Couple Focused Activities in the QC
There is such a wide variety of fantastic activities to do as a couple in the Quad Cities. Whatever your interests, you'll find something fun. Grab your partner and get out and about in the Quad Cities: indoors, outdoors, throwing axes through doors! You'll love this fun list of Couple focused QC adventures.
Create Pottery
Spend the evening deep in clay, spinning the wheel, and creating lovely pottery with your person. Contact Carolyn Kreuger for couples wheel throwing lessons.
Treat yourselves to a Quad Cities wine tasting.
Sit. Sip. Savor. Some of the best flavors in the region come from wine offered right here. Consider visiting Wide River Winery in LeClaire, IA or Lavender Crest Winery in Colona, IL.
Go Ice Skating
The Roosevelt Community Center in Davenport features a recently renovated ice rink. You can also go to Frozen Landing in Bettendorf. Even if you aren’t Olympic-ready, circling the rink hand-in-hand with your loved-one will be a great way to embrace the winter weather and each other.
Dine at Chef Keys
Enjoy a delicious homemade meal at the home of Chef Keys. She will treat you to a four-course meal and a wonderfully-relaxing ambiance. Get ready to share one of the very best meals in the Quad Cities. Read more about the luxurious dining experience.
Tour the Butterworth Center & Deere-Wiman House
Make time to breathe in the history and ornate tradition of the Butterworth Center and Deere-Wiman House in Moline, IL. Free guided tours are offered on Wednesday, Thursday, Fridays, and the first Sunday of the month at 2:30 p.m.
Try glass blowing at Hot Glass, Inc.
You and your partner will be coached by a professional glassblower as you sculpt your own work of art from molten glass. Each person will make their own piece of art. Lendol Calder shares, “When a hot date lately is grocery shopping at Fareway, it was a memorable afternoon when Joel Ryser of the Davenport non-profit, Hot Glass, guided us through the process of creating beautiful glass vases we gave to each other for our anniversary. Thanks to Joel’s expert guidance, not a hair was singed!”
Hike in Blackhawk State Park
The crisp winter air, the peaceful crinkle of snow, the quiet rustle of forest creatures, and a refreshing hike with your special someone are all waiting for you at Blackhawk State Historic Site. With 6 miles of marked hiking trails, you’ll find just the length and rigor you’re looking to explore.
Wander the Aisles at Locally Owned Bookstores
The Quad Cities boasts some really wonderful bookshops such as The Artsy Bookworm in Rock Island, the Book Rack off of Elmore Avenue, or The Source Book Store in downtown Davenport. Then you can enjoy a warm cup at a local coffee shop or snuggle at home on the couch for the perfect evening.
Breathe in the Sun Garden at the Botanical Center
The Quad City Botanical Center can be an amazing backdrop for a wedding but also perfect for a romantic walk through the gardens. In the winter you can enjoy the trickling waterfall, meandering koi fish, and the lovely embrace of the warmth of the Sun Garden. In the spring and summer months, you can wander the grounds for a full variety of delightful blooms.
Game at Analog Arcade bar
This is definitely a favorite place to kick back and have fun together. The Analog Arcade bar offers “old school” video games, pinball, and more. You can grab a beverage and play to your heart's content.
Enjoy Circa '21 Dinner Playhouse
You’ll experience “a taste of broadway with fine dining and professional theatre.” The ornate decor, bootlegger show, and excellent service are just the icing on the cake of a fabulous performance.
Follow the QC Ale Trail
The craft beer industry is alive and thriving in the Quad Cities from Stompbox to Wake to Blue Cat, you’ll find breweries and beverages to explore and enjoy. Follow the Quad Cities Ale Trail to find the best place to taste local brews.
Feel powerful while Ax Throwing
Live Action Games in Davenport has many ax throwing stalls and it’s a fun way to try something new. Live Action Games also has escape rooms. You can make reservations online at www.lagqc.com
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Get away at Rhythm City Casino Resort
Take a stay-cation at the local resort and casino. Visit Quad Cities board member and local John Deere archivist and author Neil Dahlstrom (Tractor Wars) and his wife, Karen, recently spent the weekend visiting local. We “ate an early dinner at Ruthie’s and then went to the free band at the Rhythm Room. In the morning we enjoyed a delicious Sunday brunch. Ruthie’s Steak and Seafood is our favorite QC restaurant for special occasions.” Be sure to check out the beautiful views from Ruthie’s when you visit.
Explore Quad Cities Parks
From the sculptures on Credit Island to the riverbed of Duck Creek to the pond and walkways of Vander Veer Botanical Park to the bike trails on Sylvan Island, if you want a leisurely stroll in nature with your loved one there are dozens and dozens of parks to explore.
Feature photo credit: Jessica Sheridan Photography
Blog Written by Meghan Cooley
Meghan Cooley moved to the Quad Cities from St. Charles, IL, as an Augustana College student over 20 years ago. She left briefly after graduation and then returned to work in admissions and then marketing at Augustana College for 18 years. She now works as a consultant for admissions marketing and social media. She also does copy editing and writes for the Quad City Moms Blog. Now a true Quad Cities transplant, Meghan lives in Rock Island with her husband, Luke (R.O.W.V.A. and Augustana grad and Modern Woodmen employee) and four boys. She loves living in the Quad Cities and finds it the perfect place to raise a family, plan a date night, and go on adventures.