[Flumper Barflusterbutt]

Smart single person that you are, you know that attending parties, dating online, joining a group to brush up on an interest (be it wine-tasting or kayaking), and frequenting your local pub can all be ways to meet your match. But if you’re interested in trying something really new and different, consider some of these offbeat ways that single people are mixing and mingling these days across the country:

1. At spelling bees
One of the latest ideas for mingling and meeting a mate happens to be singles’ spelling bees, which have become quite a hit. Fueled by the popularity of books like Bee Season, documentaries like Spellbound, and even an off-Broadway hit, The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee.

For starters there’s an open bar for those who feel a martini could help calm their jitters. And the word categories — which include “uncomfortable things,” “band names,” and “mythological creatures”— show no one’s taking this competition too seriously.

2. While grocery shopping
Ever caught yourself checking out a whole lot more than your groceries while standing in line at the market—for example, that attractive individual standing in front of you? If so, you’re not alone. Recently Atlanta Whole Foods Market was voted the number one spot to “pick up a date” and “meet new people.”

3. While riding the rails (railroad, not the other rails)
Think your everyday commute is just about getting from here to there? Fifty-three percent of commuters are single men.

4. At a new kind of party
Ever met someone who’s good-looking, smart, sweet, a total catch... but just not for you? Of course you have. Maybe you’ve tried dating this person and it didn’t work out, or maybe your relationship has always been purely platonic. Somehow, at this point, you just know you two aren’t meant for each other, even though you’re certain that he or she will make someone very happy. Only who?

Thus the “date my friend” party was born—an increasingly popular option for singles who prefer to meet romantic interests through friends, but would rather do so at a party than a potentially awkward setup. Also called “Not for me” or “not date” parties, these soirées adhere to one simple rule: All guests must be single and are required to bring at least one single friend in tow. Unlike typical singles events, everyone at “date my friend” gatherings is handpicked, upping the odds for a love connection or two.

5. While cooking
If you believe the way to someone’s heart is through the stomach, you may be right. But here’s a new twist on the food-love equation: Several companies are betting that if you get single people together, teach them how to cook dinner — and let them enjoy the results together — you’ll do more than boost culinary skills. You may just heat up their love life, too.

In these classes, “students” learn to prepare a gourmet meal, then break bread with a new group of friends—and maybe a new mate.