Finding Love at a Social Distance

By Lisa Lyngos & Leisha Murphy, Single Atlanta

We’ve seen a lot in our two plus decades of matchmaking in Atlanta, but 2020 continues to be a year unlike any other. One of the biggest trends we are witnessing is that people are taking Virtual Dating and Social Distancing Dates seriously. While dating is a little different from before, singles are determined to make the new normal of meeting someone just as special as the old normal. All it takes is a little creativity and a few ideas to make the perfect socially distanced date. We call it the 3 P’s: parks, patios and plan ahead!

Parks
Atlanta isn’t called the city in a forest for nothing. There are plenty of public green spaces and parks from the sprawling acres of Piedmont, to the tucked away trails of Morningside Nature Preserve. Not only does this provide you with ample spots for a socially distanced date, there’s also plenty to do! Play a game of bocce ball at Piedmont Park, take a leisurely stroll down the BeltLine or go on a kayaking adventure down the Chattahoochee. See the city in a new way!

Patios
Wining and dining is not out of the question for a night on the town—not while it’s still patio season! A coveted time of year for all Atlantans, 2020 has made these outdoor dining options even more treasured by locals. With extra space, air flow and properly distanced tables, dining al fresco is a safer alternative to indoor seating and it can also come with a view! Some favorite rooftop establishments are Six Feet Under, Gypsy Kitchen and 5Church. What’s yours?

Plan Ahead
Even in normal times, planning ahead is always a vital step for a date. These days it just comes with a few add-ons. Most important is to know your partner’s comfort level with social distancing and respect their boundaries. Next, make sure you have a back-up plan. With many options being outdoors, inclement weather is going to be a factor. And last, don’t forget about timing. A lot of the city’s larger attractions, like the zoo and the aquarium, are operating on limited time slots, so walk-up tickets might not be an option.

Fall is the best time of the year to enjoy some of the city’s great outdoor activities and attractions, so let’s get back to dating!