While it’s still hot outside, why not chill with a special someone at Amy’s Wicked Slush in Healdsburg. Whether you share one or get your own, you’re bound to agree on the fact that their flavors are nothing if not wicked! After you finish your slush, check out Spring Lake Park in Santa Rosa and go swimming, hiking, or relax on a blanket overlooking the lake with a speaker, snacks, or a good book.

Another way to impress your date, is spending a sunny afternoon at the Marin Cheese Factory in Petaluma. Lay out a blanket on the lawn that overlooks a small tranquil lake and have a picnic. Indulging in some fancy and delicious cheeses from the quaint storefront is encouraged, but not required.

For a romantic and FREE date night, bring your favorite snack to the best sunset spot in Sonoma County. Going east down Adobe Road out of Petaluma will take you to Sonoma Mountain Road (Careful it sneaks up on you! Don’t cause any accidents). Turn onto Sonoma Mountain Road and take it all the way up to the top of the mountain (about 5 miles) where there is a breathtaking panorama of the valley below. On a clear day it’s possible to see the Golden Gate Bridge from your parking spot. Make sure your car can tackle deep potholes, as Sonoma Mountain Road was named the worst road in Sonoma County in Press Democrat’s Rotten Roads competition. It’s worth the trek and makes for a (usually) peaceful evening. Be aware of the unspoken parking arrangement and be respectful to the people that live there (don’t block driveways, be too loud, trespass, litter etc).

After these suggestions, there are no excuses for not having a great next date!