Super Cheap Date Ideas

Wednesday, February 22, 2012

Meghan Ottolini, GoLocalWorcester Contributor

Parks are always a great free option

Look, we get it - you really like her, but you can’t break the bank to take her out every weekend.

If you want to say “I think you’re great,” without putting yourself on a Ramen noodle diet for the rest of the week, try out some of these ideas. Just don’t brag about the money you’re saving, girls like romantic, not stingy. And college students? Remember your IDs.

Shoot pool

Show off your pool shark skills for her, or just clown around at Jillian’s in Worcester. An hour of billiards for 2 people is $10 - that’s only 5 bucks a person! Extra props for the romantic lean over her shoulder while you show her proper billiards form.
315 Grove Street, Worcester, MA
(508) 793-0900
http://www.jilliansworcester.com/billiards.php

Take a hike

She won’t be telling you to do that after you suggest a romantic afternoon for just the 2 of you at Purgatory Chasm. This scenic Sutton landmark provides hikers with walls that rise 70 feet high, and is a great picnic spot, (homemade sandwiches - thoughtful and cheap!). Check out the Lover’s Leap rock formation, and impress her with this piece of knowledge: the unique rock formations are believed to date back to the end of the Ice Age, more than 14,000 years ago. Park admission is free.
198 Purgatory Road, Sutton MA
(508) 234-3733
http://www.mass.gov/dcr/parks/central/purg.htm

Pack a picnic basket

So that picnic idea stuck with you, huh? Another great picnic spot is Quinsigamond State Park. Post up along the river during regattas and cheer on the rowers (why aren’t you more athletic?). In warmer months, take her for a swim. Park admission is free.
10 North Lake Avenue, Worcester, MA
(508) 755-6880
http://www.mass.gov/dcr/parks/central/quin.htm

Purgatory Chasm trail

Tour a mansion

Just because you’re not a millionaire, doesn’t mean she can’t be exposed to the finer things in life. Head over to Highland Street Thursday through Saturday and tour the historic Salisbury Mansion, which dates back to 1775. At just $4 a person with student ID, get access to the main Worcester Historical Museum and Library as well.
40 Highland Street, Worcester, MA
(508) 753-8278
http://www.worcesterhistory.org/whm/salisburymansion.cfm

Take her down to the river

Take advantage of warm weather days at Blackstone River and Canal Heritage State Park in Uxbridge. The Blackstone River Valley National Heritage Corridor extends from Worcester to Providence, and is full of walking and bike paths, canoe access areas, and picnic areas. Check out historic River Bend Farm, or watch wildlife at the Rice City Pond - if that’s your thing. Entrance is free.
287 Oak Street, Uxbridge, MA
(508) 278-6486
http://www.mass.gov/dcr/parks/central/blst.htm

Tour Fruitlands

Fruitlands is more than an art museum, its grounds include 210 acres of land. Explore 3 miles of trails that will take you by historic buildings, marshes, and through meadows. As early as spring, amateur and professional artists will take to the outdoors for inspiration. Admittance to the grounds is only $6 per person.
102 Prospect Hill Road, Harvard, MA
(978) 456-3924
http://www.fruitlands.org/

She still wants to eat

The picnic thing is cute, but it doesn’t work every time. A girl likes to go out once in while. At Worcester’s Boulevard Diner, sandwiches can run as cheap as $1.95, and they’re open 24 hours a day. Walk-ins are welcome, but the place can get packed.
155 Shrewsbury Street, Worcester, MA
(508) 791-4535
http://www.facebook.com/pages/Boulevard-Diner/106450722008?sk=info

EDITORS's NOTE - We had listed one other option in this list which was in error - we apologize for the mistake and appreciate the readers who pointed it out. Thanks.