This article is written by a student writer from the Her Campus at WPUNJ chapter.

Summer, as we know, is the time of flings and steamy romances. So we’ve come up with some awesome dates to try throughout the summer with your sweetie. Some are Jersey relative, and others are general and can be done anywhere!

1. Jenkinson’s Boardwalk

I may be seriously biased in saying Point Pleasant is just about the best beach town around, but it’s got everything you could possibly need: Organic Coffee shop, Surf Taco, an aquarium, so many Lemonade Stands, and even fried ice cream! The beach itself is fairly quiet, and the town is super friendly to many of us “Bennys.” I’d say the itinerary could look like a nice walk down the beach, visit to Jenkinson’s Aquarium, Lunch, Mini Golf at Castaway Cove, Froyo stop, late afternoon batting cage session… to be honest the options are endless.

2. Berry Picking

All right, this one might seem super 1950s-esque, but I promise this is actually tons of fun. I’d even suggest it as a first date since you get the lighthearted atmosphere, and if you run out of conversation you can hop over somewhere farther to pick berries until you think of something new to say (it happens). There are tons of Berry farms around Jersey, so just type it into Google and there you go!

3. Picnic in the Park

This one is one of my favorites that I’ve done. Finding a super quiet and shady spot, unpacking all your sweet and fresh food, and pigging out with your sugarpiehoneybun is pretty much the best time I can imagine. This one is pretty self-explanatory, but here’s a website with awesome picnic food ideas, because making the items on the menu with your date adds way more fun.

4. Museums

Sometimes the summer sun can be as brutal as it is kind, and outdoors just doesn’t seem to be an option, so what can you do but stay in? Head out into the city to try some new museums out, or go to a nearby town — I’m always for keeping it local! The point is, exploring together and learning something new is always a plus in my book.

5. Kayaking/Canoeing/Surfing

Although all three in one day seems more like a marathon than fun, doing one of these is an awesome and adventurous way to spend a day out in the water, getting a sick body workout, and hopefully avoiding sunburns! Just don’t forget your PFD!

Tips

For berry picking, I would definitely suggest to go to Specca Farms in Jacksonville! Seriously, it’s owned by my friend’s family, and it has such a great atmosphere and really fair prices!
Liberty State Park near Liberty Science Center is a pretty solid picnic spot since it’s got the NYC skyline and the Statue of Liberty as its view, but it’s still peaceful and quiet. (There’s also a sick playground, but be sure to watch out for the kiddies!)
Warning — Mom alert: remember your SPF and don’t forget to stay hydrated. Trust me from experience: fainting on your date is a no-go for round two, and sun poisoning sucks!
Be yourself and have fun!

Enjoy the summer, collegiettes! Much love!

Photo credits:

Photo 1: http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-hD6dDxDcxF4/UY9p3u0hUzI/AAAAAAAABk0/oK8f29C-_Q…

Photo 2: http://jerseymomsblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/06/jenkinsons-boardwal…

Photo 3: http://greenbustrips.weebly.com/uploads/4/0/9/2/4092561/493491.jpg?460

Photo 4:http://cdni.condenast.co.uk/646×430/o_r/picnic_CNT_9Aug10_b.jpg

Photo 5: http://cedestinations.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/04/nyc-met.jpg

Photo 6: http://www.powerplayrealty.com/uploads/galleries/379.jpg