If you know me at all, you’re up to date on my date rating series. If you’re not up to date, check our part 1 and part 2 here. If you’ve (God forbid) dated me, read no further. If we went on two sporadic dates when we were both first-years, hello. Welcome back. My apologies in advance. The Oberlin Blogs come above all else.
And finally if you’re a prospective student considering Oberlin or a student who just can’t find a gosh-darned date spot, this article is for you. I’ve rated each date spot in terms of money ($) and quality (★). Don’t take this too seriously. Have fun!
#1
1833 Restaurant $$$ ★★
1833 Restaurant is the grown-up part of Oberlin. It’s the restaurant at the Hotel at Oberlin––fancy, pricey, and with just enough tables that you can achieve some anonymity eating there. I would never stake it as my top date spot, not because it isn’t nice, but because it IS. I am the sort of girl who enjoys a walking date, a date where we explore some hidden part of nature, or just coffee at Slow Train.
But one fine morning when I was a first-year, I went on a date at 1833. I have this vague memory of ordering mac n’ cheese, which in hindsight definitely makes no sense because it was brunch. I probably dressed up. I wish I could see what I wore, I’m sure it would have made me cringe. The date was good, but the restaurant was a bit too serious, especially for a first (second?) date. Come on, we were first-years, basically babies. I think Dairy Queen would have been more within our budget. Ah, young love.
#2
Kim’s $$ ★★★
Yes, Kim’s Grocery and Carryout. Oberlin doesn’t have a wealth of food spots, but it does have an Asian grocery store and carryout. Seven dollar red bean buns? Bibimbap? Boba tea? Kim’s has it all. There’s a few tables inside, but if it’s summer, autumn, or spring, bring your date and your food outside to the picnic tables, where you can eat in sun-dappled spots beneath the tree.
I gotta be honest. I’m vegetarian. Kim’s isn’t my favorite, but I know at least a dozen Obies will fight me to the death for that opinion. I’ve been on a few dates here, and it’s good. Cheap food, pretty consistently good. While your date is ordering, you can stroll the aisles and find yummy-looking drinks, and then if you are like me, you will fork over $3 for two packs of Botan Rice Candy. What can I say? I’m nostalgic.
#3
The creek $ ★★★
The creek. Wow. Three out of three stars doesn’t do it justice.
Oberlin is set amid idyllic farmfields, situated just south-west of Cleveland, and cradled in interstate highways. But if you drive, oh, seventeen minutes in one direction, you’ll find the creek. I can’t tell you exactly where it is, because I need to save some secrets from you nosy readers, but if you ask around enough, you’ll find it. I’ve also detailed its location in another blog…see if you can find it, mwa haha.
The creek is gorgeous, a slow-moving shallow river nestled in a forested valley. Replete with waterfalls and small flat stones, a bridge that once held train tracks, and floating pretty leaves, the creek is a dream. It’s perfect for a date. When I was a second-year, I dragged my boyfriend and his best friend to the creek, and we swam down the river, found an alcove behind the waterfall, and watched the water go by. It was sunny and warm, best of all, quiet. The creek turns you into a kid again. It’s the best date spot at Oberlin.
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I hope you enjoy my blog article. And with that––happy Valentine’s Day! Even if you feel like you are celebrating alone, I promise any of your friends would jump at the chance for you to take them on a date. What can I say? I’m sure after reading this that you’re a catch.
My secret recommendation, just for you? Get the green tea ice cream at Kim’s. It’s better than any date you could go on.
