Warm up your relationship with these great date night ideas.
By Kate Rader
When there’s a chill in the air, it’s easy to get the dating blues. With a little imagination, couples will find plenty of options—from culinary experiences to shopping and entertainment, to hands-on activities. WiYNN rounds up some creative options for couples specially curated by area businesses.
A Downtown Affair
Stir your senses with experiences only an urban destination can deliver. Downtown areas offer great food, live music, specialty shopping, and charming scenery perfect for a fun-filled date.
On the first Friday of every month from June through December, head to downtown Waynesboro for an evening of extended shopping hours from more than 30 shops, restaurants, food trucks, live music, and vendors. Visit mainstreetwaynesboro.org.
Each First Saturday, the streets of Frederick are filled with live music and entertainment. Businesses offer promotions like in-store tastings, gallery openings, and more. View charming holiday decor from November–December, and walk down to Carroll Creek Park to view the light-up boats that are part of the Sailing Through the Winter Solstice installation. Visit
downtownfrederick.org/events.
A huge variety of events are scheduled throughout the four-day Chambersburg IceFest, Jan. 27-30. View expert carvers from DiMartino Ice sculpting as they carve 30+ tons of ice into stunning sculptures. Explore the vibrant culture of downtown Chambersburg, and visit art galleries, restaurants, and boutique stores while enjoying all that Icefest has to offer.
Get Creative
An in-home personal chef and culinary instructor based in Frederick, Chris Spear comes to his clients’ home, prepares a delicious, gourmet meal, and then cleans up, leaving the kitchen spotless. For couples wanting to get their hands in the mix, the owner/chef provides cooking lessons with menus customized to each client’s tastes.
His website promises a “memorable, restaurant-quality food experience in the comfort of your own home,” using modern techniques and the best products available. He brings the food, china, linens, and cooking equipment.
The chef/owner of Perfect Little Bites is known to share stories about his culinary journey and the food he’s preparing—making this “individualized, unique experience” a creative date to remember.
If tools and beer are more your vibe, AR Workshop in Frederick offers Thirsty Thursday and TGI-FRIDIY workshops, where participants bring their own food and refreshments to sip and enjoy while DIYing a project together.
In the instructor-led workshop, couples will learn to make a project of their choosing, such as plank wood signs or cornhole boards. All supplies are included and you’ll walk away with a keepsake from your time together.
Relaxation for Two
Who couldn’t use a little relaxation time? Atasia Spa in Berkley Springs, WVa. offers a two-and-a-half-hour “Appalachian Love Package” which includes a relaxing whirlpool bath for two in Berkley Springs’ famous mineral water, a couple’s massage, and a couple’s facial.
For the more adventurous, consider the tranquil environment of a salt cave. Touch of Grace Spa in Martinsburg, Chambersburg Salt Cave at Shabath Mineral Wellness in Chambersburg, and Cornerstone Wellness House & Salt Cave in Hagerstown, offer dry salt or “halotherapy.” Advocates of the ancient practice say the artistic Himalayan salt-infused air helps boost the immune system, remove toxicity from the respiratory system and improve the function and appearance of skin.
Uncork an Adventure
Anchored by a dozen unique vineyards, meaderies, and even a pair of cider mills, the Antietam Highlands Trail winds through Maryland’s lush, rolling hills, historic battlefields, and unforgettable small towns.
One of seven wineries on the trail, Big Cork Vineyards in Rohrersville, Md. offers award-winning wines among a stunning mountainside backdrop.
General Manager Matt Riley says they offer a wintertime educational series, perfect for couples who want to relax at their state-of-the-art bar for a wine tasting and food pairing.
Be sure to reserve a spot online, since their trained wine educator limits tastings to ten spots each.
Big Cork also offers live music on their heated, tented patio from 1-4 p.m. on most weekends. For a romantic afternoon date, Matt suggests couples choose from their selection of locally sourced charcuterie, then “grab a bottle of wine, put your phones away and have a good time.”
Blue Mountain Wine Crafters in Funkstown, Md. offers charming ways to create lasting memories with your special someone. Warm-up each weekend with live music from 2–5 p.m. on Saturdays and 1–4 p.m. on Sundays. Enjoy the newest wine slushy flavors (currently plum and Vidal blanc) while noshing on charcuterie selections including Palmyra cheese, prosciutto, and chocolate.
The winery also offers hands-on winemaking instruction, teaching couples how to make their own wine over a series of four visits. Choose from a selection of flavor profiles ranging from sweet whites to dry reds, then mix, ferment, filter, and bottle your wine. Makers even get to label and name their newly-made vino.
For more stops on the Maryland Wine Trail, visit marylandwine.com.
Dinner and a Show
Celebrate the wonder of the season with Antietam Entertainment’s Christmas Experience, a variety show and homestyle dinner beloved by adults and children alike. Sip some hot chocolate during pre-show activities including wagon rides, a petting zoo, horseback rides, a bonfire, and marshmallow roasting. The spectacular includes performances by award-winning vocalists, a light show, skits, and swing dancing by crowd favorites Pam and Steve Springer. The show’s message emphasizes the true meaning of Christmas—featuring a nativity with live animals. This year, audience members can participate in a game show which benefits Toys for Tots and Operation Christmas Child. For a schedule of this year’s 13 shows, visit antietamentertainment.com.
For an appetizing evening, grab dinner and cocktails at one of Los Amigos’ three locations in Hagerstown or Thurmont, Md. Known for a spectrum of colorful margaritas in three sizes—including the 32 oz. “fishbowl”— their drinks are made to order with fresh fruit flavors and their own secret recipes. Couples can share a delicious mango margarita or Texas fajitas for two made with steak, chicken, and shrimp.
