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Creative Date Ideas in SF: For the Lazy, For the Fun, and For the Active

July 17, 2013/in SF /by Guest Blogger

The following article is a guest post, courtesy of Catherine Nguyen

Hey SF Bagels,
Although summer in SF isn’t exactly 85 degrees and sunshine, we got 3 creative date ideas in SF for how to make the most of the great outdoors and the (lack thereof) of sunshine.

For the Lazy: Beach it Out
If you’re feeling lazy and want to soak up some rays for a hot summer tan, take your date out to a nearby beach!
The Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk offers lots of live entertainment, fun rides, and of course funnel cakes to fulfill your every beach desire. Only an hour away, Santa Cruz is always bustling with sunny weather and good eats nearby.

Of course, if you’re feeling even more lazy and don’t want to make the commute, the Pacific Ocean is right around the corner. Check out Bakers’ Beach off the Presidio western shoreline, where you can get a spectacular view of the Golden Gate Bridge.
Pro tip: the northern section of Baker Beach is arguably “frequented by clothing-optional sunbathers” or in other words, may be a nude beach, so be prepared (or not).

For the Fun: Bike Around the City
If you’re feeling adventurously fun, rent a bike for the day and hit up one of SF’s many bike trails for a scenic and romantic ride away.
We personally recommend the Golden Gate Bridge to Sausalito bike route. Starting from Fort Mason, this route crosses the Golden Gate Bridge, where you can make a pit stop in Sausalito, a gorgeous waterfront, urban town. Rent your bike from Blazing Saddles where they have locations in both SF and Sausalito, so if your adventurous-ness wears out, you can ride the ferry back to Pier 41.

Still feeling wary? Use SF Bicycle Coalition to plan your next trip safely and soundly!

For the Active: Hiking
You can easily find that picture-perfect view of San Francisco along the many trails of the Marin Headlands. What’s also great about hiking here is that some of the trails lead to Kirby Cove, which is another beach with a spectacular view of the Golden Gate Bridge.
But if you’re looking for more of a nature trail check out the Muir Woods National Monument. This destination is surrounded by tall redwood trees, and the trails are divided by how long they take to complete (i.e. half an hour or one hour).

Only at the Marin Headlands can you get a spectacular view of the Golden Gate Bridge and San Francisco.

3 Spots for a Fireworks-Filled 4th of July in Chicago

July 3, 2013/in Chicago /by Guest Blogger

The following article is a guest post, courtesy of Catherine Nguyen

Still finalizing your fireworks plans for your 4th of July in Chicago? Don’t sweat it (literally), we rated these 3 spots the best for Chicago regulars like yourself to check out!
3-D Fireworks
Yup, you heard us right. The Skokie Park District will be kicking off the 4th of July celebrations with a spectacular 3-D Fireworks Fest at dusk. The first 10,000 people will receive a free pair of 3-D glasses, starting at 5pm. There will also be food, drinks, and family games available to kill time. All the more reason to go early!

Apparently this is what it looks like from 3-D glasses, but don’t take our word for it.

If you don’t have plans during the day, the Skokie Park District will also be having a parade at noon, featuring marching bands, tumblrs, live animals, drill teams, vintage automobiles, and more! Why wait till nighttime to celebrate?
What: Skokie Part District’s 4th of July Celebration (Parade, Entertainment & 3-D Fireworks)
Where: Parade starts at Skokie Boulevard; Fireworks will be launched at Niles West High School
When: Wednesday, July 4th – parade @ noon, fest @ 5pm, fireworks @ dusk

Musical Extravaganza & Lakefront Fireworks
The Evanston 4th of July Association will be hosting a musical fireworks extravaganza to the radio station 90.5 FM that can be viewed from any part of the lakefront area east of Downtown Evanston.

