The bar scene is commonly regarded as THE place for single people to meet other single people. However, smokey rooms, loud music, and standing room only don't always make the ideal environment for finding a relationship - or even a date. It's time to broaden your horizons and consider the potential of the following places for finding a date:

1. The grocery store: Imagine it - you reach for a melon, she reaches for a melon, your eyes lock...Okay, maybe that's not exactly how it's going to happen, but the market offers up many opportunities to strike up a conversation with someone who catches you eye. Ask for help reaching something on the top shelf, tap another's opinion on the best brand of barbeque sauce, or see if they happen to know how to tell when those tomatoes are ripe. Once you've started up a conversation, you're halfway to getting that date.
2. The DMV: Misery loves company...and standing in that long line at the DMV is misery. Find out what brought that cute guy in front of you to the DMV, crack a joke or two about the beauty of driver's license pictures, and see if you can meet up for coffee after wasting an afternoon in line.
3. Public transportation: Granted, some people like to be left alone on the bus, subway, or train. Flash a warm smile to that person you've been eyeing and if you get a smile back, that's your cue to take that empty seat next to him/her and strike up a conversation. Ask that person where they're headed (or where they've been) - you mind find out you work a block away, adore the same sidewalk cafe, or have a mutual friend. Plan to meet up at the same time (and same seat!) in the next few days to keep the conversation going - you're likely to meet outside of public transportation again too.
4. The men's department (for a woman) or women's department (for a man): A bit cliche, perhaps, but the opposite gender's section in a department store can be a great place to meet someone. Asking for another's opinion on a gift for a friend or family member is a great way to start a conversation. Take a shopping break at the mall food court to get to know each other better.
5. Bookstore: See someone in the same book genre you enjoy? You already know you have one thing in common! Strike up a conversation about the latest bestseller and compare notes about the genre's most talented authors. Then, check out local book signings or book readings for a great date you'll both enjoy.

These are just a few where to meet people examples of less typical places to find a date. Keep your eyes open around museums, sporting events, parks, and just about anywhere else you go - you never know what you might find! When you're online, check out thiscouldbehuge.com - you're sure to find singles at this online dating site!