Good date need not break bank

The dating world is often compared to a jungle. With such competition, many men think they need to dole out their last paycheck on a Saturday night out in order to impress a girl. Not so. According to “102 Great Dates for Any Budget” (Stewart, Tabori & Chang), money doesn’t have to be part of the equation of a fun date. It’s all about FACT — Food, Activity, Conversation and Thought.

Whether you are celebrating your golden wedding anniversary or meeting someone for the first time, a special date makes all the difference. Here are some date ideas to get you started.

‘The Wine Connoisseur Date’

Spend an evening learning about wine. Classes are often held at local wineries, restaurants, bars or local colleges. Many also include a discussion on how to mix wine with food, and they provide light appetizers, too. Just be sure to arrange a chauffeur, or be sensible about how much wine you drink if you have to drive home.

‘The Flea Market Date’

Few girls will decline a day of shopping! But that doesn’t mean you have to go to the mall. Spend the day browsing through a flea market. It will be a day full of adventure, and you never know what junk or treasures will be a source of conversation.

‘The Factory Tour Date’

Tour a regional bread, pretzel, chocolate or other kind of factory in your area. Get a little culture with some free samples along the way!

‘Sand-Castle Date’

Spend an afternoon building a dream home out of sand. And you don’t have to live near the beach. Head to the local park and set foot in the sandbox. As you build your creation together, the laughs and conversation will come naturally. Follow your building with a picnic lunch and a walk on the beach or through the park.

‘The Fair Date’

Get in touch with your inner child at a street fair or carnival. Spend the day or evening on the roller coaster, try your luck at a coin toss, or indulge in cotton candy. The drive there will give you time to talk, and the sights and sounds will be natural conversation starters.

‘The Test-Drive Date’

Spend an afternoon test-driving your dream cars. Pick up some brochures, or make a list of local automobile dealerships in advance.

‘The Altruistic Date’

Help out a good cause together. Cook for the homeless, wrap presents for needy children, or man phone lines for a fund-raiser. Most of these are group activities, but you can toast your good deed over a post-volunteering meal.

‘The Farmer’s Market Meal Date’

Here’s a twist on the traditional home-cooked-meal date. Spend a morning or afternoon shopping for fruits, vegetables, meats, fish, flowers, wine and more at a local farmers’ market. Pick up any additional items like flour or sugar at the grocery store. Then head home to whip up a tasty and fresh meal together.

‘The Go Fly a Kite Date’

Head to a hilltop, park or beach to fly a kite. You can pick up a simple, inexpensive kite at a toy store. For the more experienced kite-flyers, choose a kite style that’s intricate. Work together to get it into the air and see who can keep it flying the longest.