Retro Dating

[Tin Pan Sally]

Nothing beats a cozy night alone at home, making dinner from scratch, dressed a bit more risque than one would in public, a little fireplace action. That's along the lines of a married couple date, of course.

I've had my ultimate date. Dressed to the hilt, my beau picked me up in a 30s sedan with flowers in hand. He sweet talked me over an elegant candlelight dinner here: www.flemingssteakhouse.com
followed by dancing at a party here:
http://www.wrigleymansionclub.com/

I also enjoy starting the evening at Charthouse in Scottsdale or with martini's here:
http://virtual-showcase.com/llc/casey_moore's/casey's.html
followed by the theatre or a movie. Or a day exploring historic places like Mystery Castle, Boyce Thompson Arboretum, Indian ruin cliff dwellings.
Best of all are the snazzy events (patio cocktails, dinner, dancing, live band) at resorts like: Wyndam Buttes, Camelback Inn, Ritz-Carlton
Roadside diner & drive-in are fun, but not date worthy. It's what we used to do for extended family night with the kids.

 

[Tudor]

Sally,
Sounds like a very special date...
Do you get a chance to live your ultimate date very often?
I hope so.

Dennis

 

[Tin Pan Sally]

Sally,Sounds like a very special date... Do you get a chance to live your ultimate date very often?I hope so.Dennis

NO, my ultimate date is expensive! The evening in is just as nice though, with the right company.

 

[John in Covina]

So if a couple of Fedora loungers got together what would be your idea of a perfect date.....where would you go, what would you wear and how would you get there?

***********
Jack Dempsey's Restaurant in NYC, a cool DB suit with fedora, and a 40's vintage stretch Caddy.

 

[Lauren]

Mmmm.... Flemings....:essen:

 

[PrettySquareGal]

Classic Hotrods… now that is my kind of gal! My wife and I love taking our ’48 Ford to the drive-in especially when other rodders are there. It is simple fun, you can meet other vintage minded people, enjoy a burger, laugh at each other’s stories of running out of fuel because the gas gauge didn’t work and other minor break-downs (these are 58+ years old machines that we have lovingly modified after all) or… you can claim a booth for just the two of you and enjoy being with your special person.

I love treating a lady like she is special. My Mom even taught me to walk on the street-side of the sidewalk to protect the lady from a passing car splash (somewhat). It does not always work as planned. It is amazing to me that most women do not know what I am doing when I cross behind them to walk on the street-side.

I remember taking a girl home wondering if I would get a kiss after walking her to the door. Most of the time I got that kiss though sometimes it was on the cheek. Funny… I remember the wondering more than some of the kisses.

Dennis

Thanks, Dennis!

See, it's the wondering that modern society doesn't get. By letting it all hang out, there's no mystery.

I'm not a formal gal, but that doesn't mean I don't appreciate good form on a date as you described.

 

[Matt Deckard]

I feel like I am giving away trade secrets here... I'll leave out some of the stuff you really want to hear.


Well... I've never been one for the movie date. You go to the show and the date sometimes seems to hinge on what you saw. Bad or good you talk about the film and don't really get to gauge eachother... time flys by with silence except for the speakers around you... save that for the third date... by the then what is on the screen shouldn't matter if everything is going according to plan.

I prefer a museum. A place where you can wander and talk and find out who the other person really is and what her interests are. Art brings out the personality of the individual and discussing art tells me alot.

It's also inexpensive.

Then to a restaurant like Mel's Diner or a cafe where I can put my feet up in a booth until my steak and eggs arrive. Outdoor dining is good on sunny days, and some parts of LA accomodate and fit the part nicely though nothing like the establishments in Europe. Nothing too overbearing or expensive.

In the end drive her home and walk her to the door. later dates you can just let her out of the car, though depending on the situation... well. if you just let her out of the car, make sure she gets in the door before you leave.

Other than that, the first date shouldn't be too much pressure.

----------

If I go to a dance I have to go somewhere neither I or the lady have been as I will be too distracted by my own friends. If it is a place I frequent-- I usually don't take the girl dancing til several dates in.

As a guy, always open up the doors for the lady. It's Fedora Lounge policy.

Don't dress too extravagant, it turns out to be a bait and switch. The gal agreed to go out with you, not the sophisticated super well dressed version of you. dressing up is good, though if she is used to seeing you in ripped jeans and a white T-shirt and a ball cap and you show up in a three piece pinstripe suit, a crisp shirt, a hat and shined shoes she may think you are someone else. unless otherwise planned depending on the destination, don't over do it, though dress up accordingly without too much fuss and worry.

Milkshakes, bowling, rock climbing, napa valley trips, and the mountains... also Miceli's restaurant in Holywood... it's all about the atmosphere, and seating by the piano is magic. Tour around create a memory.

One more thing... Barrow Wild Roots vintage car.
Anywho, that's my take.

By the by, Wild root should have some very good input for this thread. Root?

 

[farnham54]

Great post, Matt. I especially like the museum idea, I've reccomended that to a few people before with great results.

The kicker: Not too expensive J/k--but a great date can cost next to nothing and still be great!

Cheers
Craig

 

[AtomicBlonde]

Geez, how come I don't get asked out on dates like that!
Phooey.

 

[Matt Deckard]

I'm sure you will soon. One of my office chums just saw your avatar and, well, it was a very good reaction.

 

[AtomicBlonde]

One of my office chums just saw your avatar and, well, it was a very good reaction.

well tell your office chum, thanks! Still, that does me no good... I live across the country!

Boo on Virginia's lack of vintage-minded people.

