National Stock Yards is a small town located near St. Louis in Madison County, Illinois. It is a historic village with a number of sites of interest, from the old National Stock Yards themselves to the original St. Clair County Courthouse. It is a great place for a first date, as it offers plenty of opportunities for interesting conversation over a nice meal or a leisurely walk.
1. Places for a walk on a first date
The best way to get to know someone is over a nice walk, and National Stock Yards offers plenty of places to do that. Nature lovers can explore the Annie Mae Park, which includes a pond, hiking trails and picnic spots. Or take a peaceful stroll around the historic downtown area, taking in the sites and sounds of this little-known area.
2. Places for a coffee date
Coffee dates are a great way to start out a first date. If you're looking for a cosy spot to share a drink, there are a few great options in National Stock Yards. For something special, try the Coffee Station in the historic downtown area. They offer a wide variety of drinks and snacks, as well as a selection of pastries and other treats. There's also the Fritter Café, which serves up some of the best coffee and pastries around.
3. Galleries, museums and exhibitions to visit on a date
If you're the type that likes to explore history and culture, National Stock Yards has plenty to offer. Check out the St. Clair County Courthouse, a historic building which houses a museum of local history. Or wander around the Art House, an art gallery which showcases a range of local and international artwork.
4. Live music and entertainment to invite your date to
National Stock Yards is home to a number of venues which host live music and entertainment. Enjoy a night of jazz at The Brothers 99 or a live show at the Breeze Inn. There's a range of musical styles to choose from whatever your taste.
5. Pubs, bars or restaurants for a first date drink or food
National Stock Yards has plenty of places where you can grab a bite to eat or enjoy a drink together. Try the Brothers 99 for a classic American dining experience or the Old Towne Grille & Pub for some classic pub grub. If you're looking for something more upscale, there's the C & T—a fine dining restaurant serving up some of the best cuisine around.
6. Other date ideas to try
If you're look for something a little different, there's plenty of fun activities to choose from. Take a wine-tasting tour at the National Stock Yards Winery, or spend the day exploring some of the area's historic sites. If you're looking for a romantic evening, take a peaceful boat ride down the Mississippi, or watch the sunset at the nearby Riverfront Park.
