Try to compare yourself to a 90s boy band.
If you're ‘Nysnc and it's Friday night, then you probably (just, just, just) got paid.
If you're a Hopkins student then — let's be real — you probably finished a week of all-nighters and exams. The similarity?
It's still Friday night.
If pop culture has taught me anything, it's that Friday night is date night. And what is more classic than dinner and a movie?
Baltimore and the surrounding area have several big screen choices that are often hard to differentiate. I'm pretty lazy when it comes to date-like evenings, and I imagine after five straight days of flashcards and Powerpoints of lectures, you will be too.
So to combat laziness and create a perfect evening, I've provided various itineraries for your choosing.
Rotunda Cinemas
This is easy. So easy, in fact, that you can walk there.
Enjoy the brisk evening, the creepy full moon and your date's company. On Tuesday night (yeah, just ignore my "Friday is date night" theme for a second) you can even enjoy the $5 movie tickets.
Take caution, though, and allow yourself ample time to beat the crowds who also like cheap movies.
On any other day, you probably won't have any problems with crowds at the Rotunda. If you've got your walking boots on, then I would suggest strolling a bit further in Hampden.
Or you can take the purple line of the Blue Jay Shuttle. Get bread pudding for dessert at Café Hon, a Hangover Burger at Golden West, or some wine and cheese at 13.5 Wine Bar.
When you finally do make it to the theater, keep in mind that there is a Rite Aid and Giant in the same shopping center should you want to smuggle in some inexpensive movie candy.
The Charles Theatre
Go here for those Sundance darlings, off-the-beaten-track films or thank-God-for-the-subtitles movies.
Take the JHMI to Penn Station (ah, such a romantic form of transportation) and then walk here. The Charles is only one short block from Penn and right in between Tapas Teatro and Sofis Crepes.
Both restaurants have exactly what their names suggest (tapas and crepes) but crepes are a little easier to put in your purse if that's what you're looking for.
You can also head south of Penn instead and visit the more hip XS for sushi, cocktails or other standard 20-something fare.
Landmark's Harbor East Cinema
This is your best bet for variety.
Take the JHMI or Collegetown to Penn Station and then take the purple Charm City Circulator down to the Inner Harbor.
Harbor East is definitely the swankiest of the Baltimore movie theaters (definitely even more so since I saw a rat run across the front of the theater in the Charles). The chairs are soft and relaxing — an experience enhanced with an adult beverage from the bar.
Yes, that's right. At Landmark, you can have a booze-y viewing experience.
For dinner, you can pregame down at Fell's Point or get actual sustenance at Bertha's Mussels or Brick Oven Pizza.
Little Italy is also within walking distance of the theaters. Carb load for a night of heavy drinking and order a pasta dish, or you could take the more romantic route and go to Vacarro's for dessert.
The cannolis are more than filling, but the oversized gelato is perfect for two to share.
AMC Loews White Marsh 16
To be honest, the only thing I've ever been to in White Marsh other than the movies has been Ikea.
But to be even more honest, I would be pretty into a date that involved visiting Ikea and eating some Swedish Meatballs (not a euphemism).
Ever seen (500) Days of Summer? Recreate that date. And then go to the movies.
You will need a car to get here, but just think of it this way: you and your boo can have the happy ending that Joseph Gordon-Levitt and Zooey Deschanel never got.
Cinemark Egyptian 24 at Arundel Mills
If you think car rides are romantic, then take a long drive to Arundel Mills.
Yes, I am telling you to take your significant other to the mall. Flash back to the days where that was the most perfect place to go with your high school girlfriend.
Flash even further back to the days of yore and visit Medieval Times for a dinner of jousting and turkey legs.
If that doesn't say, "Gee, I'm glad to be on a date with you," then I don't know what does.
So, don't let another weekend pass you by without putting your smooth moves on that special someone.
With so many choices of both location and food around Baltimore, you have no excuse to stay in, grab Nolan's and watch a movie on your laptop with your significant other. Dinner and a movie became a go-to date for a reason.
Food is good, but getting felt up in a dark movie theater is even better.
