Here’s a Friday night itinerary for date nighters who don’t mind a little physical challenge… if it’s paid off with a nice, cold beer and some tasty grub.
Head to Longwood where you’ll find Aiguille Rock Climbing Center, an indoor climbing center off Ronald Reagan Boulevard. If you’re new to climbing, never fear; there is no experience necessary to try climbing and the friendly trainers always welcome new climbers on a walk-in basis.
Aiguille offers an Introductory Belay Class with your admission of $15. In this class you learn how to belay and use the facility safely. After the class you and your partner are free to climb and have fun on your own, with staff standing by to assist and answer questions.
Equipment, including shoes, harness and belay device, can be rented for $6.50.
People who enjoy challenging, physical activity will enjoy this activity as a couple because it allows the two of you to work together to help one another reach the top, hence making it a very connective experience.
Be forewarned, you’ll wake up the next day with tenderness in muscles you never even knew you had. Stretching before getting started and drinking plenty of water as you go will help avert some of this soreness.
**Aiguille is open until 11pm on Fridays and Saturdays.**
Hourglass Brewery’s Food Truck Friday
Less than a mile away, traveling north of Ronald Reagan, you’ll find The Hourglass Brewery, a micro brew operation with a smallish taproom and some seating outside.
You can grab a pint or a flight of five beers and then head outside for dinner, which is served every Friday via the rotating selection of food trucks that start serving from 5pm – 9pm. Hourglass will likely have five or six of its own beers as well as another half dozen on the guest taps.
If you’re not there on a Food Truck Friday and are looking for somewhere to grab a bite, I’d suggest Carmela's, a great little pizzeria located on 434 adjacent I4. There is a 4 Rivers Smokehouse in that same plaza.
So, maybe you haven’t been thinking about Longwood for your next date night, but perhaps you now will.