As we reported two weeks ago, Baltimore is crawling with interesting date spots.
But if you've had enough of Charm City, then head beyond the boundaries of the urban-industrial playland. Yes, that's right. We want you to get out there and explore suburbia! (Cue cheers and excited gasps.)
OK, nightlife in suburbia isn't always that great. But there are more than a few cool spots in the local area.
Here is another list of five great dates for the weekend, all within a fairly short drive of Baltimore. It's just another public service for those who need some on-the-spot social planning.
Brunch and boats
Estimated price: $80 (including tip at Rams Head and Sly Fox)
Wake up to a jazz performance Sunday at the Rams Head Tavern in Annapolis.
Local trio Oreo will liven up the place with a set at 11 a.m. Get there early (around 10 a.m.) to get a seat in the restaurant's open-air courtyard.
Eat brunch and enjoy the tunes or skip out and walk down to the City Dock for a cruise around the historic seaport, where both water and land tours are available.
If your date doesn't have sea legs, then stroll around the cobbled streets and check out the boutiques and other shops around town.
If you end up staying late into the afternoon, pop into the Sly Fox Pub for a drink. The new basement watering hole, located just north of the dock on Church Circle, is a laid-back and welcome addition to the sometimes rowdy "Naptown" bar scene.
The Rams Head Tavern is at 33 West St., Annapolis. For more information, call 410-268-4545 or visit www.ramsheadtavern.com. For more information on tourism in Annapolis, visit www.annapolis.com. The Sly Fox Pub is at 7 Church Circle. For more information, call the bar at 443-482-9000.
Bowling, beer and Bethesda
Estimated price: $70 (including tip at Willie and Reed's and the Tastee Diner)
Expend all your date-induced nervous energy Monday evening at Strike in Bethesda.
The hipster bowling alley offers a weekly event dubbed Night Strike, a 21-and-over shebang where DJs spin house and dance music for the young and trendy. And with lane and shoe rental priced at just $15 apiece, you and your date can bowl like rock stars until 2 a.m. without breaking the bank.
But if hours of ball rolling isn't in the plan, then check out early and head for refreshment at Willie and Reed's. The night spot's steel-trimmed accents and modern flair make it stand out from other area sports bars. W&R's 22 state-of-the-art screens, including one in the men's restroom, will ensure that customers don't miss out on any televised action.
But even if you're exhausted, you and your honey can't leave Bethesda without a trip to the Tastee Diner. Famous, or infamous, for its no-frills service and blue-plate menu, the greasy-spoon-style joint has been a local late-night classic since 1935. (They're open 24 hours a day, seven days a week - they only close for Christmas.)
Stop by for a coffee and a piece of pie; you'll both need the caffeine and sugar to keep you awake for the drive back to Baltimore.
Strike Bethesda is at 5353 Westbard Ave., Bethesda. Night Strike begins at 8 p.m., and lanes are filled on a first-come, first-served basis, so get there early. For more information, call 301-652-0955 or visit www.strikebethesda.com. Willie and Reed's is at 4901-A Fairmont Ave., Bethesda. For more information, call 301-951-1100 or visit www.willieandreeds.com. The Tastee Diner is at 7731 Woodmont Ave., Bethesda. For more information, call 301-652-3970 or visit www.tasteediner.com.
Pretty little city
Estimated price: $60 (including tip)
If you want to impress your new flame with a fancy meal, why not try the French cuisine at Tersiguel's in Ellicott City on Saturday?
Located in the home of the town's first mayor, the restaurant is a quaint yet elegant spot, perfect for a romantic date. After lunching at Tersiguel's, you and your sweetie can mosey down Main Street, where antiques shops, bookstores and other tiny businesses beckon.
If shopping isn't your bag, then sip coffee, chat and people-watch from a table at Bean Hollow Roastery & Espresso - the cafe is perfect for all three.
Tersiguel's is at 8293 Main St., Ellicott City. For more information, call 410-465-4004 or visit www.tersiguels.com. Bean Hollow Roastery & Espresso is at 8059 Main St. For more information, call 410-465-0233.
Art in the Park
Estimated price: $95 (including tip)
On Sunday, take your new pretty to a spot that boasts both artistic and natural beauty.
Visit the Washington County Museum of Fine Arts, a vast collection of works of creative mastery set quietly amid the lush foliage of Hagerstown City Park. Look over the works of Norman Rockwell and John LaFarge before you venture outdoors, where ducks and geese lounge with park patrons on the banks of the spring-fed lake.
