[Tupperpatr]

Take her ice skating at Leddy Park! It is winter, embrace it!! If neither of you know how to ice skate it will be even more fun. If you know how and she does not think of all the fun teaching her. Nothing breaks the ice (no pun intended) like shared laughter. Than go for hot chocolate and some amazing dessert at one of the nicer Church Street restaurants. Or check out what is going in the local arts. Flynn Space, St. Michaels Playhouse - get creative!! Go across the lake on the Grand Isle Ferry and have dinner in New York. Have fun!

[Tupperpatr]

I just checked the Flynn Space and here is what is there the 17th:
Feedforward explores the relationship between contemporary performance and athletic events. Neumann "is the smart joker of dance... feedforward is an elegant meditation from someone who knows well the power and the absurdities of sport, as well as the primal nature of its connection to an unmistakably American sense of the world. And yes, relax, it's wildly funny" (New York Times). Features music composed by Eve Beglarian.

[carolinajack]

go to church street, lots of real restaurants not applebees-uggh. lots of coffee places and real bookstores , you dont have to settle for chain stores

[Vermonr]

I agree with Sherylcatmom- try to scope out the girl a little more and see if she's the big-box store type of person or more adventurous/outdoorsy. A dinner at a place on Church Street and then a romantic walk would appeal to me more than applebee's, which you can get in any city. There used to be a lovely Japanese restaurant at the end of church street, by the fountains. Not sure if it's there anymore, but there are so many wonderful places to eat right on the street.

[chaz longue]

I agree with most of those who've weighed in: Go almost anywhere in Burlington, rather than to a shopping mall in South Burlington.

Burlington's made for walking. But walking from Applebee's to Barnes and Noble is almost impossible at night.

The suggestion of Leunigs is a great one. So's the idea of the show at Flynnspace. There's also a very nice little multi screen movie theatre a couple of blocks away.

You could also have a very nice time on the cheap: Start with hot tea at Dobra or coffee at Muddy Waters. Then try either Bueno y Sano or Boloco - both very comfortable burrito (etc) places. You could have a very nice meal in those places for $20...both of you. Then go hang out at Borders, catch a movie or see some live music at Nectars, Radio Bean or Red Square.

There are probably 100 places to eat in Burlington, and even walking around picking one can be pretty entertaining. Park in the city owned lots - the first 2 hours are free. Meters are easy to find too.

You might like to check 7 days for music and food listings, which includes a dining guide called 7 nights. Seven Days | Vermont's Independent Voice

Have fun!