Great dates in Cleveland that are easy on the wallet

by Brenda Junkin/Plain Dealer Reporter

Friday July 11, 2008, 12:00 AM

Just because the economy is on the decline, your social life doesn't have to be. Especially when it comes to dating. Greater Cleveland offers so many cheap dates that don't seem "cheap."

Read on for our guide to inexpensive but fun outings that will impress your date without depressing your wallet.

'Bargain Monday' movies

Can you really beat a $5 movie and free popcorn? Every Monday, Cleveland Cinemas serves up this tantalizing offer on 53 screens at seven sites, including the Cedar Lee Theatre, Chagrin Cinemas, Shaker Square Cinemas and Tower City Cinemas. Find the location of the nearest theater here, or call any of the above theaters for shows and times.

Cost: $5 per person.

Cuyahoga Valley Scenic Railroad trip

Take your date on a nostalgic adventure through the heart of Cuyahoga Valley National Park. The train chugs along the river within the Ohio & Erie Canalway. Three-hour rides are offered Wednesday through Sunday. Check here for reservations or call 1-800-468-4070.

Cost: $15, adults; $10, children 3-12; free, children 2 and under.

Summit County Bike & Hike Trail

Strap on the helmet and pack a lunch. It's time to take a bike ride -- and take in a little bird-watching -- on this 33.5-mile joy ride. It's a nicely paved, converted railroad bed with lots of picnic tables scattered along the way. The trail starts in Walton Hills then loops around to Munroe Falls and back. Get a map or call 330-867-5511.

Cost: Free, plus your home-packed lunch.

Tremont ArtWalk

On the second Friday of each month, you can enjoy plenty of fun conversation while viewing local and national art. Not to mention the free light hors d'oeuvres and wine most galleries offer guests. You'll seem arty and classy, and it won't cost a dime. Call 216-575-0920.

Cost: Free.

Antique browsing for the urban explorer

If your date likes all things old, take him or her for a walk along Larchmere Boulevard, between East 121st Street and North Moreland Boulevard, or in the Lorain Avenue Antiques District, between West 35th and West 85th streets. Both areas offer an eclectic mix of antiques, art, books and eateries. Strolling down either of the charming streets is enjoyable.

Cost: Looking is free; buying will cost you.

Ohio Wines on the Water

You don't have to go to Italy or France to find a good glass of wine. Taste a bit of history on Aug. 9 at the second annual Ohio Wines on the Water event at Black River Landing in Lorain. It's a great way to taste samples from eight wineries. The event opens at 9 a.m. with a farmers' market, where you can buy local produce, pastries and bottles of wine. 440-204-2269.

Cost: $10 for five tastings and a souvenir wineglass.

Date Night in the District

From now through Aug. 29, enjoy a fixed-price meal for two every Friday night in Cleveland's Warehouse District. Twelve restaurants, including XO Prime Steaks, D'Vine Wine Bar and Sushi Rock, have joined to give you and your date a break -- and a tasty, three-course meal. Rates run from $39 to $99 per couple, depending on the restaurant. Check the Web site for a list of restaurants, rates and menus, or call 216-344-3937.

Cost: $39 to $99 per couple.

Roseland Lanes bowling specials

What better way to score with your date than a night playing one of the oldest sports known to man -- bowling! Roseland Lanes in Oakwood has several summer specials, but the two that caught our attention were the Fab Fridays special from 5 to 7 p.m., which includes two games, shoes, a slice of pizza and a 16-ounce soda; and the unlimited bowling on Saturdays from 10 p.m. to 12:30 a.m. Roseland is at 26383 Broadway Ave. 440-232-5444.

Cost: Fab Fridays, $7.50 per person; Saturday night special, $7 per person.

Happy hour

Many Cleveland restaurants offer drinks and eats for discounts as low as half-price for happy hour, including foodie favorites such as Lolita, Flying Fig and Fahrenheit. Our favorites include the Cleveland Chophouse & Brewery, 824 W. St. Clair Ave., Cleveland, 216-623-0909, which has half-price pizza and hors d'oeuvres from 4 to 9 p.m. Fridays (4-7 p.m. other weekdays). Even better, live music starts at 8 p.m., giving you drinks, eats and music at a great date price. For more information on happy hours, go to our online guide, at or check out Friday magazine's weekly happy-hour feature.

Cost: $3, beer; $5, martini; $4, wine; $5 average for an hors d'oeuvre.

Cleveland Sessions at the Rock Hall

Impress that special someone by seeing some of the hippest rock bands in town, for FREE! Headliners at the Wednesday night Cleveland Sessions series at the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and Museum (sponsors include The Plain Dealer) feature the Whiskey Daredevils this Wednesday, Expecting Rain on Aug. 13 and Hot Cha Cha on Aug. 27.

Cost: Free.

Gourmets in the Garden

The Cleveland Botanical Garden, 11030 East Blvd., is offering a delightful Wednesday evening special through Sept. 3. Enter the garden after 5 p.m. to participate in the popular outdoor cooking series "Gourmets in the Garden," featuring local celebrity chefs. Not only will you be able to tour the gorgeous grounds, you'll learn how to cook "locally grown, seasonal eats." Free samples. 216-721-1600.

Cost: $5 per person.

WOW! Wade Oval Wednesdays

WOW! Wade Oval Wednesdays presents an array of local and national musical entertainment ranging from jazz to reggae to Beatles hits. Performers include the New Barleycorn (Irish folk-rock), Abby Normal & the Detroit Lean (rock, swing and funk) and Revolution Pie (a Beatles tribute). From 6 to 9 p.m., enjoy the free music, delicious food and drinks from local vendors, art, music and family fun. 216-707-5035.

Cost: Free, unless you spring for a buck for slice of pizza or around $5 for a full meal.

Stroll Cleveland Cultural Gardens in Rockefeller Park

This is a wonderful walk along gardens representing ethnic and community groups that make up Cleveland, located along East Boulevard and Martin Luther King Jr. Drive. Before the date, find out your sweetie's heritage and take him or her to said garden. Then impress with your intellect by noting that most of these gardens were built in the 1920s and '30s. And finally, marvel at the fountains, decorative ironwork and statues. Tres romantique!