Seven Cheap Dates Worth Trying Out
1. Classic Movies
Many of you, especially if you’re around my age or younger, have not had the opportunity to enjoy some of the greatest movies of all time….. The Classics. These are the original films that made movies what they are today. No special effects… no big explosions…. just a great story and great acting. I’m talking about genre definers that blew away the industry upon release and still blow away people now like Psycho for horror, Casablanca for love stories, Sound of Music for musicals, or any of Charlie Chaplin’s silent films for comedy. If you are located in the San Francisco Bay Area, the old Stanford Theater built in the 1920’s boasts beautiful Art Deco Architecture and hosts replays of the classics almost everyday. And with tickets at $7 it’s a bargain compared to the $11-$12 tickets you have to pay for a newer movie. If you want to take it even older, the Essanay Silent Film Museum in Niles hosts silent film nights every Saturday at 7:30pm for $5 a person. Don’t worry, the films are not totally silent. A live pianist plays a soundtrack for the movies. My personal recommendation: watch the Charlie Chaplin flicks. It’s amazing how what was thought of as funny in the 1910’s is still funny now.
2. Happy Hours
This is a no brainer. 1/2 off food & appetizers, mixed drinks, and beer. Laugh, play, and flirt with your date… without breaking the bank.
3. Beginner Ballroom Dancing Lessons
Many clubs, ballrooms, and even colleges will advertise about free beginner lessons and you can learn anything from SALSA to CHA CHA to any ballroom dance. It’s a great way to get close to your date, while flaunting your adventurous and willingness to learn side =).
4. Volunteering
What a better way to help out those less fortunate, than to make a date out of it and what’s best about it, is that it only costs you your time. Websites like http://www.volunteermatch.org/ are great at finding you a volunteering event that interests you. For even better results, find an event that interests your date!
5. Wine Tasting
There are so many wineries out there it’s hard to pick one to give your hard earned cash to. Well, make it easy on yourself and pick the ones that offer you free wine tasting. Since there are so many wineries, many up and coming wineries will give away their tastings just to get their name out there and to get people drinking their wine. Look up the free tasting wineries before you leave. Many of these wineries are not located in wine country.
6. Street and Art & Wine Festivals
Take a casual stroll through booths setup on the street and admire the many works of local artists. It’s interesting to find out what your date likes and sees as inspiration. Show them you are paying attention by showing them something you think they’ll like. Many of these festivals will also host a live band or other free entertainment.
7. Home Cooked Pasta Meal
My personal favorite is pesto pasta. Plant a basil plant in your kitchen or backyard in the spring. They flourish easily and whenever you need a home cooked meal date, grab some basil leaves, Parmesan cheese, pine nuts or walnuts, garlic and olive oil and blend it well. Toss it over your favorite pasta and you’ll look like the culinary experts on TV. For an added effect, narrate your actions while your date watches… make sure to call the Extra Virgin Olive Oil EVOO like Rachel Ray! =)
Photo Credit: Jane Rahman (Glitter Feet)
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I have always been a fan of picnics. Pack your own food/beverages and head out to a park. I usually plan it to be near a few short hiking trails for a quiet walk afterward.
Derek´s last blog ..New Years Party on a Budget
Home cooked pasta meals never fail for me. I love it when my boyfriend cooks. It’s more so because of the gesture that makes it so romantic. And if you can’t make pasta, then you’re hopeless! =D
[...] This post was mentioned on Twitter by Money Power, Zen Capitalist. Zen Capitalist said: Been on a date recently? Here's some great ideas worth checking out get your mojo going. http://bit.ly/5lsrrL [...]
@Derek: You’re right on picnics. A classic idea in itself but nobody seems to do those nowadays. Sometimes the best ideas are doing it “old school”.
@Channing: Seriously! If you can’t make Pasta, then you’re hopeless. haha
This article was written but one of our new staff writers “DLorenzo”. He’s a good friend of mine that knows his stuff when it comes to “social dynamics”. If you enjoy my strange corny style of writing, I’m sure you’ll enjoy his work. I’ll have a bio up on the site soon.
It will be the day when I find a guy that enjoys “The Sound of Music”. I love that movie.
And Grease!
[...] You can be a great date… and have a cheap date. Check out Zen Capitalist’s post, Seven Cheap Dates Worth Trying Out. [...]
HI…..I think home cooked food is more better then any thing which is made by dedicate and include love in it and passion i think this will make your date most romantic.
I liked most of these ideas. The only one that didn’t really appeal was volunteering. That could be a good idea, but definitely not for a first date I think.
Good places to volunteer though could include the Humane Society (pet some cats and walk some dogs), Habitat for Humanity (learn how to build a house), library (read some books, watch some movies, etc.), or maybe even volunteering for Big Brothers Big Sisters (helping little kids out by acting like their older sibling).
Credit Girl´s last blog ..Creating Balance for Financial Security
The other thing to keep in mind is that racial stereotyping and bigotry on ALL sides is still alive and well. You will face many challenges that other couples dating within their own race, culture, ethnic and faith backgrounds do not have to deal with, but each love that matures into a loving and fulfilling relationship brings all of us closer to a more loving world.
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