Cheap Dates for Valentine’s Day

Here’s my idea for Valentine’s Day: Take it back! Let’s take it back from the crowds and over-priced limited menus. Let’s take it back from the so-played music of the De Beers diamond ad and out-of-season roses.

Say it with me: I will not subscribe to a restaurant manager’s contrived expression of my love.

Here are a few cheap date ideas intended to get you brainstorming on your own unique experience this February 14.

Campfire S’mores
Pack a thermos of Irish coffee, build a fire in your backyard chiminea or local campground, or park out on your deck with a mini hibachi and bundle up together. Have your campfire supplies and s’mores ingredients packed and ready in advance, because forethought is hot.

A Meal Out in the A.M.
No, not the breakfast in bed cliché. Sleep in, brush off the morning breath, and skip dressing up. Load up on carbs and bacon before moving on to item three. Dine out on traditional gluttony (bisguits and gravy), fancy pancakes (crepes), or you-keep-me-spicaaay eggs (Huevos rancheros), all for less than appetizers and drinks off the Valentine’s menu. Now spend the rest of the day burning it off.

Physical Exertion and Passions
Skip any option, like dance lessons, that proves just how little rhythm genetics bestowed upon your hips. Such options only leave you frustrated and realizing who’s better at leading. And avoid putting your partner in a position where they melt down mid-climbing wall because, “Oh yeah, you’re afraid of heights.”

Choose mutual feats of strength like hiking or snowshoeing. If food is your passion, find an exotic cooking class or tackle a new recipe together. On my bucket list, glider ride. That’s too pricey for this post, but I’d settle for a glass of wine and a gondola or zipline tour. Warning: all of the above may induce an increase in endorphin or adrenaline production.

Drive-In Movie (home or abroad)
Despite the low-fi sound and distracting patrons tromping around a gravel lot doubling as a movie theater, drive-in movies project (yep, I went there) simple romance. Those blessed with a local drive-in and a warm climate, sneak in your favorite takeout and dessert. Done.

As for the rest of us, drive-ins have closed for the season or for land development. Time to bust out the campfire, lawn chairs, and blankets again. Point a projector at the back of the garage and whisk your love away to the low-tech, big-picture experience of the drive-in. Rent the first movie you saw together – hopefully it’s not “Tin Cup” like mine.

Join me in taking back the heart in Valentine’s Day. Your special day with snookems may have to land on a day before or day after for the sake of creativity. Just remember, forethought is hot, stressing about cash and a so-so night out is not.

Disclaimer: Maybe I'm a brat for not settling for a delivery of flowers accompanied by the best intentions. I’ve never been accused of being overly romantic. So are any of these doing it for you?