Five Spontaneous Dates to Take on a Whim This Summer
Off the cuff is always more fun.
In partnership with 
Summer lovin', the summer fling, fun in the sun and oh, those summer nights. The summer romance is a concept that evokes freedom, passion and impulsiveness, so you can understand why we want to read books, listen to songs and watch movies all about it.
Well, good news lovebirds, spontaneity isn't solely reserved for fiction. You too can sweep your main squeeze off their feet with a surprise date this summer. To make sure your meet-cute is suitably special, we've partnered with Henkell, purveyors of quality bubbles, and pulled together five spontaneous date ideas that are sure to put a sparkle in your partner's eye.
Emily Davies.
CROSSWORDS AND LIVE MUSIC BY THE WATER AND IN THE SUN
On a lazy, balmy Sunday, grab the paper, a bottle of Henkell Trocken and a blanket and make your way to Southbank's River Quay Green. This grassy knoll, licensed from 10am to 8pm, is just the spot to relax for the arvo with your summer crush. Do the crossword together (two brains are better than one) while listening to live music courtesy of the Sunday Social on the Green lineup.
Brisbane City Council.
REWARDING TREK THROUGH NATURE
Strap on the joggers, because nothing says romance like a healthy dose of endorphins and sweat, right? Okay, so maybe a few other things could be more romantic, but science says that as you sweat you also release those natural pheromones to help attract your sweetie even more. Make your way along the river, or for a shadier, less busy option, take one of the trails through Mount Coot-tha National Park. Whether your pace is more leisurely stroll or pounding the gravel together, make sure to celebrate your running success — perhaps over some mimosas and a big brekkie?
Bert Knottenbeld.
SUMMER FEAST BY THE SEA
End the perfect summer day with a fish and chip feast by the sea — just you, your person, a chilled bottle of bubbly and maybe a seagull or two. Sandgate is Brisbane seaside at its best, and the iconic Sandgate Fishmonger is its king. Located just over the road from the water, it offers BYO, and we've heard the calamari has been voted some of the best in the land. After you've licked the last bit of salt from your fingers, walk off your dinner, hand-in-hand along the beach as the sun goes down — textbook romance.
ONE DESSERT, TWO SPOONS
If food be the language of love, then dessert speaks the loudest. So, you've taken your date out for dinner — a classic, but still well-played move (especially if it's at one of Brisbane's best new restaurants). Naturally, your next stop should be to share something sweet on the way home. Pony's offers some pretty decadent options in the form of the bittersweet chocolate with mango sorbet, milk chocolate parfait, passionfruit and hazelnut praline or a honey parfait with burnt vanilla cream, mead jelly, toasted hay and milk sorbet and chamomile. If you're more keen to grab and go, head to Messina to take away a carton filled with the week's specials, grab a bottle of Henkell Blanc de Blancs and cosy up on the couch for some literal Netflix and chill.
TRIP TO VENICE
Okay, so we don't mean actual Venice. But these gondola rides along the Brisbane River are the next best thing. Plus, you can BYO a bottle of Henkell Trocken to make your cruise around extra special. Who hasn't dreamed about spending a gorgeous day gliding around in a gondola? Yes, this particular romantic ride may be called a 'cuddle cruise' but don't let that deter you from enjoying a lovely drift down the river with your person.
Summer is here and it's time to pop the bubbly. Pick up a bottle of Henkell Blanc de Blancs or Henkell Trocken for your next sparkling occasion.
