Who’s waiting for evening time to go out on a date? Not me! Morning dates are great because you can focus on you sweetheart at the very beginning of the day, before “mom duties’ kick in and you become tired and overwhelmed.
Morning dates give you and your partner an opportunity to prioritize each other, to enjoy the freshness of a new day together, to share renewed energy. If you’re so over date NIGHT, try out one of these ideas on a Saturday / Sunday morning (or any other morning you and your honey can escape together.)
1. Coffee Shop Dates are everyone's favorite!
Coffee shop dates are the best, and my favorite place to go is Lovebeans, because it's so close to home we can slip out and be back before the kids even take notice. The name Lovebeans alone is enough to let you know it’s a great morning date spot! The vibe is comfy and chill, and service is always friendly. Visit often to try new menu offerings including specialty seasonal drinks. You and your date can grab a bar table by the window, a spot on the sofa in the side room, or head outdoors with your avocado toast and coffee, tea, or a smoothie while you "people watch."
Another place to try is Third Gen Coffee in Grogans Mill, serving up specialty coffee and a small selection of quality foods.
Morning coffee dates are ideal occasions for reading through a couple’s Bible devotional. The best thing? You don't have to be fancy, and grabbing coffee is a cheap, lighthearted date!
Things to do:
- Couple’s Bible devotional
- Chat about the week / weekend ahead
2. Leisurely Stroll along The Woodlands Waterway.
Start at Town Green park and take selfies on the "loved" art bench before heading hand in hand towards Waterway Square. An early morning stroll will help you ease into the day with your partner, and you’ll get to see the area spring to life with runners, kayaks, kids playing, and restaurants opening along Waterway Square. Relish in the fresh air while you engage in deep conversation. When you’re in need of a break, hop a free ride on the trolley and make it a round trip.
Things to do:
- Take selfies
- Visit the koi garden
- Ride the trolley. It starts running at 11am Sun - Thurs and 10am on Fri & Sat.
3. Plan new home projects together at the hardware store.
You might not think Home Depot is a great morning date, but your husband sure might! Shop the nursery, garden décor, and tools departments while you discuss future plans for home improvement. Even if you don’t buy anything, you’re bound to find new products to add to your wish list.
Not a fan of Home Depot? Lowe’s and Ace Hardware are other local options to visit.
Things to do:
- Look at tools
- Discuss home improvement plans
- Choose the paint colors for your next painting project
4. Hike the George Mitchell Nature Reserve.
Feeling like something more challenging than a leisurely morning stroll? Enjoy a hiking date with bottled water and a backpack full of snacks. The preserve is beautiful and, like any wooded trail, it feels somewhat mysterious (that’s my nice way of saying “scary”) in some places. The two of you will bond over the common complaints of hiking through the woods – i.e. mosquito bites, and if you’re feeling frisky afterwards, make it worthwhile with a duo shower back at the house.
Things to do:
- Enjoy a stretch session before and after
- Walk and talk
- Cool down together in a post-hike shower
5. Go out for an Exquisite, Chef-Prepared Meal.
Try The Kitchen, Sweet Paris, Press, or somewhere else. The Woodlands has many fine breakfast restaurants to choose from. Have you seen my list of the Top 7 Breakfast Places in our area? Take your pick. Enjoy a full spread of your favorites.
6. Have a retro-style Garage Sale Date.
Take out cash at the ATM and scout the nearby neighborhoods for garage sales. Not only is it fun to peruse other people’s old treasures, you might get a chance to haggle a bit too!
Shopping garage sales can feel nostalgic, and you and your partner might end up reminiscing and sharing with each other about older times and childhood memories. And of course you’ll both find so many things you never knew you needed (or even wanted)! Individual Garage Sales aren’t allowed in The Woodlands proper, but you’re sure to find winners in the surrounding areas of Magnolia, Conroe, Oak Ridge North, and Spring. If you don’t get lucky, Goodwill select stores and other hand-me-down shops are excellent places to thrift.
7. Buy fresh Veggies at the Farmers Market.
The Woodlands Farmers Market at Grogans Mill happens every Saturday like clockwork, rain or shine, plus you have half a dozen other market options to choose from. Your morning date will consist of perusing the unique vendors at the market, listening to music, and enjoying the outdoor shopping vibe. You’ll try samples and leave with a variety of different purchased goods from popcorn, to aloe vera plants, to farm fresh eggs.
8. Explore the lake via Watercraft.
Reawaken the fun in your marriage with a morning boat ride at Riva Row Boat House (Riva Row) or Lakes Edge Boat House (Hughes Landing). Renting a tandem kayak is fun, but renting two kayaks and having a friendly race is even better!
9. Have a Sunrise Picnic at your favorite local park.
Pack some food (from home or elsewhere) and enjoy the meal outdoors while watching the sunrise. Most parks are empty this time of day. Make this date extra special with a beautiful blanket and a few cut flowers in a mason jar. Bring along a Bluetooth speaker and play your curated list of romantic songs while you and your partner ease into the morning with croissants and fresh fruit.
