Northfield, Minnesota is not what most people think of as a unique place for a date night. I’m here to prove you wrong.
Just a 1-hour drive from Minneapolis, Northfield is a city with rich history, riverside charm, and culture filling its brick-lined streets. It is also a great place to spend a late-summer or early-fall evening with a special someone.
Here, I’ve provided an easy-to-follow itinerary showcasing prime spots for a romantic stroll, shopping and poetry, and an outdoor dining experience unlike anything you’ve ever had before. Nervous about traveling? I can help! Check out my post with 10 Great Insider Tips for Pandemic Travel.
Self-Guided Poetry Tour
What better way to introduce yourself to the city than to read poetry written by its own residents?! Each year, an annual poetry contest takes place. 10 poems are chosen by the judges to be imprinted onto the sidewalks of Northfield. You can walk around and find some of the graceful words from Northfield’s own.
Challenge your partner to a scavenger hunt to see how many you can find together! The person who spots the most has to buy coffee at Goodbye Blue Monday Coffee House. Follow this map, or simply check out this year’s winning poems and read them all together in Bridge Square. This really is a fun way to break the ice, with a completely unique-to-Northfield activity!
Taste Test Olive Oils at Northfield Olive Oils & Vinegars
We had a blast with this one! I really enjoy olive oil on my favorite food, popcorn. For those of you who share my passion for unique ingredients, look no further than Northfield Olive Oils and Vinegars!
Walking in we felt immediately welcomed by staff, and began peeking around the shop for flavors. They did allow us to taste test the oils safely despite the pandemic! Therefore, each of us were handed a stack of 10 single-use paper cups each so we could try multiple oils. We ended up buying garlic infused and white truffle infused olive oils! I suggest purchasing some spouts if you don’t already own them – they’re inexpensive and help you control your pour.
Unique Pizza Picnic at Red Barn Farm
Delicious, made-to-order, wood-fired pizzas made with veggies from a chemical-free garden, and meat from a local butcher. What else could possibly fit a unique date night in Northfield, than a custom pizza and intimate, relaxing dining atmosphere?!
Red Barn Farm offers a pizza night, where you can BYO blanket, chairs and beverages and sit on the lawn while enjoying a slice with your date. Social-distancing is encouraged, and with it being outdoors, this makes for a perfect first or hundredth date night with your honey!
As of August 2020 they are only taking reservations the week of, so be sure to secure a spot a few days ahead of time! You also must make a reservation to picnic, so don’t forget that important step. (Also, bring bug spray. Nothing kills the romance like red welts and bugs buzzing in your ears).
In other words, if you haven’t already started saving links and planning your next date night, I suggest you do so! This truly was such a fun way to spend a weeknight away from the city, enjoying each other’s company and having a unique date night that we’ll remember for years.
