Street Fairs & Fests

June 13, 2011
Street Fairs & Fests

Last year, I recommended going to one of Philly’s many street fairs and festivals, as a great cheap date idea: There’s (usually) no cost for entry, there’s (almost always) live music or entertainment to enjoy, and there’s lots of cool stuff to look at and fun foods to try! Of course, if you don’t want to spend date money at the food stands you can always bring your own and dine picnic style – and bringing your own water anyway is a smart (and cost-saving) move. In short, Philly’s festivals come in all shapes and sizes, and they are a great opportunity to venture out to a different park or neighborhood, mingle with a new crowd, get some sun and some exercise, see some great live music, meet up with friends, or just enjoy the company of your date. Like last year, I’ve again compiled a list of upcoming street...

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Baltimore Avenue Dollar Stroll is Tonight!

June 2, 2011
Baltimore Avenue Dollar Stroll is Tonight!

Once a month, starting tonight, June 2nd, take your date and a fistfull of dollars to Baltimore Avenue in West Philadelphia for the second (now) annual Dollar Stroll! Featuring live music, street performers, sidewalk vendors and $1 deals on everything from ice cream to samosas to theater tickets, it’s going to be hard to find more bang for your buck anywhere in the city tonight. This event turns Baltimore Avenue into a delightful open-air parade of sights, smells, and sounds, but as I learned last year, the lines do get long.  My advice for making it a great date: go early (the event runs from 5:30-8:30pm), don’t try to hit every venue, and use this handy vendor list to plan your route! Note: If you miss tonight’s stroll, there are 3 more this season. Pencil in your next date for July 7th, August 4th, or September 1st!

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Tiki in the City: Drinks with Umbrellas

June 1, 2011
Tiki in the City: Drinks with Umbrellas

Summer means t-shirts, shorts, sundresses, sandals, and sunshine. It also means the spectre of the possible date disaster – SWEATING. That’s why every cheap dater needs a go-to spot to enjoy a cool drink outside, with equal parts shade and ambiance. Read my full review at drinkphilly.com and find out where!

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Disc Golfing in Sedgley Woods Park

May 16, 2011
Disc Golfing in Sedgley Woods Park

I admit that I was a little hesitant at first (ok, resistant may be more accurate) to the idea of trying “disc golf,” “frisbee golf,” (or “FROLF” as my date likes to call it).  But after a few hours spent flinging discs, tramping through the woods, and feigning a competitive edge, I was sold.  This game is really fun!  And being that it’s totally free to play, it’s also a cheap date!  In fact, the Sedgley Woods disc golf course is actually one of the oldest free, public pole-hole disc golf courses in the United States.  A more detailed history of the sport here in Philadelphia can be found here. Disc golf also has the benefit of being an outdoor sport that takes place mostly under the cover of trees — a definite advantage for hot summer afternoons.  And much like standard golf, you can go at your own...

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Happy Birthday to Me!

April 29, 2011
Happy Birthday to Me!

Cheap Date Philadelphia just turned One!  I can’t believe it!  To celebrate, I gave myself a Facebook page. Now you can follow me on Facebook or on Twitter @cheapdatephila. Hooray! I also took some time to reflect on the growth of the blog, which has been thrilling and encouraging.  I’ve especially enjoyed being able to engage with other Philly bloggers through I’m Seeing Other Blogs, and I look forward to more to come! Note to Philly bloggers: if you’re interested in being featured, get in touch! I have also been thinking about what I’d like to see happen in year Two.  There’s a lot on that list, and you might see some changes to the layout and content of the blog in the coming months.  But it won’t be anything drastic, I promise.  Because mostly I’d just like to keep exploring this city, keep finding great deals and fun things...

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I’m Seeing Other Blogs #3: Martinis and Sushi in the City Girls World

April 19, 2011
I’m Seeing Other Blogs #3: Martinis and Sushi in the City Girls World

My Date’s Stats: Blog: City Girls World Age: CGW launched in 2009. Katie started blogging for them as a “Gal about Philly” in 2010. Likes: Martinis, Sex in the City, brunch, finger tattoos, wasabi. Dislikes: Girls who bring their boyfriends everywhere, people who can’t deal with women in control of their sexuality, and party-crashing night time SEPTA schedules. Little Known Fact: Katie studies social work and human sexuality, and actually has her own blog, which she describes as more or less a “sex blog,” (although it’s name, “There’s vodka in my sippy cup but I need to grow up,” perhaps reads a little more like a diary-of-a-party-girl). Favorite Cheap Date: The Yards Brewery tasting/tour. “My boyfriend and I went here and it was an awesome way to spend a rainy Saturday afternoon-HIGHLY recommended.” As for a girls night out: “I’d pick the Center City Cocktail Crawl-I love XIX but...

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