Whether
you’re single or married, date nights are fun things to add to your calendar.
But going out can make you shell out more than the budget allows. Instead of
banishing restaurant dinners for two, tweak your approach to ensure you work in
some date nights on a dime.
Going
to the movies can really add up with ticket prices and snacks. To catch those flicks without all the special
effects and need for enhanced theater sound, rent a one night romantic comedy for
less than $2, pop popcorn at home and add your own toppings, indulge in some
grocery store candy, and cozy up on your own couch at home.
Professional
sporting events off and away are fetching mega bucks per seat, and that doesn’t
include your travel expenses for the big game.
Look into your area options with high school teams and local pros in
sports like hockey and boxing for reasonable ticket prices and an entertaining
show. Support Valley athletes, and enjoy
a sporty night out. Keep an eye out for
other community events like plays and festivals for budget friendly ticket
prices as well.
Get
out and about by checking out a farmer’s market, market days, street fair, or
even a series of Saturday morning garage sales.
A daytime outing can be spent shopping and looking at local vendors’
wares or for a yard sale steal to makeover for a weekend project.
Pack
a picnic lunch and drive down to the Island for an afternoon on the beach. Beachgoers come from all over the nation to
the spot on the map we have right here at home.
Collect shells, build a sandcastle, and wile away the day relaxing
before you enjoy a gorgeous sunset over the bay.
Put
on some running shoes, carry a couple bottles of water, and head to a city park
or jogging path and work up a sweat with a walk or run for two. If you’re feeling adventurous, train in
tandem for a race or other athletic competition.
Go
back to feeling like a kid and show off some skills at a skating rink or
bowling alley. Take a long walk through the zoo and chat about your favorite
animals. Feel studious by walking
through a local museum of art or area history, discussing interesting topics
along the way.
Instead
of going out for coffee, brew your own at home, dress it up with syrups and
whipped topping, or simmer some hot cocoa and top with plenty of
marshmallows. Fill a couple of to-go
mugs and take a drive just the two of you.
Later in the season, spend time driving around looking at Christmas
lights and yard decorations after dark.
Choose
a new recipe together, shop for a few groceries, and try your hand at spending
some time in the kitchen for two.
Spending the time in preparation together can be as delicious as sharing
a specially prepared meal.
A date night doesn’t have
to be pricey or fancy (or even at night) to be a great time spent happily
together. Get creative and think inside
the budget for fun without breaking the bank.
DesignInMind column; appeared in the Valley Morning Star October 27th.
