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The Spokesman-Review Newspaper
Spokane, Washington  Est. May 19, 1883

Four great seasonal dates

Ice skating can be a fun social activity and a great place to take a date. It gets couples outdoors and awy from TVs or movies.  (Courtesy Greencupboards.com)
GreenCupboards staff
If you live somewhere that it snows a lot, it can be a challenge to find fun places to go on dates in the winter that are still eco-friendly. It is much easier to just go to the movies on a Friday night than do anything outdoors. But give these four dates a try with that special someone, and see if you change your mind. Date 1: Ice skating. Many cities, including Spokane’s Ice Palace at Riverfront Park, have outdoor ice skating facilities that make a great place to take a date. If you are good at ice skating, this can be a real treat. But considering most people are not, it can be even better. You can get close to one another and laugh at the fun you have sliding around and falling over—a great excuse for holding on to one another. Date 2: Snow. Playing in the snow brings out the kid in everyone. From building snowmen to snowball fights to sledding, playing in the snow and being childlike again, can be a great winter date. The cold brings people closer together, and playing in the snow can bring out a side of your date that you haven’t seen before. Date 3: Cross Country Skiing. Although it is harder than it looks, cross-country skiing can be a lot of fun. And, like ice skating, it is sometimes more fun if you are struggling together. You are likely to share some laughs, because you will look a little bit like penguins doing this winter activity. Another bonus is that cross-country skiing is a good workout. For extra romance, pack a picnic in a backpack to take on your excursion. Don’t forget the hot coffee in a thermos, though, because the snowy woods will not be warm. Date 4: Game night double date. Board games bring out the best and worst in people. If you really want to know how your date acts under pressure, try a double date night with dinner and a couple of board games. Play in a team with your date for one, and play guys vs. girls for the other. This will let you see how you work as a team, and also how they act when they are opposing you on something. Share laughs together and never even leave the house. Of course, any of these dates should be followed with hot chocolate, cuddling, and a warm fire. Keep the season eco-friendly and fun with these four green date ideas.
Viva Verde! is written by Sarah Wollnick and Konnie Clary, two MBA students from Spokane who love, love, love living green. GreenCupboards.com is an online provider of green, energy efficient products for the home and office.