Living on a broke, college student budget is rough, but it doesn't mean that you have to skip out on dates! Huntsville is full of unique places that you can make fun, with the right person. Here's 12 places you can go for an amazing, entertaining, and fun-filled date that won't break your bank.
1. Cinestar of Huntsville
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This is probably the go-to of every couple in Huntsville. I mean, c'mon. You can't beat those prices. $3 for a matinee and $5 after. Plus, the candy, popcorn, and drinks that are oh-so necessary for the perfect movie experience aren't over priced either. But, if you're really stretching for money, just fill up a purse with cheap candy from Walmart and it'll be even cheaper. This may not be the best place for a first date though! You don't really get the chance to talk and get to know each other, but it's definitely one of the cheapest dates in town.
2. The Duck Pond
You drive past it everyday and it probably doesn't seem that enticing. However, it's full of romantic bridges, cute benches, and fairy-tale esque gazebos that are all perfect for a fun, simple (and super cheap) picnic! Bring along a few pieces of bread and have fun feeding the ducks. This date is only as expensive as you want it to be, but is very romantic and leaves plenty of time for talking and long walks holding hands.
3. Antique Shops
The antique shops close pretty early, so this is perfect for a day-time date. The Square has dozens of antique shops packed full of interesting and amusing things from many time periods. A stroll through them all can take a while, and is a lot of fun! You can spend time together trying on funny hats, looking at old records, and taking a blast to the past. And better yet, you probably won't have to spend much money, if any at all! Stop by Farmhouse Sweets and Eats for an ice cream cone or their infamous fried pies on your way through!
4. Performances on Campus
Support your fellow Bearkats and go see one of the many performances they have on campus! Between the theatre and music department, there's almost always something going on. Broaden your horizons and go see something you might not usually be interested in. We have a very talented choir, orchestra, jazz band, cast of actors, and dancers all walking among us on campus! Go check them out!
5. The Wynne Home Arts Center
They aren't a widely known place here in town, but they always seem to have some fun event going on. They have art classes, dance performances and classes, movie nights, and art exhibits. Most of them are free or very affordable. Go learn something new together while still staying on the cheap side! You can learn more about each other and what you enjoy doing.
6. Avenue L Coffee House
On Thursday nights, they do open mic nights. You can go perform literally any talent you have, or just go watch! The coffee is cheap. The entertainment is amazing. The atmosphere is so relaxing. And the people there are great. The owners are really inviting and it's an all around amazing place to be! So go show off your amazing talent to your date, or just enjoy the live performances. You can even go anytime and just enjoy a cup of coffee and each other's conversation.
7. State Park
The State Park only costs $5 to get in, and it opens you up to so many activities! You can go fishing in the beautiful water. Bring your bikes and go on a bike ride around the beautiful scenery. You can even just take a hike around. Bring a picnic and have lunch. And if you stay late enough, you can bring a blanket and spend a romantic night looking at the stars! Plus, the State Park has tons of free events. They offer many activities that you can do together in the great outdoors. Go enjoy nature for close-to-no money!
8. Donut Run
Go get breakfast together! Wake up early and meet up in your P.J.'s with bedhead. Go get donuts and coffee and just talk! There are dozens of donut shops all around town. You probably don't have to go very far, and donuts are pretty dang cheap! Plus, it's always nice to not have to worry about dressing up and going somewhere fancy for a date. It's nice to just relax and start your day off great!
9. Stroll Around Campus
Let's be honest. When you get done with classes for the day, hanging around on campus is probably the last thing you want to do. But the campus is pretty beautiful at night. It gets almost eerily quiet and you don't have to worry about running into people. You can bring cheap food and set up next to the water fountain with your choice of music. Then take a walk around campus exploring all those places you just don't have to time to pay attention to when you're focused on getting to class! Also, it's literally free, so that's a plus.
10. Volleyball at Sonic
Whether you want to play on your own, or do a double date with some friends, volleyball at Sonic is always an option. Get cheap drinks and play to your heart's content! Or do any other sport! You can play soccer at the field, go on a run, play basketball at the rec, or tennis on the campus courts. This is perfect for an active couple, and is virtually free, as long as you have the equipment. Plus, it's a great way to see how your partner gets in the heat of competition!
11. Volunteer
There are plenty of places in town that would love to have volunteers. If you're animal lovers, Rita B. Huff would surely be glad to have you. The Good Shepherd Mission also needs volunteers. There's also the SAAFE house, your local church, and many more. Call around to some non-profit organizations in town and find out who needs some help. Spend some time together serving others! It's a great wholesome date and will leave you both feeling happy!
12. Swimming
Chances are, you can find some way to get into at least one pool in town. A lot of the apartment complexes have really nice pools. So pack your swimsuits, bring some snacks, and have some fun in the sun! Everyone loves swimming and it's a great way to bear with this Texas heat!
