07
Feb

A Date on a Dime with your Valentine

by Shannon McNeney · 0 comments

With Valentine’s Day quickly approaching, it’s a good time to remind yourself that love don’t cost a thing.  Just ask J-Lo.

In fact, sometimes the more creative dates are the most memorable.  So, if Christmas tapped you out this year, here are a few ideas on how to be a budget-savvy Valentine.

Take in a Mid-day Movie

The Central Library offers Thursday Afternoon at the Movies free of charge each week. Since Feb 14th falls on a Thursday, they will be playing the romantic comedy 50 First Dates.  The movie runs from 1:00-3:30pm in the John Dutton Theatre.

Enjoy Some Public Art

Accessible, thought-provoking, and free.  Here are a few ideas to get you started:  Open Spaces: Windows to a View, the Downtown Art Guide, and the brand new piece in front of the Bow building, Wonderland, by Jaume Plensa, which is now complete.

I was not aware that this would be an interactive display, but passersby can actually go inside the head for a different perspective of this unique piece.  Many local galleries are free to browse, and the Art Gallery of Calgary’s admission is by donation.

A Morning Meal

Mix it up a little with a breakfast date. For much cheaper than a dinner out, you can enjoy the most important meal of the day with your sweetie.

Cora Breakfast & Lunch at Bow Valley Square III is a great spot. I love that most of the dishes on their menu come with a mountain of beautiful fresh fruit.

Sample Chocolate & Wine

Cork Wine in Bow Valley Square will be holding a special Valentine’s Chocolate Tasting.  For only a $5 donation person to Brown Bagging It For Kids.  Drop in to the store to try some sweet treats to pair with local artisan chocolates by Fannie May. This casual tasting promises to be a visual and palate-pleasing feast.   The tasting runs from 5:00-7:00pm sharp.   Reservations required.

Plan a Winter Picnic

Pop by the event room at Devonian Gardens for their free Devonian Dialogue Series on Tuesday, Feb. 12 from 12:15-12:45pm and learn about Romantic Picnic Sites in Calgary.

They have several ideas about how to plan a picnic in the snow, along with lots of other ways to have an outdoor date in the middle of winter.  If you’d prefer an indoor picnic Devonian Gardens is a fantastic spot to do just that.

Skate with your Mate

If the weather cooperates, head to the outdoor rink at Olympic Plaza or Prince’s Island Park for a romantic skate.

Keep warm by holding hands, then grab a hot drink from DAVIDsTEA or a gourmet hot choclate at one of the particpants in the YYC Hot Chocolate Fest

The Bean Stop has an entry called Chocolat en Vie, and Choklat in Bankers Hall has one named OMG.

If you have any other suggestions we’d love to hear what you’re up to!

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