Great dates shall always begin and end with you. However, great dating ideas such as places to go and things to see can take a really good date and make it unforgettable. Here are eight common ideas to get your dating off on the right track:

1) The Zoo: Animals are fantastic, funny and, for the most part, aren’t too loud so that you can carry on conversation without worrying about not being heard. They are a great place to walk, talk and you can even catch shows throughout the day.

2) Trade Shows: Check your local paper for consumer shows for home, arts and crafts, love, automotive, wine and cheese or anything else for that matter. Browsing the isles should give you some great topics for conversation so look to your local papers for listings.

3) The Fair: You don’t need Cirque du Soleil. Any fair flying banners at the local mall should do the trick. This is about doing crazy things, like strapping yourself into rickety, outdated machines that twist and turn your stomach into knots and trying to laugh about it later while still holding your lunch down. Have fun!

4) Bookstore: They are the massive Mecca for literary minded. Those big box bookstores, where you can spend hours browsing and reading and getting hopped up on caffeinated drinks, are a nice place to stir up interesting conversation.

5) Museum: Walk the halls where ancient lands and early people are enshrined for all of civilized society to see. The subdued atmosphere makes for a place where the subtlest smiles speak volumes for your budding relationship.

6) Drive In: This staple of the romantic nights of yesteryear is still a perfect destination for dating. Make sure to pack pillows, a nice big blanket and, of course, window cleaner. You’ll need it to help keep the condensation off the glass unless you’re trying to recreate that scene in the car hold from Titanic.

7) Art Gallery: The beauty of talented artists can help paint a brighter future for you and your date. Take time to stroll and see if you share the same taste.

8) Festivals: Nearby cities and towns have their own special events—if you’re in the mood to travel. Make sure to scour the Net for events in your area and you could hook into some great days spent out and about.

Your local paper is usually a good place to start for ideas so don’t hesitate to pick one up. By doing the extra legwork and finding some interesting places to check out, you can save your relationship from the dreaded fatigue that can come from yet another night spent renting movies.

If you have any comments or ideas to share, don’t hesitate to leave them!