Date Night

Get Coffee, Get Creepy, at Eastern State Penitentiary

Get Coffee, Get Creepy, at Eastern State Penitentiary

There is something kind of exhilarating about having the daylights scared out of you, especially when you have a date’s hand to cling to in the dark.  In October, through Halloween, haunted houses pop up all over Philly and the surrounding area.  These spook shows are fun, for sure –  but they’re not cheap.  Tickets to Terror Behind the Walls at Eastern State Penitentiary during off-peak hours are $20, and go up from there.  But, as I discovered on a recent date, this dilapidated prison fortress in Fairmount is pretty darn creepy all by itself, even in daylight hours.  Get your imagination going by trading ghost stories over a cup of coffee at Mugshots across the street, then go walk the long, ghostly halls of Eastern State, which many believe to be haunted. If you dare. Why this will impress your date: Because being scared on a date is kind of sexy.…

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Explore Hidden Treasures Near Washington Square Park

Explore Hidden Treasures Near Washington Square Park

As my date and I recently discovered, there are a whole date’s worth of cool (and cheap!) things to do, see, and eat in the small area of Center City between Walnut and Locust streets to the north and south, and 6th and 8th streets to the east and west.  After checking out the gorgeous Tiffany glass mural in the Curtis Center, we went to Lore’s Chocolates, a gourmet chocolatier, and spent at least half an hour picking out a half pound box of chocolates to enjoy in nearby Washington Square.  On our way to the park, we stumbled across even more hidden treasures: a curious little troll, and a fun, no-frills, bulk nut and candy store too. How cheap we talkin’: Approximately $11 for a half pound of chocolate from Lore’s. $2-$5 per pound for nuts or candy from Nuts to You. Why this will impress your date: You can whip out…

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Friday Night Fireworks & Ice Cream at Franklin Fountain

Friday Night Fireworks & Ice Cream at Franklin Fountain

On a Friday night, Old City can sometimes seem a bit overrun by heavy drinkers, flashy dressers, and unruly crowds – not necessarily the most inviting atmosphere for a date.  But that’s only if you don’t know where to go (or where not to go).  For an Old City date with old-fashioned charm, start with homemade ice cream from Franklin Fountain, then take in the concert and fireworks at Penn’s Landing. (Concert starts at 7:30, fireworks at 9:15).  After the big show, head to Sassafras International Cafe (and bar) at 48 S.2nd between Market and Walnut.  With painted tin ceilings, a faux fireplace, and international beer list, this intimate and classy joint is a welcoming respite from the mayhem of the club scene.  That is, if you can make it past the throngs on the street. How cheap we talkin’: $5-7pp for ice cream (it gets pricey fast if you opt for the waffle…

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Coffee, Croissant, and Crayons at Chapter House

Coffee, Croissant, and Crayons at Chapter House

The other night, my date and I bought a box of crayons and a pad of paper, and spent the evening sipping tea, drawing pictures, and eating pastries at Chapterhouse Cafe and Gallery at 620 S.9th Street (9th and Bainbridge).  At first it may seem a bit childish of an activity for a date, but feeling like a kid again was half the fun.  Plus, it got us talking about the kinds of things we liked as children, the toys we remember playing with, etc., from which I learned a lot of endearing facts about my date.  The other half of the fun was picking out which baked goods we wanted to have!  The pastry selection at some coffee houses can be downright sad, especially near closing time.  But at 8pm on a weeknight (they’re open until 10pm everyday), Chapterhouse still had an ample selection of delicious goodies for us to choose from.  We…

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Boat Ride on the Delaware & Explore the Camden Waterfront

Boat Ride on the Delaware & Explore the Camden Waterfront

The boat ride scene has long been a staple of the romantic film genre (case in point, anyone remember the Chicago Ferry slow-dance scene from My Best Friend’s Wedding?).  But truly, what is more romantic than a boat ride?  Watching the wind tousle your date’s hair, listening to the waves slap rhythmically against the side of the boat, and exalting in the subtle danger of being so far from solid ground.  Didn’t think you could experience this in Philadelphia? Enter the River Link Ferry.  For only $7 round trip, my date and I cruised the Delaware across and back, and during our layover in Camden, found a place to enjoy a cold beer near the waterfront. How cheap we talkin’: $7 for round trip tickets on the River Ferry. $2-4 for beer and optional $4.50 for fries to split. Why this will impress your date: I talked about the hair tousling, right? Score extra points:…

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Golf at Franklin Square and Walk on Franklin Bridge

Golf at Franklin Square and Walk on Franklin Bridge

Since its renovation in 2006, Franklin Square Park has been transformed into a vibrant amusement park, complete with a carousel, two playgrounds, the impressive and historic Franklin Square Fountain, and the perfect Cheap Date diversion: an 18-hole miniature golf course designed around iconic Philadelphia landmarks like Love Park and the Liberty Bell. After battling it out on the green, my date and I cooled off by getting frosty treats from Square Burger, the park’s freestanding snack stand, and taking them on a stroll (part-way) across the breezy and beautiful Benjamin Franklin Bridge. How cheap we talkin’: $8 for a round of golf ($7 if you have a Septa pass!)$3.50-$4.75 for a rootbeer float or shake from Square Burger. Why this will impress your date: By showing that you can be a gracious winner. Or loser. Score extra points: By offering to be the one to keep score. (Do not literally score extra points by cheating). The inside…

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