Sacramento has great places for first dates: fabulous and unique restaurants in the Midtown area, fun shops and classy restaurants in Old Sacramento and beautiful parks for picnics – just to name a few. There are many options to choose from, which is why I’ve decided guys should check off certain areas on their lists when deciding where to take that special someone.

Hooters

Besides the terrible chicken wings, a major reason that could spoil your chances on a first date is the whole male-appealing theme of the restaurant. The restaurant surely screams for a guy’s night out just for the fact that burgers and beer are served by girls dressed in hideous orange spandex shorts and unappealing tank tops with “HOOTERS” written across them (not to mention the white tennis shoes and folded down socks that scream fashion mishap from the ’80s). Yes, Hooters is definitely tacky. If you want to make a lasting impression that is positive, stay as far away from Hooters as possible.

Centerfolds

If it’s not an all-male review show, then forget it. I know I would find it awkward if a topless girl was hanging all over the guy I’m trying to pursue. Girls find it insulting enough when their guys take a glimpse at another girl – to have one all over her guy on the first date is highly disrespectful.

Miller Park

Any park that shares a name with a beer can is just outright unclassy. There is just something about this park that doesn’t seem appealing. Rather than having a romantic picnic on dry grass while watching tree logs in the river, why not take your date out to William Land Park? You can sit by the duck pond or take a walk in the rose garden at McKinley Park, which looks its best in May.

Any sports or car show at Cal Expo

Don’t get me wrong – I like looking at nice cars; however, if it means looking at more than 10, you can count me out. If you want to talk about engines and rims, then take the guys. Personally, if I’m looking at a car that I know I wouldn’t be driving in the next five years, then I’m not interested.

A movie night at your place with any of the following movies: “The Heartbreak Kid,” “Rambo,” or any X-rated film

Movies that you think would intrigue comedy or adventure could spark awkwardness on a first date. You might like the gory scenes in Rambo, but she might find it offensive and disgusting. You might find the kinky scenes in comedic movies, like “The Heart Break Kid,” to be entertaining, but sometimes watching other people in awkward positions might spark awkward moments on a first date. And rated-X movies are just out of the question. If you pop one of these into your DVD player, you are just flat out asking her for sex and that is unacceptable on a first date – unless, of course, you are trying to pursue a one-night stand.

Anna Torres can be reached at [email protected].