Date nights are fun. Well, they’re supposed to be anyway, but the reality is they can be a little stressful. Are you planning something romantic? Casual? Should you get flowers or maybe a gift? Well, don’t worry because Belmont Shore is a one-stop shop for every date night occasion! “Belmont Shore is the perfect destination for date night,” said Heather Kern, Executive Director of 2nd Street. “Just call your date and say, ‘Let’s meet on 2nd Street.’ The rest will take care of itself.”
1. Belmont Shore’s 17th Annual Chocolate Festival
Are you looking for a fun, romantic and tasty event to start your date night? Well, Belmont Shore is hosting its 17th annual Chocolate Festival this upcoming Saturday, February 11th from 12-4 pm. The festival will feature a homemade dessert contest, a chocolate tasting, and a Hof’s Hut Pie Eating Contest. There is no entry fee to the festival, so you can take your date, purchase an array of chocolate, and eat it together!
2. Dinner by the shore
After the chocolate festival or in lieu of it, or if you’re not a chocolate fanatic, take your date to one of the many romantic restaurants in Belmont Shore. Get transported to Italy at Domenico’s Italian restaurant. It’s the oldest, continuously operated restaurant in Long Beach. If you’re not quite in the mood for Italian, no worries! Belmont shore has tons of other restaurants that serve unique cuisines like Japanese at Yasu or Mediterranean at Open Sesame Lebanese café. There’s a perfect restaurant for every couple!
3. Drinks in Belmont
Maybe you want to go on a romantic date but want to skip dinner. Not a problem. Belmont shore has plenty of romantic date night activities that are a little less formal. If you’re looking for a relaxed place where you can go for drinks, try one of the many pubs and bars in Belmont Shore such as Murphy’s Pub and The Wine Beach. If you’re not much of a drinker and prefer to smoke, take your date to Don Lupe’s Cigar Lounge or Catalyst Cannabis if that’s more your speed.
3. Fun activities, gifts & treats
Another fun, casual date night idea is to try a new activity such as painting a ceramic dish at Color me Mine. It’s fun and creative, and the best part is that you get to take it home! If you’re not feeling creative and want to do a more relaxed activity with your date, consider going for a walk by the shore. Walks are a great date night idea because you can enjoy each other’s presence and talk the night away. And if either of you have furry best friends, bring them along! Who says date night isn’t pet friendly? Belmont Shore has several shops where you can get a special treat for your pup such as Dog Bakery, House of Paws, and Pet Food Express. Now that your pups have fun treats, don’t forget to treat your date with a fun dessert from one of the many delicious bakeries in Belmont Shore like Pietri’s Greek bakery, Sweet Jill’s, or Frosted Cupcakery.
If you want to end the romantic night in an extra special way to ensure that second date, consider buying a piece of fine jewelry from Blue Diamond or McCarty’s Jewelry. If you’re not quite ready for jewelry gifts yet, buy your date flowers from Devynn’s Garden, Luna, or the other wonderful flower shops in Belmont Shore.
The date night ideas at Belmont Shore are endless. There truly is something for everyone. Next time you’re planning a date, get ready to meet on 2nd street! To learn more about all of the places mentioned and the many more that Belmont Shore offers, visit their website at https://www.belmontshore.org.
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