The joy of the Solo Date

Don’t you feel amazing when someone plans a date just for you? They know what you like to do, what you love to eat, and the little things that make you smile. When someone curates a lovely afternoon or weekend, it’s more than thoughtful—it’s love in action. You feel giddy, appreciated, and joyful.

Here’s the thing: whether you’re in a relationship or not, you can still experience that feeling—without waiting for someone else to make it happen.

Enter: the Solo Date

Imagine planning a date for someone you adore (spoiler alert: that person is you, sister!) and putting the same care and effort into the experience. I’ve been married for 13 years and love going on dates with my husband. AND I’m also a big fan of the solo date—an intentional outing planned just for me. It’s a chance to pour love into myself and, sometimes, give myself a gentle nudge out of my comfort zone. Without needing to consider anyone else’s preferences, I gain a clearer sense of my own wants and needs.

How to plan your Solo Date:

Make a plan: If you don’t plan it, it won’t happen. You’re not relying on anyone else, so don’t wait for the “right moment” to magically appear. Decide what you’ll do, where you’ll go, and when. Put it on your calendar like you would for any other date.

Timing: Will your solo date last two hours or two days? Knowing the length helps you decide on the location and activities (or intentional non-activities).

Location: Will you stay local or travel? Is this a familiar favorite spot or somewhere brand new? For me, a solo date means leaving the house—so it’s more than just Netflix and chill.

Effort or ease: Do you want something relaxed, like a bike ride to the farmer’s market, or something adventurous, like an overnight camping trip? Decide how you want to feel before and after the Solo Date. Stay flexible—sometimes the best memories come from things not going as planned.

Cost: Will you splurge or keep it budget-friendly? Both options can be equally fun—just different flavors of experience.

Once you’ve decided, it’s time to GTFO, homie!

My favorite Solo Dates:

Hammock + park + book. I start with a long walk around Patterson Park. Then I hang up my hammock and read for hours. Or just pretend like I’m reading and people watch instead. Snacks and a fancy non-alcoholic drink included.

Museum midweek. I put on a fancy outfit (read: not yoga pants) and visit a new exhibit during a quiet weekday. With fewer people in the space, I can linger without feeling rushed. I often stop at the café afterwards for tea or a treat. TBH, I rarely dress up so doing so makes me feel like I’m stepping into a different life

Thrifting + Farmer’s Market. I love thrift store hopping with a detour to the farmer’s market for fresh flowers and produce. Sometimes I get something from the thrift store but always get something at the Farmer’s Market.

Camping. Being in nature is such a joy and doing it alone means I can chill without checking in with someone else. I always arrive before dark to set up my tent, with a plan for food and water (including a backup if making a fire isn’t accessible) Activities include hiking or SUP depending on the terrain and conditions. Typically I’m camping for 1 night solo for more sky time and less screen time.

Out-of-town concert. I pick a city / town where I don’t know anyone, so I’m free to dance like no one’s watching (although, to be honest, I do that at home too). Picking my own dinner spot and hotel feels exciting and gives me sense of independence.

I especially love solo dates that combine music, movement, and nature—ideally all three, but at least two. I like to mix things up just as I do with my husband: trying new experiences (hello, Gemini here!) while also revisiting favorites.

After your solo date, take a moment to reflect. How did you feel before and during? Were you excited, nervous, or both? Did something challenge you or surprise you? (Ask me about setting up a tent on a windy night camping on the Eastern Shore) I often walk away from solo dates feeling empowered, confident, and nourished. Notice how you feel so you can take this into consideration for your next solo date.

So—what’s been your experience with the solo date?