Date Night: 5 Great Ideas for Manchester, NH
Grab your other half (or swipe right on a potential contender) and spend the evening exploring Manchester.
Whether searching for your true love, carefully maneuvering dating apps or just looking to spruce up an evening with a long-term partner, date night options in Manchester, NH, are abundant. Located in the southern portion of the state, this city caters to a roster of different interests, whether you’re interested in sports, historic architecture or even rare birds. Ready to date the “Manchester way?” Here are five ideas to get you started.
In This Article
The Artsy Date in Manchester, NH
Interested in perusing – and discussing – great art? The Currier Museum of Art is the perfect place for you and your date to spend an evening.
“The best night to curate an artsy date at the Currier is a Thursday night for Art After Work,” says Corinne Benfield, the Currier’s director of community and corporate partnerships. “We run tours of our two Frank Lloyd Wright homes starting at 5 p.m., and that’s a great way to kick a date off. The nature of the homes feels quite intimate and lovely, and they offer a significant educational aspect.”
After the tour, Benfield recommends heading to the museum’s Winter Garden Café to enjoy a meal and live music. Each week brings a different iteration of jazz, folk, dance, etc. The best news? Access to the museum’s galleries is free during Art After Work.
The Outdoorsy Date in Manchester, NH
Nature lovers can chat away while walking and enjoying the sunset at Livingston Park, located in North Manchester. The elevated boardwalk trail hovers over wetland areas, inviting birds and friendly wildlife to join in on your date. After a loop or two around Livingston, you can head across the street to Puritan Backroom for a rewarding meal.
“Manchester is popular for its chicken tenders, and the Puritan has the best chicken tenders,” Benfield says.
If you’re looking for an alternative to Livingston Park, try Stark Park, which is about a five-minute drive from Puritan Backroom. This privately owned park is known for its well-kept foliage and scenic hilltop views of the Uncanoonuc Mountains. Here’s a mildly nerdy but cute icebreaker idea: work together to identify as many tree and plant species as you can in Stark Park. The park has undergone years of restoration and now has a long list of rare and native species.
The Sophisticated Date in Manchester, NH
Is there a dressy outfit collecting dust in your closet? Visit Manchester’s historic Palace Theatre and give it a chance to shine. This ornate building will take you back to the Ragtime days of 1914 when the structure was first constructed.
“You walk into the lobby to find velvet carpeting, grand light fixtures and floor-to-ceiling glass doors held open by ushers in regal-looking attire. It’s a wonderful welcome,” Benfield says. “I actually have a date night planned there this coming week!”
Watch the theater’s calendar for a variety of musical performances, comedy acts, dance recitals, plays, and film festivals. You can choose between three different viewing levels, but Benfield recommends the box seating for the most intimate, privatized perspective.
For bites and beverages before or after the show, many people visit the Crown Tavern. The menu ranges from artisanal burgers to seared scallops and offers a long list of wine options. The slightly fanciful atmosphere will pair nicely with the theater’s elegant reputation.
The Sporty Date in Manchester, NH
Whether you’re a baseball fan or just want to have a little fun, head to Delta Dental Stadium with your date and cheer on the Fisher Cats, the city’s minor league baseball team.
“The fans are always so vibrant and positive. It’s a real lighthearted, family-friendly atmosphere,” Benfield says.
To really indulge in the lively energy, head to Samuel Adams Brewhouse, nestled just above left field. There, the two of you can share some banter and an order of fish and chips.
If you prefer a quieter, more subdued atmosphere but still want to catch the game, request a table for two at The Patio, the Hilton Garden Inn’s rooftop restaurant and bar. Given its prime location just behind center field, the hotel offers some of the city’s best baseball views.
The Music-Lovers’ Date in Manchester, NH
Whether you’re stepping out of your comfort zone or feel most at home in a concert crowd, music dates are a direct route to an exciting, eventful night. Luckily, Manchester has a catalog of music venues that offer a range of performances, from classic country to low-key indie shows.
Benfield recommends checking out the schedules at venues like Bonfire, Angel City Music Hall, The Goat, The Rex Theatre and Shaskeen Pub. The Shaskeen is an Irish pub that’s known for its live music nights, so you can double down on dinner and a show. If you schedule your date during the week, opt for trivia on Mondays or comedy on Wednesdays.
This article was sponsored by the Manchester Economic Development Office.