Hi,
I need suggestions for a fun, first date in the Washington DC area to
take place on Wed, Oct 27 (evening).  I don't want to do anything
typical or romantic like dinner and a movie.  I'd prefer something
more novel and entertaining that will still allow us to get to know
each other.
Thanks!

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Clarification of Question by mariss-ga on 20 Oct 2004 11:52 PDT

Actually, if you know of a place that has mechanical bull-riding, I'd
like to know...thanks.

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Request for Question Clarification by czh-ga on 20 Oct 2004 12:19 PDT

Hello mariss-ga,

It might be helpful if you could give us a little more information
about yourself and your date. I wonder if most people would find
"mechanical bull-riding" fun for a first date. How well do you know
your potential date's interests? How old are you? What attracted you
to each other? Thanks.

~ czh ~

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Clarification of Question by mariss-ga on 20 Oct 2004 16:24 PDT

We don't know each other very well, and that is why I would like to do
something fun that will still allow us to talk about each other.  He
is new to the area, so I offered to pick the venue.  Then I realized
that I am not very familiar with good "first date" spots because I
haven't dated in a while, and usually the guy makes this type of
decision.  I'm 26 and he's 28.  He leads a pretty active lifestyle
(biking, boating, etc), and he was the one who said he would like to
ride a mechanical bull.  I was attracted to the fact that he seems
respectful and direct.  I also like the fact that he is active and
adventurous.  Since I am just getting to know him and I don't know
much about his tastes, I thought I'd plan the date according to mine. 
I just don't want to do anything too romantic or trite.  I want us to
talk but also participate in some other activity together.

Hi Mariss-ga, You might find some interesting ideas in this previous
similar question: http://www.answers.google.com/answers/threadview?id=222639

If your guy likes country music, this sounds like a lively place:

"The Cancun Cantina seems like a natural place for young country
dancing enthusiasts to flock to, because you're literally in the
middle of it.

Country enthusiasm aside, Cancun Cantina is the ideal place to go if
you're sick of D.C. pretension or want to get away from the area but
have run out of vacation time. It's not just country western, it's
Daytona Beach, too. The two dance floors are huge, the crowd is young
and bikini-clad women serve beer.

The Cancun Cantina is also an ideal place to go if you like the
country aesthetic, but have no desire to boot scoot. Chances are, if
you're asked to dance and just don't feel like kicking up your heels,
you're potential partner will stick around to talk -- it's perfectly
acceptable to sit around the perimeter of the dance floor and watch
the pros put on a show.

There are free lessons Tuesday through Friday, 7:30 to 9." 

http://www.washingtonpost.com/ac2/wp-dyn?node=entertainment/profile&id=886527

If you want something active, find a climbing wall and go rock
climbing.  Lots of fun!

You could try Dave & Buster's up on Rockville Pike somewhere.  No
bullriding, from what I remember of my last visit, but lots of
physical arcade-type games -- shooting hoops, shooting aliens,
shooting anything that moves, riding cars, motorcycles, jet skis. 
Just make sure one of you brings a WAD of cash for the occasion.

Have fun, where ever you wind up.  

pafalafa-ga

Mariss --

Charter a light plane from one of the DC-area airports (Frederick,
Gaithersburg, College Park) and fly somewhere cool for the days, like
Ocean City, MD:
http://www.100dollarhamburger.com/n80.html

This site actually lists great places to fly by state, so you can
decide whether Harper's Ferry or Salisbury or Tangier Island (VA)
might be fun:
http://www.100dollarhamburger.com/

Best regards,

Omnivorous-GA