It's been a long hot summer and we don't want you succumbing to the notion that romance is dead. By now you're certainly sick of Netflix and noshing on your favorite takeout food at home. Extract your S.O. from the couch with these fun date night ideas for Northern Utah.
DIY Oktoberfest — Growlers-To-Go
You know that dismal feeling on Sunday when your fridge is empty and Utah’s liquor stores are closed? Fear not, Sundays are not as desolate as they once were in the old Beehive State. Swing by one of our favorite breweries for full strength beer to-go! Even better news: it’s already cold and ready for quaffing.
For a surprise date night, invest in a growler to-go and then enjoy your chilled bev on the porch or in the backyard. This will be good practice for the onset of cooler months and the impetus to host your own romantic Oktoberfest dinner. Blast the polka music, grab some bratwurst and sauerkraut, and head to your favored brew pub to load up on a couple growlers to celebrate the harvest season. If you want to earn your feast, why not head out on a fall foliage hike first? There are plenty of fantastic spots along the Wasatch to engage in a little leaf peeping before you celebrate the season. Prost!
For those in Park City, check out Wasatch Brew Pub at the top of Main Street. They offer contemporary mountain cuisine and chilled glass growlers to go. As Utah’s first brewpub, Wasatch has been crafting delicious suds since 1986.
For our South Town (SLC) people, swing by Bohemian Brewery, which focuses on traditional, European-style brewing techniques and provides a nice selection of malty cold beverages to-go. I trust you'll find their Oktoberfest Märzenbier libation will add an official air to your celebrations.
For our downtown dwellers there is Squatters Brew Pub, a Utah institution and award-winning brewery. Try the locally made bratwurst and grab one (or several) of the many beers at this downtown favorite.
Sunset on the Salt Flats
While we already posted up some awesome sunset hikes for lovers of romance, we didn’t have the opportunity to include the Bonneville Salt Flats in our lineup. This eerie landscape sets the stage for a truly otherworldly sunset experience. If you’re feeling extra romantic, you could pack some blankets and pillows and stay for stargazing--here are some upcoming astrological events you won’t want to miss.
Opt for a day with partly cloudy skies, as that will ensure the most dramatic of sunsets, or a clear night around the new moon for stargazing. The best access point is at the Bonneville Speedway off Interstate-80, but folks on a time constraint can opt for a walk out near Saltair or Stansbury Island.
Once the biting flies have died out (after the first cold snap) the view from Antelope Island State Park is equally show-stopping. I like to take my paddleboard and launch at the marina to appreciate the scenery from the vantage of the salty sea.
Dinner In The Gardens
If I counted how many times I have ordered the medium-spicy fried chicken sandwich from Pretty Birds since the Covid-19 pandemic hit, I would embarrassingly hit a double-digit number. These sinfully sweet and hearty chicken sandos are perfectly paired with a salty slaw and some special tangy sauce. Pretty Birds is dialed for fast and simple pick-up and then it’s just a quick buzz up Broadway to the University of Utah Campus and the beautiful blooms of Red Butte Garden.
With countless nooks, crannies, lawn space, and benches, the Garden provides a serene setting for you to enjoy the best fried chicken sandwich in Utah. I recommend visiting the Water Conservation Garden, as its position on the hillside offers expansive valley views, ideal for catching the sunset over the Great Salt Lake. You can also glean some waterwise ideas for your own garden here. If soothing sounds are what you need to relax these days, there are many water features in the garden to provide romantic ambiance.
Putt Your Worries Aside
Head for the serene and beautiful slopes of Snowbasin Resort to not only enjoy the views but to test your skills on the fun (and challenging) Wildflower Mini Golf Course. Open on weekends from 9:00 AM to 2:30 PM this course will flummox even the most prestigious of putters. Advance reservations are offered to guarantee some quality time in the mountains. The Wildflower course is located at the Snowbasin base area between the Needles Gondola and the John Paul Express. Groups of up to six are welcome to partake and the reasonable prices make this a fun and inexpensive date idea. Hungry golfers can enjoy a scenic ride on the Needles Gondola and savor BBQ specials on the stunning Needles Lodge patio, overlooking Ogden Valley.
This Date Is Going Rapidly Downhill
No...really. Grab your lover and bond over a high-adrenaline date at Deer Valley’s lift-serviced bike park. BYOB (bring your own bike) or rent one of Deer Valley's high performance DH bikes to experience the thrills of their world-class trails. If high speed rolling isn’t quite your jam, enjoy the mountains at a slower pace with a hike or a horseback ride. If showing off some skin and cooling down sounds more attractive, rent a paddleboard from Park City Sup and check out Deer Valley’s Pebble Beach. Afterward, sample some of Deer Valley’s notoriously delicious fare at Royal Street Cafe. Dining on the deck or expansive lawn with a chilled beverage is just the ticket to wind down after a busy day at the resort.
If you prefer to create your own romantic happy hour, be sure to check out our DIY cocktail recipe page highlighting local ingredients and craft liquors from Utah’s distilleries, brewpubs, saloons, and coffee shops!
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