The most romantic time of the year can also be one of the most expensive. It can be hard to toe the line between being budget-friendly and treating your date to a wonderful Valentine’s Day, but never fear – we have a few ideas for fun, romantic, and budget-conscious dates for you and your special someone to have a memorable V-Day without the hefty price tag.
Food trucks and a tour of the city
Food trucks are all the rage these days and it’s a great way to try new foods and support local businesses, all while skipping a big bill from a fancy restaurant. Afterwards, take a tour of your city by foot and see the sights from a perspective different to what you’d see in a car. You’ll likely find interesting details you’d miss otherwise!
A nature hike
It’s good for the soul to be one with nature – it can also be a pretty fun date! Whether you hit a real hiking trail or just take a stroll around a park, the great outdoors is a healthy and free date setting that will get your endorphins flowing and maybe even provide some wildlife sightings.
Local theater or comedy
Even if you’re nowhere near Broadway, you can still enjoy a great show at an even better price. Check your local newspapers or do a quick search online to see if any community theaters have shows running or are planning Valentine’s Day events. Plays and musicals not your thing? Comedy shows and open mics are a non-theatrical option that usually just cost a few bucks and provide awesome entertainment for your special night out.
Stargazing
A date for the true romantic. Especially fun if you live far from city lights, a night spent stargazing is a sweet and awe-inspiring way to spend Valentine’s Day. If you’re lucky, you’ll catch a shooting star or two, but no matter what you’ll be wowed by a great view of the night sky. There are even mobile apps to help you locate constellations and provide the names of stars – you’ll feel like a true astronomer.
Dinner party for 2
As we mentioned before, a nice dinner out can rack up a not-so-nice bill. Why not stay in? Pair up and cook a delicious meal with all of your favorite flavors, or treat a loved one to a surprise feast. Cooking at home is usually much cheaper, and the best part is – you don’t have to worry about a dress code.
… or do breakfast instead of dinner.
Flip tradition on its head and celebrate love in the morning rather than the evening. Just like making dinner, fixing a Valentine’s Day breakfast is a fun, delicious, and cost-conscious date option. Complete with heart-shaped pancakes, whipped cream, and sugar to spare, we love this sweet way to show your love while still in your pajamas. We can already smell the coffee.
Make your own movie theater
With the price of concessions, dealing with traffic and parking, and packed theaters, a night out at the movies can end up being expensive and stressful. Avoid the crowds and save a lot of cash by hosting your own movie night. You may not have the newest releases, but grab your old favorites, some popcorn, and a comfy couch and you have the makings of a perfect night in – plus, you can pause and rewind to your heart’s content.
