All right, boys and girls. Fall is upon us. We’re all in the mood for cardigans, bonfires and basically anything pumpkin-flavored. Naturally, the next thing our minds turn to is finding someone to share it with. Been trying to turn that summer hookup into a fall cuddle buddy? Or maybe woo that delicious little sophomore you fantasize about every day in lecture? No worries, MOVE has your back. The key to successful dating in a college town is originality, so we’ve found four unique spots around Columbia that will allow you to have a damn good time for under $20.
**Instead of the bump ‘n’ grind club scene…try La Movida at The Blue Fugue**
When: Fridays, 9 p.m.
Looking to get up close and personal with your date? Although the standard grinding you would find in the basement of any frat house is fun in the right atmosphere, it’s a little played out. We recommend catching La Movida at The Blue Fugue. The Latin-inspired music provides for a whole new style of dancing, and free lessons at 9 p.m. Basically, you’re going to feel like you’re in a very sensual scene in a rom-com.
**Instead of overplayed funny movies…try Eastside Tavern’s Comedy Nights**
When: Tuesdays, 9 p.m.
Everybody loves a laugh, but sometimes we just get tired of watching “Stepbrothers.” (Actually, this is very rare. But still, get off your couch.) Try something fresh, and take your date to one of Eastside Tavern’s Comedy Nights on Tuesdays at 9 p.m. This event houses amateur comedians, so the jokes are bound to be fresh. This gives you a chance to tell if your date’s sense of humor is even mildly original, with the added bonus of the fact that it’s free. Plus, with aspiring comedians in a college town, the jokes are also bound to be somewhat raunchy. You’re welcome.
**Instead of a regular old park…try the corn maze at Shryocks Callaway Farms**
When: Weekends until Nov. 4
Now would be the perfect time to knock that adorable, outdoorsy date out of the park, ladies and gents (pun intended). Rather than taking your significant other on a standard hiking expedition or picnic, now is the perfect time to maneuver through a corn maze. What better way to bond than winding your way through the SEC-themed maze Shryocks Callaway Farms has set up? Eight bucks a pop for an adventurous evening; you’re not gonna want to miss this one.
**Instead of bowling…try old-school skating at Empire Roller Rink**
When: Thursdays 4-9 p.m.
We’ve all gone to that fourth grade birthday party at the closest roller rink. And let’s admit it, we all had a freakin’ blast. Now you can recreate that experience right here in Columbia, except maybe without all the awkward parental supervision. Empire Roller Rink has a late skating session for college students on Thursdays. For $4.75, you can either show off your competitive side and race your date around the rink or take it slow as you enjoy the wind in your hair. Either way, be sure to hold hands. If you go down, they’re going down with ya.