| SIP AND TWIRL| ARIZONA WEDDING PLANNER: Turn Up the Heat on Your Romance with These 10 Summer Dates / by Kristen Bradley

Things are heating up this summer, and you’re looking to keep the spark in your relationship.  We’ve got you covered with 10 dates ideas that will carry you through the season.  Going on intentional dates, not to mention, trying something new, will spark romance and excitement in your relationship.  Read on to find a date that is just right for you and your partner. 

Photo of Chelsea and John by Andrew Jade

Photo of Chelsea and John by Andrew Jade

Go wine tasting at your local vineyard or wine bar.  This combines two of our favorite things in life.  One is red.  One is white.  Need we say more?  Here’s a guide to Arizona’s wineries.  

Go glamping.  While pitching a tent might not be your style, glamping with your boo is actually a blast!  Think about stargazing while sipping on your favorite bottle of wine, watching your man (or woman!) start a fire, and of course, making s’mores together.  Camping is a great excuse to cozy up with your person, plus it will feel great to go off of the grid for a few days.  Just a head’s up, some parks will require an advanced reservation due to demand, so make sure to check out a campsite’s website before hitting the road.

Get outdoors.  Even in the summer heat, it's important to get outside.  Run, walk the dog, play catch, or stretch in the grass.  Outdoor activities can bring out a more playful side in your relationship.  To accommodate the 100+ degree heat, plan a morning date before 9am, or head out after the sun goes down at night, like a walk after dinner. 

Cook a new dish at home.  The summer is the perfect time to go all out in the produce section of your favorite grocery store.  Pick out a new recipe in advance to get all of the ingredients you need to make your meal to perfection.  Two blogs that we love are the Woks of Life and Nourishing Wild, where you can get some tasty ideas for your dish.  

Photo of Lindsey and Gregg by Trevor Dayley

Photo of Lindsey and Gregg by Trevor Dayley

Do a food truck tour.  You will support your local economy while enjoying a variety of yummy bites.  Some food trucks are all parked close to each other and offer an extra-small portion on their menu so that you can truck hop and enjoy each flavor.

Go to a concert.  Summer is usually the month that most artists tour, and seeing one of your favorite bands together will give you something exciting to look forward to all season.  Find some mutual friends that are going too, and share the cost of an Uber or Lyft so that you don’t need to coordinate parking and who will be the designated driver.  

Hit up a rock gym.  If you’re from Arizona or hot climates like us, you know that hiking in the summer isn’t awesome in 100+ degree weather.  There are lots of rock and bouldering gyms in the Scottsdale and Phoenix area that you can try instead.  Bonus, belaying for the other person is a great way to build trust! 

Grab gelato. Gelato always makes life better.  

Do something unexpected for your partner.  This one is great any time of the year.  Fill up the tank or get their car washed.  You can also leave a appreciation note in their lunch or work bag.  Make a quick selfie video lip syncing a funny love song, or pick up flowers on your way home from work.  We realize this isn’t a date per say, but have a hunch that your spontaneity will lead you to share a special moment with your person.

Check out a National Park.  While you are on your camping trip, you might just been close to a National Park!  Head to the National Park Service website to find your closest park, searchable by state.  You might even be able to score free entry if you plan your trip around one of these days.

Photo of Katie and Chris by Daniel Kim

Photo of Katie and Chris by Daniel Kim

We at Sip and Twirl are always here to help.  We get more than a bit excited about helping couples with planning everything from the perfect first look to the last toast on wedding night.  We are located in Scottsdale, Arizona, and have many years of experience in wedding planning.  We’d love to hear about your dream wedding day, and learn how we can help make this vision a reality.  Contact us at (480) 648-0663 or info@sipandtwirl.com.