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Seven Cheap Dates Worth Trying Out

30 December 2009 32 Comments

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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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32 Comments »

  • Derek said:

    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.
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  • Channing said:

    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

  • Tweets that mention Seven Cheap Dates Worth Trying Out | The Zen Capitalist -- Topsy.com said:

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  • zen said:

    @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.

  • Darlene Friar said:

    It will be the day when I find a guy that enjoys “The Sound of Music”. I love that movie.

  • Darlene Friar said:

    And Grease!

  • Weekly Wisdom: Creative Wealth Creation » The Online Investing AI Blog said:

    [...] You can be a great date… and have a cheap date. Check out Zen Capitalist’s post, Seven Cheap Dates Worth Trying Out. [...]

  • Alex Burda said:

    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.

  • Credit Girl said:

    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).
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  • display boards said:

    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.

  • server mail said:

    I think most girls would be expecting a kiss by the end of the second date, especially if they both went well. Maybe you are just being way to nice. You sound like you have nice guy syndrome.
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  • necklace said:

    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.

  • Yoga Retreats said:

    Friend I am big fan of your blog. like one of my colleage. i really like her and just want to invite her for dating ? how to ask / invite her and how to know whether she is interested in me.How to invite a gal for dating / how to know that she is interested in me.Thanks.

  • cheap website design said:

    I’m not talking about modern day love, i am talking about true love–the one which hurts your heart so dearly.I am asking because i have to write a poem that tells of real love, it has to be similar to Shakespeare’s style of writing!

  • India Travel Deal said:

    Friend I am large fan of your respective blog site. like amongst my colleage. i definitely like her and just wish to invite her for dating ? ways to request / invite her and the way to know whether or not she is enthusiastic about me.Tips on how to invite a gal for dating / how to know that she is serious about me.

  • Detectives Delhi said:

    Protect your wealth from the thief bernanke. He is looking to steal your wealth with his monetization.

  • cheap website design said:

    I have been having a go at internet dating to try and meet different guys. Also using personal ads. I always seem to get the same old problem guys will chat to me for hours online but trying to get them to meet up with me is like getting blood from a stone.Help me out you cute guys give me some tips for internet dating? Thanks

  • stag do said:

    My guy and I are both in college, so we basically have no money. What are some cheap date ideas? We live in Boerne, Texas (near San Antonio) if that helps at all… Thanks so much!

  • family holidays said:

    I am looking for Cheap fun dates to do with your boyfriend in a small town.I don’t actually live in the town that i work and he lives 20 miles from that one, so we dont really have a place to hang out when he comes to see me.what are some dates that a person could do with their boyfriend that is cheap and fun.Thanks

  • Restaurants In Karol Bagh said:

    Wow hot title “Seven Cheap Dates Worth Trying Out” thanks for it…@@@.

  • Detectives Delhi said:

    Wow hot title “Seven Cheap Dates Worth Trying Out” thanks for it…@@@.

  • Detectives Delhi said:

    Nice pic all is very impressive thanks for it…

  • Bully Pitbulls said:

    I don’t think the ballromm dancing lessons would be considered cheap.

  • employee id badges said:

    you guys can stay inside and watch movies with popcorn and end up having a popcorn fight. :) or…you could probably have a date in the park. go to a local park that you guys can hang out at. or go to a museum. some museums actually let you in for free ;have fun
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  • Solar electric said:

    Thanks for sharing above the dating ideas.I like the first one most and always eager to watch new movie with girlfriend.We together have lots of fun and enjoy every moment.Romantic and Comedy are our all time favorite…

  • stag do said:

    Interesting blog.thanks for this nice blog.it is very interesting.

  • Screen said:

    Thank you for this wonderful little hints! i think a date must not cost a lot, you show several ways to save money and also have a good time!!!

  • stag do said:

    In the same vein, there are also certain cheap flight fares in which the conditions state that you cannot stay away for more than thirty days if you want to avail of the reduced fare.

  • apartments in united states said:

    i would go for the happy hours, after all you should even consider your pocket sometimes!
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  • extractor fans kitchen said:

    None of those points, prove out to ipress any girl i’m sure.
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  • stag do said:

    These are really cheap date idea.I would go for happy hour.Thanks for sharing this nice blog.

  • Blinds said:

    Nice a pic I m impressed…….

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