Getty ImagesWhen spring is in the air, it often seems that is love too. It makes sense: During the winter, we have less daylight, tend to bundle up, and opt to stay indoors or at home. During the spring, however, days are longer, we show more skin and are eager to get outside and be social. This spring, enjoy the season of romance with some of these fantastic date ideas that won't cost you a fortune:
- Wine Tasting: It turns out that all 50 United States are in wine production. So, more likely than not, you can find a winery nearby. (Check here for a state-by-state locator.) Most wineries offer wine tastings for free and allow you to taste a good number of their wines. If you don't live near or don't have access to transportation to get to wineries, check listings in your local paper for restaurants and wine shops that offer wine tastings.
- Concerts in the Park: Many towns and cities offer free outdoor concerts in their parks during the warmer weather. Depending on where you live, these concert series may have started already. Often, cities and towns post their schedules online. For the night out, be sure to bring a blanket or some chairs, and some food and drinks. Also, if you live in a particularly buggy area, a citronella candle will do you some good (plus add a little mood lighting).
- Keep Things Fresh: Prepare a dinner made up with all locally picked produce. Local orchards and farms often let you come and pick your own fruits and vegetables (often called "u-pick-it" farms). If you don't live near a farm, you can look for farmers markets in your town or city, which sell local farm grown produce. A great resource is Local Harvest.Make sure to get something for dessert, too, such as freshly picked blueberries for a delicious blueberry pie.
- Picturesque Picnic: Ideally, you want to choose a spot for a picnic that is scenic, relaxing and somewhat quiet. If you live seaside or on the water, a beach or wharf could be a great option. If you live in a city, choose a park as your setting. Pack a bottle of wine and either go to your local grocery store and pick up some bread, cheese and fruit for a low-key picnic, or if you have the time, make a full meal at home and pack it in an insulated bag to keep warm or cold. Don't forget to pack a blanket, utensils and candles to set the mood.
- Give Back Together: Spend some time volunteering with a local charity or with a non-profit in your area. Some ideas include: volunteering at a soup kitchen, cleaning up parks and neighborhoods or even building homes with Habitat for Humanity (www.habitat.org/). Giving back together helps you to strong a bond with one another, while benefiting others in your local community.
- Spa Serenity: A couple's day or evening at the spa can be quite expensive, but there is no reason why you can't enjoy spa together at home. Create an afternoon filled with "spa-like" activities. For instance, you can start your afternoon together with some Yoga. Then for a little extra stress release, give one another a foot massage. This allows you to both enjoy at the same time. You can even do foot soaks prior to the massage to ease tension. Finally, cook a meal together that is inspired by spas from around the world. Check out these spa menus from Epicurious for some recipes. Finally, end the evening with a bubble bath for two. Incorporate flower pedals and candles into your bath experience for an extra romantic touch.
Do you have any favorite low-cost date ideas?
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