Autumn’s cooler temperatures put couples in a cuddling mood. But overpriced dates can douse the romantic spark.
It’s possible to spend quality time with your sweetie without breaking the bank. Sure, there are old standbys like free museum days and outdoor concerts. Dig deeper, however, and the options for low-cost couples fun seem endless.
Frequent comments on the topic of “cheap dates” on eHarmony Advice, an online community for dating and relationship tips, prompted a recent article on the subject, says Becky Teraoka of eHarmony. Some of its suggestions: stargazing together in a secluded place, taking a historic walking tour, visiting a local brewery or hanging out at a dog park (even if neither of you has a dog). “A walk is a great chance to enjoy a view and some exercise, as well as fantastic conversation,” the article says.
Here are 10 ideas for cheap dates in Colorado.
1. Dance fever
Take a dance class together and don’t switch partners (even if the instructor asks you to). From Tex-Mex to tango, salsa to square-dancing, the metro area’s dance scene is well organized by nightclubs, instructors and social groups that hold regular events. One to try: Every Wednesday at 7 p.m., a free couples’ dance class is offered at the Grizzly Rose. A different type of country-western dance is taught each week. 5450 N. Valley Highway (Lincoln Street), 303-295-2353,
2. Look fierce
Rent a photography studio at The Denver Darkroom for $25 an hour. Then take portraits of each other. Bring a couple of clothing changes for different kinds of shots — maybe even some skimpy lingerie for a classic boudoir portrait. 4037 Tejon St., 303-298-0164,
3. DIY project
There’s something sexy about your loved one wielding power tools. Stoke those fix-it fires even more by completing a home-improvement project together. Handy couples can expand their skills and give back to the community by volunteering for Habitat for Humanity of Metro Denver. Volunteer orientation classes are held on the first Wednesday of the month at noon and the second Monday of every month at 7 p.m. 3245 Eliot St., 303-534-2929,
4. Destined to be
Find out what the future holds for your romance with an inexpensive tarot card reading on Sunday or Tuesday evenings at the Mercury Cafe. Prices start at $10. This bustling organic-food cafe and entertainment hall also hosts, among other things, free open-mic poetry readings. 2199 California St., Denver, 303-294-9258.
5. Kids play
A downtown Denver date night can be pricey. So make the Downtown Children’s Playground one of your stops for some good old-fashioned fun. After swinging and sliding, head over to the nearby Cherry Creek footpath for a quiet stroll. Speer Boulevard and Wewatta Street
6. Sip ‘n’ shuttle
Explore Denver’s premier arts districts on a free shuttle bus between the Art District on Santa Fe and the Golden Triangle Museum District. Participating galleries are footing the bill and almost always put out refreshments for First Friday. The full loop takes about 20 minutes and runs 5:30-9:30 p.m. during First Friday events. artdistrictonsantafe.com
7. Acts of kindness
Discuss a cause you both believe in and then work on it — together. If both of you are animal lovers, for instance, the Denver Municipal Animal Shelter is always looking for people to spend time with unclaimed dogs and cats. 678 S. Jason St., 303-698- 0076;
8. Work it out
Shake up your exercise routine by trying a new and fun physical activity — say, rock climbing — together. The indoor climbing walls at Thrillseekers will take your romance to new heights. $13 per climber. 1912 S. Broadway, 303-733-8810, thrillseekers.cc
9. Rub-a-dub
Heat things up with a hot mineral bath or private outdoor swim at one of the state’s many hot-springs resorts. Indian Hot Springs in Idaho Springs charges $23.50 per person per hour for weekend use of one of its private tubs. At Cottonwood Hot Springs in Buena Vista, couples can rent a cabin with a private pool for $165 a night, or use a private hot tub for $15 an hour. Indian Hot Springs: 302 Soda Creek Road, Idaho Springs, 303-567-1303.
Cottonwood Hot Springs: 18999 County Road 306, Buena Vista, 719-395-6434, cottonwood-hot-springs.com
10. Step back in time
Spend a day walking through one of the state’s many historic districts. Virtually every city and town along the Front Range has one, with self-guided or historian-led tours. The picturesque Old West Victorian buildings and houses in Ouray, for example, look much the same as they did more than a century ago. Ouray is in southwestern Colorado along U.S. 550, approximately 80 miles north of Durango and 35 miles south of Montrose.
Sheba R. Wheeler: 303-954-1283 or swheeler@denverpost.com.
