The more you take on in your life the harder it can be to find quality time to connect with your loved one. Whether you’re busy caretaking and don’t even have time to sleep, or you both work long hours, sometimes all you have for date night is an hour. Here are a few ways you and your partner can use those 60 minutes for maximum romance and relaxation.

A bicycle (ride) built for two: Pedal to the nearest sunset for serious mood lighting

Especially if you work in an office, you may not have seen the sun all day. Take some time to connect with nature (and each other). It might be as simple as going on a walk or a bike ride around the neighborhood or to a nearby sunset-watching spot. Or grab a few of your favorite snacks and eat them picnic-style at a local park; bonus points if it’s the romantic Kelleher Rose Garden in the Back Bay Fens. If you’re not up for exercise, go for a scenic drive. For added fun and nostalgia, make a playlist of music from the year you met.

Photo: internationalposter.com

Art lovers: Check out vintage prints at the International Poster Gallery in SoWa

Instead of paying an entrance fee for 60 minutes at a museum, pop into a gallery to check out the latest show. Not only is this free, but you’ll get to check out some of the most avant-garde art in the city. To really shake things up, check out Boston’s SoWa neighborhood, or any of the other gallery-rich areas of the city, on the first Friday of every month. Galleries host openings with wine, cheese, and music. Plus, you might get a chance to meet the artist. Either way, it’s a great excuse to break out those stiletto booties that have been gathering dust in your closet.

Flirt with food: The old adage that “the way to someone’s heart is through their stomach” may have been onto something

Cook something totally impractical and fun just for the two of you. No meal prepping allowed! Roast marshmallows over the stove to make s’mores (use your favorite dark chocolate) and set up camp in the living room, or make gourmet popcorn to snack on while you catch up on your favorite Netflix series. If you’re not about cooking, play bartender. Try a seasonal cocktail with your favorite liquor or an unexpected wine pairing. Boston Harbor Distillery has a great list of drink recipes.

Sugar, sugar: Grab your sweetie and indulge in a couple of fine desserts

Hit up a nice restaurant for just dessert. It’s quicker and cheaper than dinner, plus, let’s be honest, it’ll be nice not to have to share with the kids or the dog. Mix it up by season with ice cream sundaes in the summer and lava cake in the winter, or try a place that’s known for its dessert. Never tried the Omni Parker House’s famous Boston cream pie? Now’s the time! (It was invented there, after all.) If you’re not into sweets go out for appetizers instead.

Now all you have to do is pick a date. Literally.