Best date night ideas: Mélange, Heggy's, ax throwing, go-karts, train ride, vinyl records

Date nights don't have to be routine − they can be unusual, a bit whacky, non-traditional.

What about ax-throwing, high-speed go-karts, vinyl records and watching a flick at a bygone movie house? Another idea is a romantic-themed train ride through the scenery of Cuyahoga Valley National Park while tasting wine or beer.

Or exploring downtown Canton on a Friday or Saturday night with fine dining followed by a stop at a board game bar or at a sleek, hip spot for craft cocktails like Rae's on Court or Starz?

For couples seeking fun and time together while stepping outside the norms, here are some suggestions:

Fine dining with Korean corn dogs, turtle soup, baked feta

Sure, fine dining isn't original, but it's tested and true for special occasions. And Canton and Massillon have some great upscale eateries.

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Mélange, 221 Market Ave. N, is downtown's new addition, with ties to the highly-rated Alexander Pierce in Akron.

Just standing outside the restaurant in front of the modern retro neon sign is treat enough. And inside there's a big city vibe.

Fancy also doesn't mean food can't be fun. Korean corn dogs are an appetizer. Featuring a Kobe beef frank covered with Korean corn batter, it's served with Gochujang ketchup and honey mustard. According to my teen daughter, a household authority on TikTok trends, Korean corn dogs, including those with wild, unexpected flavor combinations, are the rage.

More upscale is the charred octopus, which is accompanied by crisp pork belly, pineapple slaw and other enhancements. Main plates include an inventive take on pork tenderloin featuring guajillo chilis, coffee crust, aged cheddar grits and table side smoke.

The wine list is extensive and premium. Exclusive to Mélange is the Encore Lounge, open for dancing and drinking to restaurant diners and members of the Coat Room Lounge.

More:Review: Historic Bender's offers unique dining rich in flavor

There's also Bender's Tavern, as classic as you can get at 137 Court Ave. SW in downtown Canton.

Historic charm and architecture provide a bygone backdrop. Menu stars include turtle soup, which is made with wild Ohio snapping turtle, served with sherry and based on a 70-year-old recipe; walleye pickerel Camp Kagel style, a signature dish traced to old fishing trips; and a hallmark tomato appetizer so delish that celebrity chef Bobby Flay once ordered it twice.

Bender's serves seafood from the acclaimed Foley Fish in Massachusetts, including Eastern halibut, which is then coated with Ritz Cracker crumbs and butter and is melt-in-your-mouth delicious.

More:Upscale, memorable dining at Stone House in Massillon

Another prized restaurant is Social at the Stone House, 824 Lincoln Way E in Massillon, where gorgeous decor harmonizes with top-tier cooking.

Dining rooms are within a 4,000-square-foot Romanesque sandstone beauty dating to the 1800s.

Highly recommended is the baked feta appetizer, a combination of tomatoes, olives and rosemary baked with a block of feta and served with grilled focaccia bread.

Main course possibilities on a fusion menu include red wine-braised short rib sliders. A must-try is a side dish of jalapeño cream corn with Cajun butter.

Exploring downtown Canton

Downtown Canton is a gem worthy of a date night.

There's much to explore − restaurants, shops, boutiques, art galleries and cocktail bars.

Casual food options include Milestone board game bar, 312 Cleveland Ave. NW, where gourmet hot dogs are creatively topped with salami, secret sauce, Mexican street corn salad, kimchi, caraway sauerkraut, creamy peanut butter and hot honey drizzle − all in varied combinations.

Vegetarian options are also on the menu, and they even serve Lawson's Chip Dip, made with a 75-year-old recipe and the stuff of legend and mystique for Northeast Ohio residents over the age of 40.

Another go-to spot is George's Lounge, a staple on the bar and grub scene downtown since 1959.

Burgers deliver on their reputation. Made with grass-fed, locally-raised beef, popular burgers include the "Big Onesto" with a fried egg, crispy bacon and melted American cheese served between a toasted pretzel bun.

More:Can't beat the burgers, bites, prices at George's Lounge in downtown Canton

Hand-scooped shakes are also touted, including "Grannie's Dutch Apple Pie," maple cream, chocolate froth and creamy mocha. Adult beverages include wine, martinis, mules, cocktails, shots and coffee cocktails available in a plethora of recipes.

February's sandwich of the month features hand-breaded fried chicken breast (or opt for beef) topped with cream cheese icing, chocolate habanero sauce and fresh strawberries on a strawberry waffle. February's shake of the month is deluxe brownie.

Or wander over to one of the newer nightlife spots at Rae's on Court. The downstairs hot spot boasts character with exposed brick walls, as well as an extensive bourbon selection.

Fun, upbeat staff knowledgeable about cocktails is another hallmark of Rae's, 218 Court Ave. NW. Describing itself as a speakeasy lounge, Rae's also features live music and has Friday night karaoke. Rae's is one of the best additions to downtown in years.

Another hip hangout even newer on the scene is Starz, 111 Cleveland Ave. SW.

Serving food and craft cocktails, the restaurant and lounge has a festive vibe with friendly staff. A large stage also welcomes bands, including those playing R & B sounds of recent decades.

A house favorite is the Starz Ice Water, among the "Specialty Potions." Concoctions include the Red Dragon, Purple Rain and Strawberry Passion. The drink menu only hints at the ingredients while leaving most of the recipes a mystery.

