Are you ready to shake up your dating routine? Tired of the same old thing? Whether it’s your first date or you’ve been together for twenty years, Union County offers many fun and exciting things to do on a date. There is a unique assortment of markets, plentiful libations, fascinating historical stops, and a backroad-covered bridge tour that is stunning any time of the year. The only difficulty will be choosing from all the date night (or day!) options. Believe me when I say you are sure to find something in this list that is just right.

Sweet Treat Dates

They say the way to your lover's heart is through his/her stomach, and if that is true, you will win their heart with fabulous sweet treats from local shops.

Ice cream is always a good choice, and Rollie’s Ice Cream makes getting this frozen treat unique. Pick your favorite flavors and they will mix them and roll them just the way you ordered. If you want ice cream served in the traditional way, head to Whit's Frozen Custard for the flavor of the week.

Delight in nostalgic candy from your childhood and explore confections of all types at Wicked Treats Boutique

Savor home-style baking at JF Baking Company, where they have created a warm and welcoming venue for a quiet date of donuts and lattes. If your sweet tooth desires locally sourced sweet eats, take your date to Kitschen Bakery; plan this experience in advance because once they are sold out of an item, it is gone!

If your significant other wants one of the finest cupcakes in central Ohio, take them to The Ribbon Box Cakery for one of the best around. Their recipe for icing will have you begging for more.

Spirited Dates

Peppered throughout Union County, you will find both upscale and casual places to sip your favorite libations.

Ohio wineries are some of the best in the Midwest, so plan a month's worth of dates visiting the vineyards. Dry to sweet, red to white - these wineries (and a champagne cellar) offer wines to suit any palate. Explore Bokes Creek Winery, Dalton Union Winery & Brewery, and Ravenhurst Champagne Cellars. Union County’s craft breweries offer the opportunity for a tastefully simple date. Many offer live music so be sure to check out their schedule: Walking Distance Brewery, 1487 Brewery, and Rhetoric Brewing Co.

Looking for a unique way to sip? Visit House of Spirits, where handcrafted cocktails tempt you and carefully curated bourbons and whiskies warm your heart. Experience Slushed Up if you’re interested in a game of pool or darts with your date.

Tip: Drink responsibly and bring your ID; all locations will ask for it, no matter how “young” you look.

Relaxing Dates

It’s essential that you make time for your relationship, even when you’re tired. A relaxing date is just what the doctor ordered for days or nights like these.

Book a restorative service at Sweet Dreams Salt Therapy or Centre Wellness, where you can create an all-inclusive package with mimosas and fall back into a zero-gravity chair to breathe in deeply while holding the hand of the one you love.

Pick a night with a remarkable performance at The Avalon Theatre. This newly renovated uptown venue is the place to be. Before sitting down for the show, grab a snack or coffee from Shaded City Coffee Roasters. If you just want to sit back and relax, The Coffee Hall and Creamery is the spot to reconnect with great conversation. Choose from coffee, frappes, or one of their yummy ice cream flights that you can share.

Quirky Dates

Try something different, such as an “upside down” date by beginning with breakfast! Visit the new The Red Hen Cafe and Bakery, sit at the counter at Mrs. Renison’s Donuts or enjoy a hearty breakfast at Kelly’s Kitchen.

If you really want to step up your dating game with something unique, visit Second Chances Thrift Store and go shopping to find an outfit to wear on your date night. Shop for each other’s outfits. The quirkier, the better. Dig for some treasures at Plumm Home or Old 42 Antiques and Vintage Marketplace.

Head to Dragon Lanes Bowling for Thunder Alley, a late-night bowling event that will entertain and keep you on your toes for a competitive night of fun, test your trivia skills at the Homestead Taproom & Kitchen or 1487 Brewery or see what’s in the cards at couples Euchre at The Ridge Golf & Gardens.

Rural Backroad Dates

Just want to cruise the backroads together, holding hands and listening to Spotify? Drive through the rural countryside to see the covered bridges. You’ll spend a couple of hours finding them all. Make sure to take selfies at all of them. #CoveredBridge

While driving through Union County, make sure to stop at the farm markets, where you can snag some homegrown favorites. Check the hours for each of these because they vary; Jacquemin Farms, Cheese House, and Yutzy’s Farm Market.

Outdoorsy Dates

Take a walk in the woods or along a walking path at one of Union County’s parks: Richwood Lake Park, Glacier Ridge Metro Park, and Marysville Reservoir Park. Each one offers something different and can provide a romantic time in nature.

Artistic Dates

Love someone who enjoys live music or painting? Whether you’re dating someone who has a love for the arts or looking to explore the local art scene, these easy artsy date ideas should help you plan a creative date.

Check the calendar and schedule a time to listen to bands at Leon’s Live or The Grainery; both places offer live music every weekend. Pick your favorite genre and make a date. Stroll through Uptown Marysville and experience the Mural Walking Tour where painted history comes to life. If you want to get artsy together and create something to hang in your home, book a class at the Marysville Art League, Crooked Door Studio, or Rustic Reflections.

Cozy Stays in Union County

After all your fun you might want to stay for the night. Each one of the well-appointed hotels will be perfect to cap off your night. Pick from one of the cozy suite hotels where you can swim in a heated pool or soak in the hot tub before heading to bed.Home 2 Suites by Hilton, Comfort Suites, or Fairfield Inn & Suites

Tip: Need more options? Click here for a complete list of hotels.