There is no shortage of hip, cool, swanky, fancy, date night options in Las Vegas. You’ve seen them on the T.V. commercials for our hip, cool, swanky, fancy city. I know I am not the only local who would rather keep date night near my neighborhood and avoid the neon mecca that is the Las Vegas Strip. So here are a couple of date night ideas, more than just “dinner without the kids”, for you to explore with your boo.
Wine, Wine, Paint!
Start by cozying up to the bar at The Local at The District in Green Valley. With over 60 selections of wines, the way to go is with a wine flight. Pair it with their impressive crudités board and enjoy the ambiance. Personally, I like sitting at the bar so we can ask all kinds of questions of the team of wine experts. If wine isn’t your cup of tea (whaa whaa), you’ll be sure to find a brew (featuring many local breweries!) or a cocktail (both classics and modern, all carefully crafted and 100% OMG). After dinner, wander 10 stores up the tree-lined promenade to Pinot’s Palette for an art class. You may be tempted to hum “Unchained Melody” into the ear of your love as you caress your partner romantically, but do keep in mind you are not likely the only people in the room, so pipe down, Swayze. Plenty of time for that later. Right now, pick up a brush, order a glass of wine (we have a theme here) and have some fun! If dessert is on the menu, where better than to cross over to The Cheesecake Factory for rich deliciousness, or a scoop at Ben & Jerry’s to end (the public portion of) the night.
Classic Fine Dining
This is as close to the Strip as you are going to get, and its all Town Square. Start at Double Helix and warm up with a drink. Though there is a varied and delicious menu from Executive Chef Doug Vega, we are concentrating on the 230 whiskey labels. Take a look at the Flight of the Month and sample a couple from that vast collection, with $5 from every flight being donated to the charity of the month. When you are toasting warm from the whiskey, wander over to my favorite steakhouse, Flemings Steakhouse & Wine Bar. The service is impeccable, the filet mignon to die for, the potatoes au gratin are insane, the Brussels sprouts ridiculous… I could go on and on, but don’t take my word for it. The menu is 100% gold no matter what you fancy. And if there is still room for dessert, tuck arms and waltz down to Las Vegas’ own Ethel M Chocolatier and select from their liquor collection (perhaps choosing to savor them a little later, perhaps with something bubbly, like champagne or a bubble bath.) If you’d rather cap off the night with a youthful twist, pretend you are romancing at the local carnival and enjoy a sweet treat from Funnel Cake Cafe (and maybe finish the rest for breakfast.)
Lakeside Retreat
This might be better suited for warmer weather (and during COVID restrictions, may have limited availability) but dream with me here: imagine cruising Lake Las Vegas in an 80-foot, two-story, luxury yacht, complete with live music, cocktails, and a gorgeous sunset. You can do this with Sunset Sessions Cruise with The Yacht at Lake Las Vegas. You can even charter a private cruise and customize the experience (arrive in a helicopter perhaps. Or end the evening with fireworks – why not?) If the yacht is too grandiose, (and the gondolas at the Venetian are too touristy and theatrical), opt for a boat rental with Lake Las Vegas Water Sports for just the two of you. Stop in at Seasons Grocery and shop for the makings of a romantic picnic on the water before casting off (and make sure your iPhone is fully charged so John Legend can swoon the soundtrack!) After the cruise, stay put and enjoy dinner at One5 Lakeside for delish Asian cuisine. Or if pasta is more your speed, Luna Rossa is delizioso! (NOTE: during COVID, Luna Rossa is open for takeout or delivery only.) You could always make it a staycation for two at The Westin Resort & Spa, complete with in an-room couple’s massage!
Something’s cookin’
What if the idea of a date night is heavenly, but knowing full well the kiddos won’t care that you were out late when they crawl in demanding breakfast at 6 am? We got you covered: book a cooking class Sur La Table in Downtown Summerlin and start your evening early. Classes begin at either 1:00 p.m. or 4:00 p.m. and generally last 2-2-1/2 hours. The incredible cuisine is “make & take” , though I suggest milking this outing for all its worth – bring a cooler in the car and put your treasures in the trunk, then head over to one of my favorite restaurants, Vintner Grill. The patio is perfect for alfresco dining at dusk, and the menu is incredible (must try their charcuterie boards, and their bolognese is off the chart!) You still have a little time before heading home (and do you really want to get there before the babysitter gets the kids to bed?) So head back to Downtown Summerlin and browse the charming deliciousness at Wonderland Bakery. You know the kids will love it if you bring home a little treat for them, too. Because, love. 💕