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HotDates L Couples have many options for a new take on date nights BY KELLY TWEDELL et's face it, date nights of dinner and a movie have the potential to become predictable and, honestly, a little boring. Break out of your romance rut with an entirely new plan for date night, one that combines quality time with new and exciting things to do together. Fayette- ville offers many options and here are a few you might not have considered: Indulge Yourselves Splurge for a day of pampering with a couples massage. Some local venues with great packages are: Cape Fear Aesthetics, Renaissance Day Spa or Massage Envy. Ask about their packages and rates. Other popular date night services for you and your significant other are a dual pedicure treatment. Guys, don't be skeptical, what could be better than relaxing next to that special person with a drink in hand? Don't worry, polish is not mandatory. Smell the Roses Take your date on a picnic and hike through the grounds of the illustrious Cape Fear Botanical Gardens, and literally stop and smell the roses. The cultivated garden areas showcase more than 2,000 varieties of or- namental plants, and include renowned daylily, camellia and hosta gardens. The River Walk, Heritage Gar- den, Children's Garden, and PWC Water Wise Garden provide unique educational experiences for young and old alike. The Butterfly Stroll, a new addition to the Children's Garden, is a 450 feet long, paved walk beside the cypress pond that showcases over 100 different "butterfly irresistible" plant varieties. Surrounding the Wyatt Visitors Pavilion Complex is a collection of sustainable oaks, fastigiate ironwoods, fringe trees, parrotias and long leaf pines. Also featured in the landscape are a collection of magnolias and a gingko tree, given to the Garden in 1996 by the US National Arboretum in Washington, DC. Admission to the Botani- cal Gardens is $8 per person. Give Back A non-traditional date that helps others is to volunteer your time for a service project. Contact the United Way or March of Dimes or one of the area's other charities for upcoming opportunities. Take in the Theater Experience the legendary romantic, classic or comedic shows at the Cape Fear Regional Theatre, the Gilbert Theater or at seasonal shows provided outdoors by troupes like The Sweet Tea Shakespeare Company. Know Your Wines Join a small group of fellow wine lovers for an evening of tastings at The Wine Cafe in either their down- town location or in Millstone Village. Light snack plates are also available and they have a private room for parties. Besides basic know-how on wine tasting, participants also learn about wine pairing, serving and decanting. 38 | ACCENTS • 2012/2013

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