 

[Wild Root]

Oh yes, vintage dating… the only kind I know!

I’ve been seeing a lovely young lass, she’s into this vintage stuff so it makes it even more fun! Our first official date was grand! She was in the area and had planned to stop by, she came over dressed in a nice 40’s dress and hair done all up. We went to a simple late 40’s coffee shop I know of in Arcadia, we had a nice simple dinner then back to my house where we looked through old magazines and spun some old records. We then took a drive in the old Plymouth around some historical and beautiful places in Pasadena and San Marino late at night. We parked and gave the car a rest and engaged in some very good conversation. Nothing happened, we just talked and it was grand. We then drove back to my house where her car was parked and I walked her to her car, gave her a warm embrace and she said she had a good time and mentioned we should do it again soon. I agreed and stood on the sidewalk till she drove away.

I wear a suit if we know we’re going out, other then that, I’ll wear a nice clean gab 40’s shirt with a nice tie and crisp vintage trousers.

The second date I drove down and picked her up in the rain (There’s something to be said about driving an old car in the rain! It’s magic!) Then, we had dinner in Long Beach and then went to the Queen Mary. We walked and explored a lot of that ship since it was on a Tuesday night and security was very light. I’ll never forget that evening! We then sat on the couch on the Promenade Deck and I sat there with her in my arms and talked wile we waited for the rain to let up a bit before we made tracks to the car.

I drove her home and held her hand the whole way home wile shifting a three speed ’46 Plymouth! I’m rather proud of that trick! Then, I walked her up to her porch and we both agreed it was a fantastic time! I then perked up and asked her permission to end the perfect night perfectly with an old fashioned kiss... she agreed. Now, by today’s standards, that is not the way to do it but, in the 30’s or 40’s asking a girl for a kiss was proper. It worked and she’s admitted to liking me very much so, we’ll see where it goes.

On an average, we watch old movies at my house then fallowed by a moonlight walk on the dark streets of Seri Madre, good times that cost very little! I’m all about keeping things fun but, inexpensive. There are times that one must spend money but, some of the nicest dates cost very little.

=WR=

 

[Marc Chevalier]

:eusa_clap

Smooth sailing so far. Now, on a future date, let her kiss you.

 

[CWetherby]

I’m all about keeping things fun but, inexpensive. There are times that one must spend money but, some of the nicest dates cost very little.

=WR=

Great attitude!! I've found that fellas that spend a small fortune on a date, either expect way too much in return, or are so stressed out about everything being perfect that the date ends up being strained and not very pleasant. Why do men think they have to "impress" in that way? Anyway, all ranting aside, the simple times together can really foster companionship and true sharing. In other words, you can be yourself and have fun!

I really like the museum date idea, too, Matt. I'll have to remember that one!

 

[John in Covina]

Great attitude!! I've found that fellas that spend a small fortune on a date, either expect way too much in return, or are so stressed out about everything being perfect that the date ends up being strained and not very pleasant. Why do men think they have to "impress" in that way?

************
It may stem from the need to show that he is a good PROVIDER. Actually, a disaster date if seen as funny, is almost as good as an adventure date. It helps by building common shared experiences.

Sincerely,

 

[Hemingway Jones]

The best dates for me are those where the entire world seems to melt away and there is nothing but the two of us. Wherever we are, it doesn't seem to matter when the chemistry is right.

That being said, there are some places I like to go. The best places are those where you can talk in some sort of interesting surrounding. When I am with someone I really like, I want to be somewhere I can hear what she is saying, see her eyes, and watch her forming her words.

This rules the movies out, because there you sit in silence and if the film is bad, the date is bad, as Matt said.

I like to stroll along Boston Common and down into The Public Garden where the Swan Boats drift along with the ducks and swans. You can speak amongst the flower beds and the flowering trees along the paths.

It empties out to Newbury Street where there are outside cafes and ecclectic shops where I can see what sort of books she reads and trinkets she fancies. Also, there are several ice cream parlors.

Another favorite place is The Museum of Fine Arts. I am a member there, so it is easy enough to stroll in. I enjoy it best when we are simply strolling, speaking about the art, but not feeling that we need to see everything, or to be too clever. It's a wonderful atmosphere to talk and get to know each other. There is a restaurant and cafe for wine and cheese. In the pleasant months, you can go outside to the courtyard.

Another favorite date is The Zoo. There is just something fun and disarming about the zoo. It is fun to stroll together, perhaps hold hands and watch the animals. At the zoo, you must get cotton candy, pretzels, and hot dogs. On a sunnyday, it is a fun and active date. I highly recommend it.

As for what I wear, I usually wear a blazer; I pretty much always wear a blazer!

 

[Jack Scorpion]

Hemingway Jones, I dig your avatar.

Ah yes, the Zoo.

 

[Hemingway Jones]

Hemingway Jones, I dig your avatar.

Ah yes, the Zoo.

Thanks, Pal. I always thought yours was one of the best.

 

[Tin Pan Sally]

It may stem from the need to show that he is a good PROVIDER. Actually, a disaster date if seen as funny, is almost as good as an adventure date. It helps by building common shared experiences.

You hit the nail on the head. I see that as a signal I am special to him and therefore worth it. My experience has been that the type of man who puts forth some effort and splurges (within his budget) to show he cares, is also more respectful and genuine. It’s the chintzy guy who uses a routine to try to have his wicked way. Watch the manner in which a man treats others (valets, waiters) to decide about a second date. A polite, well-groomed, kind and generous man with a sense of humor is priceless.