The content in this blog post first appeared in my monthly newsletter in May of 2025. Sign up here for first access to more content like this!
Hi Friend!
How is your May going so far? It is getting so green and beautiful here in Northwest Arkansas! All the rain we have been having is helping with that, I’m sure. I am so looking forward to the warmer weather and spending even more time outside. My husband and I have some really fun trips coming up this summer that I am really excited for, and I can’t wait to share those travels with you on the blog!
This month’s newsletter topic is a really fun one that I’ve been looking forward to diving into for a long time now. Today you are getting all of my top date night recommendations for the engaged couple! I am so passionate about this topic because it can be so easy for engaged couples to forget to prioritize their relationship amid the whirlwind of wedding planning and all that comes with it. So take this as your sign to grab your fiance and go on a date!
Art Museum + Wine Bar
Art museum dates are so classy and one of my favorites because who doesn’t like strolling around, admiring interesting art, and just generally being unhurried? I can feel the anxiety leaving my body just thinking about it. Pair that with a stop at your favorite wine bar and you’ve got yourself a lovely afternoon date.
Northwest Arkansas
For those of you here in NWA, Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art is such a local gem, and with its rotating exhibits there is something new every time I go. Plus, if you have never taken a tour of the Frank Lloyd Wright house on the museum grounds, it’s an interesting visit. Bonus – it’s completely free!
Hike + Picnic
If you and your fiance love getting outside and enjoying nature, packing a picnic and hiking to a cool spot is the perfect date for you. There’s just something about being outside in the fresh air and moving your body that makes the food taste so much better!
Northwest Arkansas
A few weeks ago I wrote a blog post about my favorite hikes in NWA, but here are a few that are absolutely must-hikes if you live in the area: Yellow Rock Trail at Devil’s Den State Park and Pigeon Roost Overlook at Hobb’s State Park.
Coffee Shop + Window Shopping
This date is the perfect way to spend a slow weekend morning. Grab coffee and snacks at your favorite coffee shop, and then wander around some small local shops and thrift stores. No need to buy anything, simply spending time together is enough.
Northwest Arkansas
Practically every weekend you can catch my husband and me at our favorite coffee shop, Pour Jons, in Siloam Springs. I also love Onyx Coffee Lab in Rogers and Airship Coffee at Coler in Bentonville.
Charcuterie + Olive Oil Tasting
You’ve heard of wine tasting, but have you ever heard of olive oil tasting? It’s something different, it’s something unique, and I guarantee it makes for an awesome date night. Pair that with small pieces of bread, meat, and cheese … what’s not to love?
Northwest Arkansas
Did you know that Rogers has an olive oil tasting room? I have heard so many amazing things about Fresh Harvest Tasting Room, and I can’t wait to try it out for myself soon!
Fast Food + Arcade
One of the most fun dates I have been on is when I was dating my husband and he took me to a retro arcade. It was so fun to play all the old video games, and it was so nostalgic to pair that with eating at a fast food restaurant afterwards.
Northwest Arkansas
Arkadia Retrocade in Fayetteville is one of those places that feels like stepping back in time, in the best way possible.
Takeout + City Park
There’s nothing quite like a park day. Give me takeout from my favorite restaurant (or maybe order me a pizza?!), give me a blanket on the grass, give me a picnic table, give me a gazebo, give me splashing my feet in a fountain. I love it alllll.
Northwest Arkansas
One of the great things about NWA is that even the downtowns of the busiest cities have a small-town feel. Even the smaller towns all have vibrant parks to enjoy.
Floating
One of the first dates my husband took me on was kayaking down a river. And it’s still one of our favorite summer activities. We’ll grab a few friends, pack a cooler with hot dogs for lunch, and head out for a nice long float. It’s one of my go-to activities when people come visit us in the summer.
Northwest Arkansas
The Illinois River is one of our favorite floats, and this summer we’re also planning a trip to float the Buffalo National River.
Final Thoughts
I hope this blog post gave you some inspiration for planning your own dates with your fiance. It doesn’t have to be fancy, and it doesn’t have to be expensive – I can totally relate to wanting to save money for the wedding and honeymoon, but don’t let that keep you from dating your fiance! As you’re planning your wedding, definitely sign up for my newsletter so that you can have access to my wedding planning freebies, with titles like “Sample Wedding Day Timeline”, “Leave No Trace Wedding Guest Guide”, “Buffalo National River Elopement Guide”, and so many more!
*All my blog posts contain a selection of images that I’ve taken. If you are interested in booking a wedding or session with me, I am more than happy to send you a full gallery upon request!
I’m a wife, a dog mom, a foodie, a wanderer, a registered nurse, and a portraits/elopements/branding photographer … and this blog will cover it all! If you enjoyed this post, first of all thank you, and second of all please follow me on Instagram + Facebook and sign up for my monthly newsletter to get exclusive wedding planning advice and access to all of my new (and old) freebies! If you have any questions about elopement photography, my journey from nursing to photography, or my time spent as a full-time RVer, drop a comment and I just might write a blog post answering your question (but I definitely will)!
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