Autumn date ideas to be thankful for


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Fall can be one of the most romantic times of the year. Thanksgiving break is the perfect time to ask that special someone out on a date — students don’t have school, athletes don’t have practice and the homework we were assigned can definitely wait until the night before class to start on. The opportunities for dates are plentiful. You could take that person out on a variety of fall-themed dates: roaming through pumpkin patches, picking for apples on a farm and sharing hot chocolate and warm apple cider in one of Los Angeles’ many parks.  Though those ideas are fun and sweet, however, they don’t show too much thought. Personally, when I go on a date, I want to know the guy has shown at least some consideration for my interests.

Though most people go home for Thanksgiving break, some don’t, and if you happen to be around the L.A. area, there are so many festive dates you can go on.

Thanksgiving is a time for friends, family and food — especially food. So what better way to get to know someone than to take them on a date for Thanksgiving-themed cupcake decorating? Located at 8302 Melrose Ave., Duff’s Cakemix Bakery and do-it-yourself studio allows you and that special someone to create delicious cupcakes decorated with turkey faces, fall colors and anything your heart desires. I often catch myself watching shows like Cupcake Wars and wishing I could make the wonderful creations the chefs do, and now is the perfect opportunity. The cupcake decorating event takes place Nov. 26 at 4 p.m. and is the perfect chance to let out your inner kid and have some laughs with your date. The entry fee is $27, and they even have an option for those that don’t eat gluten for $31.

For those that want to burn off that yummy Thanksgiving meal, there is always the Long Beach Turkey Trot. As you participate in a 5K or 10K run, you and your partner can share your joy in exercise. The event takes place on Thanksgiving Day at 7 a.m. or 10 a.m. depending on the length of the race. Nothing will make you feel better about yourself than knowing everyone else will be sitting on their butts watching TV while you’re up and running and being productive with your day.

For animal-lovers willing to travel a little further, Santa Barbara has just the treat. On Thanksgiving Day, the Santa Barbara Zoo is open for its annual Thankgiving Day Pumpkin Smash. Not only do you get to enjoy meeting all the exotic animals the zoo has to offer, you get to see them happily play with pumpkins. This is a date guaranteed to make that special person smile — I mean, who doesn’t love animals? Located at 500 Ninos Dr., the zoo is open from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Tickets and parking are also cheap; adult admission is only $15 and parking is $6.

For those who want to get a head start on their holiday shopping, the Hermosa Beach Chamber of Commerce is putting on its Holiday Sidewalk Festival on Nov. 22 from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. The local shops will be decorating storefronts for the upcoming holidays and featuring great gift ideas for everyone in the family. Throughout the day, people can enjoy live music and delicious food, and there will also be holiday-themed scavenger hunt with prizes. For more info and to register, you can check out the Hermosa Beach Chamber of Commerce’s website at www.HBChamber.net.

Get out of your comfort zone and explore what Southern California has to offer. There are so many options to choose from, so there is no longer an excuse for not taking that special someone out. With the busy holiday season quickly approaching, this is your last chance to make an impression on them before they go home for that long Christmas break.

 

Cassie Collins is a junior majoring in communication. Her column, “From Troy, with Love,” runs Wednesdays.