Let’s face it: Dating can be expensive. And when you’ve just met
someone, or when you’re checking out a number of fun people, you may not want
to make a big investment, especially if you’re paying off school or debt, or
saving for a major purchase.
Being money smart is a quality most people find attractive—but being cheap is
not. So what’s the difference? A little creativity. The Twin Cities is rich
with fun and even romantic places that cost nothing at all. Here are a few ideas:
The Chain of Lakes
http://www.minneapolisparks.org/grandrounds/dist_cl.htm
Fresh air, scenery, great people watching, and light exercise make
Minneapolis’ chain of lakes an ideal date destination. Lake Calhoun offers eye
candy for everybody, attracting a sexy crowd and a buzzing activity level. Charming
Lake Harriet, with its romantic rose gardens, appeals to a more relaxed crowd, and
its band shell is a great place to catch free summer concerts. Cedar Lake and Lake of
the Isles are less traveled and more scenic. All offer sunset views and the chance to
get to know someone pretty well—walking and talking go hand in hand, after
all.
(A Couple Bucks: The Tin Fish, on Lake Calhoun, offers drinks, or terrific grilled
fish tacos for about $5)
http://www.thetinfish.net/LakeCalhounMenu.htm
Three Rivers Parks
http://www.threeriversparkdistrict.org/
The Hennepin County regional parks system offers outdoor recreation in all
seasons. Find out if your date can keep up with you as you ski, hike, bike, paddle,
or star gaze in some of the Twin Cities’ prettiest natural areas.
(A Couple Bucks: Hot chocolate and iced beverages are available in many of the
parks. Plus, if you don’t have your own equipment, many of the parks rent gear
at rock-bottom prices.)
Como Park Zoo and Conservatory http://www.comozooconservatory.org/
St. Paul’s historic zoo and botanical gardens are a time-honored destination.
On a gloomy day, a stroll through the lovely indoor gardens can be highly romantic.
The zoo, next door, may inspire an exchange of childhood memories—or
laughs.
(A Couple Bucks: The Zobota café, in the spectacular new addition to the
conservatory building, offers casual drinks and food.)
The Minneapolis Institute of Arts
www.artsmia.org/
This grand museum recently expanded, but it remains free to the public. With works
ranging from prehistoric man’s primitive pottery to cutting-edge modern art,
the vast collection has something to intrigue everyone. And browsing art together is
a great way to get to know your date’s passions, attitudes, and even decorating
tastes—which, who knows, could be important to you some day.
(A Couple Bucks: D’Amico runs a casual deli inside of the Institute, offering
a variety of drinks and sandwiches.)