Articles & Advice

Fun dates don't have to break the bank. Impress your date with a playful fun filled day in the great outdoors. Whether you are unemployed, cutting back, or naturally frugal; here is a great low cost date idea that will take you from day to night.

American Gothic

Seek out a local country farm or farmer's market/ farm co-op. During the fall season, many farms open their barn doors to the public. Whether it be a pick your own pumpkin patch or a sweet apple orchard, getting back to nature can breed romance. The fresh air and calm ambient farm noises hearken back to a simpler time of life. You can spend almost all day getting lost in the patches and orchards searching for and picking the perfect fruits and veggies. You might even be inspired to play an impromptu game of hide and seek.

Some farms even let you press your own fresh apple cider. Bring a lunch, spread out a blanket and have a picnic before you resume your Green Acres fantasies.

All it will cost you is a half a tank of gas and a few bucks for your bushel of apples and a cup of hot cider to share.

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The local farmer's market might be more your speed if a fun filled farm day is not your thing or if you are allergic to rustic adventure. This might also appeal to you if you live in the big city where nearby farms might be scarce.

They usually run one or two afternoons a week in the warmer months and some even run year round. You can still pick up apples, pumpkins, and sip on hot cider, but the work has already been done for you. Many vendors offer free samples of their offerings, just make sure not to get too greedy.

Most farmers' markets also attract local artisans and folksy street musicians, so there is always something to see and hear. Just be sure to bring home some fresh apples.

Hot and Sticky

Once you've gotten those freshly picked apples home; show off your sweet and domestic side by making caramel apples for dessert. They're very easy and fun to make together. Just insert a wooden stick into the stem of a washed apple (this might take some team work) and dip it in hot melted caramel candy. Cool the caramel apple on waxed or parchment paper.

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You can get imaginative with your caramel apples by adding things you already have in your kitchen. Sprinkle some cinnamon into a batch of caramel for a smokier flavor. Coat your caramel apples with graham crackers, marshmallows, chocolate chips, or other candy bits. Go sweet and salty by rolling the apples in chopped lightly salted peanuts or almonds. Experiment with flavors and textures.

Get sticky with each other by sampling the inspired creations with a bottle of fruity wine. What better way to turn up the heat during your date then by turning up the heat in the kitchen?

Andi Hamamoto Kowal is a filmmaker and marketing consultant who lives in Southern California with her husband, Tim. In her spare time she teaches and collects graduate degrees. If you have any suggestions for future columns, please email her at andihk@aol.com.