Try these 10 cheap dates
Tuition, books, Greek dues, pizza, beer; it adds up fast. Trying to find money to go out on a date usually leaves you with one of three options: 1) scrounging behind your desk for loose change, 2) phoning your parents for extra cash on threat of starvation or 3) donating plasma, blood or your body for medical research. Rather than take such drastic measures, try one of these ten date ideas that cost $20 or less for two people, and, no, a trip to McDonald's isn't on the list.
1. Movies (free)
The weekly newspaper, Creative Loafing, gives away free movie passes every issue. Check out their website for weekly offerings. Tickets must be picked up from the Creative Loafing office. Check it out: www.atlanta.creativeloafing.com/funandfreestuff
2. SunTrust lunch on Broad Street (free)
Bring your own lunch and enjoy live jazz, R&B, reggae and soft rock music. Tables and chairs are set up between Walton and Luckie streets in the Fairlie-Poplar District. Event is held weekdays between 12 p.m. and 1:30 p.m. and continues until Sept. 28. Check it out: www.atlantadowntown.com/HavingFun_LunchBroad.asp
3. Art gallery tour (free)
Stroll through historic downtown while mingling with the art world's bourgeois. Turner First Thursdays operates 5-8 p.m. on the first Thursday of every month. The following galleries open their doors for the event: the Museum of Design Atlanta, the Georgia State School of Art and Design Gallery, Arts for All Gallery at VSA Arts of Georgia, the Rialto Center for the Performing Arts, Paige Harvey Art Studio and the Atlanta-Fulton Library Gallery. Check out: www.atlantadowntown.com/HavingFun_FirstThursdays.asp
4. Batting cages ($6)
At $1.50 for 20 pitches, pay just $6 for 80 pitches at Startime Entertainment. There are also two miniature golf courses (18-hole game for 2 people costs $9), go-carts and a video arcade. Check it out: 608 Holcomb Bridge Road, Roswell, (770) 993-5411, www.startimeentertainment.com
5. Stone Mountain ($8)
Pay $8 for parking and take advantage of Stone Mountain's 'free' offerings. Hike the 1.3 miles to the top and take in the panoramic views, share a picnic or see the 40-minute laser light show with fireworks finale. Trail is open daily from dawn to dusk. Lightshow starts on Saturdays in August at 9:30 p.m. and in September at 8:30 p.m. Check it out: www.stonemountainpark.com
6. Rollerblading ($12)
Work up a sweat by rollerblading on the paved paths of Piedmont Park, or do it old-school and roller skate. Rent a pair of either kind from Skate Escape for $6 per hour. Check it out: Skate Escape, 1086 Piedmont Ave NE, Atlanta GA 30309, (404) 892-1292, www.skateescape.com; Piedmont Park, www.piedmontpark.org
7. Miniature golf ($14)
Get in touch with your inner kid, and have a little fun playing miniature golf. Pirate's Cove was voted 'Best in Atlanta' by the Atlanta Journal-Constitution. Check it out: 3380 Venture Parkway, Duluth, (770) 623-4184, www.piratescove.net/location/6
8. Margarita night ($15)
The Virginia Highlands tapas-style bar, Noche, offers $3 margaritas every Monday night. $15 buys two drinks each for you and your date, plus a nice tip. The tables outside offer the perfect date atmosphere. Check it out: 1000 Virginia Ave NE, Atlanta, (404) 815-9155
9. Braves Game ($19-23)
Upper Box Braves tickets ($12-16) are 2-for-1 with your college ID. Tickets must be purchased in person, but may be bought in advance. Save on parking and the hassle of traffic by taking MARTA ($3.50 for a roundtrip ticket). Get off on the Georgia State University stop, and the stadium is a short walk away. Check it out: (800) 326-4000, www.atlantabraves.com
10. Dessert ($20)
Cafe Intermezzo offers a huge selection of freshly made desserts served in a deliciously romantic atmosphere. Desserts are $7-8 a piece, and you'll have enough left for a tip. Check it out: 1845 Peachtree Road, Atlanta, (404) 355-0411, www.cafeintermezzo.com
