VETERANSONTHELAKE.COMThe concept may seen somewhat foreign and a little frightening to most Wash U students, but between random hook-ups and long-term relationships, we are sometimes forced to spend time with a member of the opposite sex outside of the basement of a frat house or the comfort of one’s own common room or bedroom. We are even forced to participate in a seemingly archaic form of interaction known to the general public as dating. But as poor college students, who are often lacking vehicular means, dates can seem a near impossibility. Compiled below are the top ten places to go on a date that are under ten dollars that and within a ten minute walk of campus, hopefully helping those who are on a budget make the sometimes necessary transition from random hook-up to prolonged hook-up, a little more smoothly.
The Crow Observatory
Got a clear night and a hot date? Then consider visiting the telescope atop Crow Hall (the physics building on the edge of campus). It’s open for free to the public on weeknights (including Fridays) and usually opens around 7 or 8, depending on the weather, and closes at 10. Not only can you view a beautiful St. Louis cityscape, but you can also take in the wonders of the Orion Nebula; the moon’s mountain ranges, plains, and craters; and several nearby planets. You can impress your date with your knowledge of the constellations and your own poetic stylings: (quoting the Bard himself) “It is not in the stars to hold our destiny but in ourselves.”
Paddleboating in Forest Park
Want to spend some quality time with your date while getting in a stellar workout? Consider heading over to Post-Dispatch Lake in Forest Park for a day of boating. The boathouse rents canoes and paddleboats for only $6 per person from 10 a.m. until sundown. Impress your date with your massive strength by toting her around the lake for a couple of hours, and when your biceps cramp up from all of the rowing, maybe she’ll give you a massage to alleviate the pain. Or just rent a paddleboat and let her do all of the work. Either way, you can enjoy a beautiful fall day in the park while still operating on a limited budget.
Tropicana Lanes Bowling Alley
Located a little over a mile from the periphery of campus at 7960 Clayton Rd., Tropicana Lanes may be the perfect place to take a first date. Featuring 52 lanes and Glow in the Dark Fantasy Bowling on Saturday afternoons for only $4.50, this bowling alley is slightly more romantic and “cute” than your typical “Big Lebowski” hangout. On the weekend, you can easily bowl a couple of games and rent a pair of shoes for under ten dollars. But if you’re willing to spend a little more money, Tropicana Lanes also features a Tuesday Night Special with 2 hours of bowling, 2 pairs of shoes, 1 large pizza, and one pitcher of soda for only $19.95 (a little bit pricier than our ten dollar maximum, but if you’re really feeling classy, you can spring for the extra hour of bowling and pizza).
Breakfast at IHOP
Want to take the cute girl from down the hall on a late night study break? Then escape the trap of Bear’s Den and head for a late-night breakfast at IHOP. Located just down the road from Tropicana Lanes at 8049 Clayton Rd., you can indulge in a stack of banana pancakes, some scrambled eggs, and a couple of cheese blintzes at almost any hour of the night.
Ice Skating at Steinberg Skate Rink
Located within Forest Park, this outdoor skating rink is open all winter from 9 a.m. until midnight on Fridays and Saturdays. Only $4 for entrance and $1 for skate rental, this is a cheap and cute way to spend a Saturday night.
Riddles Penultimate Caf‚ and Wine Bar
If you’re a fan of live jazz, consider stopping by Riddles (on the Loop) for an evening of great entertainment. The dinner menu is relatively pricey, so I suggest grabbing a table and ordering coffee or dessert. Personally, I recommend their Coconut-Rum Ice Cream while listening to Ptah Williams or Uncle Albert’s Jazz Band. All are extremely delightful and are sure to provide a great evening of sugar-infused entertainment.
Sledding at Art Hill
Grab two Center Court trays and a pair of gloves and you’re ready to go sledding at Art Hill (providedthere is snow on the ground). After the first snow, you can hop on the trays, plummet down the hill, and spend your recuperation period making snow angels and participating in a full-fledged snowball war. The best part of the date, however, may be the warming up afterwards, so be ready with cups of hot chocolate and a cozy post-date destination.
Elizabeth Danforth Butterfly Garden
An often overlooked spot on campus, the Butterfly Garden is located on Forsyth just past the Music School. Filled with beautiful plants, cozy gazebos, and the occasional butterfly, the garden is a perfect place to have a picnic with your special someone. Just grab a blanket from your roommate’s bed, a loaf of bread and peanut butter from Bear Mart, and a couple of sodas, and you’re ready for a pleasant and romantic afternoon.
Walking Clayton Neighborhoods
Clayton, the area surrounding campus, is perhaps one of the most architecturally interesting neighborhoods in St. Louis. Surprise your date by simply suggesting an evening walk through the nearby gated neighborhoods. You can gaze in amazement at the mansions and talk about your future plans to become a wealthy CEO and own a home similar to these. While the idea may be simplistic, a nice stroll may provide the one-on-one time you’ve been looking for.
Jazz at Holmes
Every Thursday night, great live jazz is played in Holmes Lounge here on campus. The setting is intimate, and coffee is served at the eatery inside. You can take your books to study, or just take your date to chat and enjoy the atmosphere. Either way the entertainment is free and nearby, so if the date goes badly, at least you’re close to home.