Ten Creative & Cheap Date Ideas
Like most young couples, my husband and I were strapped for cash when we were first married. It was depressing when most the marriage advice we heard was be sure to budget for a weekly date night. I felt the pressure to get all dolled up and have a lavish night on the town. Needless to say that wasn't in the budget, still we made time for a date almost every week. Dates are fun but they don’t have to be extravagant. Some of my fondest memories were during that time living in our no a/c, no heat, no dishwasher, no laundry, old downtown apartment. You can't buy love after all! Here are some the free/ frugal dates we have gone on. Hope the creativity helps!
1.) Check out your local parks-You may find a new favorite spot. If you live in NC you are in luck because there are tons of beautiful parks right outside your door. A few of my favorites are:
Ocheneechi Mountain- Hillsborough
Pullen Park-Raleigh
Eno River Mountain State Park-Durham
Lake Johnson- Raleigh
Lake Wheeler- Garner/Raleigh
Pilot Mountain- Mount Airy
Haw River Trails- Saxapahaw
2.) Check out Groupon. There are tons of local restaurants, breweries, wineries, classes, and getaways for half price. Right now there are a few brewery tours that are $20 for a couple with complimentary tasting and beer glasses.
3.)Museums- If you live in a city or near a city chances are there some fantastic museums near you. Lots of museums are free and most are low cost.
My Favorites:
Museum of Natural Sciences- Raleigh- Free
Museum of History- Raleigh - Free
North Carolina Museum of Art-Raleigh-Free
Museum of Life and Science- Durham $14
4.) Local Shows-
Most Cafes or Bars have amazing local talent playing nightly. Peruse around their websites and take a look for yourself. Most local shows have a door charge of $5 and lots are completely free.
5.) Movies can be expensive but do no have to be. Thankfully Raleigh & Graham have a two dollar theater. The theaters show movies that were recently released. Raleigh & Graham aren't the only cities with this option search dollar theater and I guarantee you will find one in or near your city. There is also an amazing website call Deal flicks offering tickets to current movie theaters for 50% with a free popcorn.
6.) Stay in and cook. Make a romantic evening of it. Dress your house in candles and cook your love their favorite meal. Grab a bottle of wine to go with it. Enjoy yourself!
7.) Coffee Shops-Ditch the awful coffee at Starbucks and go support a local business. There are plenty of cozy spots to snuggle in and enjoy a brew.
8.) Festivals-Festivals happen year around in every state. Most have free entry and some require a wrist band. Festivals offer loads of free entertainment from bbq festivals to blues music… you name it. Search them out in your area.
9.) Farmers Market/ Flea Market-Spend the morning or afternoon finding unique eats and treasures without spending a fortune.
10.) Day trips-Become a tourist of your state. Google interesting spots. Pretend you are visitor …what would you look for what would you do? If you live in this area pack some food and head to the beach of mountains for the day.
Have fun exploring. Adventures is out there!