As the weather starts to turn and patios, parks and picnics fall off our radar, it's time to bid adieu to outdoor dates. Sigh. Don't fret as you put on that lightweight jacket – we firmly believe fall dates can be just as awesome as summer dates, especially in Vancouver, where there's never a shortage of cultural fun to be had. Stuck for ideas? Here are some tried and true winners.
Vancouver Urban Winery (55 Dunlevy Ave)
The Vancouver Urban Winery is located in a striking 7,700 sq. ft historic building in Gastown. Here, wine is made, packaged, imported and distributed. Grab a seat at the wine tasting bar and try some wines, take a tour, scope out the boutique or check out a wine tasting event.
Rio Theatre (1660 E. Broaway)
Built in 1938, the Rio has serious vintage charm. Grab a tall can or a glass of wine from the lobby bar and sit back, relax, and enjoy a show. Mondays and Tuesdays are cheap night, Friday nights are "midnight cult classics" at 11 PM, and keep an eye out for matinee movie marathons and live music, too.
Raw Canvas (1046 Hamilton St.)
This wine bar / tap house / art studio lets you enjoy a selection of handcrafted tapas and world class beers while you explore your artistic side. Buy a blank canvas and they'll provide the paint, brushes and encouragement to make a collaborative masterpeice. How's that for a cultured date idea?
Bowling at The Commodore (838 Granville St.)
Ok, so bowling shoes and beers may not be the first thing that comes to mind when you think of romance, but the Commodore is Canada's oldest surviving recreation centre, so it's packed to the max with nostalgic charm. Created in 1930 to promote quality bowling and billiards downtown, Commodore Lanes is one must-see Vancouver experience. Grab a beer and a tray of nachos and you have yourself one a-ok date night, we say.
Poetic Justice Reading Series (Heritage Grill, 447 Columbia St)
This weekly gathering of poets draws local writers young and old, funny and deep, experienced and not experienced, for an open mic night that's consistently interesting and inspiring. It goes down every Sunday from 3 – 5 PM. Grab some some cocktails and apps at the Heritage Grill then stroll around New West and find a place for dinner afterward. (We recommend The Old Bavaria Haus, if you're feeling adventurous.)
