Trying to be romantic in college is as hard as trying to stay awake in lecture after a night out. Whether you work part-time or receive an allowance from your parents, it’s nearly impossible to squeeze in some leftover money to spend on dates. Lucky for us, Richmond has all types of lures for couples to get their romance on. We already know our beloved riverside city has an amazing art and food scene, but do you know how to date on a budget in RVA? Checkout this list for some fun ideas you and your significant other can try out this weekend.
For couples who are down for anything…
Bowling – $2
This is the perfect date if you and your SO are bored and don’t have any homework to do on a Tuesday night. The AMF Sunset Lanes Bowling Alley has specials every Tuesday for $2 games. What a fun and affordable date while having some friendly competition!
Billiards – $4
Shoot some pool for only $4 on Sundays at Baja Bean Co. Playing pool isn’t exactly the easiest thing to do. It takes an average of 45 minutes to clear a whole table for an amateur. So I definitely recommend playing for fun, but the best part is there is room for a lot of flirting in between turns during the whole game.
Dancing – FREE
That’s right, free! Whenever you two are ready to spice things up, put on your dancing shoes and head downtown to Havana 59. The Cuban restaurant offers free salsa and bachata lessons on their rooftop patio every Thursday from 8-9 p.m.
For couples who appreciate the arts…
Virginia Museum of Fine Arts – FREE
It’s huge in there. From Greco-Roman to Modern, you will easily spend two to three hours wandering this gorgeous museum hand in hand with bae admiring all types of art. The best part: free admission. Spend a Friday evening here for their happy hour 5:30-7:30 p.m. and enjoy free wine tastings.
Byrd Theatre – $2
Yes, this picture is real. If you have not seen a movie at the Byrd yet, I highly recommend it. This beautiful historic landmark is one of Richmond’s treasures. Before every showing, an old man is elevated from under the stage and plays a few songs with his organ to give us that old cinema touch. One downside is that this theatre only plays movies that have been pre-released. So if you don’t mind waiting a month to watch that brand new movie, you can save almost $10 by going to the Byrd.
Bowtie Theatre – $6
Now if you and your SO absolutely can not wait to watch the new horror flick coming out soon, then go to Bow Tie Cinemas Movieland on Boulevard Square. And don’t forget to bring your student ID! They sell tickets half price for students on Tuesdays so no need to pay full price for a movie ever again.
For the couples who love nature…
Maymont – FREE
Maymont Park is unlike any other public park in Richmond. There’s lots to see such as farm and wildlife exhbits, a Japanese garden, and a mansion. It’s open everyday from 10 a.m.- 5 p.m. Might I also add there are plenty of pretty backgrounds to take adorable couple pics?
Libby Hill Park – FREE
This clean and quiet park is located in the Church Hill area so it is a bit further away from the VCU campus. However you get the most amazing view of downtown Richmond and the James River. Having a picnic during the sunset while overlooking the city would be the most romantic cheap date you have ever planned.
Bike Rentals – $8
Want to step up the dating game to a more adventurous level? For only $8 an hour, try biking and exploring RVA with http://rvabikerental.com/. They are only 500 feet away from the Virginia Capital Trail which takes you through a number of the city’s attractions.
For the foodie couples…
Capital Ale House Burger Night – $2
Want a good cheap cheat day date with bae? Go to Capital Ale House on any Monday night for $2 burgers. This is such an easy and delicious date night to start off the week.
Cloud Hookah Bar & Grill – FREE
Well it’s only free if you’re craving something sweet on a Wednesday night. This new lounge offers free dessert on Wednesdays after 10 p.m. Their menu offers sweets such as ice cream, brownie sundaes and baklava.
Kabana Rooftop – $5-8
Kabana is the newest and hottest spot in Richmond, but it can get a little pricey. Well thank God for happy hour, right? Kabana’s happy hour occurs Monday through Friday from 3-6 p.m. Their menu has a variety of foods from hot dogs to shrimp. You also get a stunning view from their rooftop while you sip and eat.
Now you can be romantic without being a cheapskate! Richmond is full of fun activities, it all just depends on the days and times you and your significant other decide to go out. For more deals and happy hours check out rvaspecials.com!