10 Ideas for a Romantic, Inexpensive Date

Hi again!

I hope everyone is enjoying summer as much as I have this year and if you're lucky you may even have gotten yourself into a hot summer fling! Well, my boyfriend and I had a cute little candlelit dinner at the park last night and so I thought a date post was in order. Read on!

  
1. Fun times at the fair

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All sorts of fairs and carnivals pop up in the summertime. Who said old-school wasn't cool anymore? Cotton candy and a ride on the Ferris wheel, not to mention the magical moment when it stops at the top allowing for a full on make-out session. Yes please! Note to boys: aforementioned magical moment doesn't just happen. You're not starring in your own movie, so please be a doll and tip the person in charge of the ride to stop when you and your date have a nice view of the whole fairgrounds :)

2. Visit your local farmers' market

Spend a Sunday wandering your local farmers' market. It's a great way to relax and you get to taste-test fresh local food. Buy some yummy ingredients so that you can cook up a storm together later that day. 

  

3. Go to "The Lake"

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Here in the Midwest, people are always saying they are going to "the lake". They don't specify which lake - Minnesota is the Land of 10000 Lakes, but they just go to "the lake". So head down to that lake for some quality time (Yes, I'm aware that I said lake like 10 times and that I said it again). If you're in a long-term relationship and past the honeymoon stage, this is a great way to unwind and rekindle that fire! If you don't have your own lake cabin, ask a friend - they might let you stay in theirs.

4. Have a picnic in the park

Throw some sandwiches, cookies and a bottle of wine into a basket and head to the park. Don't forget the cute checkered blanket to complete the picture. After your done eating under a big shady tree, lay down, listen to music or just talk.

5. Go to a drive-in theater

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Lots of places have outdoor theaters, especially in the summertime. This is a fun way to make your usual routine of dinner and a movie a little bit more interesting. They usually play classics so it's definitely going to help with the romance factor. Take some snacks and a bottle of wine if you will.

  

6. At-home spa date

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DIY just got more romantic. Decorate a space (bathroom, bedroom, living room - wherever) with scented candles, dim the lights and bring out the essential oils. If you want to go all out, this could be a lovely surprise waiting for your significant other at the end of a long work day :)

7. Get cute at a coffee shop

Casual, cheap and fun! This is a great way to get to know each other if you're on the first few dates. There's no pressure so you can relax and just go with the flow while still being intimate. Keep those lattes coming! 

8. Stargazing on a warm night

Take a blanket - one that you won't mind getting dirty. Park your car close by and play soft, soothing music on your iPod. Lay on the grass and gaze at the stars. Simple and all for the low, low price of free!

9. Just Dance!

Anywhere. Just do it. Dance in the privacy of your living room with a glass of wine and some slow music playing in the background. Dance without music out in a garden or a park. There's something about dancing that brings two people closer together and the moment is almost always perfect.

10. Go apple picking

Or something like that. Trust me, it's fun. Visit a nearby orchard or vineyard. Or even a cornfield. The point is you're with your lover (!) and it's summertime. When winter rolls along, you'll be glad you did it.

Make the most of this summer and inject a little fun and romance into your life!
Have you tried any of these? Don't forget to share your experiences and ideas in the comments!

 
 *Images via weheartit.com and Google Images