Vancouver: 3 Solo Date Ideas

Nov. 15

Even the most extroverted of extroverts need some introvert time. I love a loud party with a 5 course meal, dancing, and getting dolled up with 50 other people, but also adore a day on my own at a coffee shop with a macaron, decaf oat milk flat white, and a novel.

What makes me happy? What do I like? How do I want to spend my free time?

These were things I asked myself in mid-2020, when I suddenly found myself with an influx of free time on my hands due to excessive vacation days that needed to be used up (thx COVID-19) and the conclusion of a long-term relationship. All of these activities that I would normally do with my ex-partner, like try a new restaurant, attend an event, or even binge watch a show on the couch, I now had to do either alone or with other friends.

At first, I dreaded the thought of doing things alone. What if strangers judged me? What if I ran into someone and they asked me why I was dining alone? What if I ran into my ex on a date - would I say hi?

I realized that maybe I was being a tad narcissistic because frankly, nobody gives a damn what I’m doing since they are too caught up in their own life. And that is beautiful, because it gives me permission to do what I want, when I want to, with whomever (in this case, yours truly).

Introducing: the solo date.

A solo date is intentional time spent with myself (not by myself) doing what I want to do.

My criteria for a solo date:

Must be a minimum of 4 hours in duration
Must consist of of at least 3 different activities
Must be completed alone
Must be something I actually want to do

Here are 3 solo date ideas that may inspire you as you plan your own date:

idea 1: lagree west + donut + massage + brow threading + lunch at miku

I love an intense, low impact workout and the Megaformer guarantees spectacular 40 minute burn. This solo date required meticulous planning from a timing perspective as pilates, my massage, and brow threading required pre-bookings.

A planning challenge? Say no more.

I started at Lagree West Gastown and moseyed over to Cartems after my class for a mango buttercream donut, where I effectively gained back all the calories I burned. Did you know that the Vancouver College of Massage Therapy offers massages by student massage therapists at a reduced rate? Treatments range from $40-$50 and are a great way to get rid of all those knots in your body from sitting at your desk for 45 hours per week.

*Blueberry sake kasu ice cream at* ***Miku***

Following my massage, I got my brows threaded at Bombay Brow Bar (Waterfront) and ended my day with a premium sushi lunch at Miku.

A perfect day.

*Tortelli (greens & ricotta, pomodoro, basil) at* ***Osteria Savio Volpe***

idea 2: dinner at osteria savio volpe

Before you call me out on it - yes, I know that this is only one activity. I am including it on this list because solo dining at Savio Volpe is such a wonderful experience that a 1.5 hour meal recharged me in the same way that a 4 hour, 3 activity solo date would also recharge me.

Savio Volpe is my favourite restaurant of all time due to the quality of food, service, and overall vibes (not pretentious). My transfer to my new team officially kicked in on July 1st and I thought to myself, “What better way to celebrate than a celebratory solo dinner at my favourite restaurant?” I left a note in my booking that I was celebrating a work milestone and they even greeted me with a red sparkling upon being seated.

Be still, my beating heart!

Full blogpost on my dining experience here.

idea 3: lagree west + laser facial + decaf cortado + burgoo

A four day summer long weekend calls for a perfect day of self-care along Main St.

You’re in great spirits, the sun is shining, your clients are out of office more often than not, and nothing can ruin your day. During the summer, my firm gives us an extra day off for each summer public holiday, which extends 3 day weekends into 4 day weekends. I think that by now, you can see a recurring theme: pilates, food, and some sort of pampering activity. Food is usually involved. This solo date was no different.

I kicked off my BC Day weekend with a much-needed solo date featuring Lagree West, a laser facial at Plain Jane Skin Bar, coffee at Aperture Coffee Bar, and a bonus stop at Burgoo.