You could always do the usual dinner and movie for your first date, which could certainly yield a good time for both of you. But what if you want to do something more unique and fun during your date? One of the best ways to do this without having to spend too much money is to play tourist near the closest metropolitan area.

You might have mocked tourists in the past; people with constantly clicking cameras and fanny packs can definitely be annoying. But when you already know your city and you want to share it with someone new, playing tourist takes on a whole new meaning. You can experience every place in your city with all of your senses, incorporating a newness that will revitalize your interest in the city. You can share favorite places, or you can look up all new ones that you’ve never been to before to share with your date. Either way, it will be much more memorable than spending two hours in a generic restaurant.

Some of my most romantic dates were spent strolling through cities, hand in hand with my boyfriend as we explored parks, neighborhoods, and little-known restaurants. One all time favorite was a nighttime walk to and from Bush Stadium. The Cardinals might have lost that night, but the memories we had walking together and visiting the tiny pub with the twinkling lights were definitely worth it.

No matter what you want to do or see, you can find something to do in Arkansas. Click here to search through various activities based upon interest, location, and other factors. If you are searching for child-friendly activities, you can find them as well. You could even order a tourist kit to see where some of the best hot spots are.

If you have a date in mind or wish to plan your date around a special event, you can even search through this calendar of events. And if you are from two different towns, you might want to explore one person’s town on one date and the other’s during the next date for both variety as well as a chance to get to know one another a bit more. You could even drive by some of the places that make you who you are—from the covered bridge you used to fish at as a child to the park you played at after school.