Why I Used to Dread Halloween, But You Shouldn’t (Plus, 4 Great Date Ideas)

You might remember Serria Tawan from her stint as Playboy’s Miss November 2002. Now the former playmate is in her 30s, recently married, and ready to dish up some love advice. She says, “I want you to win and I’m going to give it to you straight.” Read more from her at serriasays.com, and check back here each Friday for her latest Dating Advice from a Playboy Bunny post.

“Damn the holidays!” When I was single, that’s what I thought as each holiday season crept around. Halloween would strike a little panic in my soul because I knew that Christmas — and the dreaded New Years — were right around the corner. (And now it feels like Christmas is here even faster because of the retail industry’s desire to make us start the holiday spending as soon as possible.)

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But, OK. Do me a favor: Don’t do what I did and panic, and don’t make plans to leave town or start committing to yet another holiday with your girlfriends/guy friends. Let’s make a plan to get you a Holiday love before Thanksgiving! The first step is to plan Halloween dates. (You know my philosophy by now: the more the better.)

My favorite dates during this time involve Pumpkin Patches, Amusement Parks, Seasonal-Themed Happy Hours, and walks in the park admiring the foliage. (Also, for my peeps who are price sensitive, these dates are also super cheap — but think Target, not Wal-Mart.)

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Pumpkin Patch

Bring your own spiced apple cider, spiked or virgin depending on your date. Your date will feel special to know that you thought about them and planned ahead. Go to Target for easy pumpkin carving kits. Bring a blanket, newspapers/plastic bags for the mess. You can usually buy popcorn or corn on the cob for a snack, then spend the afternoon carving your pumpkin and talking about your favorite memories of Halloween. Cost: This date should cost less than $20.

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Amusement Parks and Fairs

Seek a local, traveling amusement park with free admission. These places are fun because you can get hot dogs, funnel cakes and popcorn, ride the Ferris wheel and people watch. You should be able to sit on a bench and chat, or bring a blanket and small picnic snacks. Cost: A date like this will cost you less than $25.

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Happy Hour

If you follow me on twitter (@serriasays) you already know that my favorite LA Happy Hour is Lola’s Martini Bar. During the month of October they start their seasonal Pumpkin spiced Martini, which tastes like a pumpkin pie in a glass — it even has nutmeg! The lounge is decked out with couches, a living room and fireplace plus a pool table. I recommend getting to know your date on the couch but inviting him or her back, to kick their butt in a game of pool. (If you lose, blame it on the al-al-al-alcohol.) Cost: Try Yelp to find the best Happy Hours in your targeted area; if a drink costs more than $6, try another location.

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Park strolls

Again, preparation is the key but depending on your location you might be able to buy a hot dog outside or pack snacks. Find an interesting park with bridges, beautiful trees, benches etc.

This is the best part of the year in my opinion. I met my husband at a Playboy Halloween party and we had a great holiday season together. It’s not too late; you can do the same. Set the goal of going out at least twice a week with the intentions to meet new people. No excuses!

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The Bunny Tail (The bottom line, what you should do next):

Sit down and make a list of all the places where you can take a date for a good time that fits your budget. Yelp can help. Try to plan at least one activity for the weekday and one for the weekend. And remember, it’s not about how much you spend; it’s how cute and thoughtful you are towards your date!