After trolling around the dating websites to see what the next hot topic is going to be I happened upon multiple blogs and columns discussing cheap Autumn date ideas. Seeing as most of us live off the dollar menu I decided to put my own local spin on the cheap Autumn date ideas. Whether we like it or not fall is here to stay, so it is time to embrace the colder weather and spice up your dating life with these ten
cheap-or-free ideas.
1. Farmers market.
Take full advantage of the Omaha Farmers Market while you can and simply spend a morning exploring all the booths. Visit on Saturdays in the Old Market from 8 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. ending on October 19th and in Aksarben Village every Sunday from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. ending October 20th.
2. Pumpkin patch.
It may sound cheesy and childish but a pumpkin patch is a fun and cheap way to spend a Saturday. Take a trip out to Vala’s Pumpkin Patch in Gretna and spend the day making caramel apples, cooking hot dogs over a campfire and visiting the petting zoo. Vala’s is open every day until Halloween from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. Sunday through Thursday and 9 a.m. to 10 p.m. Friday and Saturday.
3. Bellevue Berry Farm.
Visit the Bellevue Berry Farm in Papillion that offers a pumpkin patch, berry picking, haunted hayrides and much more. The berry farm is a unique and cheap way to spend some quality time with your significant other. It is open 9 a.m. to 8:30 p.m. Monday through Thursday and 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. Friday through Sunday.
4. Carve up some pumpkins.
Some people just can’t make it through the month of October without ripping the guts out of some poor pumpkin whose only offense was being born orange and having seeds inside. This seasonally inspired urge makes a great excuse for an Autumn date, as long as you remember to bring a first aid kit. So show off your creative side and get to carving.
5. Haunted House.
Visiting a haunted house is one of my all time favorites. It gives you an excuse to hold on tight to your special someone; just beware of busting his or her eardrums with your screams. Omaha has quite the variety of haunted houses, Mystery Manor being the closest as it is right next to Sokol Auditorium. Be sure to check out Nightmare on Q street, Scary Acres and The Shadows Edge as well.
6. Toss around a football.
Football season is upon us, so whether you love it or hate it, you might as well embrace it. Also, being able to throw a football properly is a life skill everyone should have. Before you shoot down this idea remember that getting in some cardio before you consume all of that Halloween candy may be just what you need.
7. Visit a Lookie-Loo
With the Joslyn museum practically being on campus and is now free in case you haven’t heard, it could be the perfect study break you and your significant other need as midterms week approaches. Spend a day taking in the art and discuss some culture (how mature of you), and maybe check off a culture assignment for
a class.
8. Have a picnic at the Joslyn Castle.
The Joslyn Castle is just west of campus on 39th and Davenport Street and is a great place to walk around and have an afternoon picnic. It may sound mushy and cinematic, but you can show off your cooking skills and get some one on one time in a quieter place.
9. Meteor showers.
Being a Science teacher’s daughter I have seen my fair of meteor showers and no matter how many times I watch one the sense of awe never dwindles. Get out of the city and head up to Neale Woods. They have some of the best telescopes and coming up on Oct. 21 is the Orionids meteor shower and on Nov. 16 is the Leonids shower.
10. Do good day.
It’s the season of giving thanks for what we have, so why not pay it forward? Spend a Saturday volunteering at a soup kitchen or pitch in at a local food bank or homeless shelter. The Sienna Francis House is always looking for volunteers and nothing makes you feel better than helping the less fortunate.