I think the first date should be simple and some where you both can talk, a walk in the park or drinks sounds good to me.

My first date strategy is to do something that will be fun whether we end up hitting it off or not. For me, this does not include "coffee dates!" My favorite first date has a mandatory first part and an optional second part if things are going well and we're hitting it off. The first part requires a sunny day (not so hard to get right now in drought-stricken Northern California!) for a lovely walk at the Berkeley Marina in Cesar Chavez park. The loop is approximately one mile and includes general waterfront as well as SF city views. The optional second part requires mutual attraction and the desire to talk more and have a snack and a beverage. After the lovely walk, retire to one of the nice restaurants at the marina: Skates by the Bay or Hs Lordships. Order some yummy appetizers and beverages of choice, continue getting to know one another and enjoy!

First date should be casual and comfortable. Meeting for Tea (I am not a coffee drinker), light lunch, walk on a nice long trail through a park, beach or by a lake. This should give us time to begin to get to know each other.

I would treat the first date like an orientation, see if we are a match and then we can see what kind of date to have.

How does meeting at a certain bench on the Hampton Beach (NH) boardwark on a beautiful summer evening sound? ... a little walk on the beach.... maybe a quick bite at a local seafood stand. Seems like a nice way to meet and get to know a little bit about each other.

For a first meeting a talk at a coffee shop would be great. Or appetizers at a restaurant. For a first date I really enjoy going out to dinner and maybe taking a walk together afterward.