Photos: Fireplace, Kevin Fishel/GettyImages. Couple walking on beach, © Iofoto/Dreamstime.com; Star photo, Charles Scovil. Concert photo, Tyler Sizemore/The News-Times. Bluefish mascot, Christian Abraham/Connecticut Post.
1.
Put It In High Gear
While it’s not a NASCAR pace, the go karts at On Track Karting in Brookfield are anything but kid stuff. Indeed, kids and adults run separate heats at what’s been designated as one of America’s largest indoor cart tracks. Slip into an authentic race-car suit, helmet and give the high-performance track a spin. Trust us; we tried it and it’s pedal-to-the-metal fun. Visit ontrackkarting.com for schedules, pricing and details.
2.
Go Stargazing
What’s more romantic than a night under the stars? Well, maybe one where the view entails a breathtaking view of the universe. The Stamford Museum & Nature Center opens its observatory for star-gazing on specific weekend nights and guests are most welcome for these dateperfect sessions narrated by knowledgeable astronomers. Visit Stamfordmuseum.org for details.
3.
Take in a Show
From old-time rock ’n’ roll to worldclass dance ensembles, Fairfield County is full of interesting venues that feature a diverse array of date-night ovation(3) worthy performances. Check out the schedules for Stamford’s Palace Theater, the Ridgefield
Playhouse, the Fairfield Theater Company and Bridgeport’s Klein Auditorium to get in on the act.
4.
Have a Ball
The Bridgeport Bluefish stadium at Harbor Yard arena boasts waterfront views and puts on a terrific fireworks display for many game nights. Indulging in America’s pastime and fireworks to boot, what’s not nostalgically romantic about that? Visit BridgeportBluefish.com for details.
5.
Crack Yourselves Up
Research shows laughter has a medicinal quality, so imagine what it can do for your love life. Stamford’s Curtain Call theater offers improv theater and stand-up style classes that could make for a hilarious weekly date night. Visit CurtainCallInc. com for schedule and details.
6.
Stimulate Your Collective IQs The Open Visions lecture series at Fairfield University brings a diverse array of celebrities, politicos and intellectuals to campus for provocative evenings that boost
your brain power. This year’s forum kicks off with lectures by 60 Minutes correspondent Steve Kroft, actress America Ferrera, author Isabel Wilkerson and New York Times film critic A.O. Scott. Visit fairfield.edu/arts for details.
7.
Be A Class Act
Most communities in Fairfield County boast exceptional continuing education programs where you can study a classic romance language — French, Spanish or Italian. Make the class a standing date night and practice saying something amorous in a foreign language over dinner afterward.
8.
Stroll by the Sea
Yes, “walks on the beach” are a cliché perpetuated by many an online dater, but there is something romantic about a waterfront stroll. Try Stamford’s Cove Island Park, Bridgeport’s St. Mary’s By-the-Sea, the shoreline along Fairfield Beach Road, Audubon’s Coastal Center at Milford Point, Milford’s Silver Sands State Park, Westport’s Compo Beach, Sherwood Island State Park or Greenwich Point. Just call ahead about beach admission policies, especially if you don’t live in the town where the beach is located. continued on page 87
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