date night – The Western Howl

Written by: Taylor Duff | Lifestyle Editor

Scary Movie Marathon — A scary movie night is an excellent and cost-effective date idea, perfect for snuggling up together while celebrating the spooky season. Setting the perfect environment is essential — dim the lights, make some popcorn and curl up beneath a blanket to establish the tone. Netflix and other streaming services offer a wide range of options, as do free movies on YouTube.

Make Fall Treats — A terrific bonding activity and something that gets the laughter and conversation going is to try making an online recipe for apple pie, cookies, muffins or hot chocolate to enjoy together while listening to soft music in the background or reminiscing. Date night just got sweeter with some delicious treats and a cozy atmosphere that would make anyone fall in love.

Farmers Market — A farmers market is a pleasant and relaxed fall date idea that is perfect for casual chat. Fall farmers markets are filled with fresh produce such as pumpkins, apples, squash and other seasonal items, making it an ideal time to go exploring together. While walking around the market, one may taste handcrafted items and select fresh ingredients for that evening’s dinner date.. Most also include live music, flower booths or warm beverages like cider, coffee or hot chocolate.

Pumpkin Patch — Visiting a pumpkin patch is a classic fall date idea that mixes enjoyment, nostalgia and a little adventure. It creates a great setting for enjoying the crisp autumn air while wandering through rows of pumpkins, seeking the perfect one to take home. Pumpkin patches sometimes provide other activities like hayrides, corn mazes, petting zoos and marketplaces, making it feel like an outing to the farmers market.

Haunted House — To truly judge a relationship by its compatibility, a haunted house is an exciting fall date idea that is ideal for getting into the creepy mood of the season. It adds fun and anticipation to any October night, resulting in moments of shared adrenaline and possibly fearful embraces. Whether couples are navigating creepy passages, evading jump scares or laughing off the stress together, the experience triggers a wide range of emotions that can draw two people closer. It may also reveal who is the bravest.

Fall Hikes — Fall is one of the nicest times of year for hiking if one is seeking a date that combines the season’s natural beauty with quality time spent outside. As the weather cools and the leaves turn vivid colors of red, orange and yellow, nature transforms into a beautiful background for a hike. Walking along forest paths or up gorgeous mountains provide opportunities to take in spectacular scenery, allowing people to linger and enjoy the moment together.

Horseback Riding — Riding through stunning trails adorned with colorful foliage provides a calm getaway from the chaos and rush of daily life, allowing potential couples to connect with nature and each another. It’s an experience that differs from normal date activities by providing a feeling of adventure and originality.

Paint and Sip — Paint and Sip is a fun, relaxing fall date idea that combines art, drinks and a comfortable setting. Usually, seasonal or autumn-themed paintings can include subjects such as pumpkins, fall foliage or rustic landscapes. While painting, the couple can talk, laugh at one another’s progress or give advice or criticism, making the hobby more enjoyable and participatory.

Fall Photos — Taking seasonal photos in the park is a romantic and captivating date idea that captures the warmth and beauty of the season, while also generating lasting memories to frame. The internet is a great place to check for inspiration, like creating a ghost photoshoot: grab a sheet, accessories and various props and dress as ghosts for pictures. It’s also an excellent chance to take a relaxing walk, engage in conversation and absorb the natural beauty surrounding you.

Costume Party — A costume party is a fun and creative fall date idea that encapsulates the whimsical and festive spirit of the spooky season. At the party, enjoy the social side of interacting with others, appreciate their attire and partake in themed activities and music, allowing for the perfect activity to unwind and have fun while completely immersed in the event.

Contact the author at howllifestyle@mail.wou.edu

The Western Howl

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Boiling and delicious

Written by: Taylor Duff | Staff Writer

Bag O’ Crab is a seafood boil restaurant that opened a new location in Salem, Oregon right off the Market Street exit. This restaurant offers an array of boil bags that can be customized, including sides, wings and drinks.

I decided to go and try the restaurant for myself because of my proximity to their newest location. I decided to invite my mom and have a feast. We ordered a Combo 2 which included one pound of snow crab, ¾ pound of headless shrimp, two corn on the cobs, two potatoes and four sausage slices.

We decided to add two boiled eggs and our flavor of choice was original cajun. On the side, we ordered six lemon pepper wings, two sides of rice and a Cajun fish plate. We ordered a Cinnamon and Pear Moscow Mule and a Mojito Smash for drinks.

This was a lot of food, but everything came out fast and organized. The restaurant environment was clean and captivating because of the friendly robot that served the food. The tables all had white paper to prepare for the mess of the boil; we also got a bib, gloves and a wet nap, which was much needed. The staff seemed a little occupied as the restaurant was busy, but they got our items exactly as we ordered and checked us out with a friendly goodbye.

First, we got our drinks which were both very balanced and smooth and chock-full of flavor. Soon after, our bag and rice arrived, delivered by our friendly robot.

We poured our bag out and started with the crab, which was soft and cooked to perfection; the shrimp was tender and very flavorful. The corn, sausages and potatoes were complementary and gave us a full range of flavors. The rice was a perfect palate cleanser from all the spice. The wings were coated in dry rub that I wished were covered in a wet sauce alternatively, but they were still very full of flavor. The cajun fish was possibly the best fish I’ve had — it was cooked to perfection and a nice entree — if a boil isn’t one’s preferred choice.

All of the food was incredibly delicious and made the whole experience worth it despite the busy atmosphere. We ate just about everything — with just a few leftovers— and our meal was fairly priced. For someone like me, who hasn’t tried a seafood boil before, it was a great experience. I recommend Bag O’ Crab for one’s next outing or date as the atmosphere and food were phenomenal.

9/10.

Contact the author at tduff23@mail.wou.edu

The Western Howl

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Six stay-at-home Valentine’s dates

Unique date ideas for this quarantined Valentine’s Day

Allison Vanderzanden | Lifestyle Editor

For those who usually celebrate Valentine’s Day with an extravagant date night, this year might feel disappointing. But being stuck inside doesn’t mean date nights can’t still be exciting. Hunker down with a significant other and have some fun with these date ideas.

Try cooking each other’s favorite meal, or tackle a new dish with one another. Make a challenge out of it by creating a dinner or dessert with only ingredients currently in the pantry.
Still have the travel bug? A number of museums, aquariums and other popular destinations are offering virtual tours and livestreams. Get immersed in places like the Guggenheim, the Louvre, the Smithsonian, Disney World’s Main Street, the Eiffel Tower, nearby aquariums and more all from the comfort of home.
Partners can get cozy with an at-home camping trip. Pitch a tent in the backyard, or build a blanket fort in the bedroom or living room. Enjoy some s’mores — which can be cooked over a gas stove burner or in the microwave — and hot dogs. After cooking up some goodies, put aside the electronics and enjoy each other’s company under the stars or by candlelight.
Get fancy and host a black tie evening for two at home. Dress up and break out the champagne or bubbly apple cider for a fancy dinner or movie night.
Game nights are a classic, and each new round is unique. Sit down to play a favorite board or card game, or learn a new card game like Egyptian Ratscrew, GOPS or Briscola. Video games are also a fun option — hold a one-on-one match in “Super Smash Bros.” and “Mario Party,” play co-op in “Minecraft,” “Animal Crossing” and “Keep Talking and Nobody Explodes” or host a Jackbox matchup.
Psychologist Arthur Aron presented 36 questions that are proven to generate closeness in partners. Sit down with a partner, friend or even stranger and increase intimacy by discussing these 36 questions as outlined by University of California Berkeley.

Looking for more ideas? Brainstorm a list of each person’s favorite activities and decide how to spend Valentine’s Day together.