Spending and Saving

8 Great Dates Across America for Under $20

Recession Lesson Numero Uno: A great date isn’t about the amount of money you spend, but rather the thought you put into creating a day or night filled with fun.

A date’s purpose is to get to know someone. And while you don’t want to come off a cheapskate, if the first impression you make is that you’re the kind of chap who thinks with his wallet (among other nefarious things), you have a better chance of finding a suitable mate by clubbing them over the head and dragging them back to your cave.

Exciting, inexpensive outings can happen anywhere, anytime. To prove it, here are eight high-octane adventures in cities that span the nation.

New York City: Samurai Sword Class and Sushi

Wax on. Wax off. And learn some kick-ass street-fighting skills while you’re at it. Free for first-timers, the Samurai Sword Class at The Workman’s Circle at NYR Studios provides yuppies of all ages with the necessary, albeit introductory, training required to battle evildoers in 12^th-century Japan. Don’t have a time machine? Then head over to Café Zaiya’s Midtown location to enjoy a smorgasbord of sushi dishes that range from $3 to $10.

Los Angeles: TV Show Taping and Famous French Dips

L.A. has major entertainment value – and if you’re not taking advantage of it, why the hell are you living there? (Don’t say the weather, either; everybody knows you’re a waiter-slash-actor). Tapings may seem cliché, but you can’t get any closer to your favorite stars without being told via law-enforcing bullhorn to exit the bushes. Late-night shows are a sure bet since you’ll not only witness Hollywood’s “finest” become gluttons for mandatory applause, but you can jam and laugh to the performances. Afterward, nourish yourself with local landmark Philippe’s “French Dipped” sandwiches and offbeat sides. For added aphrodisiac delight, share a slice of chocolate mousse pie for dessert.

Washington, D.C.: Screen on the Green and a Picnic

There’s nothing more romantic than watching a movie under the afterglow of congressional indiscretions. Each summer, Screen on the Green plays classic films on the National Mall; this year’s selection includes “Goldfinger,” “The Goodbye Girl,” “12 Angry Men” and “Bonnie and Clyde” (Mondays from July 12 to Aug. 2). Arrive early – screenings begin at dusk, but crowds swarm as early as 5 p.m. – spread out a sheet (blankets are too heavy for this time of year), uncork a bottle of wine, and nosh on finger-friendly goodies like fresh fruit, bread and a selection of artisanal cheeses. For bonus points, break out your secret weapon: bug spray.

Chicago: Improv Comedy and Chicken Caesar Salad

They say the best way to a woman’s heart is through her Potbelly. Actually, nobody says that – and you shouldn’t repeat it in the company of your date. Still, David Montgomery, a resident of Chi Town, recommends “splitting a huge chicken Caesar salad” ($6-$7) at the aforementioned chain then crossing the street to enjoy hours of improvisational funny business at The ComedySportz Theatre. Free shows kick off at 7 p.m. with REC League, followed by Kayfabe at 8 p.m., Battle-Prov at 9 p.m. and Improv Open Mike at 10 p.m. Old Style beers are just $3 a pop. Buy her a couple – so she’ll forget that you forced a salad on her.

Austin: Bats, BBQ and Bacon Donuts

An oldie but goodie: Every night from the start of spring to early fall, nearly 1.5 million Mexican free-tailed bats ascend from the depths of the Ann W. Richards Congress Avenue Bridge, creating a Hitchcockian scene of chaotic, chiropteran wonder. If you make it away unscathed (don’t worry, they won’t hurt you), mosey on down to Franklin’s Barbecue – served fresh from the side of a camping trailer – for plates of finger-licking beef, pulled pork and sausage (sorry, no chicken) that include two sides and bread for around $8 each. Just as your heart starts to flutter with love, stop it dead with dessert from Gordough’s Big Fat Donuts, where for around $4, you can sample the “Flying Pig” – a bacon-laded confection with maple syrup icing.

Seattle: Lawn Bowling Lessons and Vietnamese Sandwiches

If you’ve ever played bocce, you possess the requisite aptitude for lawn bowling, a similar sport in which opponents vie to place their team’s “bowls” closest to the “jack,” a small white ball tossed out to start each game. But in this game, the bowls are weighted to one side and have a natural-leaning bias, which is why the free lessons at Jefferson Park Lawn Bowling Club are a great way for couples to get competitive – and closer. Afterward, say chào to Saigon Deli, a Vietnamese sandwich shop that specializes in pork bánh mì, spring rolls, dumplings, crisp veggies and low prices. One Yelp reviewer suggests cash over credit since there’s a $.50 fee for plastic transactions under $15 and “it’s really hard to rack up more than” that.

Boston: Stump! Trivia and 25-cent Wings

There’s a plethora of places throughout the Commonwealth where you can proudly boast your knowledge of everything inane and useless during Stump! Trivia (free to play), but perhaps the best bar to enlighten your date as to why Megatron covets the AllSpark is The Mission. The contest begins at 8:30 p.m. every Sunday and lasts for about two hours. While you’re there, snack on quarter-per wings washed down with $3 Narragansett tallboys. A word of advice: Brush up on current events beforehand. You’ll only end up embarrassing yourself when you can’t remember how many states are in the Union. Hint: It’s not 51.

Miami: Sand, Sweat and Steaks at Biscayne Bay

Despite what the E! network will have you believe, Miami is not best known for the Kardashians. Its fame is drawn from miles of soft sand ripe for recreational activities. Bike, kayak and canoe rentals are available at Oleta River State Park, but to save money strap your own to the car ($6 per double-occupancy vehicle) and have an afternoon adventure amid mangrove forest preserves and saltwater fishermen. When the hunger pangs ping, claim a grill and throw a couple well-seasoned steaks and shrimp atop the open flame. Pair the meal with a complementary red, followed by a cuddle on the beach as the sun sets over South Florida. No need for plates or cutlery; by the time dinner is served, she’ll be eating out of the palm of your hand.

Mikey Rox is an award-winning writer/journalist and the principal of Paper Rox Scissors, a copywriting and creative consulting company in New York City. It goes without saying that he also can plan one hell of a date. Rox can be reached at mikey@paperroxscissors.com.

Tags: dating, frugal, relationships