9 Inexpensive Date Night Alternatives

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Looking for some inexpensive date night alternatives that will still “wow” your loved one this Valentine’s Day? (or any day, for that matter?)

Believe it or not, I actually get upset when my husband gets me things for Valentine’s Day – to me, I feel like that’s the WORST time of year to buy gifts and eat out. However, there are still ways to show your loved one you care this time of year that are meaningful and won’t break the budget.

And if you absolutely HAVE to go out on Valentine’s Day, I’ve got a few ways to help you with that too…

9 Inexpensive Date Night Alternatives

*Date night at home (even if kids are in the house!)
– After the kids go to bed, pop in a romantic movie (rent for free from the library – my ALL TIME FAVORITE is “When Harry Met Sally“), light some candles, pop some popcorn and just relax in each other’s arms for the rest of the night.

*Swap sitting services with friends
-Consider a babysitting swap with friends during Valentine’s Day week so you don’t have to pay for childcare either! Volunteer to have their kids come over to your house for dinner one night while they go out and then swap with them on another night.

*Have a Date Lunch
– Many of your favorite restaurants have cheaper lunch prices for the same food they serve at dinner. You could even pick something up from a favorite on West End like P.F. Changs or J. Alexander’s and get it to-go (thereby avoiding tips too!). If the weather permits, have a picnic at Centennial Park or even take a tour of the Parthenon (tickets are only $6 for adults).

*Free Wine Tasting at Arrington Vineyards
-If you want to enjoy some of Tennessee’s best local wines with your sweetheart, head over to Arrington Vineyards for a free wine tasting.

*Take a Night Hike at Warner Parks
-On February 13, you can visit Warner Parks to cozy up around a campfire, eat dinner under the stars, and walk the trails at night in search of owls and other nocturnal animals that might be courting.

*Date night on a night other than Valentine’s Day
-You’ll find better deals, even at places like Morton’s, if you avoid actually going out on Valentine’s Day itself. Save yourself from waiting in lines AND over-paying and just name your own date to celebrate the holiday 🙂

*Check the local daily deal sites (Like Groupon Nashville & Living Social)
– I’ve found horse-drawn carriage rides, massages & more in the past week up to 70% off!

*Volunteer Together
– Keep in mind, there are so many people who don’t have someone to love them and share Valentine’s Day with. Why not volunteer with your spouse, significant other or even a group of friends? There’s no better way to feel love than by first being willing to share it!

*Write a Note (yes, with pen & paper!)
-And never underestimate the power of a handwritten note. In our age of technology and eCards, you’d be amazed at the difference a simple yet thoughtful handwritten note can make! (Looking for that perfect pen for that love note? Check out my #PenOfTheDay series!)

I shared some of my inexpensive date night alternatives on Nashville’s favorite daytime TV show, Talk of the Town. Watch the entire segment here:
NewsChannel5.com | Nashville News, Weather

What are some of your favorite ways to save money while still enjoying a date night together?