Located in Shelby County, Illinois, Cowden is a small village with a population of just 860 people. It is an agricultural-based community, but there are plenty of activities and attractions for locals and visitors alike.
1. Cowden Parks and Places for a Walk on a First Date
If you're looking for a romantic and relaxing way to get to know each other, a walk in one of Cowden's parks could be just the thing. One of the best is Lake Shelbyville, which is the largest man-made lake in Illinois and has 130 miles of beautiful shoreline. Here, you and your date can take a leisurely stroll and admire the scenery. Another great spot for a first date stroll is Weber Park, which is located on the west side of town and contains a fishing pond, picnic facilities, and plenty of wildlife. For a romantic evening, you could also take a stroll around Cowden Cemetery, which is an historic resting place with some amazing views of the surrounding area.
2. Places for a Coffee Date in Cowden
In small towns like Cowden, there's often not much to do on a date except visit a local restaurant or café. Luckily, Cowden has several places where you can grab a cup of coffee or tea and get to know each other. The most popular spot is The Coffee Stop, which is a cozy café that serves a variety of hot and cold drinks, as well as delicious pastries and other light bites. If you're looking for something more unique, you could also visit the Cowden Dairy Store, which has an old-fashioned soda fountain and ice cream parlor. Both locations are great for an hour or two of conversation and coffee.
3. Cowden Galleries, Museums and Exhibitions to Visit on a Date
Cowden has a few places to check out if you're looking to have a more cultural first date. The Dale Allison Art Gallery is a great spot to go if you're both interested in art, as it features a range of artwork from both local and national artists. If you're interested in history, you could also visit the Cowden Historical Society and Museum, which contains artifacts and exhibits that highlight the town's past. For a more unique experience, you could also check out the Shelbyville Museum of Art, which is located just outside of town and features a variety of works from local and regional artists.
4. Live Music and Entertainment to Invite Your Date to in Cowden
If you're looking for live music and entertainment on your date, Cowden is a great place to go. The local pub, The Nickel Inn, has live music every Saturday night and there are usually several bands performing throughout the night. The pub also often hosts a variety of other events as well, such as trivia nights and open mic nights. The Cowden Community Orchestra also performs at various venues throughout the year, and there are usually several other local musicians playing in town.
5. Cowden Pubs, Bars or Restaurants for a First Date Drink or Food
When it comes to food and drinks, Cowden has plenty of great places to choose from. The Nickel Inn is a great spot to grab a bite to eat and a drink, as they have an extensive menu of pub food and an extensive selection of beers and other beverages. For a more upscale experience, you could also visit The Splendor, which is a fine-dining restaurant with a cozy atmosphere and delicious American-style dishes.
6. Other Date Ideas to Try in Cowden
If you're looking for activities to do on your first date, there are a few great ideas in Cowden. If you both enjoy the outdoors, you could go camping in one of the campgrounds nearby. If you're looking for something a bit more low-key, you could also rent a canoe or kayak from the local marina and take a peaceful paddle down the lake. If you'd like to stay in town, you could also rent a movie from the local video store and cozy up for a night in.
