Guest Post by Mandi of Chewsy Lovers
Many people confine a date to a dinner, a movie, or an outing of some sort, but a date is really time spent purposely with one another to sustain and enhance the romance in your relationship. We get so caught up in the hustle and bustle of life that we forget to make this important connection with our spouse.
When Buckaroo and I first met we dated all of the time. My favorite date was getting slushies at the drive-in and riding around looking at houses in immaculate neighborhoods, holding hands, and making plans. We spent $3.00 and a little gas money! After we got married and had Zoe, we put dating on hold. (What were we thinking?) We had so many excuses. No money, no time, no babysitter…no this, no that. We make time for the things we really want to do.
Well two weeks ago I was looking for a nice day trip for us to getaway for his birthday. I called my sister and dad to help us with the kids and I said let’s go! No excuses. We went to a small mountain town called Blue Ridge, Georgia to Mercier Orchards. It was about an hour away and just gorgeous. I had been begging since last year to visit and apple orchard, and Buckaroo loves the mountains, so it was a perfect compromise.
We had such a good time!! There was apple picking, they had a huge store, and restaurant. A bag to pick apples was $10 and it included a tractor ride through the orchard. They had had fresh cider and…an onsite winery. Oh yeah!! In the winery we enjoyed a free tasting and demo which was really interesting, and delicious! The orchard grows all kinds apples, peaches, blueberries, and nectarines, just to name a few and they make their own hard ciders and wines onsite. We tasted about six different wines and hard ciders. We bought two bottles of the Just Peachy wine to take home. After we left the orchard we rode around and looked at cabin houses, holding hands, and making plans like the old days. Then we stopped in at an open air art festival we saw while riding and did some walking and talking.
We were so refreshed after this date! It really allowed us to reflect and reconnect. Who would’ve thought an apple orchard would help us get our groove back? We have been on cloud 20 ever since!! We make it our business to date now. We have even put the kids in bed early so we could enjoy a late dinner together. We picnic in the living room if we have to, whatever it takes. I don’t ever want to experience the dating drought again! Date on purpose. There are so many things you can do in the house, out of the house, with a lot of money, or a little. You just have to use a little creativity and jump in!
** Mandi Buckner is a wife, mom, writer, and entrepreneur. She blogs with her husband Buckaroo at www.chewsylovers.com. Visit Chewsy Lovers to find just the right date meal to fix with your spouse. **
What is the most creative date you and your spouse have gone on? Share in the comments below. Don’t forget to pin and G+ this post!
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