I’ve grown tired of the expectation that any time people make plans to catch up after a long while or relax and spend some time together, all we seem to be able to come up with is “meeting up for drinks.” Call me boring, a party pooper, or a Debbie Downer, if you like. I do enjoy a glass of wine or a can of craft hard cider from time to time. But I see so much overconsumption of — and overreliance on — alcohol everywhere I look. And I think there has to be another way.
It’s time to think outside the box on getting together with friends — without alcohol.
So, in the “spirit” of keeping things light for those who, like me, are interested in alternatives for connecting with a friend or two outside of happy hour, I’ve come up with a list of easy peasy ideas for a friend date without drinks! These are not just things to do with that one sober friend or a backup plan if you are contemplating sobriety or trying to take a break from drinking. These ideas are for everyone — I hope you’ll give some of them a try!
- Grab breakfast at a nearby café during the week. Tip: Don’t make it brunch, or you’ll end up with a mimosa or bloody mary!
- Meet at a local park and bring your coffee and a picnic blanket.
- Plan an easy hike at a nearby park or reservation — don’t forget to bring water and snacks!
- Go for a bike ride on a local rail trail (there are so many great trails!).
- Spend the day in Boston following one of the various Boston Moms itineraries, which focus on things like Boston sports, history, and food!
- Visit a pick-your-own flower farm or berry farm if the season is right, or try your local farmers market other times of year.
- Go see a movie! Tip: Drive together so you can have some good convos on the ride.
- Go window shopping in a cute local downtown area.
- Maybe a little cliché, but make an appointment for both of you to get a manicure and pedicure together!
- Sign up for a class! It could be a one-time paint or pottery class or maybe even something that meets once a week for a few weeks. Think about all the great bonding!
This list may give you some good ideas, or it may spark your imagination to come up with your own. All I know is this stuff matters, and we all need to make time for our friendships AND ourselves — without always needing to include drinks.
