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Thursday, February 14, 2002
Cheap dates Valentine's Day activities don't have to be expensive to be fun and romantic ROSS RAIHALA, THE OLYMPIAN
Today is Valentine's Day, 24 hours that singles fear and lovers, well, love -- assuming, of course, those lovers planned ahead.
What was once a fairly low-key holiday devoted to remembering your sweetheart has exploded into a serious money-making venture for florists, gift shops and restaurants, the trio of businesses most think of when it comes to Valentine's Day.
But the day doesn't have to be about spending a whole lot of cash and, believe it or not, there are plenty of activities out there for those who forgot to book a candlelit dinner or pick up theater tickets.
Here, then, are a few last-minute Valentine's Day ideas that are quick, easy and inexpensive. And with any luck, they'll make for an evening to remember.
Ice cream on the waterfront
A walk down the boardwalk in downtown Olympia is not just cheap, it's free.
Throw in a couple of ice cream cones and you're set.
Ivan Sinkler of Olympia suggests one way to avoid some of the crowds and make the experience a bit more intimate. He says the space behind the Bayview Thriftway is ideal and not as well traveled.
"It's such a nice late- afternoon type of thing," says Sinkler, 50. "It's a great place to just hang out. It's very quiet. You can watch the water and the boats peacefully rocking back and forth. We've watched a family of otters and the seals many times. That little section is really peaceful."
And if the temperature drops, that's all the better.
"Oh yes, you can cuddle up together to get warm," says Sinkler.
Bowl the night away
On the other end of the spectrum -- action-wise, anyway -- is a little physical activity.
Most South Sound bowling alleys have league play on Thursday evenings but are open to the public in the late afternoon as well as after 9 p.m., a perfect time for couples to celebrate their love by wearing goofy shoes, throwing strikes and avoiding gutter balls.
Joe Litus of Lacey says spending Valentine's Day moving around is "a chance to get a little bit of exercise and push back the clock."
And bowling or rollerskating or other such activities, says the 49-year-old Litus, are "pretty cheap, and you get to be out there with other people, too.
"It's like they say, once you learn to ride a bike, you never forget. You can still get a little shaky, but that's good for some laughs."
Dessert for two
Those who'd like a sweet treat followed by an indoor conversation or perhaps a long drive might want to check out Baskin-Robbins, Dairy Queen, San Francisco St. Bakery or Wagner's European Bakery and Cafe.
And if you want to warm up with a cup of coffee, South Sound boasts the ubiquitous Starbucks chain alongside a host of locally owned cafes, from Batdorf & Bronson to the Tea Lady.
Tumwater City Councilman Ed Stanley says Desserts by Tasha Nicole on Capitol Boulevard in Olympia is his pick for a great Valentine's Day date.
"I think they have the best desserts anywhere outside of Seattle, and the prices are right," says Stanley. "They've got this incredible, incredible carrot cake and really strong coffee. It's about as good as it gets as far as I'm concerned."
Not to mention Tasha Nicole's famed cheesecake on a stick.
"It's always a favorite thing of mine to do, there's always people there I know," says Stanley. "It's one of those great gathering places like the post office or Top Foods."
But it's a little more romantic, right?
"Yeah, and it's a bit more fun than the post office."
Ross Raihala covers music and entertainment for The Olympian and can be reached at 360-754-5406 or OlyRoss@aol.com.
For related stories go to the South Sound Living section.
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