Instead of spending another date night at the same familiar restaurant where you always eat, why not try somewhere new? Whether you prefer relaxing with a glass of wine or getting more physically active, we at CarSmart of Farmington want to provide you with a few original date ideas. Here are some wonderful local activities for you and your partner to enjoy in the Farmington, Missouri, area.
Twin Oaks Vineyard & Winery
Named for the 350-year-old oak trees on the property, Twin Oaks Vineyard and Winery is family-owned-and-operated. You may even see four generations working together in the 25-acre vineyard. Enjoy some great wine or cold beer in this beautiful setting. Twin Oaks offers a lovely background for a romantic date, and you can choose to savor your cocktails in the wine-tasting room or while enjoying the panoramic view in the Glass House. Or you may opt to sip your beverages on the covered porch overlooking the vineyards and a peaceful lake. Wine lovers will delight in this amazing 180-acre farm.
Engler Park
Engler Park is an ideal date setting for active couples who enjoy outdoor recreation. The park offers many nature trails to hike or bike, a nature sanctuary, and four pavilions where you can have a picnic meal. There are also two lakes that are perfect for fishing or just enjoying some serenity while you sit and talk. You may opt to double-date with another couple and spend some time on the tennis courts or playing disc golf. Engler Park is a wonderful way to spend time in nature together.
Stanley M. Overall Bikeway Trail System
Another physically active date choice is to hit the pavement of the Stanley M. Overall Bikeway Trail System. This date is not only free but is also a heart-healthy option. The main loop is 7.75 miles long with many trail and spur options on the path. The Downtown Loop travels through Historic Downtown Farmington. The trail system connects with some local parks, including St. Joe State Park and Engler Park.
Hacienda De Molinero
Hacienda De Molinero is an equestrian center offering horseback riding lessons on the gorgeous 90-acre property. The landscape also includes two ponds stocked with catfish, bass, and bluegill. The center offers a variety of amenities for visitors, such as fishing, paddle boating, and picnic areas. You can get riding lessons, and the stable offers horse boarding and has horses for sale. A horseback ride and picnic at the Hacienda De Molinero make for an enjoyable daytime date.
Rock Roll-O-Rena Roller Rink
One thing many adults haven't done in years is roller skate! The Rock Roll-O-Rena Roller Rink, which opened in 1965, has skate rentals just in case you haven't owned a pair of skates for a few years. Concessions and an arcade are on-site. If you want to create a date night full of fun, laughter, and rekindling memories of your youth, this outing makes a great choice. The roller rink offers occasional adult skate nights if you prefer a no-kid experience, and you'll enjoy skating to popular music of today and some of the best golden oldies.
Crown Ridge Tiger Sanctuary
Visit the Crown Ridge Tiger Sanctuary for a date like no other. This big cat rescue and educational facility is a nonprofit sanctuary that provides a permanent home for neglected or unwanted big cats such as lions and tigers. The sanctuary offers guided 45-minute walking tours, or you can explore the premises on your own. You'll learn the fascinating backgrounds of the cats in the sanctuary and learn about wild-animal welfare and protection. Crown Ridge has several rooms and two entire houses available for rent to spend a night on the premises observing the big cats.
Felix Valle House State Historic Site
Felix Valle House State Historic Site features an American Federal style house built in 1818 by a merchant from Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, named Jacob Phillipson. In 1824, the house became home to Felix Valle and his mercantile shop. The house's original mantels and trim, furnishings, and an external staircase to the upper rooms, provide visitors a fascinating opportunity to observe the architectural style from nearly two hundred years ago. Gardens and a shop are also on the site.
The site also has several other 19th-century homes and buildings, along with the Valle house and shop, and tours are available through several of them. The French roots of Missouri's early settlers are visible in the furnishings and artifacts of these historic buildings. History buffs will appreciate this adventure.
Outer Edge Escape Rooms
Another fun date idea is an excursion to Outer Edge Escape Rooms. If you've never been to an escape room, it's a very intriguing form of entertainment. Escape rooms are physical puzzle environments where you find clues, solve puzzles, and use hints and strategies to solve a mystery in order to be let out of the room.
As the game begins, you're in a themed room with a small group of teammates. Your team has 60 minutes to discover clues, solve the riddles, and get to the bottom of the mystery to escape from the room. Outer Edge currently offers two choices of themes: Houdini's Workshop and Virtual Reality.
Crown Valley Winery
Crown Valley Winery is a breathtaking vineyard offering guests handcrafted wines, a pub, and a wine store. The winery regularly features live music over the summer and encourages guests to bring picnic baskets when they come to enjoy the spirits and entertainment. Wine tasting is also available, featuring a complimentary wine glass to bring home as a functional keepsake from your date.
These are some diverse entertainment ideas for Farmington residents and visitors. We hope this list has given you a few new ideas for a fun and enjoyable outing with your partner. Let us know at CarSmart of Farmington if you try out any of our suggestions. We would be happy to hear from you! If you have a favorite date setting that isn't on this list, let us know so we can add it to a future list.
