SHE SAID: The Top 5 Date Spots in Toronto

Spring is in the air, and with spring comes thoughts of love, and the search for the answer to that eternal question where to go for a perfect first date? Luckily, Toronto provides more than enough possibilities to get you through many first dates, if not hopefully into the second, third, and fourth date. Just remember that wherever you go, the key is to find a place that both of you would be comfortable at that either provides a chance to talk, or provides topics that you can talk about afterward.

Here, then, is a guide to some of Toronto’s best date spots, their appeal for both sexes, and possible pitfalls to avoid.

Art Gallery of Ontario (317 Dundas Street West)
Since its re-opening, the AGO has been drawing in people who are curious about Gehry’s renovation, if not the artwork itself, especially on Wednesday nights when admission is free. Like the ROM, it’s a great place to go for a first date, since it’s guaranteed to give you great first-date conversation fodder!

He’ll like: Exhibits with bizarre modern pieces like Surreal Things (running through to August 2009).

She’ll like download mr mrs smith divx : Checking out the art in general and Gehry’s work in-person after having seen it under construction for the past few years.

Possible pitfall: Your date might have zero interest in art, or may not be able to talk about it intelligently. Silver lining: this is your chance to find out if your date is able to speak intelligently about topics they may have no previous knowledge about, which is generally a good indication of their level of overall intelligence/lack of moronic behaviour.

Metro Toronto Zoo (Hwy 401 & Meadowvale Road)
While it might seem like a childish place to go for a first date, everyone has at least one favourite animal, and the zoo provides a great place to stroll around, talk, and eat flashback-to-your-childhood foods like hot dogs and popcorn in little paper boxes.

He’ll like: The chance to impress you with the facts about tigers and lions that he remembers from when he was a kid. Plus they can now fulfill their childhood dreams of wanting to touch the animals at the stingray exhibit!

She’ll like: Seeing the animals we remember from when we were kids (let’s be honest we’re all still suckers for animals) and hopefully any cute baby animals.

Possible pitfall: Getting out there unless you or your date has a car, it’s a little more difficult to get out there. There are buses that run from Scarborough transit terminals and Don Mills Station on the Sheppard Line, but they don’t travel as frequently, so check the schedule before deciding on a date time!

Panorama (top of the Manulife Centre at Bloor & Bay Streets)
It’s often voted one of the most romantic date spots in Toronto, and one look over the 51st floor patio tells you exactly why the city lights are spread out at your feet, and on a clear night, you can almost see across the lake to the far side. That, coupled with the subtle lighting, modern lounge music, and plenty of tables and lounge areas for two, makes this a great first date destination if you’re out to impress your date, or just find a spot from which to compare your favourite downtown Toronto spots.

He’ll like trailer park boys the movie divx online : The guy-friendly drinks menu there are plenty of non-girly martinis, as well as a solid selection of scotches and other stiff drinks.

She’ll like: The gorgeous view from the patio and the chance to get dressed up (that’s right, guys we love every chance we get to get dressed up and shine!).

Possible pitfall: The $$$ while it’s not horrendously expensive, the drinks and cover aren’t cheap, either.

The Second City (51 Mercer Street)
Laughter is always a great icebreaker, and The Second City provides several different shows throughout the year that run the gamut in topics from Facebook to Obama. Each show pokes fun at the current hot topics in the news, and promises at least a few hours filled with laughter for a fairly low price ($23-28, depending on what night you go). If you can’t make it for the show, there’s also a free improv show after the last performance of every night!

He’ll like: Most guys like improv and humour, especially if there’s a solid dose of potty humour thrown in (which there usually is). Plus they serve fairly decent food that you hopefully won’t choke on while busting a gut laughing, like fries and chicken fingers.

She’ll like: The jokes, while heavily sprinkled with potty humour, are actually really just flat-out funny and clever, which will give you plenty to talk about after the show, when the two of you will hopefully be continuing on to drinks in the neighbourhood (personal favourite Hey Lucy’s on a Wednesday)

Possible pitfall: Some humour just won’t sit well with certain types of people. If you squint through the tears of laughter that are pooling in your eyes, and notice your date isn’t laughing, you might have a bored date on your hands. Or you can take this as a clue that you and your date might not be that compatible, and call it a night after the show.

Toronto Islands

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(accessible from the Ferry Docks – foot of Queens Quay & Bay St)

With the warmer weather, now is a great time to go explore the islands that you probably haven’t been to since you were a kid, when the Log Flume Ride in Centreville was the height of scary rides. Not only do the islands (yes, there are several, not just one with Centreville) offer you a variety of things to do, it’s also a great chance to really get to talk to your date.

He’ll like: Getting the chance to prove his “athletic” prowess by winning you the cheesy oversized stuffed animals at the various games in Centreville, or show off his blading/biking skills by bringing equipment to the islands and riding through the various trails that crisscross the connected islands.

She’ll like divx 007 licence to kill : The nostalgia that Centreville brings and the chance to “accidentally” grab your hand while going through the Haunted House. There’s also a mini-putt course that’ll bring out some healthy and flirty competition.

Possible pitfall: There isn’t a whole lot of shelter, so if you’re out on the trails and a spring shower starts, you might get drenched. As long as you and your date can laugh about it, though, you should be fine!

 

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