About

April 21, 2010

Who is Cheap Dater?

Cheap Dater is a dedicated Philaphile who is determined to expose Philadelphia for the great cheap date city that it is. Favorite activities include: seeing live performances of all kinds, shopping for deals at thrift and flea markets, finding unexpected green space in the city, trying out new restaurants and bars, and finding ways to make a night in just as much fun as a night out. Height & Weight: Wouldn’t you like to know? Smarts: Yes. Looks: Devastatingly attractive. Sense of Humor: No. Looking for: people who share my philosophy that whether it’s a first date, a friend date, or anything in between, it’s nicer to spend time together than money.

What is a Cheap Date?

Everyone has their own definition of what is “cheap.”  People can also vary in their definition of a “date” (sometimes to an alarming degree).  At Cheap Date Philadelphia, a Cheap Date is one that:

  1. Costs less than $15 per person, all in.  That way, even if your date generously insists on paying, it’s still not likely to break the bank.
  2. Is accessible by public transportation.
  3. Provides at least two hours of entertainment (or, if the date is not going well, distraction…).
  4. Includes some kind of food and/or beverage component (because eating and/or drinking are an important part of almost all modern social rituals, and let’s face it, at some point you will want to know if your date knows how to chew properly).

Basically, this means that I will not recommend spending $15 on one fancy cocktail which can be drained in less than 20 minutes, leaving you broke and staring at the walls.  Nor will I be recommending that every date involve a dive bar, the “city special,” and peanuts for dinner (although that might be fun once in awhile). But what I will do is scour this fine city top to bottom for the best ideas of where to go and what to do with the one you’re with, on the cheap.

Why be a Cheap Date?

Dating can be complex, sure.  Who asks, who pays, who calls – it’s a minefield out there.  But at its best, dating is simply the act of spending time with someone you like, or are trying to get to know better.  And in my experience, the best dates are rarely the most expensive ones.  And that’s why I’m a cheap date.

Are you a Cheap Date?

Been on a great Cheap Date recently? A not-so-great one? Tried one of mine? Want to suggest one? Send your Cheap Date insights and ideas to cheapdatephiladelphia@gmail.com. Or leave your comments on the site.  Either way, I’d love to hear from you!

You can also follow cheapdatephiladelphia on Twitter @cheapdatephila, and on Facebook!

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