The best things in life may be free, but somewhere down the line dinner and a movie with your snuggle-bunny turned into a $120 event. If you want to save a few bucks while still making romance a priority, consider these cheap date ideas:
1. Meteor showers. Not that you need an excuse to stargaze, but in case you’re looking for one, meteor showers are the perfect opportunity to stare dreamily into the heavens. The newsworthiness can take out some of the mushy factor out of the experience and help make even the most stubborn guy game.
2. Hikes/walks. Strolling through the great outdoors is obvious but underutilized. Make it memorable by plotting a course by spots that have special meaning to you.
3. Picnics. Skipping the restaurant doesn’t come across as budget-conscious if it’s for a hand-packed feast with a view.
4. Restaurant weeks. Most major cities have restaurant weeks during which participating establishments offer prix fixe menus at discounted prices. You’ll be able to dine at that jaw-dropping hotspot without the jaw-dropping tab.
5. Happy hours. Some happy hour drink deals aren’t exactly bargains ($1 off a $15 margarita?), however others are genuine steals. Look in particular for all-you-can-drink or 2-for-1 specials. If you’re in NYC, try drinkdeal.com.
6. Beer brewery tours. Usually fascinating, these tours often include samples and only cost a few bucks-- if not none at all.
7. Art galleries. A slightly less stuffy take on the museum cliche.
8. Local music acts. Often the best concerts are the most intimate ones. Check out coffee shops and other small music venues for performances by local acts-- you just might discover the next Feist.
9. Sporting events. The pros will cost you a pretty penny, but the semi-pros and college crowd can be just as engrossing for much less dough.
10. College guest speakers. Your local institution of high learning invites all sorts of notables, and many of their events are open to the public.
11. Second-run movie theaters. These theaters play movies after they’ve finished running at the traditional theaters, so you can get the movie theater experience without the usual movie theater cost!
I’m going to look into meteor showers and college events. I do love cheap.