For our part in Sarah Dessen’s ONCE AND FOR ALL Blog Tour, we list off some great date ideas, and your chance to win a copy of the book!

In Sarah Dessen‘s latest book, Once And For All, we get to see the main character deal with weddings, dates, heartache, and love, all of which make for a unique, fun, and amazing story. And to celebrate the release of this book, we decided to list some first date ideas that we think would serve the purpose of having two people get to know each other better.

These ideas can be done separately, and some can be done together. Not all of them would work on some people, given their tastes, but we’re sure that at least one or two of these ideas would work. But one thing’s for sure. When you’re on your date, wherever that is, it’s always best to give your date (not your phone, or your friend who may be with you on a double date, or your server) most of your attention!

Then scroll down further for your chance to enter to win a copy of Once and For All!

Go for coffee – Don’t just go to any Starbucks or Dunkin’ Donuts. Find a more upscale coffee place, someplace with a little more uniqueness or character to the place. If the place has a website, you can check if they have local musicians performing or an open mic night to go on. If you want to do more than just coffee, a lunch or dinner date is fine, but doesn’t have to be 5-star, especially on a first date.

Take a cooking or an art class – Many cities offer cooking and art classes, some for free, and some specifically for couples. Events such as “Paint Nite” often offer wine with their classes.

Visit a museum or art gallery – There are many different kinds of museums and art galleries, it’s not hard to find one of interest. Or maybe there’s a particular temporary exhibit that’s in your area that you find want to check out. Museums often offer free admission days, which you can check on its website.

Go for a scenic city walk or hit the farmer’s market – Even if you know your city, you can still find new things to see, especially with a date. And the farmer’s market is a fun way of checking out the local businesses as well.

Visit a zoo or aquarium – Just going to the zoo or aquarium on a regular day is fun enough, but if you are willing to make it more personal, check the website to see what other added experiences they have to offer, such as a VIP tour to get an even closer look at the animals or the habitat.

Attend a fair, convention, or festival – There’s bound to be several local events throughout the year. Check your city’s local events page on their website to see what events are coming to bring your date to, such as the city fair, music festivals, car shows, or comic/book conventions.

Go dancing – If the weather’s right, you might want to check your area for any outdoor dancing events you can attend. Even if you’re not a good dancer, your date would probably love the effort you put into it.

Play mini golf or bowling – Not too expensive to do and as long as you don’t mind the cliche, it’s still a fun activity to participate in. Just be careful not to be too competitive, especially if it’s your first date.

Go to the beach or park for picnic – You’d definitely have to put in the effort to make conversation when it comes to doing something like this, and make sure you have all the items you need for such an occasion – food, drink, utensils, blanket, sun umbrella

See a movie – If you’re going to take your date to the movies, try something different than just going to the mall movie theater. You’re more likely to find outdoor movie screenings during the spring/summer, such as movies at the park, pop-up theaters with specialized seating, or dive-in movie nights.

AUTHOR BIO:

Sarah Dessen is the #1 New York Times bestselling author of over a dozen novels for teens, which have received numerous awards and rave reviews, and have sold millions of copies worldwide. She is the recipient of the 2017 Margaret A. Edwards Award from the American Library Association.  Sarah lives in Chapel Hill, North Carolina, with her husband, Jay, and their daughter, Sasha Clementine. Visit her online at sarahdessen.com.

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GIVEAWAY LEGAL COPY:

Enter for a chance to win one (1) of five (5) copies of Once and for All by Sarah Dessen (ARV: $19.99 each).

NO PURCHASE NECESSARY. Enter between 12:00 AM Eastern Time on May 29, 2017 and 12:00 AM on June 26, 2017. Open to residents of the fifty United States and the District of Columbia who are 13 and older. Winners will be selected at random on or about June 30, 2017. Odds of winning depend on number of eligible entries received. Void where prohibited or restricted by law.

Order a copy of Once and For All:

Penguin Random House | Amazon | Barnes & Noble

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