There’s no reason that dating on a budget has to feel, well, cheap. Here are a few ideas that are sure to impress without making a serious impression on your bank account this Valentine's Day weekend!
GET OUT AND EXPLORE
Grab your significant other, Galentine, or even your dog, and try to find the sweetheart decor pop-ups all around Denton! (Hearts will only be up until Monday, 2/17)
- Old Bear Vintage (114 N Locust St.)
- Patchouli Joe's (221 W Hickory St.)
- Three Roses Tea Room (221 W Oak St.)
- UNT Co Lab (207 N Elm St.)
- Palm Tree (119 N Elm St.)
- Harvest House (331 E Hickory St.)
- L'Amitié (529 Bolivar St.)
- Wolff's Park (108 Industrial St.)
- Hannah's (111 W Mulberry St.)
- Denton County Courthouse-on-the-Square Museum (110 W Hickory St.)
- Rose Costumes (104 W Oak St.)
- Shuck Me (311 N Elm St.)
- Dime Store (311 N Elm St.)
- Union Bear (215 S Bell Ave.)
- NCTC (316 E Hickory St.)
- Wildflower Art Studio (715 N Locust St.)
ATTEND AN EVENT
Check out these fun events happening around Denton during Valentine's Day!
Voertman's Valentine's Market | February 13, 10 AM - 4 PM
With over 20 artists and vendors selling baked goods, pottery, art prints, stickers, handmade jewelry, crochet goods, and much more, shop for yourself, a loved one, or just come and make a friendship bracelet!
Galentine's Day at Lucky Lou's | February 13th @ 1 PM
Gather your besties and let's cheers to friendships that mean so much to us!
- Goodie bags (limited quantities & first-come, first-served)
- Drink Specials
- Table Games
- Painting with a Twist Mini Session (Must pre-register here)
Pottery Date Night (Valentine Mugs) at Wildflower Art Studio | February 14 @ 6 PM
Enjoy a romantic evening exploring the fun art of clay pottery while enjoying a glass of wine (or a beverage of your choice).
This 2-hour introductory-level workshop includes:
- Wine & Light Refreshments
- Clay Pottery Workshop for 2 *Couples will each create a Valentine Mug.
- Glazed Pottery (waterproof after firing) will be available for pickup after being fired in the kiln (within 2-3 weeks).
- All supplies included. Workshop includes snacks + coffee.
- Take-Home Supply Kit ($55) includes: air-dry clay, reusable clay mat + pottery tools to continue creating at home. Includes supplies for 3-4 additional clay projects (not food-safe).
GET CAFFEINATED
If intimate conversation with a little atmosphere and a lot of coffee is your thing, consider stopping by West Oak Coffee Bar or Jupiter House, both located on the square. Check out the full list of coffee shops around Denton, each are the perfect spot for a cute coffee and breakfast date!
HEAD DOWNTOWN
Downtown Denton is a great place to walk, wander, and window shop. There are so many local options for spending a few dollars. However, if low-budget is your plan, enjoy people watching and historic architecture with a picnic and some wine (city ordinance allows drinking on the courthouse lawn).
FIND A ROOF WITH A VIEW
With beautiful views of the downtown square, an outdoor mural that changes annually, and outdoor heaters when the weather gets chilly, there is a lot to take in on the roof of LSA Burger. Split a tray of fries, a margarita flight, and toast the sunset as you listen to the bustle of downtown Denton with your sweetie
ENJOY LIVE MUSIC
There is a reason that Paste Magazine has called Denton the “Best Music Scene” in the United States. You’ll find shows almost every night of the week at Dan’s Silverleaf, Rubber Gloves, and other venues around town. The covers are never steep, and supporting local arts is well worth the cost of admission while you create lasting memories.
TOUR PUBLIC ART
You’ll find murals all over the city of Denton and on nearly every block surrounding the square. Capture memories with your valentine on a self-guided mural tour. Be sure to tag @discoverdenton and use the hashtag #DiscoverDenton for a chance to be featured on our IG.
PLANT ROOTS
Create an indoor garden together at True Leaf Studio. Their wide array of plants and soils, barks and mosses, stones, and more are all the tools you will need to create your very own terrarium. Leave with your own little nature-scape to brighten your home.
TAKE A HIKE
Take a romantic stroll through the paths of the Clear Creek Natural Heritage Center. It's free to hike and bike at this location, and with over ten miles of trails through varying natural habitats, there is plenty to explore! Be sure to check their social media for updates on trail conditions, being wetlands & bottomlands means that sometimes trails are too wet to hike.
Click HERE for a list of the rest of Denton’s beautiful parks, lakes, and trails.
WORK UP A SWEAT
North Lakes Recreation Center has a lot to offer if you and your date like to stay active. You can play for free on open courts ready for pickleball or tennis on a first-come, first-served basis at the Goldfield Tennis Center. If golf is your thing, hit the North Lakes Driving Range that features 32 hitting areas and an 18-hole putting green. Range cards allow golfers to enjoy contactless play and start at $25.
PLAY GAMES
If you and your date enjoy some friendly competition! Denton County Brewing Company has an extensive collection of board and card games available, all for free. You’ll have to cover the cost of your drinks, but that’s still a pretty good deal for a few hours of fun entertainment. Or head over to d20 Tavern and enjoy 20 local craft beers on tap and over 400 tabletop games to play with their $5 game pass.
