Just because the weather is starting to cool off doesn't mean date night can't heat up. Fall is the perfect time to explore the city (especially with your boo by your side) + in this installment of our date night guide, we're going downtown.

These loaded fries come topped with vegan cheese, ranch, and bac'un. | Photo by CBUStoday

Dinner 🍽

4th & State, 152 E. State St.
Don't let the word vegan scare you away. This diner is far from the typical plant-based eatery as it features classic American fare like patty melts and loaded French fries — all made without animal products. We recommend the Vrunchwrap, a vegan take on Taco Bell's crunchwrap supreme with soy chorizo + Just Egg.

Pro tip: If you plan on driving, we recommend street parking near the stop light before 4th & State.

Spoonful Records also offers $5 bins every day of the week. | Photo via @spoonfulrecords

Activity 💿

Spoonful Records, 144 E. State St.
Instead of heading straight to drinks, make a quick pit stop next door for the newest location of this independently owned record store. Browse 100+ records, check out band-related merch like concert stickers, and discover new audio equipment like bluetooth speakers.

Pro tip: Spoonful offers Dollar Mondays where select bins of vinyls are just $1. Let the digging begin.

Sip back a beer on the patio before winter rolls in. | Photo via @goodwoodcolumbus

Drinks 🍻

Goodwood Brewing, 401 N. Front St.
Standing as one of the newest breweries in downtown, you'll find 20 beers on tap + eight different varieties of bourbon or rye. Not sure where to start? Try the TANJESUS, a tangerine wheat beer brewed in CBUS, or the Goodwood IPA, a citrus brew that packs a boozy punch. There's also the Goodwood Old Fashioned, which is made with Goodwood Rye that was distilled in a beer barrel.

Pro tip: Happy hour is from 3-6 p.m. on weekdays with discounts on draft beer, wine, house liquor, and select appetizers.