Ankeny is a city located in the beautiful state of Iowa. It is the third largest city in the state and is full of parks, restaurants, places of entertainment and art galleries. Ankeny is connected to the Des Moines metropolitan area, making it a great place to travel to for a first date.
1. Ankeny Parks and Places for a Walk on a First Date
Ankeny has numerous park spaces throughout the city with walking trails, areas for picnics, playgrounds and tranquil spaces for couples to spend time exploring on a first date. Couples can start their date in the Prairie Ridge Park which offers lush green spaces and an amphitheater. This park is located in the northeast side of the city and is perfect for an afternoon walk. Then guests can head to the Saylorville Lake State Park located north of Ankeny. This state park is a popular destination and offers a variety of activities such as swimming, fishing, and kayaking.
2. Places for a Coffee Date in Ankeny
Ankeny is full of coffee shops for couples to enjoy a coffee date. Fancy Beans is a great place to start as it is located in the heart of downtown Ankeny and offers specialty coffees and lattes. For those that enjoy independently owned coffee shops, Ankeny has an independent coffee roaster called Smash Coffee Roasting. It is a great place to get to know each other better and enjoy the coffee culture of the city. For a unique coffee shop experience, visitors can head to the Caffe Notebaert located in the historic Ankeny Mercantile. This café is full of art and is a great place to hang out and grab a cup of coffee.
3. Ankeny Galleries, Museums and Exhibitions to Visit on a Date
Ankeny is home to a number of galleries, museums and exhibitions for couples to visit on a date. The Des Moines Art Center is a great place to start as it is home to a number of contemporary and modern art exhibits. The museum also hosts programs and events throughout the year. For those that enjoy history, the State Historical Museum of Iowa is a great place to spend a first date. This museum is full of artifacts and photos that tell the story of Iowa’s past and is sure to offer an interesting date. Ankeny is also home to the Fred Maytag Art Center which is an old Victorian home that has been converted into an art gallery.
4. Live Music and Entertainment to Invite Your Date to in Ankeny
Ankeny is home to a number of great live music venues and entertainment spaces. For those that enjoy jazz, the Des Moines Jazz Haus is the perfect place to start. This venue hosts live jazz performances as well as open mic nights every week. For a unique experience, couples can head to the Machine Shed which is a restaurant offering live bands and karaoke. This is a great place to get to know each other while enjoying a great meal and entertainment.
5. Ankeny Pubs, Bars or Restaurants for a First Date Drink or Food
Ankeny is home to a wide range of pubs, bars and restaurants for couples to enjoy a drink or meal together on a first date. For those that enjoy craft beer, the Ankeny Tap and Table is a great spot for craft beer and comfort food. For those that enjoy a traditional pub experience, the Franklin Street Pub is a great choice. This pub offers traditional pub fare as well as live music and entertainment. For a more sophisticated dining experience, the Rosey’s Restaurant is a great choice. This restaurant offers all types of cuisine and an atmosphere that is perfect for a romantic dinner.
6. Other Date Ideas to Try in Ankeny
Ankeny has a number of activities and experiences for couples to experience together on a first date. For those that enjoy the outdoors, Elkhart Park is a great place to explore. Here visitors can enjoy biking, walking, and picnicking. For a different kind of experience, couples can take part in a cooking class at the Ankeny Culinary Center. If an adrenaline rush is more your speed, iFly is the place to go. Here couples can gear up and experience a simulated skydive experience indoors. For those that prefer sports, the Ankeny Soccer Complex is a great place for a game of soccer. Ankeny offers a variety of activities and experiences for couples to choose from for a first date. From exploring parks and galleries to enjoying live music and drinks, Ankeny is a great place to start a first
