There comes a time in every kind-of adult’s life where he or she decides to go out on a limb and try to lead a life sans booze, at least for a limited time. If you’re on the Whole 30 grind, trying to shed a few pounds, or are just curious as to what exactly it’s like out there to be social in the DMV without a drink in hand, then you’re not alone! We’ve been there, and we know how hard it is to sip on an orange juice while your friends are going in on bottomless mimosas. What’s even harder? DATING sober. 

We think there’s something special about spending time with someone special without a drop of liquid courage. So, when “let’s grab drinks,” isn’t an option for you, here are our favorite ways to get a little bit romantic without alcohol of any type. 

Appetizer Hopping

Bar hopping is fun and all, but have you tried apps instead? Any location where restaurants are plentiful will work (18th street in AdMo, Navy Yard, H Street, Georgetown, etc.) but our favorite is 14th. The pure variety of culinary regions offered on one street is worth celebrating! Cafe St. Ex, Tico, Bresca, Compass Rose, and Pearl Dive all serve up small plates, and most of them have great outdoor seating (bonus!). So go ahead, order one app at each of the amazing restaurants that strike your fancy and see how many you can down in an afternoon- make sure to save room for a scoop of ice cream at Jenni’s! 

Pack a Picnic: Does it get more romantic than a Picnic in the Park? A basket of fresh fruits, cheeses, La Croix and a big fluffy blanket with bae. We’re a big fan of Meridian Hill Park and Georgetown Waterfront Park.The Mall is a solid choice; dine within view of your nation’s monuments. Or get a little out of town and enjoy the views of the National Arboretum.

Take them out to the ball game

You know what beats beer at a baseball game? A hot. Dog. Buy bae a hotdog (or bring one with you. Did you know you could BYOF to the Nat’s stadium?) and cheer on. BONUS: Nat’s park offers a free soda to anyone who takes the sober driver pledge! Really! DC is home to the Nationals, the Capitals, DC United, and the Redskins among many more. You can root root root for the home team literally any time of year, and that kind of hype doesn’t require any drinking. 

Check out an outdoor movie

Sure, dinner and a movie is a cliche date choice, and the older you get the more it turns into “drinks and a movie.” So, try an outdoor movie instead. The more casual atmosphere means there’s more opportunity to connect and sharing a blanket under the stars is already pretty spicy. There are outdoor movie series all over the DMV this summer, including Georgetown Sunset Cinema, the Union Market Drive in, Adams Morgan Movie Nights, and the Noma Summer Screen series. The events are mostly family friendly, too; which means they’re pretty light on the booze.

Get Active: There’s tons to do when you’re willing to get a little active

Test the strength of your love in a tandem kayak or paddle boat. Nothing says love like the Swan Boats rentable at the Tidal Basin, or paddling in sync in a kayak rented at the Wharf. Or, checkout the Mini-Golf course and driving range at East Potomac in the heart of DC. Hit the tennis courts in AdMo, or the sand volleyball space near the National Mall. Spice up date night with a little friendly competition. 

Got a better idea? Let us know! Hashtag #FrayLife your next date and show us how creative you can be without a drink in hand. We’re always looking for a new idea 🙂

Need a second date idea? Grab your partner and check out the Sandy Spring Park Adult takeover here!