Food is another highlight at Starz, including dynamite wings. Garlic parmesan are meaty and robustly flavorful. Hand-breaded and fried catfish and collard greens are also superb. Pizza is also served.

Ax throwing ... and yes, I said ax throwing

Want an outside the box date night? Try wrapping both hands around an ax handle and heaving the blade at a wooden target.

Such fun awaits you at All American Axe Throwing, 4125 Mahoning Road NE.

Not only is it a different date, but the ax-throwing lanes are located within a sprawling sports bar style setting. Lots of room, music, games to play, and a fully stocked bar from which to order beverages.

Ax-throwing sessions (one hour or two hours) are overseen by trained staff to ensure safety. Advance reservations are required at https://allamericanaxethrowing.com/. Hours are 6 p.m. to midnight Fridays and 4 p.m. to midnight Saturdays. Special bookings for parties of at least 10 players can be made outside normal business hours.

All American Ax Throwing also can be reached at (234)281-4012 or via email at operations@allamericanaxethrowing.com.

There's also an Akron location at 1282 Triplett Blvd.

Date night diner style at the beloved Heggy's

Forget a fancy dinner and high prices. Go retro at Heggy's Nut Shop and restaurant for a slice of nostalgic heaven at 3200 Tuscarawas St. W.

For many, the Stark County haunt recalls childhood memories of simpler times when a seat on a bar stool or in a booth was a rite of passage accompanied by sundaes topped with whipped creamed and Heggy's signature nuts.

Not much has changed over the decades. Stepping through the door is stepping into Canton's past brought forward. Varieties of nuts are stored behind a long showcase. So are chocolates and candy.

Homemade is the mantra at Heggy's, including caramel corn stirred and made fresh in batches. Ice cream is also made on site. And the burgers are made fresh and charred at the edges in the tradition of American diners. Even the mayonnaise is homemade.

And crispy fries are still served with the signature pat of butter (or up to five or six by some customers). Recommended is stabbing the butter with a fork and smearing the square over the hot fries. There's nothing like it in the world of spuds − eating ecstasy.

The need for speed? Check out this date night idea

These aren't your father's go-karts. Think "Speed Racer." Think cool.

Experience it at K1 Speed, 8373 Port Jackson Ave., an electric go-kart indoor track near the Akron-Canton Airport.

Go-karts reach speeds of 45 mph, and a large LED screen displays racer times. K1 Speed also can be reached at (330)526-6622.

More:Go-kart operator K1 Speed opens first Ohio location near Akron-Canton Airport

Watch a movie like it's 1926

Movie dates are nothing new, but what about watching a film in the historic Canton Palace Theatre?

The downtown landmark is unlike modern theaters. Architecture is exquisite and rich with character. A vintage Kilgen organ is played before the show, an entertaining substitute for movie trailers.

The organ player and instrument rise hydraulically from the stage as lights shine down, transporting you to what it was like when the venue opened in 1926.

Concessions are affordable and help fund the preservation of the grand lady of a theater. And the movie screen is massive, a fine way to watch both independent films and classics like "Purple Rain" or newer hits like "Top Gun: Maverick" and "Elvis."

The Palace is at 605 Market Ave. N at the northern edge of downtown. Call the 24-hour event hotline at (330)454-8171.

Take a national park train ride with wine or beer

Train rides through Cuyahoga Valley National Park are a treasure.

Rides vary on the Cuyahoga Valley Scenic Railroad, including ones ideal for couples during February with a Valentine's Day theme.

On Feb. 9, the railroad will host the Ales on Rails: Rhinegeist excursion featuring five beer samples, light appetizers and a take-home glass. The train departs at 7:30 p.m. from Rockside Station in Independence. Tickets range from $50 to $95 per person.

The Romantic Reds and Roses wine tasting train is a leisurely ride through the national park as you sample five wines paired with light appetizers. This excursion departs at 7:30 p.m. Feb. 16. To book the train, go to https://www.cvsr.org/valentines-day-at-cvsr or call 330-439-5708.

Unplug on a date night and spin vinyl

Vinyl records and date nights may seem like an odd combination, but for an offbeat, undigitized outing, turn up the volume.

For vinyl aficionados or even casual collectors, you can set up an outing with a trip to Erie St Vinyl in downtown Massillon as the centerpiece. Work in stops at Tremont Coffee, Benders Food & Spirits, Chloe's Diner, Downtownhecks Tap Room, Smitty's Steak & Ale, Top of the Viaduct Restaurant or Krackpots Comedy Club depending on the hour and day.

The shop at 46 Erie St. N is a jewel of a record store, harkening to the days predating digital downloading while stylized with a vibe unapologetically yesteryear with a modern spin.

Erie St Vinyl owner Sam Heaton is worth the trip alone. Peppy, fun, personable and passionate about vinyl records, she's always happy to talk music past and present. Used and new records fill a vast collection, from Gene Simmons to Taylor Swift, The B-52's to Nirvana and Al Green to Nas.

Reach Ed at 330-580-8315 and ebalint@gannett.com

On Twitter @ebalintREP

This article originally appeared on The Repository: Best date night ideas: Mélange, Heggy's, ax throwing, vinyl records