Arnold is a small town in Texas, located approximately 100 miles East of Houston and 40 West of Beaumont. With a population of only 7,000, this sleepy little town is known as the Gateway to the East Texas Piney Woods. It is the perfect size for a romantic first date, where couples can explore the small-town atmosphere and enjoy the natural beauty of the surrounding area.
1. Arnold Parks and Places for a Walk on a First Date
One of the best places in Arnold for a first date is the Sam Houston National Forest, which is located only 20 miles away. Couples can take a leisurely stroll through the forest, where they can spot deer, wild hogs, and other wildlife. They can also visit the Big Creek Scenic Area, which has numerous trails for exploration. For a more urban experience, couples can take a romantic stroll around the picturesque Downtown Arnold, where they will find local shops, cafes, and restaurants.
2. Places for a Coffee Date in Arnold
For a more relaxed date, couples can grab a cup of coffee at one of the town’s many coffee shops. Calhoun’s Corner Cafe is a great spot for a coffee date, where couples can enjoy delicious baked goods and espresso drinks. They can also try the locally-owned Snappy’s Cafe for a unique coffee experience. Snappy’s serves specialty coffees and teas that are sure to please. There is also the Arnold Coffee Roastery, which serves a variety of single origin coffees as well as freshly roasted beans.
3. Arnold Galleries, Museums and Exhibitions to Visit on a Date
Couples looking to add a cultural element to their date can visit the Arnold art galleries and museums. The East Texas History Museum offers informative exhibits on the history and culture of the area, highlighting Native American and early settler life. The B.F. Arnolds Gallery exhibits the work of local artists, and couples can also visit the Taylor Gallery for more artwork. The Arnold Museum of Pecan History houses artifacts related to the town’s famous crop and the local pecan industry.
4. Live Music and Entertainment to Invite your Date to in Arnold
If couples are looking for a more lively date experience, they can take their date to one of Arnold’s local live music and entertainment venues. The Pine Valley Country Club offers live music every Friday night, and the Courthouse Pub hosts karaoke on Saturdays. The Bob White Theatre hosts a variety of performances, from plays to concerts to comedy shows. Couples can also take in a movie at the Arnold Cinema, which offers a wide selection of Hollywood films and locally produced independent films.
5. Arnold Pubs, Bars or Restaurants for a First Date Drink or Food
If couples are looking for a night out, they can stop by one of Arnold’s many pubs, bars, and restaurants. The Black Swan Tavern and Grill is a great spot for a casual dinner and drinks, while the Grandview Saloon is a great place to grab a craft beer or cocktail. For a more upscale experience, couples can visit the Emory’s Steakhouse, where they can enjoy a delicious steak dinner.
6. Other Date Ideas to Try in Arnold
There are plenty of other activities in Arnold for couples to enjoy on a first date. The Reynolds Nature Preserve is a great spot for a picnic lunch, while couples can also enjoy a leisurely canoe trip down the nearby Neches River. For a more active date, couples can go hiking on the trails of the Sam Houston National Forest. Couples who enjoy the outdoors can visit the nearby Caney Creek Lake, which offers fishing, boating, and swimming. Couples can also take a romantic horse-drawn carriage ride through Arnold.
