Are you doing anything tonight?
I was floating in the shallows of the internet (no surfing — too athletic), and I came across one of the many lists that are getting produced these days online.
I’m sure you know the genre: “17 Things You Didn’t Know About These B-List Celebrities … No. 8 Will Make You Think!” The one I was reading was about interesting ideas for dates, something beyond the good ol’ dinner-and-a-movie thing. “219 1/2 Interesting Date Ideas You Will Actually Hate Yourself For Not Having Thought Of First … No. 113 Will Literally Boggle Your Brain!” Or something like that.
Here’s a much more practical and local list, just for you. Maybe you’ve tried some of the items on the list, but look for the added twist! It can turn the most typical date into a memorable and fun experience, or an indie-film-montage-worthy evening. Oh, and one other note: no need to be on an actual date to enjoy these activities. They work just as well by yourself or with a small group of friends!
1. The Classic with a Twist. If you don’t want to stray too far from dinner-and-a-movie, but want to be a little quirkier, try the Goldtown-Nickelodeon-and-frozen-yogurt. The Goldtown Nickelodeon Theater specializes in less mainstream films than you might find at a conventional theater, and they host a charming concession stand. Show up early and find out why the back row is actually the best! Plus, Saturday is movie night at Juno Froyo, and you can get a discount if you bring your tickets! The trick to this is picking the right movie. I once found out, the hard way, that what I thought was a date-worthy movie about love through the ages actually heavily featured space-cannibals. Oops!
2. The Second Hand Strike. This is definitely for someone who appreciates something a little more unusual. Show up a little early to Taku Lanes downtown to go bowling, and make use of the extra time by walking next door to Salvation Army. Here’s the twist — you each have to pick out, purchase and wear an outfit to go bowling in! Why, you ask? Why not! Bonus points if you go on a Saturday Cosmic Bowl night. Extra bonus points if you speak in fake accents. Ok, so this one I haven’t actually tried, but write me if you do, or let me know if you’ve tried anything similar!
3. Nature’s Grocery Shopping. Sure, a walk in a park or on a path is fun, but why not bring along some yogurt tubs and pick some berries while you do it? You can grab a couple bag lunches on your way there, and it’s a great way to get to know someone while doing something productive. If you don’t already have a berry picking spot, try a wooded area that gets a bit of sunshine, like at the top of a small hill, on a southern slope or at a forest’s edge. I can’t tell you how many times I’ve been on a walk that somehow turned into a juicy, purple-fingered berry feast.
4. The Aprés Party. If you were born after 2013 you won’t remember this, but Juneau used to get this thing called “snow,” and we’d hang out doing “snow sports.” Skiing and snowboarding are tons of fun, and can be plenty of fun to do with a friend. However, this date begins at the best, and most often overlooked, part of a ski-day: the feeling of taking your boots off and going out for pizza. Trade those two skis for brewskis (maybe you shouldn’t actually call them that), and warm up at a pizza pub together.
5. The Bus Ride. It’s best to pair this with another idea. I won’t wax poetic about the bus here, I’ll just say that two coffees, two bus tickets and a list of conversation starters costs about $10.
6. The Band Photos. So chances are, you’ve been to one of Juneau’s many mining ruin locations (if you haven’t now is your chance! Start with the ruins by Sandy Beach). But instead of simply wandering around them, use this opportunity to do dramatic or funny photo shoots, or make a lip-synced music video. Have fun with it! I’ve either seen or been a part of shoots about Alice in Wonderland, aliens, vampire hunters, Star Wars — hmm, what is it about those ruins that calls forth my inner nerd?
7. The Full Downtown Experience. Ok, maybe it’s not exactly a new idea, but for the right kind of person it’s a great introduction to downtown Juneau. Just pair karaoke night (Fridays at the Viking, for example) or any live music or dancing event with a late-night trip to Pel Menis and a walk on the warf. Bonus points if neither of you have been to Pels (but I don’t believe you).
8. The Sound of Music. This is your chance to climb every mountain and clear every stream, but make sure to bring a basket. Nothing out-performs a picnic on a peak! Bonus points if you bring a musical instrument (if you’re so inclined). I like to go either Mediterranean (olives, cheese, hummus, nuts) or full-blown American comfort (PBJ, root beer).
9. Undercover Couple. This is definitely more suited for someone you’ve known for a while, or someone who likes to make their own fun. Grab some ponchos, a selfie stick and a map, and head downtown to pretend you’re tourists. Ask the shopkeepers what elevation you’re at, or where the igloos are and watch their reactions! When I tried, I wasn’t able to make it through a diamond shop without breaking character, but bonus points if you can!
Best of luck out there. If you see me in a badly fitting pinstripe suit, yelling in a bad accent at gutter balls, no, I haven’t gone completely nuts, and yes, you’re welcome to join! Tune in next time for my best list yet, “1,810 Ways Garlic Bread Can Politically Motivate You … No. 53 Will Make You Cry!”
• Guy About Town appears the first and third Sunday of every month and includes seasonal musings on what changes and what doesn’t in a small town. Guy can be reached at unzicker.music@gmail.com.
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