5 Best Cheap Dates
Don’t let a lack of funds prevent you from treating your sweetie. We found five dates that anyone can afford.
When was the last time you actually went out on a date? Just the two of you. (No, that night at your daughter’s band concert doesn’t count.) Everyone deserves some quality time with their special someone, and you shouldn’t have to empty your wallet to make it happen. In honor of Valentine’s Day and with a goal of saving a few bucks, we’ve found five budget-friendly ways to enjoy time with your sweetie this month. So grab your guy (or gal) and leave the credit card at home: It’s time to remake that love connection.
1. Hit the Ice
MediaCom Ice Park, 635 E. Trafficway St., Springfield, 417-866-7444; The Coffee Ethic, 124 Park Central Square, Springfield, 417-866-6645, thecoffeeethic.com
Cost: $20.30
Strap on a pair of skates, grab your honey’s hand and hit the ice. Skating at MediaCom Ice Park provides a little exercise, plus some conversation time. Public sessions are $5.50 per person, plus $2.50 for skate rental. After you’re tired of making rounds on the ice, defrost with a couple of small hot chocolates at The Coffee Ethic ($2.15 each).
2. Hear Beautiful Music
Springfield Symphony Orchestra, 525 S. John Q Hammons Pkwy., Springfield, 417-864-6683, springfieldmosymphony.org
Cost: $28
You don’t have to drop a wad of cash to buy Springfield Symphony Orchestra tickets. If you celebrate Valentine’s Day a day early, you can score tickets to Gold for Your Valentine, a show that features the 2009 Van Cliburn International Piano Competition gold medalist, Haochen Zhang, for as little as $14 each.
3. Stand Up and Cheer
JQH Arena, 685 S. John Q. Hammons Pkwy., Springfield, 417-836-7678, jqharena.missouristate.edu
Cost: $40
Sporting events are great ways to have a little no-fuss fun. Throw on a pair of jeans and your favorite Missouri State shirt and head over to JQH Arena for a night of cheering. As the Bears heat up the court, you may even be lucky enough to make it on the kiss cam for a smooch. You can buy tickets for as little as $15 each, and an extra $10 is enough to grab a couple of hot dogs and a soda to share.
4. Catch a Flick
Moxie Cinema, 431 S. Jefferson Ave., Springfield, 417-429-0800, moxiecinema.com; Farmers Gastropub Restaurant and Bar, 431 S. Jefferson Ave., Springfield, 864-6994
Cost: $25.50
Perhaps the most traditional date night is a trip to the movies. There’s something about getting cozy next to your sweetie in a dark theater. Catch a movie at the Moxie downtown, where tickets are only $8, or $6 if you’re okay with seeing a matinee. Head over to the semi-new Farmers Gastropub for a drink after the flick and enjoy your choice among a variety of draft beers for $4.25 each.
5. Scour Old Treasures
Charley’s Place, 1315 E. Trafficway St., Springfield, 417-831-5588
Cost: Free, unless you buy something
We know this is an out-of-the-box idea, but that’s the point. You never know what you’ll come across on a trip to a flea market (we like Charley’s Place), and you can make a game of your shopping trip by challenging each other to see who can find the best bargain. Window-shopping is free, but be sure to take a little cash just incase you find an irresistible piece.
