Yes, we know. Valentine's Day is a made-up holiday, with FTD, Hallmark and the world's chocolate producers all in on the conspiracy. Be that as it may, many of us will still be expected to come up with some kind of romantic outing, and Houstonist is here to help you pull it off without emptying your wallet. We put together three date ideas for under $50 that we're certain will win you brownie points and plenty of kisses.
Photo courtesy of Flickr user Cybertoad
Find out how to make your Valentine swoon after the jump.
India Is For Lovers
While you may not be able to afford a trip to India, you can still take your loved one on an adventure to the birthplace of the Kama Sutra right here in Houston. The BAPS Shri Swaminarayan Mandir temple just southwest of Houston in Stafford, TX was one of the first Mandir temples built in the United States. With over 33,000 pieces of intricately hand-carved Italian marble and Turkish limestone, it's a jaw-dropping, glistening example of Indian architecture. The Mandir is free and open to the public. As it is a house of god, visitors are asked to respect the Mandir by dressing appropriately and observing silence in the temple. Just a quick trip north on 59 will get you to one of the best (and cheapest) Indian restaurants in the city. Houstonians rave about Shri Balaji Bhavan, which serves up fresh and spicy vegetarian Indian food. While it may not be the most romantic setting, natives tout is as authentic and you and your sweetie will be able to indulge your hearts' desires easily for under $20 a person.
BAPS Shri Swaminarayan Mandir temple
1150 Brand Lane,
Stafford, TX 77477
Hours: 7:30 A.M to 8:45 P.M. daily
Shri Balaji Bhavan
5655 Hillcroft
Hours: 11:00 A.M. to 9:30 P.M. Wednesday through Monday
Photo courtesy of Flickr user Onilad
Museum Picnic
Take advantage of the gorgeous February weather and treat your Valentine to a picnic in Menil Park. First, stop by Bistro Des Amis in the Rice Village and pick up some French tartines sandwiches ($7-9 each), then head a few blocks down to Chocolate Du Monde to pick up a few of their hand-decorated chocolate dipped strawberries (priced by weight). These little treats are so popular that it is recommended you order ahead, but trust us it's worth the trouble.
Set up your picnic under the large shady trees of Menil Park, located at the corner of Sul Ross and Mulberry in Montrose. After you are done feeding each other your chocolate dipped treats, walk across the street to the Menil Collection. The weekend of Valentine's Day is the last weekend to see "Max Ernst in the Garden of Nymph Ancolie". This exhibit is conceived around the mural Pétales et jardin de la nymphe Ancolie, which was painted by Ernst in 1934 on the walls of a Zurich night club. Fittingly, during this period Ernst was exploring the concept of Eros, the god of lust, love, and intercourse. The Menil Collection is free to the public.
Bistro Des Amis
2347 University
Hours: 11:00 A.M. to 9 P.M. Tuesday through Saturday
Chocolate Du Monde
5302 Morningside
Hours: 10:00 A.M. to 6:00 P.M. Monday through Saturday, 12:00 P.M. to 5:00 P.M. Sunday
Menil Park
Corner of Sul Ross and Mulberry
Open Daily
The Menil Collection
1515 Sul Ross
Hours: 11:00 A.M to 7:00 P.M. Wednesday through Sunday
Photos courtesy of Chocolate Du Monde and Flickr user txpics
Sunset Cruise
Q: What's more romantic than a sunset?
A: A sunset cruise down one of Houston's more picturesque bayous.
Armand Bayou Nature Center offers sunset and moonlight pontoon boat cruises on Saturday evenings for $25 a person. The times will vary with the sunset and reservations are required.
Armand Bayou Nature Center
8500 Bay Area Blvd.
Pasadena, Texas 77507
Call the park at (281)474-2551 to check times and availability
Photo courtesy of Flickr user nip2655
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