Inexpensive Dates for Tough Times

In this recession, so much of what we used to enjoy goes by the wayside, and that includes dating. Especially for those in a long-term relationship, having romantic time together can often be tossed aside in an effort to save money. While practical, it can be dangerous for your relationship.

But wait! Who says that dating has to be an expensive affair? Sure, going out for dinner and a movie is going to take a chunk out of your wallet, but using a little creativity you can create inexpensive dates that are fun and romantic. The following are ten cheap dates that will impress any significant other. Take these dates and run with them, creating our own inexpensive personal touches! Your significant other will surely be impressed.

1. Minor league baseball - Most cities have at least one minor league sports team. While, yes, you and your date won't be watching A-Rod, you will get to see potential up and coming star athletes, and players who are trying desperately to impress major league teams with their skills. And let's face it, a game is a game right? And when you're on a date, you're not focusing on the field as much as canoodling and sharing a hot dog. You can also get some really great seats for amateur hockey and college basketball for a song.

2. U-picking fruits - Okay, with this one you have to pay for the fruit, but the bounty of spending the day together at a local farm will cost approximately the price of a fancy dinner. Luckily, you can enjoy the fruit for weeks (if you freeze it), and you get to enjoy a less tense and more inventive atmosphere.

3. Walk and a picnic - This is just the type of romantic stuff that people in love go gaga for. Picnicing is as cheap as you make it; you can pack some wine and cheese, or some lemonade and cookies. You can even pack a whole meal, and avoid the overpriced dinner you would have gone out to, along with the lines and snooty waiters. Just choose a romantic walk, be it through the woods to a clearing or down the streets of a cute neighborhood to a park. Tip: to extend this possibility into fall and maybe even winter, pack a thermos of hot cocoa.

4. Just desserts - So you wan to get dressed up and have someone else wait on you? Fine, go out for a nice dessert instead of a full meal. You can do a new boutique restaurant much cheaper. Double points if you hit up a BYOB, so you can control the cost of our wine.

5. Tour a brewery - Really, tour any sort of factory. Most manufacturers who are open to tours offer them free or extremely cheap. This usually involves a fun lesson and a free sample of a product. Finding out our sweeties favorite locally made ware and touring the factory would be super romantic. I personally suggest beer because it involves tasting a few different varieties, and that can really get the love flowing.

6. Thrift store - shopping at a thrift store is fun, especially when you are trying on weird clothing items or thinking of uses for seventies kitchenware. Even if you purchase something, it will be inexpensive and a reminder of a fun day.

7. Visit an art gallery - Many cities have open gallery days once a month or so. Find out when yours is and go check out some new art. You may even be treated to some complimentary wine and cheese.

8. Ice skating - Ice skating is a romantic feature in many stupid movies. It also costs less than ten dollars. This one is a win-win.

9. Local bands - Local music can range from free to $10 a ticket. Search Myspace for bands in your area or ask around to see if your friends or coworkers have any recommendations. If you find someone you like, go to their next show and check them out.

10. Have you tried talking? - Talking is pretty romantic if you're serious about this whole dating thing. You can do it at home on your couch even. Maybe warm up with a board game or something, and then--try talking. You will really enjoy it.