We also work at countless locations across the US, including New Jersey, to match exceptional single people with other exceptional single people and arrange their romantic meetings. So, if you’re looking for curated advice for dating in Essex County, NJ, look no further. We’ve provided this comprehensive guide to the best places to go and the best things to do on a romantic rendezvous with your date.

Creative Dating Ideas in Essex County, NJ

Deciding where to go for your very first date, or even for the dates that come after this, can be difficult. You want to keep that spark alive and make new, happy memories on every occasion. That is why it often pays to get a little bit creative and to seek out those spots and settings that will make the date all the more special.

As keen relationship experts looking to help you start dating, or to help you become even closer to someone you have already met, we’ve provided a few ideas and suggestions on what you can do to make any day or night out in Essex County truly remarkable.

Find Your New Favorite Coffee House

We know that everyone suggests having a first date at a coffee place, but it’s possible to make this modest idea into something wonderful. Essex County boasts a range of unique, eclectic coffee shops that are bound to impress and inspire conversation between yourself and your date.

Look for the things that you both like and that makes each of these coffee shops stand out on the dating ideas scene. For instance, Trend Coffee & Tea House might be just what you’re looking for if you both love historical settings, live music, and want to support local art. It’s also surrounded by a wealth of fantastic restaurants and theaters, if you’re considering turning a relaxing afternoon into a magical night of dining and entertainment.

Enjoy Wine and Fine Dining

If you and your date consider yourselves connoisseurs, then why not make an evening of it with fine wine and high-end cuisine at one of Essex County’s most sought-after bars or restaurants? You’ll have plenty to choose from, especially in Newark, where you and your date can expect to find fare from around the world. One particular favorite place is the Adega Lounge, famous for its delightful Portuguese dishes and wines coming from vineyards across France, Italy, Argentina, and Chile—to name but a few places.

Learn to Dance Together

One of the most romantic experiences any couple can do is dance, and learning to dance together if you’ve never tried it before is guaranteed to be as fun as it is intimate. The kind of dancing you choose may differ, depending on your tastes, but if you would like to get close to someone then there are fewer better styles than those coming from Latin America. They’ve solidified their reputation as the most exciting of all the dance styles for a reason!

Of course, you will want the best possible teacher if you’d both like to dance more often. Within Essex County, both MDN Latin Dance Studio and NJ Salsa Dancing Lessons specialize in Latin American dancing—specifically salsa. However, you might want to explore further options around the county if you feel that these locations are not the right fit for you. You may even decide to hire a private teacher and learn in your own home, if you’d like to make it a completely private experience.

Have Some Couples’ Spa Treatments

People always talk about the most exhilarating, thrilling dates, but what if you and your date want to do something relaxing? You may both have extremely demanding jobs that take up a lot of your time and attention on weekdays and just want to do something to de-stress together whenever you get the opportunity.

We’d recommend somewhere like the Woodhouse Day Spa in Montclair for that. Their Couples Retreat experience offers you and your date the chance to unwind in tranquil bliss, and you’ll forever be associated with a source of peace for your potential new partner.

Go on a Hike or Nature Walk

If you and your date both love the outdoors, taking a walk or going for a hike in one of Essex County’s best parks or nature reserves might be the perfect way to spend the day! Depending on what you both most like about green places, you may decide on somewhere different; consider exploring Greenwood Gardens if you prefer elaborate and immaculately kept landscaping, for instance, or take a trip to Cora Hartshorn Arboretum and Bird Sanctuary if you both have an interest in wildlife.

Hiking up Eagle Rock Reservation is also worth it for the fantastic view, as you and your date will be treated to an amazing panorama featuring the Manhattan skyline.

Visit an Art Gallery or Museum

Essex County offers visitors a host of different museums and art galleries, and the ones you would like to visit most may vary with your tastes. If you both have an interest in science and history, one place you won’t want to miss out on is the Thomas Edison National Historical Park, home of the world-famous inventor and manufacturer.

Alternatively, if you prefer art and to muse over pieces in galleries, the Newark Museum of Art or the Montclair Art Museum might both suit you better. Either way, you will get a fabulous opportunity to discuss your interests, talk about your favorite exhibits and pieces, and grow closer together in a shared love of a subject.

What Maclynn Will Do for You

If you would like to start meeting new people who share your interests, Maclynn International will be glad to assist. From the moment you get in touch with our professional matchmakers, we’ll work to arrange a time and date for a private consultation that suits your schedule.

During your consultation, you can expect our matchmaker to ask a series of questions related to you and your personal experiences in life. This allows us to get a better understanding of who you are as a person, so that we can find the most accurate match for you in return.

After analyzing your answers against our elite database, which contains profiles of other single men and women we work with, we’ll be back in touch within two weeks with the results of our search. This will be a list of potential matches, whose profiles you will be able to browse.

If you are interested in any of the profiles we’ve brought back to you, we’ll get to work on informing them and can help you to arrange a meeting and first date.

Unlike conventional online dating, every part of this process will be overseen by your personal matchmaker. In time they should become your confidant and friend, so if you ever need any more information or further support on your journey, you know that they will be there to help.


Become a Private Member

Becoming a private member of Maclynn International offers you the most exclusive dating experience. A free dating site might help you to have fun, socialize, and meet new people, but if you want to find “the one”, you need to look for something more. Arrange a personal consultation with us and our matchmakers will be in touch to organize your private consultation and profiling session.

Contact us and arrange your consultation today