First dates hopefully lead to second dates. It can all depend on the memories made on that first night out together. For a first date to remember, here are 9 excellent options in Colorado.
Give your date the sun, moon, and stars at this 1894 historic observatory. The 26 foot-long, 20-inch refractor has been pointed skyward for more than 100 years. Take a peek through the eyepiece and you just might see Venus, Mars, Jupiter or Saturn and a universe of possibilities. The Denver Astronomy Club meets here regularly with extra telescopes for additional viewing.
This is the Guinness Book of World Records title holder as the World’s Deepest Geothermal Hot Spring. The great Pagosah spring feeds mineral water to 23 soaking pools. The turquoise water of the Mother Spring is enchanting and warm at 144 degrees F. The water is therapeutic, a balm to cure even the stress and anxiety of a first date.
Movie-goers have been sitting in their cars watching movies at this historic theatre since the 1950s. When the lights go out, the fun begins! As one of the last drive-ins in the state, it’s a throwback to a bygone era when date night was all about being in a private world … a car … in a public place. This creative idea might just have enough wow power to garner a second date. Plus there are great snacks.
Grab a picnic lunch for a day of outdoor exploring at this spectacular 80-foot triple waterfall with your date. It’s awe-inspiring to stand beneath the hundreds of gallons of water as they flow over a travertine dam. The lush trees and greenery are kept moist by the spray from the cascading water. A short-paved trail takes you to the base of the falls. For the really adventurous, spend a little time exploring the limestone caves.
Tempt the inner chocoholic with a date night at a tasty truffles and ganache class or demystifying how to make French macarons. A little chocolate wrangling makes for sweet way to spend time together. Classes are monthly. Also available is a chocolate tasting and pairing workshop with either wine or beer, as well as a Chocolate Appreciation 101 Workshop, an educational look at chocolate from around the world.
Have a night of kid-like fun at this indoor trampoline park with wall-to-wall aerial action. You’ll fly through the air, reaching new heights before landing. There’s a foam zone that’s all about big air and soft landings. Ultimate volleyball, Dodge Ball, freestyle jump and an after-dark experience complete with lasers, music and blacklight that creates a crazy jumping dance club make for an energetic evening. Perfect for a date.
All aboard! This heritage railroad takes passengers on a two hour scenic ride through the Royal Gorge. The 1950s-era train chugs through the Colorado Rockies on what was once the Denver and Rio Grande line, considered the Scenic Line of the World. Book a spot in the Vista Dome for the most spectacular views of the canyon and the powerful Arkansas River. Breakfast or lunch served depending on time of day. Spend some time with your date in the open-air car and you can almost touch the canyon walls.
This is the longest zip line course of its kind in the world. You can soar on 27 different zip lines, from 56 to 1,400 feet-long across the Animas River and through old growth Ponderosa Pine and Aspen groves. Included in a full-day adventure is a four-course lunch served atop a suspended platform. This is a memory that could last forever … or to a second date.
There isn’t a bad seat in this restored historic performing arts hall, built in the 1920s and still one of the largest venues in the western part of the state. So many options for a night out from a movie to a foreign or independent film, a theatrical or dance production, as well as a lecture or variety show. For the budget conscious, “Dinner and a Movie” date nights are offered on Tuesdays—eat out in downtown and the 7:30 p.m. movie is free for two. Savings might just be enough for date number two.