Phoenix Date Night Ideas - Something Special

Date night posts are back!

Today we have 8 ideas for when you are trying to find something special--whether you are looking for something for an anniversary or just want to have the perfect night with the perfect person. Here are our suggestions:


The Farm at South Mountain
The Farm at South Mountain is the perfect spot for a romantic meal. You can order a picnic lunch at the walk-up counter in "The Kitchen," then take it outside and find a table or walk through the pecan trees to find the perfect spot. Since it is outdoor dining only, the kitchen closes for the summer.

For a more elegant meal at the same location, try Quiessence. Their "refined rustic menu" is farm to table, of course, since the restaurant is located on the farm's property. Indoor and outdoor dining available.

Take a gondola ride with an Italian, singing gondolier. Are you as surprised as me that you can do a gondola ride in Arizona? Open nightly year-round at the Scottsdale Hyatt Regency. Gondola rides are $10/person but complimentary with an Italian dinner at Alto ristorante e bar.

Wright's at the Biltmore  Fresh, local ingredients make up the elegant menu at this classy restaurant. To make a full date, you can also make appointments at the spa for massages or facials or book a room to stay the night. Dear guys: Your wife will love this idea.

T Cook's at Royal Palms Resort and Spa. This has been Kathryn and her husband's anniversary and celebration spot for about 13 years. The menu is seasonal so there is always something new to try.  Chef Paul McCabe is a genius in the kitchen and crafts bold and thoughtful dishes.  The resort also has historical significance in Arizona.

Hot air balloon ride. Choose from a sunrise or sunset hot air balloon ride over the West Valley from Rainbow Ryders. Rates start at $169/person for a group ride or $375/person for a private ride. If you are in the East Valley, check out Roping the Wind Hot Air Balloon Co.

Bed and Breakfast. Make the date special by planning an overnight. Take a drive to another town like Sedona or Prescott to get away or enjoy something closer to home. Did you know there are bed and breakfasts in the Valley? For instance, Bespoke Inn is in downtown Scottsdale and offers complimentary brunch and bicycles for inn guests (bicycles can be rented for anyone else). Search a site like bedandbreakfast.com to find just what you're looking for.

Rent a nice car and go for a scenic drive. Convertible rentals are available through most car rental companies. Or, you can get really fancy and rent a vehicle from a place like Exotic Car Rentals Phoenix. One year, Marily and her husband rented a car, ate dinner at Brasilian Bull Steakhouse then drove up South Mountain. You can also find a scenic drive and get some food along your way.

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This is post number two of five, come back next Tuesday for more date night ideas in the Phoenix area. If you missed the last date night post you can find more ideas here:

Phoenix Date Night Ideas: Arts and Music