7. Illuminating Dates Concept
- If it takes a little black dress (and a little red wine) to put you in the mood, get yourself on the invitation lists of local art galleries. They usually serve complementary wine and hors d’oeuvres.
- Museums usually have one free night a week. (Many also have a suggested entrance fee; read the fine print).
- Form your own private book club for two. Read the same books and spend the night at a local coffee shop discussing your thoughts.
- See if your liquor store hosts wine-tasting nights (it’s only expensive if you buy). Cheers to you if you pull off vino vocab like “full-bodied” or “supple” with a straight face.
- Experience a jazz club. Some don’t have cover charges; others vary from $5-20, depending on location. Look for a local affordable one on allaboutjazz.com to enjoy an evening of low-key romantic music.
- Experience a jazz club. Some don’t have cover charges; others vary from $5-20, depending on location. Look for a local affordable one on allaboutjazz.com to enjoy an evening of low-key romantic music.
- Check with your local symphony, opera, and theater houses to see if they offer discounts on dress rehearsal performances or standing room tickets. “The San Francisco Ballet sells tickets as low as $15 for standing room,” advises Jeanette Pavini, a consumer savings expert for Coupons.com.
- Check online—try cookingschools.com—to see if you live in the vicinity of a culinary school. “They often have amazing deals,” says Pavini. Sign up for one as a couple, and then try your newly acquired kitchen skills at home.
- Explore local college campus plays and musical recitals. “You can get great prices on these events,” recommends Pavini. Plus, you can pretend you’re in college again and make out in the back row.
