Planning goes a long way in any meeting scenario, and first dates are no exception. Plans help you to maintain an even grip on reality because they give you something to hang onto! But what are the best 5 first dates? Here are my thoughts (and don't forget to add your own thoughts in the forum!)

• Museums: If you're lucky enough to have a local art museum handy (with the kinds of work that you enjoy - not ones that make your brain split) consider meeting at a museum. Most have adjoining cafes where you can grab a quick bite, and then you can dive into the general splendor. Not only can you learn a little bit about their tastes, but art can be a great conversation spark.
• Park picnics: Lots of museums have gardens and parks nearby. Why not grab your favorite sack lunch (each bring your own or you can let one pack the whole thing) and head to the park? You can sit outside, enjoy the sunshine and people watch while you get to know each other.
  
• Go Play: Miniature golf courses can be a fun diversion from the norm and can break each of you enough out of your comfort zones to be a little silly and a little more yourselves. No one can take themselves seriously when trying to putt a ball into a windmill (and if you're with someone who IS doing that - maybe it's time to reconsider how competitive they are...).
  
• What's Your Favorite: One thing you can always do is EACH pick one place that you enjoy. The rules are simple -- you each pick one of your favorite places and you plan to spend 1 hour at each place. This can be a great way to break out of your comfort zone and learn something new, with the benefit of having an "old standby" during the day that you're already comfortable with.
  
• Get Festive: Do a little research and see if there's a festival or fair going on in the area that you could visit, or maybe even a Saturday morning farmer's market. When you have lots of things going on that are conversation starters, it can help compel the conversation if it hits a lull.

Always keep your first dates in line with who you are and they can be fabulous experiences!