Castle Park has many activities to offer, including mini-golf, rides and arcade games that can make the first date a memorable one. Katey Ring | Banner
Riverside offers many date locations, from competitive mini-golfing at Castle Park to extreme sundaes at Farrell’s Ice Cream Parlour.
Audriena Young, junior early childhood studies major, recommends mini-golf as a first date activity at Castle Park, which is 10 minutes from
California Baptist University.
“It’s an icebreaker, and gives you a chance to hang out as friends but also as a couple,” Young said of the venue.
She said that it is a better opportunity for interaction among people and offers a more genuine environment than a trip to the movies.
Young and her boyfriend like making their dates exciting by adding a little competition to their game.
They both explained that they are mediocre at mini-golf, but competition makes for a night of laughter and fun.
Kristin Klein, sophomore political science and criminal justice double major, said Farrell’s Ice Cream Parlour is one of her favorite date spots.
“Its atmosphere is very old-fashioned,” Klein said. “They sell every ice cream you can think of with shakes.”
Klein explained that the upbeat and lively environment makes dining in the historically decorated restaurant a fun and exciting experience.
“People walk around making these insanely unique balloon animals,” Klein said. “It’s just like being at Disneyland.”
John Grima, senior kinesiology major, said food is the best element to any date.
Grima recommends recently opened Blaze Pizza in the Riverside Plaza.
The restaurant gives the customer the chance to create his or her own pizza.
“Blaze is all about the customization, and picking whatever toppings you want is the whole experience,” Grima said.
“You and your date can make a decision together and come to an agreement about what the perfect pizza is,” he continued. “Both parties have to make a decision: grilled chicken or Canadian bacon? Or both? Probably both.”
Grima says pizza for a dinner date is the best route a couple can take.
“Pizza is great to share with someone else,” Grima said. “It says, ‘Hey, I like you enough that I am willing to let you eat half of this.’”
