Plan a romantic date on a student budget

Everybody in a relationship has an idea of a perfect date, and be it candlelight, a… Everybody in a relationship has an idea of a perfect date, and be it candlelight, a wine-and-dine affair or just walking through the park, Pittsburgh has some great places for the “Romeo and Juliet”-style lovin’ to fully bloom. For a price.

Let’s face it: We’re college students. When we’re not shelling out the dough for textbooks, it’s going toward a weekend bender. And unless you’ve got the silver spoon dangling from your gob, money remains tight. Suddenly you find your date has gone from a hopeful candlelight romance to sitting in McDonald’s sharing a Big Mac.

But don’t worry. The perfect date doesn’t have to drain your wallet. In fact, many restaurants and sights cater to the college demographic, ensuring that you and your significant other will have not only a good time, but also a surprisingly frugal one. One hint: Your Pitt ID doubles as a bus pass, so enjoy free bus trips throughout your college career.

Take the Spice Island Teahouse on Atwood Street. It is consistently ranked as one of the more romantic spots the ‘Burgh has to offer. It doesn’t hurt that the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette has rated it favorably for its charming atmosphere and inexpensive food. One of the better qualities is that it’s non-smoking, slightly dim-lit and BYOB, so you can bring along some of the bubbly if you’re celebrating an anniversary.

Or there’s the movie theater, a classic staple in romances the world over. No better way to get closer than to cuddle when the scary moments come up, like trying to watch Keanu Reeves act.

Two theaters in particular stick out: the AMC Loews Waterfront Theater and the Southside Works Cinema. Both are relatively easy to find using Google Maps and offer many restaurants within their respective vicinities – the Cheesecake Factory by Southside Works is of particular, yet pricey, interest.

Phipps Conservatory and Botanical Gardens has been listed on about.com as one of the more romantic spots throughout the city. It has plenty of lush expanse to make the rainforest sweat and will soon boast even more with the completion of its tropical forest conservatory. A visit runs at $9 with your student ID.

And now something for the old sweet tooth: The conservatory is currently hosting “Chocolate! A Tasty New Exhibit” from now until November, and it’s exactly what it sounds like. Willy Wonka suggested that chocolate releases endorphins that produce a feeling similar to love. Besides weddings, chocolate sounds like the ultimate aphrodisiac.

But enough about spending money. Sometimes the best dates are free – or at least close to it.

One spot popular among students and tanning enthusiasts is the Soldiers ‘ Sailors Memorial lawn. Boasting greener grass than the suburbs and a huge expanse, why not just take a blanket and a picnic basket? It’s also close to a 7-Eleven convenience store if you find you need some last minute supplies.

Schenley Park is also popular with students, boasting 456 acres of green grass and possibilities including walking trails and small alcoves that show off the immense Pittsburgh scenery. One of the best dates I’ve been on was just walking through the park, shooting the breeze as the breeze shot past us. It’s simple, it’s effective and most of all, it’s free.

But the possibilities for romance in Pittsburgh are endless. The easiest way to find a nice romantic spot? Just ask around. Make friends and see what they do when they feel like making romance. Finally, look for The Pitt News’ “Best of Pitt and the ‘Burgh” issue in November. Ranging from the best place to hook up to the best place to wake up, you’re bound to find something interesting.