Green Lake Style!

Nestled in between Phinney Ridge to the West, Wallingford to the South, Roosevelt to the East, and Licton Springs to the North, lies Seattle’s favorite urban oasis- Green Lake. This 259 acre lake and the surrounding park is one of the best date options the city has to offer due to its cost, versatility, and overall aesthetic pleasantness.

Minutes is all one needs to leisurely stroll the 2.8 mile paved path surrounding the lake, but this is really the bare minimum required for the date. This can be great for first dates, because after 45 minutes of walking and talking with that new someone, you’ll be sure to know whether the date will swim or sink. If after a minute stroll things are going well and you don’t feel the urge to get back in your car and hightail it out of there, there is still plenty to do. Here is where the variety of options in the surrounding area really has the potential to make the date excellent.If you’re hungry after your walk, head to happy hour (3pm-6pm then 9pm-close) at Duke’s Chowder House at the north end of the lake. The menu boasts seven generously priced yet stiff cocktails at $5 a pop, while both wells and draughts are each $3. A selection of excellently crafted appetizers is available for only $5 each (I recommend tuna wasabi quesadilla). The roomy south-facing deck is a great spot to soak up rays and mojitos in the summer months.

If seafood and drinks isn’t your scene (or the weather isn’t cooperating), jaunt over the East end of the lake for a smooth and piping beverage from the Starbucks on 71st and Green Lake Drive, or if you favor the trendier and independently owned establishments, venture one block North to the 72nd Street Café and take in the local art displayed on the walls while sipping on one of the best cappuccinos the neighborhood has to offer, or nibbling at a unique panini crafted with gourmet cheese and artisan bread.

These ideas are literally a tiny fraction of activities the neighborhood and park have to offer, so explore on your own, or check back soon for more ideas and variations on the Green Lake date.

Written by: Samuel Fisher - SpeedSeattle Dating Resident Blogger