It’s that time of year when dating and romance is top of mind for plenty of Louisvillians, but if you’re single — by choice or otherwise — and want to do something special for yourself, we’ve put together a list of 23 ways to treat yourself to a solo date in the Louisville area, including ways to chill and ways to be thrilled.
On a related note, this list is partially NSFW.
Did we miss a great solo date? Let us know at leo@leoweekly.com.
Go to a sex store
Yep, we’re starting off with this one. There are plenty of things that go buzz in the night to make your solo time more enjoyable.
Photo by danroc041/Flickr, used under CC BY 2.0Go to a sports game
Louisville has sports year-round, and even if you go to a game alone, you’re never really alone. Going to a game and doing all the chants, cheers, gestures, etc. is a great way to feel like part of a community.
Photo by Carolyn BrownGo to a record store
Finding new music is fun, especially when you can find what you actually like and don’t have to try to impress anyone. There’s no such thing as a “guilty pleasure” artist when you’re by yourself.
Photo via guestroomrecordslouisville/InstagramGo to an arcade
If you need to treat yourself to some fun solo time, plunge and drain your balls. (What? Those are real pinball terms!)
Photo via recbar502/InstagramGo to the Speed Art Museum
The joy of going to a museum solo is being able to go at your own pace. If there’s a particular work of art that intrigues and entrances you, you can stop in front of it for as long as you want with no one rushing you out. And, of course, the Speed has plenty of art to look at.
Photo via official_pizzspeedartmuseuma_bruno/InstagramGo to a rage room
Being single can be frustrating. Go smash some shit.
Photo via ovrdrivefun/InstagramGet a private karaoke room
Sure, you can sing anywhere, but singing in a private karaoke room (with lights and privacy and a concierge who brings you drinks) allows you to feel like a superstar. Plus, only you can judge how good your singing is!
Photo by Carolyn BrownWalk around the Crescent Hill Reservoir
In our 2022 Readers’ Choice Staff Picks, reporter Josh Wood awarded this the “Best Place For A Quick Walk.” He says it’s beautiful and “easily tricks the mind into thinking you’re out in the country while you’re still in the city.”
Photo by Josh WoodGo thrifting or vintage clothes shopping
Find new clothes in your own style while saving money. (For a headstart on where to look, check out our list of 25 essential vintage shops in and around Louisville.)
Photo via theneonflea/InstagramWalk through the Waterfront Botanical Gardens
When the weather’s suited for it, these gardens make a great spot for a beautiful solo stroll.
Photo via Facebook.com/WaterfrontBotanicalGardensBodhi Salt
4802 Sherburn Ln #103
Unwind with a calming salt therapy session in this unique, tranquil space. It’s a refreshing way to relax and reconnect.Take a nap
Is this one technically a cop-out for us because it’s not really Louisville-specific? Perhaps. But here’s the thing: you can do it just about anywhere in Louisville (that’s not, y’know, in public or trespassing on private property). In any case, everyone could use a good solo nap.
Public domain photo via w.vandervet/FlickrGo to a plant store
A store like Forage or Mahonia might be the chill, peaceful spot you need to find your new favorite addition to your plant collection.
Photo via foragegreenliving/InstagramSmoke weed (if you’re old enough and if you’re in a safe location)
And speaking of favorite plants…
Photo via Adobe StockGet a tattoo
Okay, yes, this one’s a bit extreme. Obviously you can’t decide last-minute to get a tattoo the way you can decide to, say, get a pizza. But if you want to treat yourself to some special permanent art, pick a design you love, book an appointment with a local artist, and let them work their magic. (We’ve got a list of some of our area’s many talented tattoo artists here.)
Photo via victoriakurtztattoos/InstagramTake a hot bath
Self-explanatory.
Photo by Trey Ratcliff/Flickr, licensed under CC BY-NC-SA 2.0Get a massage
Also self-explanatory.
Photo via massageonmellwood/InstagramGo to a comic store
The perks of going to a comic book store, according to friend-of-LEO Billy Arrowsmith, who used to run multiple online comics wikis: “Take the time to explore through old longboxes. Pore over the shelves of weird indie content by lesser known artists, find something that speaks to you individually. Embrace your inner geek without feeling the need to hide behind layers of performative irony. While you’re at it, get a recommendation from a human being instead of an algorithm.”
Photo by Nik VecheryGo to a local bookstore
Browsing a bookstore alone, like browsing a record store alone, means you can take your time and look for the books that really speak to you rather than the ones you think would most impress a date. Plus, bookstores are usually very cozy.
Photo via carmichaelsbookstore/InstagramGo pet some pets
You can go to the Purrfect Day Cat Cafe, the Humane Society, a pet store, or other adoption agencies to find cuddly animals who just need love and attention and are more than ready to receive it. It’s a win-win for humans and pets.
Photo via purrfectdaycafelou/InstagramGo to a driving range
Smack some balls. Smack some balls really hard, way up into the air.
Photo via Topgolf Press RoomGo to Target alone
Not really Louisville-specific, technically, but still. The pros of going to Target by yourself include not having to wait around for anyone else as you shop. The cons include not having anyone to stop you from buying everything.
Photo via Target Press RoomGo to a bar
A little basic/cliché, sure, but Louisville has plenty of bars to choose from, so there are plenty of places to enjoy the ambiance solo or meet new people. Some of our staff’s favorites include Kaiju and Mag Bar.
Photo via Facebook.com/MagBarOldLou Photo from Facebook
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