My thrifty valentine: Places to treat your love like royalty on a pauper's budget

Full disclosure: I've been out of the dating scene for more than 20 years. But much of the rest of Austin hasn't.

A recent study by Sperling's BestPlaces (bestplaces.net) and Axe Deodorant Body spray (Full disclosure: I've never intentionally used a "body spray") ranked us as the No. 1 city for dating in America. We scored high in places to meet people, and — no surprise, I guess — money spent on socializing and alcohol purchases.

But times are tough. What if you're a little short right now? Wherever you prefer to pitch woo, Austin has options for you. Sometimes absence — even the absence of cash — really can make the heart grow fonder.

Eat, drink, man, woman

Shakespeare was on to something when he wrote, "If food be the music of love, play on." Comestibles have long been linked to romance, from the purported libido-enhancing powers of some fruits and vegetables to the bawdy, old joke that ends in the punch line, "Yeah, we got kicked out of the H-E-B, too."

Fortunately, Austin has the often-mild temperatures and health-minded citizenry to support a number of farmers markets, perfect for strolling with your sweetheart and choosing fresh ingredients for a meal you can prepare together later. The Sustainable Food Center holds events with dozens of vendors weekly in a trio of locations: Downtown (Fourth and Guadalupe streets) and in Sunset Valley (3200 Jones Road) on Saturdays from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.; and at the Triangle (46th Street and North Lamar Boulevard) each Wednesday from 3 to 7 p.m.

Parking is free, as is live music. Some vendors sell ready-to-eat items, so why not bring a blanket and enjoy a picnic? Find details at and a list of other farmers markets at sfc
farmersmarket.org.

Another romantic and uniquely Austin picnic spot is the "Austin Outdoor Room," the public art installation at Sand Beach Park, Second Street at Sandra Muraida Way. The sculpture doubles as a giant picnic table (with faux lace tablecloth) bordered by tree-like lamps.

Run for your wife

Or your girlfriend, or husband or ... you get the picture. A running date is the perfect way to show your partner you care enough to stay in shape and help her stay in shape, too. You can even enter a foot race for only $1 per person: Vern's No Frills 5k (georgetownrunningclub.org) happens in Georgetown the third Saturday of each month. The next race is 8 a.m. Feb. 18 (register an hour earlier). Out of shape? Train with your honey in one of the free running groups provided by local stores including Luke's Locker (lukeslocker.com) and Hill Country Running (hillcountryrunning.com).

Two thumbs up

Thanks to the chaise longue-like seats complete with ottomans, Violet Crown Cinema (434 W. Second St., violetcrowncinema.com) is the one movie house in town where you and your date actually want to sit in the front row.

Fortunately, online ordering allows you to lock in those special chairs in one of the theater's four intimate screening rooms (the other rows have regular, but comfortable, theater seats) when you buy your advance tickets. For screenings before noon, this posh seating is yours for $7 per ticket (compared with $13 for evening shows). Park for free in the attached AMLI garage.

If that's out of your price range, check out these weekly events at the Alamo Ritz (320 E. Sixth St., drafthouse.com). For a buck each, you and your sweetie can hold each other for comfort while having the wits scared out of you during Terror Tuesday flicks such as "The Car" and "Pumpkinhead," or shake your heads at exploitation films including "Shanty Tramp" on Weird Wednesdays. $2 each will get you tickets to Music Mondays, screening tuneful films such as "High Fidelity."

Bend over backward

Is the object of your affection a bit "crunchy," you downward-facing dog, you? Then you are in luck: Austin boasts some free and low-cost yoga classes.

At Ruta Maya International Headquarters, 3601 S. Congress Ave., all-level yoga classes are included with a $3 purchase at the coffeehouse Monday-Saturday. Bring your mat and your mate and limber up for the next time somebody pulls out that Twister game at a party. Find details at rutamaya.net. If you prefer to commune with nature while you bend and stretch, Yoga Yoga (yogayoga.com) hosts Yoga in the Park at select downtown locations during April, September and November. Find information at austinparks.org/yoga.