The concept of going out on a date has been seriously compromised. Whether single or in a relationship, college life makes it difficult to engage in a date involving more than dinner followed by pre-gaming before heading Downtown. But with a little effort and creativity, your dating experience can be more than a six pack and the always-romantic groping on the couch. If you are in a relationship rut, or looking for a fun way to court someone special without breaking the bank, we have a few suggestions for you. Here are a few inexpensive recipes for unique and fun dates.
Food. We all need it to survive. Relied on for centuries as a form of entertainment, we can always count on the dinner date. You can even mix it up for less cash by making your own.
Date #1: Homemade dinner and a movie
Start out with a trip to Wal-Mart for the ingredients you’ll be using for your five-star dinner. It’s simple and easy to make your own pizza, and can be done in under half an hour. Grab the pre-made Boboli whole-wheat pizza crust to make it healthier and a pizza sauce packet, or brush with olive oil. Then add whatever toppings look appealing; spinach, tomato and mozzarella all work well together. If you’re considering onions or garlic you might want to think again — this is a date after all. Check out the Late Nite movie schedule for the later portion of the date, but watch out for the die-hard moviegoers who tend to get touchy when non-regulars sit in the front row. Sit in the back instead and be as inappropriate as you were in high school. Another option is staying home and watching any old DVD you already own. After all, this is college — it’s not like you’ll be looking at the screen much anyway.
Total cost:
Pizza crust — $3
Toppings — $5
Total — $8
Breath mints — $0.75
Date #2: Show the Facebook world what a fun couple you are
Picture the night. Begin with the usual pre-gaming, but don’t get too crazy. You still want to look cute, not sick and passed out. Next, head to whatever party, bar or club that sounds promising and take a few snapshots of you and your significant other. While you’re at it, take a few body shots as well. The next day, while posting pictures on Facebook, make a mini-book of your night together to remember your wonderful love potion: a mixture of scorpion bowls and each other’s company.
Total cost:
Drinks — your cheapest bet is buying a bottle for about $15
Cab and cover — $10
Mini-book — $5.33 for 20 5.25 x 3.5-inch pages
Total — $30
Date #3: Getting back to nature
Outdoors. Fall weather is ideal for an outdoor date, so take advantage of it. The Cider Mill, of 2 South Nanticoke Ave. (Rt. 26) in Endicott, is open from 7 a.m. to 6 p.m. through Dec. 1, and offers fresh apple cider, doughnuts, candy apples, fall fruits and pumpkin picking. From 11 p.m. to 4 p.m. on Saturdays and Sundays, demonstrations are given on pressing apple cider and making doughnuts and candy apples. The Cider Mill turns coffee and a doughnut into an experience, and your date will definitely give you points for creativity.
Total cost:
Candy apples — $2 each or $5.50 for three
Doughnuts — $3.50/ half dozen, $6.50/ dozen
Apple cider — $3.50/ half gallon, $6.50/ gallon