Eight Great Summer Dates
June 22nd, 2009
A depressed economy is no reason to stay home this summer and miss out on all the fun. Utah Stories has come up with eight great date ideas--all on the cheap!
by Rebecca Edwards & Rich Markosian
Spending a lot of money doesn't neccesarily buy the best dates. Sure a limo ride from downtown up to La Caille, eating Filet de Bœuf Rôti et Fumè avec Pureé pommes de terre à la Truffe will always go over big. But "going big" on a date doesn't have to equate to going big into debt. Here are eight, great low-cost dates that are sure to offer a great time.
1. Get romantic. What could be more romantic than a picnic at City Creek Canyon? We recommend a tin foil dinner (maybe potatoes, onions, summer squash and the meat of your choice smothered in butter, rosemary and garlic) cooked in a bonfire pit while you watch the sun set on the city. You may also want to keep in mind that if you choose to picnic above the ranger station a drop (or three) of wine in a water bottle may go undetected--but we aren't recommending that day hikers break the wonderful law that prohibits all drinking on public land, just an FYI.
2. Window shop on antique row. Spend an afternoon strolling the antique shops on Broadway then listen to a free book reading at Sam Weller's. End the date on the right note by going to the Beehive Tea Room for a tuna on toast and passion fruit tea.
between 1st and 3rd East (photo credit)
3. Play tourist. Even for non-Mormons Temple Square in the summer is amazing. Take some time to smell the flowers, learn some history, and then grab a bite at the Lion House cafeteria in Brigham Young's old digs for about $10.
4. Get your bike on! Enjoy an early morning ride on Park City's Rail Trail, a 30-mile long trail that extends from the Prospector area of Park City down to Echo Junction along a former railroad route. Then hit Main Street for a well-deserved lunch. Afterwards you can hold hands while checking out some of the best art galleries in the state.
5. Enjoy some free music. Many venues in the valley, including the Gallivan Center, Liberty Park, and Library Square offer free concerts throughout the summer. Spread out a blanket, snuggle up, and take in the music. Later pop into Bevalo for an organic cup of joe and a sumptuous treat made from locally-grown ingredients.
6. Raise your IQ. You can visit the Utah Museum of Fine Arts for free on the third Wednesday and third Saturday of each month. In every room or gallery pick the one item you would buy if you could, then take turns trying to guess what the other one picked. After you've outfitted your fantasy future with all the magnificent art you can handle, heat things up (with wasabi) by hitting Ahh Sushi's happy hour--half price sushi Tuesday through Thursday from 5pm--6pm.
7. Hold on tight! Been looking for an excuse to wrap your arms around that special someone? Rent a scooter for just $8/hour or $25/day, including helmets, gas, unlimited mileage & a riding tutorial. All you need is a valid driver's license and you can feel the wind in your hair (and her hands around your waist) as you scooter around historic downtown Provo.
8. Have a night on the town. Take a bottle of your favorite wine (pay a $10 corking fee vs. $32/bottle) and share the caprese salad and cheese and fruit board at Caffe Niche while appreciating the cool (and free!) jazz presented on Friday and Saturday evenings.
Who says you have to shell out big bucks to have a fabulous date? All it takes is a little creativity, a sense of adventure, and some stimulating company to make dating "on the cheap" a rollicking good time.
Here are some more resources to check out:
http://www.nowplayingutah.com/event/detail/440275243
http://www.downtownslc.org/events/index.htm
http://www.slcgov.com/PublicServices/Gallivan/calendar.html
http://www.nowplayingutah.com/event/detail/440319192
http://www.stretcher.com/stories/980121a.cfm
Know a wallet-friendly dating secret we missed? Share your "on the cheap" stories with us below.
Reader Comments
Andy Rodgers
Awesome ideas! My husband and I will be trying some for sure!
