We get it. Spending even $50 on Valentine's Day could be a significant investment. Fear not! You won't have to limit your lover to the dollar menu. We've scoured the state to find you some dates on the cheap that won't make you look cheap.
For the Mostly Broke
- Share Your Heart Song: Two words. Singing Valentines. For $40, a barbershop quartet dressed in tuxedos will track down your loved one, give them a rose, sing them a couple of songs, take a picture and leave their coworkers making fun of them for the next year.
- Teddy Tea: Great if you have kids. The Florence Griswold Museum in Old Lyme is hosting a Lovey Dovey Teddy Bear Tea Party on V-day. It's $14 per adult and child - additional guests are $7. They'll have cute stories, heart shaped "funwiches," crafts and other fun treats. Kids should bring their favorite stuffed animal.
- Love Panel: This could get dangerous. The Fuller Movement Center in Hartford is hosting a Valentine's Day Party Saturday night. Tickets are $20 and will get you into the special Buddhist Love Panel. You can ask the teachers your questions about love and relationships. They'll also tease you with some "naughty desserts" (excuse me??).
- Chill Music: The Space in Hamden is known for its intimate setting. On Valentine's Eve, you can check out a little sophisticated, romantic, subdued indie-folk. KaisierCartel and Northampton's Winterpills will be performing at 7 p.m. The best part? It's just $10 per person.
For the $&%#, I'm Really Friggin' Broke
- Lover's Lounge: Here's our pick - a show at Cafe Nine in New Haven. For a $5 cover, you get in the door for the show. Hors' d'oeuvres are served at 9 p.m. and the show starts at 10 p.m. The cool part is that you can get up on stage and serenade your honey with a live backup band. They'll also hook you up with goodie bags filled with romantic items. Did we mention it's just $5?
- Going Old School: Forget buying a card. Make your own Valentine at Gallery One at the Clayhouse in Old Saybrook Friday night. From 5 -8 p.m., you can check out the gallery and draw or write your own Valentine. Best part? Free! Professional artists will be on hand to help you out and local restaurants will provide tastings. Can't draw? You can buy cards made by the pros starting at just $5.
- Romeo, O Romeo: The Buttonwood Tree in Middletown is kicking up the romance Saturday night with "Valentine's Secret" - $3 and a canned good get you in the door. Inside, you can check out a fun gallery and then share your love secrets through your poetry or just listen to the poetry of others.
- Love is in the Air: A workshop and a lecture usually wouldn't grab our eyes. But it does in this case because it's all about making love. Ummm, an explanation is in order. The Windsor Historical Society is having a Victorian Valentine's Day Talk Saturday. They'll also give you a Valentine's Day kit so you can create your own masterpiece. Or something like that. It's just $6 for adults and $5 for seniors and students.
For those with a little more cash, check out some more Valentine's Day Events here.
If these ideas don't give you a get-out-of-trouble card for the next year, nothing will!