Evanston’s 4th of July celebrations also start early, with a parade at 2pm off Central Street, and a band concert at 7:30pm at the Dawes Park Lagoon. Enjoy your day off with all the festivities they have to offer!
What: Evanston 4th of July Association (Parade, Band Concert & Musical Fireworks)
Where: Parade starts at Central Street; Band Concert will be held at Dawes Park Lagoon; Fireworks will be launched from Clark Street Beach
When: Wednesday, July 4th – parade @ 2pm, band concert @ 7:30pm, fireworks @ 9pm

Rib-tastic Fireworks
Watch the fireworks with a delicious plate of ribs from the best rib vendors around at the Naperville Exchange Club’s Ribfest. Although the Ribfest is ongoing from July 3rd to 7th, you can have free entry to the fireworks show at 7:30pm. Enjoy the fireworks to the 95.9 FM “The River” radio station and nom along to the show with delicious ribs!

What: Naperville Ribfest 2013
Where: Knoch Park, 700 S. West St.
When: Wednesday, July 4th – Entry @ 7:30pm; Fireworks @ 9:30pm

4 Ways to Watch the Boston Pop Fireworks Spectacular

June 28, 2013/in Boston /by Guest Blogger

The following article is a guest post, courtesy of Catherine Nguyen

Although the Boston Pop Fireworks Spectacular won’t be televised nationally this year, it’s all the more reason for you to get off your couch and watch the fireworks live! Check out these 4 ways to catch the sparkles live for a romantic 4th of July in Boston.
Best Way to Actually Attend
This famous Boston affair will be launched at 10:30pm over the Charles River. If you’re looking to catch the actual Pop performance, the Oval seating area in front of the Hatch Shell opens at 4pm on July 3rd and 9am on July 4th. Come decked out in your best red, white & blue gear, as this affair can get really patriotic.

Most Low-Key
If you want to watch just the fireworks, the best spots are typically on the Longfellow or Harvard bridges. Pack your picnic basket and head over there early, as these popular hot spots tend to fill up fast.

Most Romantic & Intimate
Looking for something a bit more intimate to catch the Pop performance? Reserve you and your date a spot at the Top of the Hub for a dressier, high-rise experience of Boston’s fireworks.

Most Comfortable
If you really want to cozy up in your sweats and watch it from the couch, then check out our recent post on how to throw a fun 4th of July party in your own home. Thankfully the Boston Pop Fireworks will be televised locally, so Bostonians aren’t missing out from the comforts of their home. Might as well go out with a bang!

A 4th of July in DC, Fireworks-Edition

June 28, 2013/in DC /by Guest Blogger

The following article is a guest post, courtesy of Catherine Nguyen

Hey DC Bagels,
If you’re willing to brave the crowds this Independence Day, check out these 3 great date spots for a patriotic, fireworks-filled 4th of July in DC!
1. Most Popular Spot – National Mall Fireworks
Pack your picnic blanket & basket, and break out the lawn chairs & glow sticks. This location is notoriously a patriotic experience in and of itself, so check it out if you’re new to DC this summer. Fireworks will be launched from the reflecting pool area at 9:10pm.

More Low-key Spots to Catch the Mall Fireworks
Pro Tip: If you’re looking for a more low-key spot, check out the hill below the Navy Annex at the end of Columbia Pike, looking down at the Pentagon.
Pro Tip 2.0: Another low-key spot frequented by the locals is Cardoza High School, located at 1300 Clifton Street, where there is a large hill with a perfect view of the National Mall.

2. Fireworks & Entertainment – A Capitol Fourth Concert
If you’re looking for something more than fireworks, check out the Capitol Fourth Concert at the West Lawn of the U.S. Capitol. Hosted by favorite TV-personality & “Dancing with the Stars” host Tom Bergeron, this concert will feature a live concert by the National Symphony Orchestra, Darren Criss from “Glee,” Megan Hilty from “Smash,” and other musical artists. Entirely free & doors open at 3pm!

Watch Megan Hilty work it on the front stage!

