By Cindy Pearlman

Celebrities can have the most luxurious dates of anyone, right? They get into the trendiest clubs; they can afford the swankiest restaurants or jet off to the most gorgeous spots around the globe. But when you ask them what makes some couple-time really wonderful, you’d be quite surprised by their answers. Listen to what these stars had to say when we posed the question.

Flower power
“I remember going on a picnic in a big open field and my date picked some wild flowers and gave them to me. It was just so pure and romantic.”
—Drew Barrymore

Beach babe
“One of our best dates was this incredible walk on the beach at sunset. I can still see the look on Melanie’s face as the sun was going down and she had this happy smile.”
—Antonio Banderas[$MSN.ARTICLE.CTALINKS$]Film fans
“Gwen [Stefani] and I have the best date nights in our own house. We just sit on the couch close together on a Saturday night and watch movies. We’ll also go see a film like Sideways and just hold hands. Those are perfect romantic nights.”
—Gavin Rossdale

Crazy about the classics
“There’s nothing like having your man come home with flowers and then take you out for a candlelight dinner—just the two of you.”
—Carmen Electra

Dog days
“There is nothing more romantic on a date to me than someone who wants to just go with me to a park to walk my dog. You have the setting sun and the dog is happy. Plus, dogs are a great judge of character!”
—Alicia Silverstone

Passion, please
“The best date is with someone who has a passion for life. Someone who is good and honest. And someone who doesn’t take himself so seriously.”
—Brittany Murphy

Nature lover
“Let me just say that it’s very romantic when you wake up in the morning after spending the night in an Airstream trailer. The birds are singing. Deer are outside your door and your backyard is as big as you want it to be.”
—Matthew McConaughey

Hug therapy
“I like to have dates with my wife. I might do a candlelight dinner that’s prepared for her when she gets home. I’m not overly romantic, but I love being close. I’ll bring my wife to sit on my lap. That’s the most romantic moment in the world. It really sets a mood when you hug someone for fifteen seconds. You can feel the love.”
—LL Cool J

Cindy Pearlman is a nationally syndicated entertainment writer. Her column The Big Picture can be found at www.chicagosuntimes.com.