photo: courtesy of Bridget Montgomery; a mixologist in action
Spring is finally here, and there's a visibly perked-up you gallivanting around town. With a refreshed confidence and your ratty sweaters tucked away in storage, you suddenly have the urge to ask out every hottie in sight—if it didn't mean having to plan a bunch of dates.
End the "I don't know, what do you want to do?" telephone ping-pong match and deliver a first-date experience that'll show your creative side—and have your date coming back for more.
The drink enthusiast: mixology at its finest
You met him in on the dance floor at a tiny dive bar, and he was the only one toting a dirty martini in a sea of PBR cans. This guy likes his mixed drinks as much as you enjoy fantasizing about Ben Affleck, pre-Jennifer Garner. To impress him with some fancy-schmancy mixology, take him to the Violet Hour. This gem forbids cell phone use, so neither of you will be bothered by inquisitive friends. (It also means you can't be saved by your roommate's "medical emergency," so be sure this guy's a keeper—at least for the evening.) There's no standing allowed, so the two of you can cozy up in one of the oversize armchairs while you wait for the city's best bartenders to prep an egg white- and Lady Grey tea-infused martini. From made-from-scratch to first sip, each potent cocktail can take about 10 minutes to prepare, giving you time between drinks to gauge if your date is a winner or a wino.
The politico: campaign rally
We're in the midst of the most exciting presidential race ever, and nothing beats actually taking part in history. You and your date can have something to write home about after participating in a campaign rally. Mind you, it'll first help if you find out his political persuasion: Do you really want to be caught with a McCain-fiend at an Obama rally? While participating in a large event may not allow for much personal time, it'll definitely arm you with plenty of conversation-starters. Nothing gets the adrenaline going like hordes of screaming supporters crushed up against each other; that emotional rush could translate into some kinky activities afterward. Check out the Washington Post's campaign tracker for a stalker's glimpse of your candidate's campaign trail. Obama and Clinton both offer event search engines on their websites, while finding a McCain rally requires submitting an email address on the website.
The athlete: rock climbing
Admit it. You're so sick of the spring-winter flip-flop that you're considering relocating to Hawaii. It would be nice if the walk to the L platform wasn't the only form of outdoor activity you got. While you can't change the weather, you can use a little imagination while ascending one of the numerous indoor rock climbing walls this city has to offer. You and your date can drop by the Evanston Athletic Club, where a $20 non-member fee grants you access to the wall on open-climbing days: Tuesdays, Thursdays and Fridays (free for members). Or, shell out $40 per person for a private, supervised climb that'll give you ample opportunity to flirtatiously flex your competitive muscles. Once the weather (and your relationship) heats up, sign up for a lesson at Lincoln Park Athletic Club's outdoor wall for $90 per hour for two.
The musician: museums
Your eyes locked as he ferociously strummed his guitar on stage. Post-show conversation led to a number exchange, and now you're trying to come up with a date fit for his musical soul. Shy away from musical venues; if your relationship progresses, the two of you will spend plenty of time attending open mics and concerts. He wants inspiration and you're trying to avoid the inevitable discussion about your Britney Spears-heavy iPod playlists, so make your way to a museum. The Museum of Contemporary Art's Recent Acquisition exhibition, which runs through June 1, will have you deconstructing local artists' abstract notions. If his music skews more fantastical, how about heading to Field Museum of Natural History's Mythical Creatures: Dragons, Unicorn & Mermaids exhibit (through September 1)?
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