Love it or hate it, Valentine’s Day is just around the corner. But it doesn’t have to be a stressful or expensive ordeal in order for it to be meaningful. With a bit of thought and planning, you can make special memories without spending a fortune on overpriced flowers and dinner.
Here are some of my outside-the-box, affordable or even free ways to spend Valentine’s Day in Austin:
1. Get moving & be adventurous
Go get sweaty at some unconventional & exciting gyms in Austin. Try: Austin Bouldering Project, Mylo Obstacle Fitness, or Flying Trapeze.
2. Make something beautiful
Put your creative minds together to showcase your crafts. Ideas : bury a time capsule, make a short film, home brew with seasonal ingredients, make jewelry
3. Cook an elaborate meal
No, throwing burgers on the grill doesn’t count. Try cooking a cuisine you may not be familiar with (think: Moroccan, Ethiopian, Indonesian…), or a specialized product like fresh pasta, charcuterie, or candy.
4. Plant a garden and watch it grow
Ideas: herb garden, cacti (we love East Austin Succulents), miniature fruit trees, fly traps in time for summer (?)
5. Print and frame your favorite photos
Give new life to old frames from thrift/ vintage stores by filling them with photos that you’ve meant to print forever ago. Tip: I love getting my prints from Creation Station. Support local businesses!
6. Take a photo walk
Wander along South Congress, Rainey Street, or East Austin and capture anything that catches your eye. Try shooting from a different perspective than you usually do. Have fun and be silly! And if you have time, refer to #5.
7. Start a blog together
Your blog can be a collection of your favorite poems, photos, and inside jokes. Or, if you have a shared interest like baking, juggling, or upcycling, consider starting a themed blog to grow your community.
8. Foster or rescue a pet
Add a new family member to your home! I have a soft spot for Pug Rescue Austin (where I brought my awesome puggle home from) but Austin Pets Alive and Forgotten Friends are also popular picks.
9. Take a food truck tour
I often think that Austinites take our robust food truck culture for granted. Support local entrepreneurs while you enjoy a range of tasty treats. My personal favorites include: Thai Kun at Whisler’s, Ms. P’s chicken ‘n waffles and soft serve at Cow Tipping Creamery.
Share this with your partner or a special friend as a hint-hint, nudge-nudge!
