twelve cheap dates
I think the reason I've been married for 19 years is because I make sure we go on dates as often as possible. I make sure we make time for us. Not us plus three, but the us that made this family. I know it can be hard for couples to find the time for one another in the middle of life, but I think it would be a lot harder to be a family if we weren't so madly in love with one another. Dates help fuel the passion that makes our family run.
Cheap dates are a must. I don't think we'd date nearly as much if we threw tons of money on ourselves. That's just not how we roll. Here's the thing- it's not about how fancy everything is or how expensive it is. It's about creating magic and romance not away from our busy, busy lives, but in the middle of it all. Don't get me wrong. Sometimes, a getaway is just what the doctor ordered, but cheap dates keep my marriage on track. Below you'll find a list of dates we have enjoyed over the years. If you'd like to add cheap date ideas of your own, leave a comment! Peace, B.
1. Local dive bar for pool and local live music
Nothing says love like a game of poorly played pool and some cheap beer. Plus, we get to hear some pretty awful as well as pretty awesome local musicians.
2. Picnic at the park
Pack your favorite meal and hit the park. Love to do this in the spring and fall.
3. Walking tour of town
Not just our own town, but neighboring towns as well. Stop by the Chamber of Commerce or Welcome Center, grab a map and your husband's hand, and head out for an afternoon or evening of small town adventure.
4. Bowling
It doesn't cost a fortune to bowl a game or two and it's good fun for a double date. Be sure to sign up for your local alley's eNewsletter to catch all the deals!
5. Restaurant.com
It's like a coupon for supper. Check it out.
6. Attend free local events like car shows
I could care less about cars, but my husband thinks they're kinda neat. I do like learning new things and meeting new people, so doing that with my husband is my idea of a good time.
7. Play a game
We play Scrabble almost every week after the Littles go to bed. He'll have a beer and I'll have a glass of wine. Music is playing. It's as romantic as a candlelight dinner to me. We play Scrabble like we mean it.
8. Go yard sailing
When it's just the two of us and we're stopping by yard sales with not a care in the world, we have the greatest time. It isn't just fun to go to yard sales together, it's downright funny.
9. Star gazing
Sometimes, we seek out observatories or state parks, but most often, my mister and I grab a blanket and head out to our own backyard.
10. Volunteer together
Some of our most memorable and meaningful dates have been spent cleaning up public spaces, helping people learn to read, and feeding hungry folks.
11. The small screen
When the Littles go to bed, we'll turn off the lights, grab a bowl of popcorn, and watch a movie or television show online. Sometimes, we even make out. I know. Old people are gross.
12. Check out what's happening at nearby colleges
You'll find a ton of cheap concerts and cultural events open to the general public being offered through local universities and colleges. We've heard world class musicians, attended lectures by famous scholars and writers, viewed artwork, and even caught a comedy show- all free of charge!
Nothing says love like a game of poorly played pool and some cheap beer. Plus, we get to hear some pretty awful as well as pretty awesome local musicians.
2. Picnic at the park
Pack your favorite meal and hit the park. Love to do this in the spring and fall.
3. Walking tour of town
Not just our own town, but neighboring towns as well. Stop by the Chamber of Commerce or Welcome Center, grab a map and your husband's hand, and head out for an afternoon or evening of small town adventure.
4. Bowling
It doesn't cost a fortune to bowl a game or two and it's good fun for a double date. Be sure to sign up for your local alley's eNewsletter to catch all the deals!
5. Restaurant.com
It's like a coupon for supper. Check it out.
6. Attend free local events like car shows
I could care less about cars, but my husband thinks they're kinda neat. I do like learning new things and meeting new people, so doing that with my husband is my idea of a good time.
7. Play a game
We play Scrabble almost every week after the Littles go to bed. He'll have a beer and I'll have a glass of wine. Music is playing. It's as romantic as a candlelight dinner to me. We play Scrabble like we mean it.
8. Go yard sailing
When it's just the two of us and we're stopping by yard sales with not a care in the world, we have the greatest time. It isn't just fun to go to yard sales together, it's downright funny.
9. Star gazing
Sometimes, we seek out observatories or state parks, but most often, my mister and I grab a blanket and head out to our own backyard.
10. Volunteer together
Some of our most memorable and meaningful dates have been spent cleaning up public spaces, helping people learn to read, and feeding hungry folks.
11. The small screen
When the Littles go to bed, we'll turn off the lights, grab a bowl of popcorn, and watch a movie or television show online. Sometimes, we even make out. I know. Old people are gross.
12. Check out what's happening at nearby colleges
You'll find a ton of cheap concerts and cultural events open to the general public being offered through local universities and colleges. We've heard world class musicians, attended lectures by famous scholars and writers, viewed artwork, and even caught a comedy show- all free of charge!
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