5 hot summer dates
[attach]1892[/attach]And what’s better than spending time with someone you love (or at least like!) on a warm summer’s evening? Whether with your spouse, boyfriend, girlfriend or best friend, try something a little different for date night this month.
For the love of the arts
Hey movie buffs, there are free film screenings in Riverdale Park East, 550 Broadview Ave. on the second last Sunday of the month this summer. Take a blanket and cuddle up under the stars. Films begin at dusk (around 9 p.m.) Donations accepted. Supporting Art City, St. James Town and the Toronto Kiwanis Boys and Girls Club. For details see moviesinthepark.wordpress.com.
Every Sunday throughout the summer, there are free concerts in the Garden of Remembrance at the Mount Pleasant Cemetery (east of Mount Pleasant Road). Musicians from the Royal Conservatory perform hour-long shows at 2 p.m. Enjoy string quartets, jazz violin and many more ensembles. For more information visit [url=http://www.mountpleasantgroup.com.]www.mountpleasantgroup.com.[/url]
Entertain this idea
Down by the shores of Lake Ontario hides an entertainment and date-night mecca — Polson Pier. There’s a driving range, and go karts. Or, you can sip a cocktail on the patio and watch the boats go by. Feel like a dip? There’s an outdoor pool. There are 19+ events Sunday and Monday so you and your date don’t have to worry about being splashed by kiddies. If your little ones are joining you, Tuesday–Friday kids swim for $6. Looking to double? Start with an Oh Boy! Burger and shake and head to the drive-in movie theatre. [url=http://www.polsonpier.com.]www.polsonpier.com.[/url]
Gelato and a sunset
For an easy and delicious date, tantalize your taste buds and indulge in some gelato—delicious Italian ice cream.
There’s no shortage of gelaterias in our city. A staple in Corso Italia on St. Clair West is La Paloma. Or try the always-bustling Il Gelatiere Artigianale at 647 Mount Pleasant Rd.
From there, gelato in hand, head to the Mount Pleasant Cemetery to catch the sunset. Or take a stroll through the Rosedale Valley ravine and get close to nature while you enjoy your gelato treat.
Get your body movin’
[attach]1893[/attach]From scavenger hunts to cooking classes to Viking rowing to canoe trips around the Toronto Island, Urban Adventures has plenty of great, active date ideas. Full- and half-day events range in price from $15 to $85 a person. Spots fill up fast, so plan ahead. [url=http://www.yorkssc.com/urbanadventures.]www.yorkssc.com/urbanadventures.[/url]
Getting too hot ’n heavy?
Warm temperatures got you seeking A/C? Talk a walk inside the Yonge Eglinton Centre. There are plenty of shops and spots for you to pop in and cool off with a Booster Juice, some air conditioning and some great conversation with your date.
Still too warm? Check out one of Toronto’s outdoor pools. The City of Toronto operates 230 supervised swimming facilities — wading, outdoor and indoor. Great for families if your date night has the kids coming along!
Why not make an evening of it? Hit up one of Toronto’s outdoor farmers’ markets first (try AppleTree Markets at Eglinton Park every Thursday 3 p.m.–7 p.m.) and enjoy a picnic in a park after your swim.