7 unusual places to meet men

Puppy love

A dog can be a woman's best friend when it comes to meeting men. But don't take Fido for just any old walk. Take him to the local park for a more social stroll.

That way, while the pooch plays with his new pals, you can make a few of your own. Sex and the City featured the Madison Square Park dog run in New York City as a hotbed of single men.

DIY shop hook-ups

Home improvement chains offer plenty of man-meeting potential. An abundance of available guys roam the aisles for tools, fixtures, wood - and dates.

Debbie Mandel, author of Turn On Your Inner Light: Fitness for Body, Mind and Soul, explains: 'Men are looking for self-reliant women who can fix things and take some of the responsibility off them.'

High IQ x 2 = true love

Intellectual singles are increasingly meeting their high-IQ matches at events geared toward people looking to exercise their minds.

Amy K, author of Brain Brilliant Dating: The Secrets to a Mental Orgasm, says: 'Two people involved in an activity that mentally engages them will definitely generate sparks.'

Planes and trains (but no automobiles)

Airports are a hassle these days, but all that hustling and bustling can actually be a breeding ground for, well, breeding! It's even possible to bond over bad service.

Monica Hildebrand, a marketing executive, says: 'I met a great guy on an aeroplane travelling last autumn. I've also met quite a few interesting men while travelling on the train. It's all about attitude and a healthy dose of confidence.'

Music lovers

To quote Shakespeare: 'If music be the food of love, play on.' No wonder concerts are packed with male patrons.

A love of music brought Amy Tenner and her now husband to a record shop at the same moment. 'We bonded over Sting,' she says.

Cyber-networking

Online dating is more mainstream and advanced than ever, and it's even taking cool new strides with video chat. iVillage dating with Directdating.com now offers video of daters and instant messaging.