How to enjoy Dates without the aid of Alcohol

n our first date where Dan was sober, we went to the Meatpacking District’s Annual Open Market, a fundraiser to celebrate the NYC neighborhood’s business community. The event, which was essentially a vibrant indoor block party, featured food from the neighborhood’s hottest eateries, live DJs, and access to sample sales from some of the area’s brands. We sampled food, chatted up friendly business owners, checked out clothes, and watched updates from the silent auction (and regretted not bidding on the NYC staycation). While there was drinking at the Open Market, it wasn’t the focus of the upbeat, social event. We were mostly on our feet, but we also had plenty of time to chat (and flirt).

This was just the start to the many fun alcohol-free dates that followed. The amazing part? Dates without booze are often ones where you’re doing things (versus sitting at a bar) and get to know each other’s ~authentic~ personality. And they actually take the pressure off tremendously. “Activity-based dates are a wonderful icebreaker,” Susan Winter, relationship expert and bestselling author of Allowing Magnificence, tells Bustle. “By having an activity be the focal point of the interaction, there’s less pressure on the ‘question and answer’ aspect of a date. The format shifts to fun and adventure.”

So, if you’re ready for an adventure, here are 19 date ideas to check out whether you don’t drink, are taking a month off, or just want to mix it up.

1. ATTEND A FOOD EVENT

Alexander Stein
My favorite part of the Open Market was sampling the food vendors. Instead of a sit-down meal at a restaurant, which I usually don’t feel comfortable doing until I’ve been seeing someone for a while, this kept the energy up. We were moving from table to table, chatting, and trying a variety of dishes. No stuffy environment, long silences, or awkwardness over a check. Try out food tastings, festivals, or food tours for something similar in your area.

2. MINI GOLF

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Another fun date with Dan took place at Brooklyn Bazaar, which has games, a market, dining, dancing, and most importantly, mini golf. Even if you wanted to, it would be hard af to drink while playing a round. This added a little fun competition — and I totally beat him btw.

3. TRIVIA NIGHT

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OK, so this date takes place at a bar, but the focus isn’t on drinking by any means. It’s all about teamwork — and bar food, probably.

4. ATTEND A NETWORKING EVENT
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Even if you’re not in similar industries, networking events can be a chance to learn about one person’s area of work and meet new people together.

5. GO TO A MEETUP
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Feel like being social and learning too? Even just the process of deciding what event to attend will help you learn more about your date.