Shirley Basin is a small town located in Carbon County, Wyoming. It is a rural community, located about 25 miles from the larger towns of Rawlins, Sinclair and Baggs, Wyoming. It is surrounded by the breathtaking views of the Shirley Basin, which form part of the Rawlins Uplift. The town is home to a variety of outdoor activities, such as fishing, hunting, hiking and camping.
1. Parks and places for a walk on a first date
One great way to spend a first date in Shirley Basin is to take a leisurely walk in one of the many parks in the area. Bond Park, located in the middle of town, offers beautiful views of the Basin, as well as plenty of benches and picnic tables for a snack. In the east, near Shawnee, is the scenic Meadowlark Ranch and Wildlife Reserve, which has plenty of open space and wildflowers to explore. There are also wonderful trails around the Shirley Basin Reservoir and through the nearby hills, where you can admire the wildflowers and other wildlife.
2. Places for a coffee date in Shirley Basin
If you and your date are more the coffee-and-conversation type, then Shirley Basin has plenty of cozy cafes to choose from. The Morning Glory Cafe, located on Main Street, is a great spot for a hot cup of coffee and a delicious breakfast. The Shady Spot offers a more intimate atmosphere for a romantic dinner and a glass of wine. Or if you are both feeling adventurous, the Saloon offers a unique “barista” experience, where you can sample espresso drinks and craft beers.
3. Galleries, museums and exhibitions to visit on a date
Shirley Basin has its own art museum, the Muralis Arts Center. Here you can view rotating exhibits of local and regional art, as well as learn about the history of the area. Another great spot is the Shirley Basin Historical Society, which has a collection of artifacts, photographs and documents that tell the story of the area. And the Rialto Theater is a perfect place to catch a movie or a live performance.
4. Live music and entertainment to invite your date to in Shirley Basin
If you are looking for something a bit more lively, why not invite your date to a live music concert at the Shirley Basin Music Theater? The theater has a variety of acts throughout the year, from local bands to famous acts. Or you can take your date to one of the many bars or restaurants in the area, such as the Purgatory Club or the Silver Spur. These venues regularly host live music on the weekends, and also feature DJs and other performances.
5. Pubs, bars or restaurants for a first date drink or food
For a casual first date, Shirley Basin has plenty of pubs, bars and restaurants to choose from. The Silver Spur offers a wide selection of beers, along with delicious bar food. Or you can try the local favorite, the Purgatory Club, which has a great selection of local brews and plenty of cozy booths to share a meal. The Backward Arrow Steakhouse is another option for a nice dinner out, with a menu focused on steak, seafood and American favorites.
6. Other date ideas to try in Shirley Basin
If you want to try something a bit different, you could take your date to a drive-in movie or a rodeo. The nearby Rawlins Rodeo Grounds hosts a wide variety of events throughout the year, including bull-riding, barrel-racing and more. And the Shirley Basin Drive-In is open during the warmer months and offers double-feature movies in a unique atmosphere. Or if you want to get outside, you can go horseback riding or fishing on the Shirley Basin Reservoir, or take a scenic hike in the nearby hills.
