To all my single and ready-to-mingle folks in Atlanta: It’s time you take control of your love life. An important step in doing that is to keep your options open by switching up your routine places to meet people. Whether you’re hoping to run into some new acquaintances or looking for a new, game-changing place to meet up with that online boo you scored through your favorite dating app (we recommend The One, which exists to serve black millennials), you’re probably sick of the same old song and dance that comes with swiping right, going to a bar, weeding through the sloppy patrons and trying to make real connections over the loud music and despite the urge you have to just laugh and dance with your friends.

If you’re looking for a solution to the same old crowd and the worn-out routine you’ve grown accustomed to, give one or more of these options a try:

Get coffee somewhere other than Starbucks

There are several standout coffee shops in Atlanta, but Condesa Coffee is special because not only is it a treat for a cup of joe, but it also serves craft beers, wine and cocktails. Think of this as the sophisticated, productive version of your average bar meet-up.

Visit the dog park

For some lighthearted fun, grab your pet and take them for a walk at Piedmont Park. Not only is there a great dog park with seasonal activities, but the Atlanta botanical garden is located at Piedmont as well.

Hop on a movie tour

Experience first-hand what it’s like to peek into this little slice of Hollywood. There are many successful shows filmed right here in Atlanta, and you can check out which are filmed where on this tour. Bond over your favorite shows and movies along the way, and let the information portion of the tour fill any awkward silences that might occur.

Tour the living walls

Take a trip around the city checking out all of the awesome street art created by locals who are looking to make simple run-of-the-mill walls pop. It’s a great chance to support local artists while you try to make the perfect connection of your own.

See the college football hall of fame

If you and your date are into sports, enjoy the College Football Hall of Fame and reflect on your favorite players from your respective teams. There’s no harm in a little friendly competition about whose alma mater has the most athletes inducted.

Explore the Georgia Aquarium

Who doesn’t love strolling through an aquarium, taking in the relaxing blue scenery and the calming waters? Atlanta has one of the best in the country, and although it might attract quite a few tourists, it still has a lot to offer, such as backstage tours and other seasonal events.

Appreciate the High Museum of Art

If the living walls weren’t enough for your art-loving souls or you just want to check out some more, the High Museum of Art is more traditional, but still full of innovative and expressive work, such as an exhibit called ‘The Rise of Sneaker Culture’ or ‘Tiovivo: Whimsical Sculptures by Jaime Hayon’ to indulge in.

Ride along on a bike tour

Get some exercise and view your city from a new point of view on a bike tour. Even if it seems like a tourist trap, there’s value in founding your relationships on healthy traditions.

See a major sporting event

Atlanta has professional football, baseball and basketball teams to offer. So, if you’re looking for someone who won’t oppose your favorite team, this is a good place to start.

Go to a ‘Wednesday Wind Down’ in Centennial Olympic Park

This event happens once a week from June to October, and allows for both local and national artists to perform for a loyal group of fans. Hear music from a variety of genres throughout the season.

Take your pick of festivals

There are a ridiculous amount of festivals to choose from in Atlanta. You might want to see rap legends at The Art of Rap festival when it comes through town or see the up-and-coming indie films at the Atlanta Underground Film Festival, but deciding on one of the many is a great chance to put yourself around people who share your same, very specific passions.

The choice is yours, but one thing’s for sure: Looking for love in the same places or letting your relationship grow stale because you simply can’t decide what to do on your next date is getting old. Venture outside the box!

*This post is sponsored by if(we), creators of The One, a mobile dating app created for black millennials. To meet your match, download the app on Android and iOS here.

places to meet people in Atlanta

Get relevant content delivered to you once a week