Recently, The Women’s Center hosted an entirely ludicrous and unheard of event to Sewanee: Date Night. For those of you who have forgotten what that means: it’s where you ask a member of the opposite sex, or same-sex, if that floats your boat, for some legitimate, non-frat house conversation over a meal.
Within my first weekend at Sewanee, I was told that Sewanee men do not ask Sewanee women out on dates. I was told that only certain girlfriend-kind-of guys looking to “wife-up” were into dates. I was told that most college guys did not fall into that unique category, and that the idea of a date would scare them off, since they only wanted someone to sleep with. Hookup culture or dating with the trajectory towards marriage was the picture so plainly painted for me.
I unfortunately bought into the entirety of this myth for most of my freshman year. When, in reality, a date doesn’t mean either of those things—it’s just dinner with someone else. We’ll let someone see us naked, but we’re afraid to ask them (or even be so bold to expect) sharing a meal with them?
It all goes back to the same question: Why don’t Sewanee kids go out on dates– why is this a norm? Well, my answer to this infamous question is quite simple: there is nowhere to go. We also have drastic segregation of gender outside of Saturday nights at fraternities, but I can’t even begin to tackle that in an article. So, in the spirit of date night’s revival and the end of Sewanee men and women settling for segregation, here is a list of great spots for your very own date night:
1. Waffle House
Laugh all you want, but Waffle House is actually a great date spot. It’s appropriate for weeknights, weekends, and mornings after. It’s affordable, relaxed, and low-key. The All Star Special is always a hit– I usually always get my own eggs and split a waffle with my boyfriend. Waffle House is one of those places that is far more friendly that it is romantic, which makes it perfect for almost everyone: “Hey, I’m hungry/hungover/need a study break, want to go to Waffle House?”
See how harmless that sounded?
2. Stirling’s
While this is technically on campus, it is truly a good date spot, especially if you’re a caffeine addict like myself. Nothing beats a sharing some coffee, conversation, and a brie platter. The only downside is that you may end up seeing everyone in creation, from friends to professors. If this is a deterrent, see if the back room is open, where you can enjoy your coffee on Stirlings’ cozy couches.
3. Crust
Crust is perfect because it’s close to campus, cost effective, and yummy. Crust is close enough to walk to in warmer months, especially in the Saturday lull between football games and pregaming for the night. Nothing beats a crust quad or splitting a big Sigmund. Crust’s pasta bowls are also fantastic if you aren’t really feeling pizza. Additionally, for those who are 21, Yuenglings are $1 all the time, and, for those looking for a good deal, Crust has a lunch buffet for under $10 Wednesdays through Saturdays.
4. Blue Chair/The Tavern
Blue Chair is great for breakfast or a coffee date. It’s especially great for Saturday and Sunday mornings, as well as rainy afternoons. Blue Chair’s conjoined twin, The Tavern, is also a great date spot. For those who are 21, you can get a sample of beer and cider on tap, including gluten free beers! Jackalope Fingers, which is The Tavern’s own delicious version of beer battered chicken tenders, are always a hit, as is their Pimento Cheese Sandwich. If you aren’t 21, The Tavern hosts trivia every other Tuesday, so form a team with your guy and some friends for a fun time!
5. Sernicola’s
While Sernicola’s is all the way down in Cowan, I can guarantee you will not be disappointed. It’s pricier, but still not in the league with High Point. The alfredo is wonderful, and it truly is the quintessential, Italian date spot. Think Lady and the Tramp, or Breadsticks from Glee. The town and train station are all currently decorated in lights for Christmas, so get a table by the window!
6. Yamato
Yet another pick off the mountain, Yamato is in Decherd, which is near the Walmart in Cowan. It is the closest Japanese restaurant that serves sushi in Sewanee– other than Shan’s Buffet, which isn’t exactly date material. The bento boxes are some of my favorite items on their menu, also be sure to check out the plastic inserts on the table, which always have unique sushi rolls for you to try. The car ride down is actually a great time to chat with someone as you escape the mountain.
7. Modern Dave’s Tavern
Dave’s is a great first date spot– it’s nicer than Crust or The Tavern, but not quite on the level of Pearl’s or High Point. It gives you an opportunity for some good food and quaint conversation, without the chance of seeing everyone you know to make things awkward. The barbeque and grits are my personal favorite!
8. High Point
There’s a reason this restaurant is a go-to pick for Parent’s Weekend: they have fantastic, upscale food and wine, but are definitely swankier, which means they’re not so friendly to the collegiette’s budget. These spots are great for Valentine’s Day, anniversaries, and any romantic date nights after pay day!
If restaurants aren’t quite your thing, check out these outdoorsy Sewanee date spots for when the weather is warmer!
Happy Dating, Sewanee!