3. Rooftop View & Drinks – Rock & Roll Hotel DC
Hit up the Rock & Roll Hotel DC on July 4th for a “Freedom Jams! A Celebration of American Made Party Music” party with a live DJ, crazy patriotism, and deals on beer! With an outdoor bar you’ll have a perfect view of the fireworks coming out from the Mall and awesome drinks to accompany. The bar is conveniently located on 1353 H Street, NE and admission is free!

Pregame 4th of July in DC with 3 Great Date Ideas

June 28, 2013/in DC /by Guest Blogger

The following article is a guest post, courtesy of Catherine Nguyen

With expectations for patriotism at an all-time high in ‘Murica’s Capitol, it’s either go big or go home this 4th of July in DC. That’s why we came up with 3 great date ideas to fill up your day before the firework celebration at night! They’re all conveniently located so you can turn your daytime date into a nighttime show.
1. Embrace Folklife: Check out Smithsonian Folklife Festival, a free outdoor festival held in National Mall, from July 3-7 (post-game July 4th anyone?) by the Smithsonian Museum, celebrating diversity & tradition through arts & crafts, music & performances, and of course yummy ethnic cuisines!

What: Smithsonian Folklife Festival
Where: National Mall, Washington, D.C.
When: Wednesday, July 3 – Sunday, July 7 @ 11am to 5:30pm

2. The Night Before: Who says you can’t start July 4th celebrations early? Party it up with the Midtown Liberty Bar Tour on the evening of July 3 in Dupont Circle, where your ticket will contribute to Team USO in support of America’s Troops & their families. Bar-hop around DC’s best 20+ bars, featuring $2 Coors Light & $3 Blue Moon specials, patriotic food specials, & fun giveaways!

Can’t go wrong with Red, White & Blue gear in America’s most patriotic city.

What: Midtown Liberty Bar
Where: Dupont Circle, 1716 I St. NW
When: Wednesday, July 3 @ 5pm to 10pm

3. Get Cultured on the day of with DC museums. The Smithsonian Institution, the National Gallery of Art, the International Spy Museum, Newseum, Corcoran Gallery of Art, The Presidents Gallery by Madame Tussauds and many more will be open for viewing on Independence Day. Whether you’re culturally curious or in need of a quick AC break on this hot DC day, the DC museums will be open for all!

What: DC Museum Hoppin’
Where: Along Independence Ave (see map above)
When: July 4, all day!

Get your Profile in Shape for Pride!

June 26, 2013/in Date Stats /by Guest Blogger

So DOMA was just ruled unconstitutional and it’s Pride Weekend in cities across the country! In other words, it’s time to celebrate and I can’t think of a better way than to go on a date with an awesome Bagel. (And hey, if it works out then maybe marriage isn’t too far off! But no pressure!)

To help you connect with your dream Bagel, we took a look at data from our members to see just exactly what gets your Bagels to “LIKE” you!

First of all, let’s understand your chances of being LIKED by your Bagels in general.

On avg. gay men and women LIKE their Bagels 25% and 19% of the time. This is slightly lower than their straight counterparts who LIKE their Bagels 27% and 21% respectively. Looks like our gay members hold their bagels to a higher standard!

Given that you only have a 1 out of 4 chance of being LIKED, it’s important to understand what is making your Bagels PASS on you so you can avoid it!
So, what are the top 3 reasons why our gay members PASS on their Bagels?
Gay Men

1. Looks (72.1%)

2. No common interest (11.1%)

3. Picture quality (8.5%)

Gay Women

1. Looks (68.5%)

2. Lack of info (13.9%)

3. No common interest (9.6%)

Not surprisingly, Looks was the #1 reason for the majority of PASSES.
For gay men, Picture Quality was the #3 reason. You know what this means! You need GREAT PHOTOS! (Tip: Great photos consist of 3: a clear face shot, a full body shot, and an activity photo)
For gay women, lack of info & no common interests were big causes for PASSES (reasons #2 and #3) so make sure to beef up your profiles and let the ladies know WHO you are!
For fun, we compared PASS data between straight & gay members. Here are some fun factoids we found:
1. Looks matter! Straight men care the most about looks and straight women, the least.