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t1_j3mrmtl wrote

Slightly, but theres nothing wrong with basic.

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OP t1_j3msk0c wrote

First impressions right!

But I guess that’s more on me

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t1_j3n28fu wrote

The Aquarium gives ample time to talk and get to know the person. It and museums are great options in Baltimore for first dates (worth mentioning that BMA and Walters are free, as are the Smithsonian in DC if you’re ever doing a day-trip date with someone).

Just like any of those sorts of places, it more just depends on how recently they have gone and if they’re even interested in it.

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t1_j3o9ndr wrote

Aquarium is actually a really fun date. You get a lot of time to chat with each other. The place is pretty cool, and it’s not a place you go often as an adult, especially without kids.

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t1_j3mzptq wrote

If you want something fun that many people in Baltimore haven't done you can do a clock tower and art studio tour of the bromoseltzer tower They give tours the second weekend of every month, Friday evening from 4:00–8:00 p.m. and Saturday from 11:00 a.m.–4:00 p.m. They haven't updated their website for 2023 so I'd call and confirm but this weekend would be the second weekend

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t1_j3qct97 wrote

And you can see the inner workings of the actual clock, which is super cool. I love that place!

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t1_j3mx1r5 wrote

AVAM then walk into Fed Hill for dinner. Thai Arroy.

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OP t1_j3mzkgp wrote

2nd call for avam looks likes a consensus

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t1_j3r9vau wrote

If you’re looking for something a little more mature than Fells, but still want art + dinner, BMA + Gertrude’s is a good option.

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t1_j3mrpr4 wrote

If their last trip to the aquarium was within the last decade, a little bit. Musuem of Visionary Arts instead?

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t1_j3mykgh wrote

I think it depends on their interests…. I’ve been to the aquarium loads of times and love it. I don’t like the museum as much

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t1_j3n43nn wrote

I'll never get tired of staring at the octopus.

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t1_j3n5lic wrote

If you can find it! Haven’t seen it the last several times I’ve been…alas…

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t1_j3n8zin wrote

Yeah I've been with my kid a bunch and each time there's a little notice about renovating the exhibit or something

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OP t1_j3msh9g wrote

That sounds like a better bet. Thanks!

Food recommendations?

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t1_j3n8si8 wrote

They did just finish their renovations of the jungle

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t1_j3n7ap5 wrote

To each their own, but an Aquarium (or zoo, or museum, art gallery etc) is better for a 3rd date in my opinion.

I learned long ago that the best first date is drinks at a not-too-loud bar (or coffee if they don't drink) where you can easily break the ice and get to know each other.

Bars are usually near restaurants, so if drinks go well, you can suggest grabbing dinner after the drinks.

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OP t1_j3n7mgq wrote

Damn so like an interview lol I thought something fun or scenic would be a good first try but maybe not

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t1_j3nfgcg wrote

The key to a good first date plan is usually a safe place (coffee shop, bar, frequented park, etc), easy out (no obligation to stay like for dinner or to the end of an activity), and something fun.

One that was a go to in summer was b'more licks and walk around Patterson park in the summer, sandlot bar (oitdoors) in good weather, or a cute coffeeshop downtown in fells like pitango

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t1_j3p8b1o wrote

I once took a woman on a first date to a place where you get paintbrushes and paints, and you paint on a blank coffee mug or plate. They fire it in a kiln, and you pick up your work of art a week later. It was cool cause having an activity to do kind of took off some of the awkward "interview" pressure of just sitting there staring at each other. But unlike a movie or sporting event, it's easy to talk whenever you want. And then zone out when you want and just focus on painting for a bit. Also, I've been married to that woman for seven years.

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t1_j3ne9fs wrote

It's funny, I have been in a relationship for the past two and a half years, and just the other day she and I were talking, she said our first date did feel a lot like an interview.

Like I said, to each their own, and what works for me may not work for you.

One thing I will say for sure though, is that alcohol really helps. I'm not saying get drunk, but having a drink or two does help you open up and be conversational on a date

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t1_j3r2bd3 wrote

Pretty decent advice but from the gun be yourself. And go with your instincts.

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t1_j3qn4px wrote

I love activity first dates, it feels less like an interview and more like I am having a good time with a friend (that hopefully if the cards are played right will become more). Activity dates feel like less pressure because you're engaging in something.

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t1_j3npa8z wrote

First date tip that made a massive difference for me:

If this is an online dating match or otherwise your first in-person interaction of any nature, don't commit yourself to that amount of time. You could know within the escalator ride up in the aquarium that you don't want to spend a second longer with this person and you've got an hour ahead of you.

Meet somewhere for coffee or a drink (or in warmer times, froyo or ice cream) and give yourself an opportunity to extend it, but don't plan two hours if you don't know if you can spend twenty minutes in this person's presence.

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t1_j3qew61 wrote

Was going to say the same thing - I think the context really matters. Aquarium or museum could be good if you already know each other and it’s your first date. But if you are meeting for first time it’s a gamble.

