There is simply no way to hide my excitement that fall is finally here! Oh fall, such a wonderful time of year to be outside, and to go on some great, inexpensive dates. With all of the beauties of nature during the fall season, it is easy to switch out those theater nights and trendy restaurants with some great dates that will cost very little. No matter where you live, these dates will ensure a fun time that does not leave our wallets crying for mercy. Thank goodness!
Farmers Markets
Most farmers markets are still open during the fall season, and most of the food available is more fresh and less expensive than you will find in grocery stores. Plus, all of the food is from local growers, meaning that it had less travel time and more time to grow. This cuts back on our carbon footprints and supports local business.
Instead of going out for dinner on a Saturday night, spend the morning at the farmers market with your special someone, then, go home and cook the night away! Chances are you will spend about a quarter as much, but will have more fun than almost any regular restaurant experience. Two dates for the price of 1/2, that is a wallet win!
Outdoor Theaters
Fall is a wonderful time of year. The weather is getting cooler, leaves are changing their colors, and outdoor activities are in abundance. Most larger cities have outdoor amphitheaters that host everything from rock concerts to orchestra festivals and operas. Best part about this date is that there are a great deal of these performances that are either free or as little as $10-$15 per person!
This date can be ridiculously simple but incredibly memorable. Bring some blankets and a picnic to your amphitheater's next performance for an inexpensive and romantic night at the theater! Those over-achievers can even double up on dates and bring their farmer's market finds to the concert under the stars. Impressed.
Pumpkin Picking
One of my favorite parts of the fall season is Halloween and the pumpkin picking that goes along with it. Pumpkin picking has come a long way from your local grocery store. Now, farms all over the US are having massive pumpkin picking festivals that sometimes include live music, food trucks, face painting, and pumpkin craft contests. These festivals are a great way to spend the day and will give future fun as well since hardly anyone buys a pumpkin without dressing it up or carving it out.
Take this one to the extreme with a pumpkin carving party. Start the celebrations with pumpkin choosing at the local pumpkin celebration site- I am pretty sure every town has one of these. Then, move your party to your back yard where everyone can carve those pumpkins to their heart's content. Carving the pumpkins outside will take advantage of that gorgeous fall weather and make clean-up a breeze. That is what I call a smart party!
Race for a Reason
There are, literally, hundreds of 5k's, 10k's, half marathons, marathons, and tri-athalons going on in the month of October alone. Have some fun and give back to a charity you believe in by running in their race. This date will be more than your usual fun outing; it will be good for you, give back to those in need, and be completely tax deductible. Yes, I am pretty sure our CPA would tear-up at that tax deduction recommendation.
Running in the USA is a great database for upcoming races in the US. Races can be found by location, dates, or types of races. Some even have links where you can register on the spot.
Festivals
There are way more festivals during the fall season than, pretty much, any other part of the year combined. Festivals are a great place to have a fun and easy date since they are so fun and easy themselves. Depending on what kinds of festivals you are going to or what you are doing at them, they can range from $15 to over a couple hundred dollars. Youzas. Stay on the smaller side of that range by bringing food with you and taking advantage of some of that free entertainment most festivals are known for.
A small tip when choosing your festival would be to steer clear of Food and Wine festivals if you are looking to save a buck. Food and Wine festivals can be super fun, but they tend to have a high price tag to go along with it. Instead, eat ahead of time or pack it with you, then head out to your neighborhood's fall carnival. This will be loaded with fun games and rides that will not put you back nearly as much as those hors d'oeuvres and wine samples.