Let's Do Something Different

So you've been in a relationship with your man for a while and suddenly the whole "dinner, movie, and the weekly extracurricular activity back at the house" thing ain't cutting it for you. You want to be able to explore different things and places with the man you love. As a woman who loves variety, I'm constantly coming up with activities for us to enjoy so I thought I'd share with you.

1. Take a stroll around NYC

It's free, culture filled, and depending on the time of day, you'll find somebody being odd yet entertaining. Plus, you'll get a workout walking around.

2. Go to a poetry reading

There's nothing like spoken word. Usually these events are held in intimate settings and that can be a nice start to the evening.

3. Go out dancing

If you and your man have some skills on the dance floor, showcase them. Salsa, merengue, reggae, hip-hop, etc. there are plenty of clubs that you can go to. Cuba Libre is my personal favorite!

4. Have a picnic

It's summertime so what's more appropriate than having a picnic? Go to the corner store, get you and your man some sandwiches, drinks and snacks, grab a blanket and voila! A cheap way to eat with seating and a view of your choice!

5. Free concert series

One of the best things about summer in the city are the free concert series at parks across the 5 boroughs. You can check for these events by looking the New York Daily News or The Village Voice.

6. Wine Tastings (for the 21+ crowd)

If you enjoy wine, this is a nice way to become a connoisseur of sorts. They usually have these wine tastings in the suburbs (i.e. Westchester County, Long Island, etc.) so it could be a nice trip. Just remember don't drink too much especially if you're driving.

7. MAKE dinner TOGETHER

I hear a lot of guys complain about how women nowadays don't know how to cook. Well here's a way for a girl to learn (if she doesn't know how to) and a way to make something appetizing together...and heat things up in the kitchen!

8. Revisit your childhood

My boyfriend and I just did this the other day at Riverside Park and had a good time. Go on the swings, play in the sprinklers, etc. It definitely takes you back to a simpler time when you had all the fun and none of the responsibilities.

9. Visit a bed-and-breakfast

This is a variation of a hotel. It's a lot more cozy and homely. There are usually a handful of rooms in a bed-and-breakfast and each room is decorated in a special way. You can find a bed-and-breakfast in the suburbs or in the city. A nice spot I've been wanting to try is the Akwaaba Mansion Bed & Breakfast in Brooklyn (check it out at http://www.akwaaba.com/brooklyn/).

10. Go on a nightly cruise

If you both like being on the water, go on the Spirit Cruises line. These night cruises are usually 3-4 hours long and they serve dinner. Some of the cruises are themed like the HOT 97 Mister Cee Moonlight Cruise hosted by Angie Martinez (must be 23 and over) and the Hot Latin R&B Moonlight Cruise (must be 21 and over). For more info, go to http://www.spiritcruises.com/New-York/home.