The Morning After

Hey.  There’s got to be one.

Well folks, it’s the morning after my birthday and I spent it on TV, riding a mechanical bull.  Yep, that’s just how I roll.  Fortunately, I didn’t roll off the bull and onto my head… Moving on.

Today’s Fox 9 Morning Buzz segment (the stuff we talked about when we weren’t riding fake, scary bulls) was all about Valentine’s Day.  I say, plan early!  That way you aren’t rushing around at the last minute buying gnarly red roses from the convenience store on your way home from work.  And to help you with your planning, here are four fun n’ frugal things to do this Valentine’s Day.

Romance On A Budget – Valentine’s Day activities for less:

1.  Movie night without the kids – the VIP Theater at the Mall of America.  Purchase 2 tickets ($11.50 each) and an additional $20 nets you a bottle of wine, chocolates, a rose, free popcorn, 2 House of Comedy tickets, and a gift card to Crave.  They’ll be showing Valentine’s Day (of course) at this 21 year or older theater.  Relax in a comfy rocking chair while servers serve you “adult libations.”  And no, there are no kids allowed!  Extra bonus – have your dinner at Bubba Gump Shrimp or Crave, and get tickets to the VIP Theater for just $7.50 a piece.

2.  Ice skating – Centennial Lakes Park in Edina.  They “feature a 10-acre lake that is groomed daily during the winter for ice skating. Spread out over three main ponds connected by narrow, meandering canals, the rink gives skaters a unique skating experience reminiscent of a Currier & Ives setting from bygone days” (or so says their website).  There’s also a rink-side warming house with indoor and outdoor fireplaces, restrooms, concessions (like hot chocolate!) and skate rentals. Rentals are $5 per pair, and ice sleds are $7 per hour.  There is no admission charge for skating.  The lake is open from noon to 9:30 on Sundays, including Valentine’s Day (baring a sudden heat wave).

3.  Ballroom dancing to live music – Cinema Ballroom in St. Paul.  Waltz, swing, tango, foxtrot, rumba and more to live music, courtesy of Jerry O’Hagan and his Orchestra.  Dance classes run from 6:15 to 7 PM, and social dancing starts at 7 PM and lasts until 10.  General admission is just $12.00 a person, and $8 for college students/youth 18 and under.

4.  Bowling!  Because what’s more romantic than rented shoes?  Bryant Lake Bowl in Minneapolis.  They offer $2 games (per person, per game) after 6 PM on Sundays, plus discounts on local beers, wine and appetizers.  They even have a gluten free menu, for all you wheatophobics.  And as for those rented shoes?  They’re just $1.50 a pair.

Share the love!  How do you spend Valentine’s Day?