Published: 02:53 PM, Thu Jul 30, 2009
Cheap Dates: Don't let the economy put a damper on your love life
By Jessica De Vault
Staff writer
Money is tight these days, and going out has never been so expensive. A movie for two can cost you $18, and that's not including the popcorn and soda.
Want to go to dinner afterwards? Two meals at a moderately-priced restaurant can easily start at $25, and that can be on the cheaper end of the spectrum.
Keeping to a budget is challenging for anyone, especially if you're taking someone out on a date. Esther Acker, the counseling services manager for Consumer Credit Counseling Services, said many of her organization's clients are trying to cut back.
"I would say well over 50 percent of the people we talk to are struggling to save anything. They are living paycheck to paycheck, but they have to identify where they can reduce money in their budget," Acker said. "But people need to budget for recreation, and recreation can be just renting a video or getting a free video at the library. Or you can go to the matinees instead of the regular movie shows."
Even Carmike movie theaters are helping people cut back. The three Carmike theaters in Fayetteville have "Stimulus Tuesdays" where popcorn and drinks are $1 each.
Acker said festivals, local sporting events and hiking can also be inexpensive ways to have a good time.
With a little thought and planning, you can find dating activities that match your personal interests and impress your significant other, as well. To help you have a fun-filled outing without breaking the bank, we have a few suggestions that will cost you $35 or less.
Staff writer Jessica De Vault can be reached at devaultj@fayobserver.com or 609-0649.
For the wine and art lovers
The date: This is an ideal date to cultivate the art of conversation.
Activity: Start your date with a trip to the Fayetteville Museum of Art on Stamper Road. There's always an intriguing exhibit on display. Just be sure to stop by between the museum's weekend hours of 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. Plus you can take a romantic stroll around the museum's lake. FREE
Food: Go for something light, with a panini or sandwich ($8 each) at the Fig Cafe in the Westwood Shopping Center. Depending on your choices, you can share a dessert afterward or leave a modest tip. $20
Activity/Food: You can try a puff on the hookah upstairs in the cafe. Non-nicotine tablets can be requested. Starting at $11.95 . Or you can have two glasses of Riesling for $13 .
End the night: After dinner, head downtown for a stroll.
TOTAL: Starting at $31.95 to $33.
For those who value convenience
The date: This date is a gas saver. No sense in driving all across town just to have a good time. You can park downtown and experience what the heart of Fayetteville has to offer.
Food: Try the grilled cheese and tomato sandwich ($7) and tasty turkey sandwich ($9) at Blue Moon Café on 310 Hay St. Include a 15 percent tip ($2.40). $18.40 (Naturally, a glass of wine or beer will push up this total.)
Activity: Challenge your date to a game at Docks at the Capitol on 126 Hay St. All games are half off Mondays through Thursdays from 2 to 8 p.m. $10
Snack: You'll need to refuel after Docks, so get the sugar rush you need with a cupcake each from the Cupcake Gallery on 107 Person St., just around the Market House. If you stop by the bakery's "happy hour" on Tuesday from 5 to 7 p.m. you can get a cupcake for $1.75. $3.50
End the night: If you plan to go out Friday or Saturday, stop by Pierro's Italian Bistro. From 10:30 p.m. to 2:30 a.m., the restaurant patio will be the place to be to listen to music, chat it up with your date and people watch. FREE
TOTAL: Starting at $31.90.
For the outdoorsy types
The date: This is perfect for those who prefer to exercise or bond outdoors with their significant other.
Activity: Enjoy what nature has to offer at the Cape Fear Botanical Garden on 536 N. Eastern Blvd. On Sunday, the gardens will host one of its quarterly days with free admission. FREE
Food: Nix the restaurant and go for an outdoor picnic instead. A trip to the grocery store may be necessary if you want to spring for wine, cheese and crackers. But a light meal of fruit, two sandwiches and two bottles of waters will cost less than $20. $20
Activity: Work off lunch with a bicycle ride or hike on the Cape Fear River Trail. FREE
TOTAL: Starting at $20.
For the Sports Enthusiasts
The date: The two who watch sports together, stay together. And with this date, you'll be sure to have a lot of fun, too.
Activity: Root for the home team at a Fayetteville SwampDogs game. General admission is $5 per adult. Box seats are $7. At this Saturday's game, stay after for the final fireworks show of the season. Gates open at 6 p.m. $14
Food: Nosh on hot dogs and soda for $10 or less. Beer not included. $10
Activity: Rehash the game and tune-in to ESPN on the big screen televisions at Big Apple Sports Bar at 5900 Yadkin Road. On Thursday nights, you can grab a bottle each of domestic beer for $2 a piece. Starting at $4
TOTAL: Starting at $28.