Written by Claire McArthur
Let’s be honest: There are some weeks (or dare we say months) when you and your significant other spend more time molding the couch to your behinds than getting out and enjoying all that the Reno-Tahoe region has to offer.
Been there. Done that. Along the way, my husband and I have discovered the best method to combat the date night rut is to keep an ever-growing list of cool activities (all including some element of food and drink, of course) to consult each week.
Sometimes it’s as simple as grabbing cheese, salami, and a baguette to enjoy along the Truckee River while the dogs play; other times we commit to driving a bit to indulge in the best that the Reno-Tahoe communities have to offer.
So once you’ve finished bingeing the new season of Stranger Things, might I suggest you give your couch a break and start a list of your own? Here are five date night ideas to kick it off:
- Tahoe Art Haus and Cinema – Tahoe City
The Tahoe Art Haus and Cinema, a theater and bar located in Tahoe City, is the perfect spot to cool off on a summer night. The theater — which boasts comfy leather seats and couches — shows major motion pictures, independent films, action sports flicks, and environmental documentaries. The lobby bar serves up beer, cider, nitro coffee, wine, and prosecco, while the concession stand offers hot dogs, grilled cheese, pizza, and pretzels. There’s even a popcorn spice bar where you can flavor your kernels with different spices, nutritional yeast, and Parmesan cheese.
Tahoe Art Haus and Cinema
475 N Lake Blvd., Tahoe City
530-584-2431 • Tahoearthauscinema.com
- Dinner and Magic Show at The Loft – South Lake Tahoe
Prior to seeing my first show at The Loft, I had little to no interest in magic. That quickly changed. Located in South Lake Tahoe’s Heavenly Village, The Loft features a 100-person theater and a lounge/dining space serving up an array of decadent small plates, such as buffalo carpaccio with white truffle oil, capers, Parmesan, and ciabatta crisps. After sharing a selection of tapas, grab a cocktail and head into the theater for an adult-friendly magic show that will leave you repeatedly muttering “how?” under your breath.
The Loft
1001 Heavenly Village Way, South Lake Tahoe
530-523-8024 • Thelofttahoe.com
- Trivia + Cannabis Terpene Cocktails at 1864 Tavern – Reno
There are dozens of restaurants and bars around the region that have recurring trivia nights, but my favorite is 1864 Tavern because I adore the old-timey interiors, and the cannabis terpene-infused cocktails — and cocktails in general — are second to none. Trivia takes place there every Wednesday at 7 p.m., so head in early to grab a Lazy Daisy. The cocktail is mixed with Tanqueray gin, fresh grapefruit juice, lime, chamomile ghum syrup, Amaro Angeleno, and a type of cannabis terpene — the aromatic oil that give cannabis varieties distinct flavors — that promotes relaxation.
From left, the Silly Wabbit and the Lazy Daisy are cannabis terpene cocktails now available at 1864 Tavern. Photo by Asa Gilmore
1864 Tavern
290 California Ave., Reno
775-329-1864 1864tavern.com
- Lake Tahoe Wine Tasting Cruise on the Safari Rose – South Lake Tahoe
I had so much fun on my first wine tasting tour aboard the Safari Rose that I went back with my husband and friends to try the sunset Champagne cruise. Both were a blast. As someone who lives in Tahoe, I thought it was a fun way to play tourist while taking a beautiful cruise through Emerald Bay as the sun goes down. The 80-foot yacht holds roughly 60 passengers and serves an array of appetizers to enjoy during the two-hour trip. The winemaker sunset cruise features a tasting from one California winery, while the Champagne sunset cruise offers complimentary bubbly along with wine, beer, and other non-alcoholic drinks.
Hop aboard the 80-foot Safari Rose to cruise Lake Tahoe and drink wine or Champagne while the sun sets. Photo courtesy of Tahoe Cruises
Tahoe Cruises
900 Ski Run Blvd., South Lake Tahoe
775-588-1881 • Tahoecruises.com
- West Wind El Rancho Drive-in Theater + Takeout – Sparks
I love the feeling of nostalgia I get at a drive-in movie on a summer night. We fold down the back seats in our Subaru to expand the truck, throw in a mess of blankets and pillows, grab whatever takeout we’re in the mood for, and catch a double feature. With the trunk popped open and an expertly selected parking spot, it’s an amazing way to spend the evening. Pro tip: Buy popcorn and M&M’s from the snack stand and mix them together for dessert. You’re welcome.
West Wind El Rancho Drive-in
555 El Rancho Drive, Sparks
775-358-6920 • Westwinddi.com/locations/el-rancho
Claire McArthur is a freelance writer and newlywed who is going to take her own advice and plan a date night for her husband this week. You can reach her at clairecudahy@gmail.com.
