|
|
||
Romancing your sweetie doesn't have to break the bank this Valentine's Day Date published: 2/6/2009
BY KIM BAER
You'd like to wow your partner with the works for Valentine's Day. Roses, chocolates, romantic dinners and other luxuries will never go out of style. But if you want to supplement those classic treats, try something different or have suffered a job loss or other economic hit, never fear. Here are some ideas for dates that will please sweeties and pocketbooks: 1. PLAY AT THE PARK Pack a thermos of hot chocolate or a picnic lunch, bundle up and enjoy nature's beauty. Early risers can watch the sun come up at City Dock on Sophia Street in Fredericksburg. Non-early birds can spend the afternoon at local parks. Many Fredericksburg-area parks that are bustling in the summertime are quieter now, offering a peaceful escape from the everyday rush. Tree branches form a romantic archway at the entrance to Stafford County's Curtis Park, said Di Selby, an administrative assistant at the park. "It's like lovers' lane just pulling in here," Selby said. A walk down to Curtis Lake is about a mile round-trip, Selby said, and the park has other nature trails, too. "It's kind of like the best-kept secret," Selby said of the park in winter. "You can have the whole place to yourselves." Parking is $3.50 for non-county residents. The park is open from Lake Anna State Park in Spotsylvania County has several hiking trails and two picnic areas, including one by the lake, said Roberta Bennett, an administrative assistant at the park. Parking is $5 on weekends. The park is open from 8 a.m. to sunset. For more information, go to dcr.virginia.gov/state_parks/lak .shtml. Try spotting bald eagles together at Caledon Natural Area in King George County. Bring a blanket and a picnic lunch and take Boyd's Hole Trail down to the Potomac River, suggested chief ranger Sammy Zambon. The hike is about 31/2 miles round-trip. Parking is $3 on weekends. The park is open from 8 a.m. to sunset. For more information, go to dcr.virginia.gov/state_parks/cal.shtml.
2. STROLL THE GROUNDS
1. Be respectful. No personal attacks.
|
|
|||||||||||||