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t1_j3n0qem wrote

Haven’t been to the aquarium since I was like 8 years old. Would love for someone to take me there

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t1_j3mz1ju wrote

I know so many Baltimore native who’ve never been to the BMI and it such a great museum. Walk up to Limoncello, The Local Oyster or Wiley’s after.

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t1_j3ncmko wrote

The aquarium is a little isolated from date-type spots. Fells for example is like a mile away.

Something like the Walters Art Gallery has a bunch of vibe-y spots a short walk away. Ceremony or Dooby's for coffee. Sugarvale or Topside for drinks. Allora or Dooby's for lunch. Helmand or Brewer's Art for dinner. And you could peek your head into the Peabody Library or climb up the monument while you're there.

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t1_j3n9xxh wrote

Question: What specifically do you mean by "Baltimore native?" I feel like this could sort of be all over the place, was she born and raised in the city, move here after college, or what?

So the aquarium is awesome. As such it is probably the single most popular (non food non sports) attraction in the city. If she dates a lot there's a decent chance she's already been on a date to the aquarium. It could definitely be an eye-rolly suggestion. But then on the other hand there are probably girls who have lived in Baltimore their whole lives and never gone, possibly due to economic reasons, and they might really want to go.

With this, honestly, I'd just ask. It's not like you're both on the same footing and you're being wack not picking something, you're entering her area of expertise. Why not just say, "I'm not familiar with the city, I'm more than happy to pick a place but am worried it might seem like a lame touristy choice. Do you know any where cool to grab a drink or coffee?"

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OP t1_j3nnu7m wrote

Thats exactly what I’m just going to do: propose it and boil it down to my tourist eye looking for something and see if she bites or has a better recommendation

And I want to say moves after school but grew up in the greater county area

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t1_j3ng3ke wrote

I'd want to know someone better before planning a trip to the aquarium. For one, it is kind of pricey for a first date and some people are adamantly opposed to aquariums and zoos and such.

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t1_j3n9n8i wrote

I wouldn’t go too hard on a first date. Y’all need to just get dinner or drinks somewhere nice so you can talk about each other rather than the date. Then you can see if they’d like to go to the aquarium.

I recommend going to Topside for cocktails. Nice environment with good drinks and a great view!

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t1_j3mu6k1 wrote

I am not sure if it’s still open but my now husband took me to that magic show place called Illusions in fed for our second date and it was awesome!

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t1_j3nlfn2 wrote

If you don’t do the aquarium, the Baltimore museum of industry is a lesser frequented destination and is just interesting to talk about while also getting to know someone, while giving you material for jokes.

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t1_j3qno4b wrote

I LOVE the BMI! I think I'm going to go there this weekend I haven't been in a while and I love to wander around and get lost in museums!

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t1_j3nbf97 wrote

It’s a little basic but also the aquarium is expensive af and I’d be thrilled if someone took me there. Just pick a less basic restaurant to impress her. Check out Peters Inn, or Little Donnas. Or kind of basic but still impressive would be Thames St Oyster or Duck Duck Goose.

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t1_j3qfdgu wrote

Yes to Little Donna’s, that place is so good. Casual but cozy and food and drinks were really delicious.

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t1_j3nqchn wrote

My first date with my now husband was at the aquarium! We ended up spending like 6 hours together and wandered around to get food and hot cocoa after.

I don't think the aquarium is basic. It gives you things to talk about and do instead of just sitting across from each other at dinner or something.

Plus, if you wind up together you have a picture from your first date!

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OP t1_j3nqung wrote

That was my thought process of something engaging to ease the nerves but with it being an online match may just want to make sure I can get through a conversation or two first before getting immersed in anything

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t1_j3nrani wrote

I met my spouse on Bumble!

Some other good 1st dates I went on (that were cheaper since the aquarium costs like $70 for 2 tickets) are ice skating, and walking around. The zoo might also be fun depending on the weather.

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t1_j3oqbov wrote

A few distinctions i high light for your benefit.

Note: Aquarium visits start with 30-45 minutes of lines to get in. Suggestion: get ice cream or coffee right before getting in line, steps away.

Note: aquarium is about 60-90min trip of walking in crowds. Plus a wait time of 30-45min wait to get in. That's a 90min-2hr walk with few toilets and no food/water. Suggestion: yall gonna be tired, Uber to your food spot or eat hyper local. Inner harbor food is trash....try the Peruvian chicken place with the banging plantains 1 block north Poyoteca. Food is ready immediately, affordable($12/person), and some of the best bird in Baltimore.

Note: Baltimore discovery days are now thru 2/13, the aquarium is hyper cheap....which means crowds now thru then will be peak capacity. Solution: go after 2/13 or be at peace with tourists everywhere. Wear a mask.

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OP t1_j3owriy wrote

It sounds like you’d like to propose an alternative?

Let me hear it

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t1_j3oyt0s wrote

Aquarium works, just get luckys ice cream before you stand in line. Let your date know its discovery days at the aquarium so you got a great deal but itll be a little busy..so not the best day to catch a live show in the aquairum.

Then pyoteca ($) or la calle($$) 1-2blocks away after. Then call it because that's a full big date lasting 2-4hrs.

Hope you hold hands and fall in love!!!

