In a recent conversation with a friend while preparing for an upcoming date, a topic surfaced that at the time was quite hilarious but later given some serious thought. The question that also comes up prior to a big date or going out in general is, “Where are you going for your date?” or “What are you in the mood for” yet never did it cross my mind that in dating sometimes location is everything. This is going to be one of those columns that either makes you laugh or ticks you off, either way I hope you’ll read it through.

Mostly focused on what I was going to wear, while searching the internet for ideas my friend says to me very seriously, “You should go to The Wine Loft in case you end up making out, the couches there are pretty comfy and it’s dim lit.” I sat in silence for all of two minutes before I agreed. It was a valid point. I’m always joking about the need for a strategic plan in my dating life and maybe there is some truth in that. Either way, it made an interesting idea for a post.

DAYting.

What if we predetermined our weekend and nightly activities based on what we are in the mood for that day or in general where the type of person we’d like to be with may frequent? Interesting thought isn’t it? With the help of friends I’ve put together a list of places in Dayton that may assist with finding that “one” person, or not. This post is meant to be taken with a grain of salt. Consider it a clever attempt by a girl who has been failed by fate, happily ever after and of course..online dating. I’m a bit of a pro with location marketing so now I am taking a stab at location dating. If you’ve reverted back to circumstantial dating like myself, it may help to get more strategic in your efforts. Or not, whatever.

Your Mood, Your Want, Your Location.

I Like Your Beard. – If you’re like me, you appreciate a good beard. I may be wrong but in general I think that Dayton is the beard Capital of the World and if that is not official it should be. Where does one go to find a guy sporting a nice beard in Dayton? Well, Blind Bob’s of course. Not only is the music great, selection of beer awesome and service superb but the place is swarming with BEARDS. Hipsters aside, it’s still one of my favorite go to’s in Dayton.

TShirt Time. – I miss New Jersey and often. Every once in a while I have the urge to feel not so far away from home. There are nights when a lot of hair product and muscles do it for me. The first time I went to Newcom’s in the Oregon District, I thought “this place is no tavern.” The place is high energy, smells like Joop and has a great mix of people and music. When I’m in the mood to fist pump with the best of them, that’s where I head. That was partly a joke. New on the scene is also Pulse. I don’t recommend either if you’re in search of some meaningful conversation but for a good time, sure why not.

GoodWill Hunting. – Some nights it’s ALL about the conversation. I can’t name a better place to have one and relax in a greater setting then the Dublin Pub. The Goodwill Hunting reference was something said last fall while there with a friend…I felt like I was in the movie, for a brief moment. It’s the kind of place you see in every television show that you say, “I wish there was a place like that in our city.” Isn’t Dayton lucky to have one? It’s casual and laughter friendly, a real good time.

Bourbon on the Rocks. – It’s no secret, that my favorite place in Dayton is the SideBar. I don’t remember the last weekend that I wasn’t there enjoying a signature cocktail in one of the most sophisticated lounge/bars in Dayton. Though, I haven’t had much luck in meeting anyone there..(pause so that my friends can laugh)..it’s still a great place to meet the who’s who in Dayton. So what if you can’t pick up a great catch, pick anything off of the menu and enjoy a good evening out. If nothing else, there are plenty to “just look” at. It’s on my “eye candy” location list.

Catch a Flick. I am strong advocate for going out alone. Trust me when I tell you that many do it and who knows while flying solo you may just meet someone else doing the same. The Neon is a great place to have a drink and watch a flick. It’s a great little theater in the heart of the city and if you have not been there yet, there may be something fundamentally wrong with you. Please check it out.

Comfy Couches. You had to know that I was going to test the theory. Yes, the couches at The Wine Loft are some of the comfiest. Not only that, their wine selection is unmatched. The ambiance is soothing and yes the lights are certainly dim. The staff are class act and so I have to suggest that though it is the perfect setting, keep the making out to minimum. If I’m not mistaken there are few hotels in the surrounding area. Get a room.

Fell in Love at the Coffee Shop. This would be the ultimate scenario for my coffee addiction. To find true love while sipping the one thing I love most? It doesn’t get better than that. I have high hopes still. If you’re coffee shop frequenter Boston Stoker on Brown St. and Press are my favorites. Starbucks in Oakwood is on the list too. Coming soon Ghostlight Coffee. A coffee shop guy is someone I could see myself with. It’s the perfect synergy.

Know Your Worth. – A friend once told me that a girl he was dating was not a “Carriage Ride” type of girl, meaning he didn’t like her enough to spend the money on one. I was sort of appalled but mostly amused. It brought up another interesting topic, does it matter where someone suggests taking you? If someone offers to take you to Coco’s Bistro odds are they think you’re worth it. Let them take you out and enjoy it. Should you question them if they offer to just take you to Panera? Not really, I personally just like Coco’s Bistro and wanted to plug them in this article.

These are some of my favorite places and though I don’t usually start out the night like a maneater out on a mission, it’s better to know exactly what I am getting into before going to a place. I really don’t leave the house with blueprints of the city or a scavenger hunt list, I’ve just identified my favorite places. Someone a while back said that it was difficult to meet people in Dayton and being single was hard in general here. I disagree. If you get out and are open to try new places and meet new people you may just be pleasantly surprised. Don’t limit yourself.

I would love to hear about your favorite first date location in Dayton or where you think is a great place to meet new people. Always looking for new ideas to better optimize the man hunt. Again, kidding. Maybe.