Hudson Valley

April 4, 2022

7 date ideas for couples who need a break from wedding planning

Wedding planning can be stressful and frankly tough on a relationship. You have budgets to discuss, timelines to manage and guest lists to create and edit. But what’s the point of having a wedding if you don’t want to keep dating after the wedding is over. Prioritizing your relationship during the planning process is great practice for when life gets even fuller in the future. A date with your future spouse can help you reconnect, relax, and de-stress! Be sure to pencil in some couple time sans centerpieces and seating charts. 

Here are a few great date ideas in the Hudson Valley for that break from planning. Bonus, share them with your out of town guests for a fun wedding weekend! 

Cooking class at The Upstate Table

The Upstate Table, located in the historic Fuller Building in Kingston NY offers cooking workshops and events creating really delicious meals inspired by area farms, makers, and community. Their Hands-on classes range from ninety minutes to two days, and include both adult, kid, and family sessions. Their goal is to gather and cook together, using seasonal foods to create flavor-filled meals that nourish and satisfy. 

Roll up your sleeves and dig in! 

The Upstate Table |  45 Pine Grove Ave Kingston NY 12401 | theupstatetable.com/workshops

Indoor Rock Climbing at BC’s Climbing Gym

The Hudson Valley is home to some great climbing! The Shawangunk Mountains, aptly known as the ‘Gunks has been ranked as the 10th best place to rock climb in the U.S. according to Outside Online. If you’re not ready to take on the steep white cliffs or are perhaps looking for a winter activity, head to an indoor rock climbing gym. BC’s Indoor Rock Climbing, located in New Paltz NY iis a boutique bouldering space with an emphasis on climbing movement. The gym offers day passes, private lessons and monthly membership for the die hard fans! You can easily drop in and rent all the gear you’ll need. What a great way to deepen your trust than belaying! 

BC’s climbing gym | 234 Main Street New Paltz NY 12561 | 845-255-7625 |  bcclimbinggym.com

Movie night at Tinker Street Cinemas

Located in a pre-Civil War church, Tinker Street Cinema is a revival-house movie theater projecting classic, rare, bizarre, and occasional current titles. They serve popcorn with real butter in a 160 seat auditorium with a killer sound system. Would it even be Woodstock if a legendary musician hadn’t graced its walls with great tunes? Do a little digging and you’ll discover that Jimi Hendrix rehearsed there just a few days before the Woodstock Festival. 

Tinker Street Cinemas | 32 Tinker St, Woodstock, NY 12498 | 646-208-2672 | www.tscwoodstock.com

Pub Night at Hutton Brickyards

When you need Tuesday night plans and a change of scenery make your way to the Kingston Waterfront at Hutton Brickyards. The luxury retreat has an array of offerings for guests and neighbors alike. The Pub night is a guaranteed laid back hang. Check out the calendar for more options!  

Kayaking on the Hudson River 

Sail off into the sunset together or rather paddle. For an affordable, athletic and fun date visit A Day Away Kayak Rentals in Kingston NY. Whether you rent an individual or duo kayak you’re sure to have a great time. The rentals are pet friendly and provide life jackets and instructions. 

A Day Away Kayak Rentals | 944 State Route 213 Kingston, NY 12401| 845-750-6538 | adayawaykayakrentals.com

Explore outdoor sculptures at Opus 40 

Opus 40 is a world-famous sculpture park with 50 acres of meadows, forested paths and bluestone quarries in Saugerties, NY. The park is open year round, with snow shoeing walks and fireside chats in the winter and walking tours and picnics in the summer. 

Opus 40 | 356 George Sickle Road Saugerties, NY  12477 | 845 246 3400 | opus40.org

Live Music at Levon Helm Studios 

Home of Levon Helm’s legendary Midnight Rambles, and situated on 18 acres in Woodstock, NY, Levon Helm Studios welcomes artists large and small for intimate concerts. The studio is located in a 50+ year old barn on Helm’s family property. Tickets get you into is a one-of-a-kind musical landmark. Surely a night to remember. 

Levon Helm Sudios |160 Plochmann Lane, Woodstock, NY, 12498 | 845-679-2744 | levonhelm.com