8 Great Dates (for $10 or less)
Average Rating: Not rated
[0 Comment]Remember those long walks, romantic dinners, and intimate conversations you had when you and your husband were falling in love? Now that you're married, it's easy to let lack of energy, time, or cash put romance on the back burner. But here are some fun ways you can't afford to miss to bring back the romance!
1. Dinner In The Park Date
Raid your refrigerator and put together a picnic basket of goodies. Then pull out your best dishes, crystal, silverware, tablecloth, linen napkins, candelabra, and CD player with your favorite CD. Dress up as though you're going to a five-star restaurant, then head for the park. Have your own black-tie affair under the stars. Cost: $2 or less for the price of gasoline.
2. Marriage History Date
Remember all those pictures, videos, and slides you've planned to organize one day? Now's the time! Spend this date revisiting your past. Buy an inexpensive scrapbook and catalog your memories. Memories of past good times can pull you together and give you hope for the future. Cost: $10.
3. Music Date
City symphonies often give free concerts in the summertime. Keep your eyes open for new artists. You may be among the first to hear a future great. Once, my husband, Dave, and I heard Garth Brooks at a local establishment before he was well-known. Check with area colleges for free concerts, or go to a coffee shop where a local musician is playing and have two cups of coffee. Talk while you enjoy the music. Cost: $8.25 for 2 grande mochas and biscottis.
4. Book/Video Date
Go to your local library and choose a book or book-on-tape you'd like to read or listen to together. Research a part of the world you'd like to visit. Or, check out a videotape of a romantic classic you watched while you were dating. Most libraries have free video rentals. Cost: $0.
5. Tourist Date
Pretend you're a tourist in your own town. Go to the Tourist Bureau and pick up free brochures about your area. Then, on a budget of $10, see what you can discover. Visit a museum or take a walking tour of the downtown area. Pack a snack and keep this date cheap. Cost: $10.
6. Parade of Homes Date
Each year I look forward to this date! For $5 each, Dave and I visit 3 different home developments and scope out the latest in home design. We fantasize about how we would decorate each house if it were ours. Check out your area. If you don't have a Parade of Homes, watch the papers for open houses. It's a great way to pick up new ideas and have fun! Cost: $10 for 2 tickets.
7. Lobby Date
Visit a plush local hotel and enjoy its lobby. Ask for brochuresand a peek at the bridal suite. Maybe you'll celebrate your 50th anniversary there! Have a cup of tea in the coffee shop. At the Peabody Hotel in Memphis, you can enjoy watching the ducks swimming in the indoor fountains. Cost: $8.95 for 2 cups of herbal tea and cookies.
Originally published in: Today's Christian Woman, 2000, July/August, Vol. 22, Issue 4, Page 44
Related Topics:
Dating, Marriage, Money, Romance
More from Claudia Arp:
Kyria.com | Books
Join the Kyria.com Community!
Become a member to have access to the following:
- Full access to the bimonthly Kyria digizine, each issue focusing on a spiritual discipline or theme
- 50 percent discount on all of the downloadable resources in the Kyria Store
- Hundreds of members-only articles for thoughtful, influential women
downloadable guides
Sabbath Rest in a World of Stress
Practical insights for how to live a life that honors the spirit of Sabbath-rest.The Mentoring Series: Nancy Ortberg
Discover leadership principles from a well-known author and respected leader.Browse More Guides





Average User Rating: Not rated
Rate & Comment on this article *