Empty pockets are no excuse to deny your loved one a memorable Valentine’s Day. If you’re rummaging your brain for some romantic (yet relatively cheap) date nights in the Winona area, look no further. Here are some ideas on on how to keep your significant other (and wallet) happy on this national day of love.
The Active Date
If the Olympics have you convinced that your skating skills are just as amazing as a trained athlete’s, why not show off for your date? The Lake Lodge Recreation Center offers ice-skating, broomball and snowshoeing to all members for a small fee of $5 for a yearlong membership. The Lodge also provides a cracking fireplace to warm those frozen toes and maybe provide a chance to scoot a little closer… #cuddletime
The Studious Date
Sometimes, a good book and a steamin’ cup of coffee is absolutely necessary on a cold winter’s night. So why not enjoy a fictional tale together? Head on over to the Winona Public Library and swap each other’s favorite novels. Spend the night by the fireplace (or space heater) and get lost in the written word together.
The Classic Date
Dinner and a movie is never bad idea. Downtown Winona holds many different restaurants and diners just begging to be explored. I say Acoustic Café is a must-try for all Winona students. You and your date can split a hot hoagie and get to know each other in the cozy atmosphere. Then you can walk over to the Winona 7 Theatre to catch the latest film. Looking for a romantic comedy? Take your date to That Awkward Moment, a story about three friends dealing with modern day relationships starring Zac Efron. (Because you can never go wrong with Zac Efron. Never.)
The Thrifty Date
Make Macklemore’s song come alive and try shopping in a few thrift stores over the weekend. Whether it be a “brown leather jacket that you found digging” or a broken keyboard, the adventure of thrifting is sure to make a memorable date for you both. Make things more interesting by setting a spending limit of $5 and see if you can make an entire ensemble with that price. (Trust me; it can be done.)
The Artsy Date
Check out some local talent by attending WSU’s own “Dancescape” performance on the Main Stage of the Performing Arts Center from Feb 13 to Feb 15. Come and support your fellow students as they dance their hearts out onstage. Tickets are $8 for students; a very reasonable price to impress your date with your knowledge of the arts.
The Culinary Date
Take a night off from the caf, put your culinary skills to good use and make yourselves a homemade dinner! Whether it be just a simple box of mac-and-cheese or just some fluffy pancakes, nothing says romance more than a full, satisfied belly. Brownie points (mmm…brownies) to those who lay a picnic tablecloth on the ground and pretend like it’s already summer vacation.
The Dreamy Date
Grab yourselves a cup of hot cocoa, notepad and pen and start writing down your bucket list ideas. With school, work and extracurricular activities always demanding your attention, it’s important to keep in mind the personal goals you have set for yourself. Whether that be backpacking across Europe, learning a new language, starting a blog, or getting that high score on Flappy Bird, it’s always exciting to see these goals written down and finding out what you each aspire to do with your lives. Because a couple who dreams together, stay together.
