delight in Long Valley Pub and Brewery’s mouthwatering lunch and dinner menu.
Delaware River Tubing (778 Frenchtown Road, Milford): Rent a tube or kayak and hold hands with your date as you float down the lazy Delaware River for a fun day trip. The journey lasts about four hours, with a stop for a mid-ride snack from the Famous River Hot Dog Man.
Have Balloon Will Travel (57 Old Belvidere Rd, Phillipsburg): Take your better half soaring through the sky. Have Balloon Will Travel will bring your romance to a whole new level with incredible hot air balloon rides for adventurous couples year-round.
King Spa (321 Commercial Ave, Palisades Park): This Korean retreat nestled in Bergen County is not your average day spa. Cuddle up with your loved one in the facility’s plethora of themed saunas—including the frozen ice spa. Then try a massage, body scrub or even the ancient Eastern practice of cupping if you both are feeling bold.