Four great ideas for going out (literally) on a date
By David Greisman
You don’t need to rely to the old cliché of drinks at the bar or dinner and a movie to have a great date, not when are so many other options in and around Columbia.
There are of course the summer standards: enjoying one of CA’s 23 outdoor pools, having a picnic alongside and then a walk around one of Columbia’s three picturesque lakes, or taking a hike or ride through our community’s famed open space and pathway system.
These additional ideas below will work whether you’re just getting to know someone or are looking for something new to do with your long-term partner. Columbia Association has a lot that you and your love will, well, love.
FootGolf
FootGolf is exactly what it sounds like: You play a real round of golf — but using your feet, a soccer ball and special 21-inch holes — on a par-70 course where the holes range from 70 to 200 yards. Columbia Association has the only FootGolf course in the area, located at Fairway Hills Golf Club, 5100 Columbia Road.
Tee times are Mondays from 4:30-6pm. If you want to turn your adventure into a group outing, up to six players are allowed. You can bring your own soccer ball or rent one for $3 per round. As for attire, we do ask you keep the cleats at home and instead bring sneakers or indoor or turf soccer shoes.
For more information, visit columbiaassociation.org/footgolf or call 410-730-1112.
Putt-putt and batting cages
There’s something about friendly competition that builds chemistry in a couple. We’re happy to help over at Columbia SportsPark. Head for 18 holes on the mini-golf course, swing at baseballs and softballs in the batting cages, face off in arcade games and air hockey, and then wind down with ice cream and other treats while sitting in the outdoor pavilion.
For more information, visit ColumbiaSportsPark.org.
See movie stars (and more) under the stars
This year’s Lakefront Summer Festival starts this June with free movies and concerts nearly every night this summer, plus weekly dance sessions under the People Tree. We’ve got a whole entire spread dedicated to this year’s festival in this issue. Check it out for the full schedule!
Paddleboat into the sunset
So far we’ve had date ideas by the lake and around the lake, but what about on the water itself? Strap on a life vest and jump into a paddleboat, working together to explore Lake Kittamaqundi in a way you can’t do from the shore.
It’s a good way to get active in the sun and, if you time things right, you can sneak in a romantic smooch or two as the sun begins to wane. Paddleboating is also a great way to burn the calories you just consumed after dining out at one of Columbia’s famed lakefront restaurants.
A company called Columbia Paddle Boats is stationed alongside the boardwalk at Lake Kittamaqundi through Labor Day, available Saturdays and Sundays between noon and 7pm.
The traditional blue paddleboats seat up to four adults, perfect if you’re on a double date. And they’re an affordable $15 per half hour — per boat, not per person.
For more information, visit ColumbiaPaddleBoats.com or call 301-370-5105.