Lucky couples can watch fresh their server craft fresh guacamole while they’re serenaded by a Mariachi band. Visit losamigoshagerstown.com and their Facebook and Instagram pages for mariachi schedules and drink and food specials by location.
Make it a Dramatic Date Night with These Theatrical Events
Nov. 2
Authentic Community Theatre presents: One Night of Rent
The Maryland Theatre, Hagerstown, 7:00 pm
This award-winning rock musical tells the story of a group of impoverished young artists struggling to survive and create a life in Lower Manhattan’s East Village in the thriving days of bohemian Alphabet City, under the shadow of HIV/AIDS. Tickets: actforall.org
Nov. 5
The Maryland Theatre Presents Leanne Morgan
The Maryland Theatre, Hagerstown, 5:00 & 8:00 pm
Leanne’s style of comedy combines her southern charm and hilarious storytelling about her own life into an act that keeps them coming back for more. Tickets: mdtheatre.org
Nov. 10
Champions of Magic: Worldwide Wonders Tour
The Maryland Theatre, Hagerstown, 7:30 pm
Described by the press as “The Avengers of magic,” catch the only team of magicians in the world as they present their original, phenomenal ensemble illusions and spectacular special effects. Tickets: mdtheatre.org
Nov. 12 & 13
Broadway Babes
ACT Black Box Studio, Hagerstown, 7:00 pm
Get ready for an exciting night of Broadway favorites! A bunch of guys, a room full of broadway music, funny costumes, outlandish stories, and HUGE personalities! Tickets: actforall.org
Nov. 12-14
ALL TOGETHER NOW! A Global Event Celebrating Local Theatre
Capitol Theatre, Chambersburg, Nov. 12-13 7:30 pm, Nov. 14-15, 2:00 pm
Presented by Chambersburg Community Theatre, this fundraising event is a beautiful tribute to the return of live musical theatre, featuring a cast of some of CCT’s favorite voices and favorite musical theatre numbers. Tickets: cctonline.org
Nov.–Dec.
The Christmas Experience
Antietam Recreation, Hagerstown, see website for dates and showtimes.
Now in its 6th year, Antietam Entertainment’s A Christmas Experience provides a unique combination of live theater, drama, comedy, holiday activities, and down-home cooking. Tickets, dates and showtimes: antietamentertainment.com
Nov. 21
The Maryland Theatre hosts Cinderella
Maryland Theatre, Hagerstown, 2:00 pm
Cinderella brings vivid magic to the classic fairy tale! The State Ballet Theatre of Ukraine presents its captivating two-act performance of Cinderella, one of the most beloved stories of all time. Set to Sergei Prokofiev’s music with Vladimir Vasiliev’s choreography, this full-scale production follows the beautiful maiden’s story as she seeks her handsome Prince Charming. Tickets: mdtheatre.org
Dec. 4 & 5
Authentic Community Theatre presents: Elf the Musical
Maryland Theatre, Hagerstown, Dec. 4, 7:00 pm, Dec. 5, 3:00 pm
Based on the beloved movie of the same name, Buddy the would-be elf embarks on a journey to New York City to find his birth father and discover his true identity. Faced with harsh realities, Buddy is determined to win over his new family and help New York remember the true meaning of Christmas.Tickets: actforall.org
Dec. 9-12
It’s A Wonderful Life—A Radio Play
The Capitol Theatre’s Wood Center, Chambersburg, Dec. 9-11, 7:30 pm, Dec. 12, 2:00 pm
Presented by Chambersburg Community Theatre, this beloved American holiday classic comes to captivating life as a live 1940s radio broadcast. Tickets: cctonline.org
Dec. 11, 12, 17–19, 23
Authentic Community Theatre Presents: A Tuna Christmas
ACT Black Box Studio, Hagerstown, 7:00 pm
Two comedic actors, 20 characters, and a Christmas story you won’t want to miss! Tickets: actforall.org
Dec. 15 & 16
Barbara Ingram School for the Arts: Holiday Spectacular
The Maryland Theatre, Hagerstown, 7:00 pm
Featuring the diverse talents of the Barbara Ingram student body with colorful costumes and seasonal sets that complement a montage of songs, dances, stories, and visual images to warm the heart and inspire everyone to remember what the holiday season is truly about. Tickets: mdtheatre.org
Dec. 17-19
Weinberg Center for the Arts, Frederick, Dec. 17, 7:30 pm, Dec. 18, 2:00 pm and 7:30 pm, Dec. 19, 2:00 pm
A live theatrical play for both the young and young-at-heart, experience the beloved holiday story with a message that never grows old. Tickets: weinbergcenter.org
Dec. 18 & 19
The Maryland Symphony Orchestra presents: Home for the Holidays
The Maryland Theatre, Hagerstown, Dec. 18, 7:00 pm, Dec. 19, 3:00 pm
Listen to the MSO present magical sounds of Christmas that are sure to fill hearts and souls with goodwill throughout the rest of the season. Tickets: mdtheatre.org
Dec. 31
New Year’s Eve at The Maryland Theatre
The Maryland Theatre, Hagerstown, Dec. 31, 7:00 pm
Rock out to the sounds of the ‘70s and ‘80s with live bands Jester, Nightrain—The Guns & Roses Tribute Experience, and Thunderstruck: America’s AC/DC Tribute band as you ring in the new year at The Historic Maryland Theatre. Tickets: WIYNN.com
Jan. 28
In Conversation: John Leguizamo
Weinberg Center, Frederick, 8:00 pm
An unforgettable evening with the multi-faceted performer and Emmy Award winner. Tickets: weinbergcenter.org
Any of these events, dates, and times may be subject to change. Please be sure to visit the event’s website for the most up-to-date information.