Some of us aren’t as young as we once were — our social calendars revolve around our kids, and we doze off on the couch at 8 p.m. Going out on the town can feel like a distant memory. Gone are the days when nights out started at 9 p.m. and dining out with your significant other was a multiple-night-a-week occurrence. Now, we’re lucky to discuss going out only to settle on staying in to scroll through movies for an hour before calling it a night.

While the reality of date nights may change, that doesn’t mean time together with your partner or potential partner can’t still happen. It’s time to rethink your dates. Take advantage of the daylight hours and ditch your responsibilities, just for a bit. Enjoy a weekend day or take advantage of those school hours. Play hooky from work or trade a long lunch for what used to be a night on the town. We aren’t getting any of these days back, so get out and enjoy them. Here are three ideas to get you started.

Head East

A drive out the Mount Baker Highway into the Mount Baker-Snoqualmie National Forest opens the opportunity for a lifetime of adventures. From playing in the snow to hiking to peaks, there’s always something to do in this vast wilderness. In winter, you can strap on skis and cruise along trails or shred the slopes. If putting on skis all but guarantees an ACL injury, grab some snowshoes and move along at your own pace as you enjoy the quiet of a snow-covered forest.

As the snow wanes, hiking trails become more accessible, opening access to nature’s wonders. Heliotrope Ridge Trail takes you through ice-cold creeks and up to Coleman Glacier. The Yellow Aster Butte Trail exposes you to beautiful wildflowers. If a less strenuous walk sounds more your speed, Horseshoe Bend Trail is a good choice.

Want your date to include incredible summer scenery without the workout? Head up to Artist Point or, year-round, pull into Nooksack Falls. Both offer awe-inspiring views just steps from your car. Wherever you choose, bring your camera along and document your date, whether hiking to the highest peak or simply pulling to the side of the road to enjoy a view.

No trip east is complete without a bite to eat on the way back. My can’t-miss option is the North Fork Brewery,…