How To Be A Cheap Date

I thoroughly enojoyed reading Jonathan's recommendations for saving money on Valentine's Day. My wife and I have had a lot of fun "going cheap" in the Atlanta area ever since we started dating, so I thought I'd pass along some of the activities we've tried:

• Stargazing at the Fernbank Planetarium - The Fernbank Planetarium hosts stargazing sessions every Thursday and Friday (weather permitting) from 8:00 PM until 10:30 PM on their 36 inch Cassegrain. There is no charge to attend, and this sets you up to tell your date, "Instead of coming all the way down here, I could have just spent all evening staring at the stars in your eyes." You can grab dinner beforehand at one of the cheap spots on Ponce De Leon - Eats, The Old Spaghetti Factory, etc.


• Ice Skating - Even though the Centennial Olympic Park Ice Skating Rink won't reopen until November 14, 2009, you can still go skating at the Ice Forum in Duluth or Kennesaw.


• Banana Split at Brusters - Brusters sells banana splits for 50% off on Thursdays if you bring your own Banana. Stop by the grocery store before picking up your date, then surprise her by bringing the bananas out when you get to the ice cream shop.


• Bike Ride on the Silver Comet Trail - The Silver Comet Trail is a great low-key bike ride - the trail is paved, and extremely flat. Bring a picnic lunch and a bottle of Sparkling Lingonberry Juice (alcohol is apparently forbidden on the trail).


• Go to the High Museum for free - If you're a Fulton county resident, you can visit the High Museum of Art for free on the first Saturday of every month. Even if you have to buy a ticket for your out-of-county date, you're still getting a good deal!


• Go to a Swing Dance at Georgia Tech - During the Spring and Fall semesters, dances feature a live singer and big band. Admission is $10 each, and include a one hour lesson.


• A day at Stone Mountain - You can grill burgers, hot dogs, or steak for lunch, and finish off the evening by watching the Laser Show.


• Hit up a dollar movie - I like to go out for cheap movies over at the "Picture Show at Merchant's Exchange". Evening movies are only $1.75, matinees are $1.25, and movies are $0.75 all day Tuesday. At that price, you can justify spending more on dinner or even buying a container of popcorn.

Most importantly, any of these things can be done solo as well, in case you're celebrating "It's okay to be single" day.