Maybe not everyone’s idea of a perfect date is a city council meeting and a stroll through the farmer’s market. Then again, I’m not everyone.

Thursday afternoon, some great friends kept our daughter while my husband and I attended our very first Hinesville City Council meeting. I was a little surprised at the small number of people in attendance. I assumed that in a city of this size, with so many businesses and organizations and so much development constantly happening, there would be far more than 30 people sitting in the city council chamber. I was wrong.

I’ll admit to expecting a long, boring meeting filled with overly political speak that went straight over my head. I was pleasantly surprised that I was wrong again. Although the meeting lasted about an hour and a half, it was interesting to hear about what was happening with the city firsthand.

In case you’re curious, the city website posts the minutes for the council meetings, along with the slides presented during the meeting. Typically, the council meets every first and third Thursday at 3 p.m. in the city hall. July will be a bit different with only one meeting on July 21.

After the council meeting, Josh and I walked through the farmer’s market and bought some great honey, harvested in Richmond Hill as well as some moist and delicious zucchini bread. After a stop into Uncommon Grounds to pick up a couple of mocha peanut butter ice rages, we called it good and made our way back to pick up Anastasia from our friends. I’m telling you, if you’re looking for a way to fill a Thursday afternoon, that’s the way to do it.

We had a blast, participated in the community and enjoyed some great tasting treats. We spent under $20, stayed in town and had more than two hours with just the two of us. Well, it was just the two of us, plus the city council, the other attendees and all the people at the farmer’s market and Uncommon Grounds. But we were spending time together without the baby, and it was rejuvenating. I look forward to many more Thursdays like it. Who knows — maybe we’ll see you at our next city council date.