When you have two little ones at home, date nights are few and far between. But they are so important for keeping your relationship fresh and fun.
We were lucky to have an awesome date night in CollegeTown – an emerging entertainment district in Tallahassee with retail, food and fun. While the area is near FSU and a hub for the college crowd, it is also a great option for couples and young families during the day and into the early evening.
I was able to get a taste of CollegeTown from visiting a salon and finding a date night outfit to drinks and dinner with my husband. I’m sharing my itinerary below in hopes of inspiring other young families and couples to plan their own date night!
Stop 1: BB Studios
My CollegeTown adventure began at BB Studios for one of my favorite pampering experiences — a blowout. What a treat.
The studio is SO adorable and frankly, Instagrammable. I absolutely loved the experience and Sage, my stylist, was incredibly sweet and talented. She washed and styled my hair with beachy waves. I also loved the “haze” product that added crazy volume to my roots!
BB Studios is a one stop shop from hair cut, color and style to a braid bar (coming back for a fish tail braid when my hair gets longer) to makeup, lashes, micro shading and airbrush tanning.
If you’re looking for a pamper session, a makeover or a fun place for a ladies night out, definitely check them out!
Stop 2: Tally + Fin Boutique
After a fresh blowout, it was time to pick a cute outfit for date night. Enter Tally + Fin, conveniently located next door.
To be honest, I was worried the boutique would be too college focused and I wouldn’t find something suitable for my age. But, I was totally proven wrong.
I actually joked with the owner that I’m not one for a crop top (especially after two babies), but the joke’s on me. I actually found a super cute and appropriate cropped white top that I paired with a perfect pair of high waisted ripped black jeans and the cutest Kendra Scott dupe earrings.
I added my own staple heels and black buttery leather jacket and honestly felt like a million bucks. I loved walking up to my hubby and watching his reaction. A good outfit always makes me feel extra happy.
If you’re looking for cute basics, really affordable good quality jewelry or a variety of holiday gifts, definitely give Tally + Fin a visit!
Stop 3: Centrale
Once I met my hubby, it was time to kick off our date night. I was so excited to have a kid free night to eat, drink, talk and laugh.
We started off the night at Centrale, a beautiful Italian restaurant with an amazing outdoor seating area. The weather was perfect and the people watching was also fun.
We tried two of the top drinks – The Milano Mule with Tito’s, a ginger-peppercorn house made syrup, Gosling’s ginger beer and fresh lime and an Amalfi Fizz with lemon, simple syrup and Prosecco.
The craft cocktails were paired perfectly with a decadent MadSo BLT dip pizza with the famous dip from next door as a base plus bacon, ricotta, mozzarella, cherry tomatoes and Parmesan. It was to DIE FOR! We each had a slice and took the rest home because it was so filling and amazing. We then enjoyed it for the next two days.
Stop 4: Little Masa
After an amazing happy hour, we crossed the street to Little Masa for an incredible line-up of Asian fusion cuisine.
We loved the fast casual set up…you order and pay at the counter and your food is delivered to your table.
The food was definitely full service restaurant quality. We started off with their fried calamari, which was thick and juicy. We then shared the drunken Udon noodle with chicken, followed by the yellowtail jalapeño platter and a rainbow roll. Holy WOW. We also enjoyed the Nigori Mango Sake and the Strawberry Homare Sake.
The verdict? CollegeTown is definitely not just for college kids and the food and entertainment is premium.
It was an incredible experience and we are excited to come back next time with the kiddos!
Ivette
Ivette Faulkner 