If you’re looking to spend some time with the one you love, but your cash is running low, don’t worry, you can have a romantic date for just $20. Here are six things that you can do with your boo for a great night on the cheap:
1. Head to a park, beach or lakefront with a picnic basket made by Soiree365 … for just $20 you can get a bottle of wine, cheese, crackers and chocolates made for two. If you’d rather warm up substitute wine for coffee or hot chocolate. Watch the sun set or rise while you whisper sweet nothings in your partner’s ear. www.soiree365.com/
2. Try dessert and wine at a cozy restaurant like One Midtown Kitchen… pick a romantic table with a view of Piedmont Park and the Atlanta skyline, order $3 wine glasses and share a $6 dessert plate. The baked Chocolate Mousse is so rich you’ll only need a couple of bites. www.onemidtownkitchen.com/index-home.htm
3. Head to a drive-in movie theatre for a romantic night under the moon and stars. It’s like going back in time with a big screen just outside your car window, while you snuggle up with your honey. Check for locations at driveinmovie.com. In Atlanta, the Starlight Six Drive-in offers $7 per person admission on Friday and Saturday nights. Your ticket also buys a double feature. To sweeten the deal… you can bring your own popcorn, candy and soda pop. www.starlightdrivein.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=main.shows
4. If you’re the grown and sexy type head to a wine bar like Vino Libro for conversation, a glass of wine and a $5 tasting plate. Try a South African wine by Heritage Link Brands paired with the one you love in a comfy, cozy setting while smooth live jazz floats through the air every weekend with no cover charge. There is also a wine and cheese tasting on Wednesday for $10 per person. www.vinolibro.com/index.html
5. Try a taste of sugar and head to a local bakery for cupcakes and coffee. Buttersweet Bakery in historic Hapeville, Ga. (near downtown Atlanta) serves up red velvet cupcakes voted the best in city in 2008 by the Atlanta Journal and Constitution staffers. Find a quiet table and get to know each other over something sweet. Cupcakes start at $2.50 and coffee or tea runs about $1.65. www.buttersweetbakery.com/
6. If you love the spoken word, try a coffee house like Urban Grind in Midtown. Keep it sexy and cool as you take to the stage during open-mic poetry nights. They are free on Thursday’s but there is a catch—you’re ask to order from the café’s selection of coffee, teas, sandwiches and pastries. Just think $20 can go a long way when there’s no cover charge so create your own latte or mocha with lots of chocolate syrup. www.urbangrindatl.com/
—marian anderson