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t1_j3n77mn wrote

Take her downy bowling alley.

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t1_j3qi1rn wrote

Duckpin bowling is definitely a fun option. Idk if the spot in the city is still open, or if it would require a trip to towson.

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t1_j3no83z wrote

Not a good first date. You want to be getting to know each other not walking through exhibits. Also if you realize it’s not a match early, it’s a long date to then still have to do the whole aquarium and dinner. Plus it’s pretty pricey which also sets up a perceived investment that makes it weird if it’s not a good match. Save it for once you’ve run out of early date ideas and have gotten in a rut.

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OP t1_j3nskx1 wrote

I am in a rut lol idk anymore

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t1_j3nw930 wrote

I meant when as a couple you have gotten into a date rut

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OP t1_j3nyovv wrote

Oh I’m in a dating rut 💀 my judgment was clouded but I get what you’re saying

So just drinks somewhere? but that feels boring I feel like I need something to take away from any awkwardness or to provide some context to a convo

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t1_j3r3xye wrote

Do you have a day of the week in mind ? Local show / live music might do the trick. Start with a beer or a coffee shop , after you break the ice invite to the show . Distraction achieved lol. Plenty of great underground or local music in the city. If your a liquid courage user or not , I'll be forthcoming in saying I use to great drunk to feel comfortable talking to woman . I find that a Real conversation bout life my goals my ambitions and being able to listen has gotten me wayyy farther. I think my fiancee would agree.

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t1_j3nyqpa wrote

My now-husband took me to the aquarium for our first date, so I’m biased. But I like the aquarium as a date idea!

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t1_j3o7brf wrote

Ask what places are good, use info on next date. Also, don’t talk about anything in Baltimore, like you know more about it. Have a good time.

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t1_j3oq1a9 wrote

How Baltimore is the person? there's varying levels.... from just a regular Olive Garden run of the mill American to straight up Hampden loving Hon with the beehive.

One of my favorite 1st date activities is going to a bookstore and browsing together, get a feel for their interests. Put a Baltimore spin by going to Atomic Books. Plenty of bars/restaurants in walking distance so if its going well there are options to keep the date going

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t1_j3ozxyn wrote

If you anticipate lots of first/second dates, get a membership!

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t1_j3njxn4 wrote

The museum at the bottom of Fed Hill Park is a really nice date spot! Also within walking distance of a ton of cool Fed places for food and drinks!

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t1_j3psq9b wrote

I agree with other people saying it's too much. Don't roll out the red carpet on the first date bc if it goes south you'll just be railing a line of regretamine. Keep it simple and close to something interesting to extend the date. If location one is chill then offer to go to location 2.

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t1_j3qnaum wrote

I enjoyed this conversation. Lots of great ideas, and it definitely depends on how much you know the person going into the first date! (coffee with easy out vs. museum/activity) Best of luck!

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t1_j3reor1 wrote

The aquarium is a good measurement tool of someone. If you can't have some fun there, that would be a red flag to me.

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t1_j3msgcs wrote

I've gone to Papi's for like ten first dates. It's a crowd pleaser

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t1_j3mwzx7 wrote

No disrespect, but I think papis food is terrible. It wouldn’t be a crowd pleaser for everyone.

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t1_j3mxi77 wrote

Papi’s is so overpriced for what it is

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t1_j3n10mq wrote

I wish we could have real tacos in Hampden. I drive to Arbutus or Highlandtown whenever I’m craving cabeza and lengua.

Edit: wrong Papi’s!

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t1_j3n155v wrote

I don’t think they are talking about Papi’s tacos, I’m talking about the place in riverside/fed

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t1_j3n17ou wrote

Ohh whoops lol. Never been to that place.

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OP t1_j3n4yux wrote

There’s a difference? 😳

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t1_j3odb97 wrote

OP are you talking Papis Cuisine or papis tacos?

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t1_j3ozzad wrote

Yeah, there’s (1) Papi’s Tacos in both Fell’s and Hampden, and (2) Papi Cuisine in Riverside/Fed Hill. They’re owned by completely different people and totally different food-wise. To make it more confusing, Papi Cuisine used to be located in Fell’s!

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t1_j3n54ra wrote

I agree, There are so many better options if you’re hitting up the fells locations for tacos

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t1_j3n7jvt wrote

Take her on a scooter ride.

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t1_j3nd8yt wrote

How else you think they're getting from the Aquarium to Fells?

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OP t1_j3rbq4x wrote

…… is that far lol

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t1_j3rd0qd wrote

It's about a mile - you could walk it but in 40 degree weather you probably don't want to

Also Harbor East (area between Aquarium and Fells) has huge buildings and wide streets so it's not my favorite to walk through. IMO it's more pleasant to rent an electric scooter with your phone (they're everywhere), feel the wind in your hair, and speed through Harbor East in 7 minutes or so. Saves the hassle of moving a car and lets you enjoy the waterfront without being on your feet in sea breeze for an hour.

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OP t1_j3rdskq wrote

I’ll propose that, worst case is an Uber. It’s looking like some well reviewed Asian place first then the aquarium

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