A first good date is a combination of romantic luck and a little bit of careful planning. And just like everything else, there are a plethora of apps to help plan an unforgettable day or evening out together, whether it's your first time going out together or your 1000th. Here are a few apps to plan for smooth sailing instead of choppy waters...
iOS
Poynt
I find this local search app a great way for discovering events or venues in any area. For example, Poynt can be useful for finding movie theaters, complete with times and listings (you'll have to decide what is a "perfect date movie). Restaurant listings also offer in-depth details based on cuisine type; you can click to call or even book a reservation. Other search criteria include live music, live theater, gallery exhibitions and more. Free
Available for Android and Windows Phone 7
What's Next
Should you hit an unfortunate snag or need to kill time, What's Next will show a myriad of activities according to your current location. The customizable search feature caters to any situation or personality using precise filters such as popular, adventurous or 'off the beaten path.' Maybe you'll discover something new in your city that was under your nose the whole time, providing an answer to the awkward pause of "what shall we do next?" Free
Android
Foodspotting
Foodspotting is a different dining app from Yelp or Urbanspoon. Rather than finding restaurants based on reviews, hours or prices, Foodspotting sniffs out which establishments serve the dishes you want to have prepared for your special night out by recognizing your dining preferences. The visual presentation also aids in making a mutual decision when picking a place to eat becomes the question of the evening. Free
Available for iOS and Windows Phone 7
Goby
Need some inspiration for an original date? Goby has 350 different categories, which may lead to some amazingly inventive options close by. Whether you're searching for a little art and culture such as galleries/jazz shows, or something that requires a little more activity, like hiking or yoga, Goby lists them. Maybe even make an activity checklist for the day together! Free
Available for iOS
Windows Phone 7
OpenTable
The easiest way to avoid the awkward situation of waiting for a table forever on a first date is to make reservations in advance (duh!). And since OpenTable is connected to 15,000 restaurants, you can make one from your mobile device even while on your date. Browse through the large library of eateries and get free, instant confirmations. Frequent OpenTable users can collect dining rewards points which can be redeemed for dining cheques later (compatible with restaurants that stand under the same OpenTable banner.) Free
Available for iOS and Android
Next2Me+
Next2Me is practical for researching venues or activities close by and uses Google, Yahoo, Bing, Yelp, and Wikipedia to display accurate information. Search through 30 different keywords to zone in on a restaurant, theater, bar, or other such activity, and get directions or even a phone number to call to make reservations. $1.50
(Images: 1. Jason Rodway, all others: as credited above. App in cover picture is Candle WP for Windows Phone 7)


Shaw's Original Fir...
And if you seriously needed any of these to plan out a date with me and then proceeded to be fiddling with your phone through half of said date I sure wouldn't agree to a second. Over-reliance on apps is a dealbreaker for me, then again I'm a weird one.
Hah! I thought I was scrolling down to see appetizer recipes for the perfect date.
Kayonyc, I did the same thing, then thought, "boy, they should get some vegetables on those plates to add some color."
As for the apps: they can be quite useful but phones should be turned off during a date.
@Chinadoll you can't get your rescue call if your phone is off!
You commenters are awesome!
Light a real candle.
DURING the main interaction times (eating, strolling, talking), of course the smart phone should be put away. But before and after, a smart phone is invaluable. It's also great for satisfying spontaneous cravings and desires. My boyfriend and I find Yelp and Flixter indispensable when we feel like having a spontaneous date out. Flixter is an awesome movie times/tickets app because it also tells you the Rotten Tomatoes rating for each movie.
However I do want to emphasize that I would be very unimpressed with a guy that did no Yelp (or other) research before the date and then proceeded to try and do it DURING the date instead of already knowing at least a good starting point for food/activities!
Great Post!
I would like to suggest another cool app called "Weesh" (disclosure- I'm the founder of this amazing product :)
Would be happy to get your feedback and help you break your routine :)
Enjoy!!
www.GetWeesh.com