photo:
Alicia Eler; pictured: ice cream soda at Bobtail
Our parents and grandparents spout long-winded stories about making out at the drive-in, kissing their sweethearts in photo booths and sipping ice cream sodas in a park. But in today's world, it seems nearly impossible to court your crush without heading to a mega-plex movie theater; and, let's face it, who needs a photo booth when you've got a camera phone, right? Wrong. In the hidden corners of Chicago and the northern 'burbs, old-fashioned date spots still exist and are well worth checking out for a change of pace. So drag your significant other away from Netflix.com, throw out that Chinese take-out food and get ready to experience American dating nostalgia.
Sip on old-fashioned ice cream sodas at Bobtail Soda Fountain (Broadway)
Remember when granny talked about the neighborhood ice cream shoppe (yes, the one spelled with a "pe" at the end) and couples strolling arm-in-arm with matching ice cream sodas? Chicagoans Chris Hill and Jeff Wilcoxon opened the first Bobtail in 2004, and since then they've expanded into five Chicago locations and one in Wilmette. Cheery teenagers—though not official soda jerk boys—serve up ice cream sodas made with milk, flavored syrup, a scoop of ice cream and cold seltzer water. The resulting concoctions taste nostalgically yummy, and the benches outside are the perfect place to snuggle while sipping.
Skate your heart away at the Playdium Roller Rink
A throwback to the days when roller skating was a popular pastime for smitten teens, this rink hasn't changed since its heyday. The shiny wooden floor lit by overhead fluorescent lights looks like an eerie middle school gym, but lace up your date's aging brown skates and you'll be gliding away, with arms linked, in no time flat. Even though the DJ's set skews more Sean Kingston than the King, it keeps everyone moving. The admission price gives a nod to another time, too; it costs only $7 per person, plus $1 for skate rental, and the rink is open to the public on Fridays from 7:30–10 p.m. and Saturdays from 2–4:30 p.m. and 7:30–10 p.m. An attached greasy food bar is perfect for re-fueling.
photo:
Alicia Eler; pictured: Novelty Golf's photo booth
You and your partner can get your putt-putt on at this mini-golf course that's been around for over 50 years. Choose from two of the 18-hole setups, with obstacles that range from the Statue of Liberty to a scantily clad mermaid to a rickety Sears Tower. The well-worn fake grass, the foot-pedal-operated electric bridges and doors that open randomly on more difficult holes hark back to another era. An authentic, '70s-era photo booth, which boasts a speedy four photos for $3 in only five minutes, a row of batting cages, a dimly lit arcade and a neighboring hot dog joint, The Bunny Hutch, round out the retro offerings.
(Pretend to) watch a movie under the stars at Cascade Drive-In
Drive 20 miles west down North Avenue to West Chicago, and you'll find a fine specimen of a dying breed of movie theaters. In the 1950s and early 60s, more than 4,000 drive-ins entertained love birds across the U.S.A. Watching a quality flick in the privacy of your own car has some major advantages: Instead of pulling a lame yawning/stretching move in a crowded theatre, you'll have the space all to yourself for smoochin'. If you're actually interested in watching the movie, a giant screen emerges from vast cornfields, and silver speakers at your parking space or tuning into 88.5 FM provides sound to your love mobile.
photo:
Alicia Eler; pictured: Southport Grocery's picnic box
Pick up a made-to-order picnic at Southport Grocery and Cafe
Want a lovey-dovey dining experience without the pricey tab and a too-friendly waiter showing up every two seconds? Stop at Southport Grocery for a custom-made meal to go, and take it to the beach, a park or the forest preserve for a hearty, wholesome picnic. You'll get a sandwich, a giant chocolate chip cookie, a bag of chips and a drink, all packaged in a rose-pink box for about $15. We recommend the thick turkey sandwich, loaded with pesto mayo, roasted red pepper and provolone on two slices of Red Hen whole-grain bread; for a lighter option, go with the chicken salad with walnut and grapes. Laying on a blanket and looking into your sweetie's eyes, you might just want to hand over a promise ring and ask him or her to go steady.
Subscribe in your favorite reader using the links below. To learn more about feeds and RSS, click here.
