Many moons ago, shortly after I published my podcast on Finding Good Prospects for Romance and Friendship, Stella Zawistowski sent me this set of excellent ideas for first dates, particularly geared toward city-dwellers.

• If you live near a college, university, or especially a conservatory for the arts, be sure to get on the school’s mailing list or check posted schedules regularly for free or low-cost performances. You’ll frequently find Shakespeare, dance productions, recitals, orchestra concerts, and sometimes even opera.
• Ballroom dance studios often offer free or low-price guest nights to attract new students. You can enjoy the free beginners’ lesson, then apply your new skills dancing with your date for the rest of the night.
• Many pubs and bars offer trivia nights. You and your date can be a two-person team.
• Some bars and restaurants offer themed wine-tasting nights.
• Picnic in the park. Bonus points if you make the food yourself and/or have a dog that likes to play.
• Follow dinner or drinks with board games instead of a movie.
• In the summer, many cities have food festivals or street fairs that it’s fun to browse with a date.
• If you and your date are sports fans, try minor-league or college games. Minor-league baseball is a particularly fun date, and usually costs the same or less than a movie ticket! If there’s no minor-league team in your area, catch a game at a sports bar.
• Go on a hike (but don’t pick too strenuous a trail; you want to be able to converse with your date).
• Visit your local zoo or botanical gardens to enjoy nature harnessed for man’s enjoyment.
• If your city has a Time Out magazine, subscribe to it (or visit timeout.com) to find all kinds of events.
• Many farmer’s markets offer free or low-cost cooking demonstrations. See how a dish is made, then buy the ingredients, go home and prepare it with your date.

Any other ideas? Post them in the comments!

If you’re interested in purchasing the podcast, that’s still available for just $20. You can find more information — and purchase it — here: Finding Good Prospects for Romance and Friendship.