Another weekend is upon us and likely you are getting the urge to meet up with a hottie or two. Who can blame you? If you’re anything like me, you are loving some spring weather and completely getting ready for a fantastic summer. Also if you’re like me, you’ve been hitting the ManPlay chat rooms to find some hot boys to spend some hot time with – this weekend and beyond!

From some of the letters I’ve gotten today it sounds like a lot of you have exciting plans as well, which is fantastic news! I got one letter asking me for some suggestions for fun things to do for a first date that are a bit beyond the everyday, which got me thinking about some of the best first dates I’ve been on and what I’ve done on them. Here are some ideas that I’ve mentioned that I think make for perfect spring dates! Why not try one (or more!) of them out this weekend?!

Why not take a cocktail-making class?

With the popularity of Mad Men, people are once again getting into the groove of whipping up cocktails at home. Not sure where to start? Sign up for a class! They are usually only a couple of hours, are more exciting that taking your date to a standard bar and you also get to learn something fun and practical! I’ve gone to one on a first date before in Los Angeles and it was a really interesting and eclectic mix of people attending and had a fun atmosphere. It wasn’t too serious and we did learn tricks that I for one have used since then. Sure, the romance didn’t last but I’ve stayed casual friends with him AND met someone else in the course I became friends with as a result. How great is that?!

Try packing a spring picnic!

Make a selection of snacks and drinks that are easily transportable and then go for a late afternoon picnic. Plan ahead and be sure to include a couple picnic blankets that will make you the cutest couple in the park. Have your date bring one item as well so that he contributes and it will make for a great getting-to-know-you conversation about the process involved on both of your parts. After the picnic has finished, if the date has gone well it should be early evening and you are then available to continue the date wherever you see fit! The night is young at this point, so if it wasn’t a great time you will have successfully accomplished what you set out to do and can head home without feeling bad after the picnic. But let’s hope it goes well and is the first of many picnics the two of you will have together!

Take a workout class together!

While this might not sound like the way you want to get all hot and bothered with him, it can be a really fun way to get to know each other and work out at the same time. Look up classes that take place in a park or an unusual class that’s inside that would be fun for the two of you to try out together. Definitely check with him beforehand so he dresses appropriately and also so you can get an idea if he’d be interested in taking a fitness class in the first place. Afterward, you can unwind by taking a walk through the park or by grabbing a drink at the juice bar in the gym. Or if you want to be a bit naughty, after working off all those calories you can put them right back on without the guilt by grabbing some beers or indulging in a delicious meal. Even if you go for a healthy meal, you’ll feel great with all the endorphins you’ve worked up from your workout. Having a great date and and a workout in one go? Talk about a success!

Take in an outdoor film!

There are tons of cities around the country that host outdoor screenings of films during the spring and summer. If you’re lucky enough to live in one where they offer them, be sure and take advantage of it! It’s surprisingly romantic to cuddle up under a blanket on a warm spring evening and take in a movie that you haven’t seen in ages or never before. Bring a few nibbles and you’ve got dinner and a movie covered – in a much more unique way! I’ve done this on a date before and they were playing Mommie Dearest of all things! Talk about a memorable first date. And I was really pleased that he planned it all ahead of time.

Take a stroll through some gardens.

With spring, everyone is rushing out and beginning to plant what will become amazing flowers in the summer. Find a community garden and roll up your sleeves with your date and help a community while also doing something fun and rewarding. You’ll both feel great afterward and there will be plenty of time to chat while you’re working. Even if it is not a love connection, you will still be glad you spent the time and really did something worthwhile with your afternoon or evening. And afterwards you can head out and grab a well-deserved drink and really get to know each other more. This won’t be everyone’s idea of a fun date, so make sure you check with him before, but if he’s got a green thumb this could be a really cute date.

Now let me know, all the gay men of ManPlay reading this: Have any of you done these before? Planning on trying any of them out over the weekend? What other unique dates have you been on that you’ve found memorable? Comment and let us all know. Have a fantastic weekend, everyone and be sure and write and let us all know how they went, too!

John xo