Valentine’s Day on a Budget

Valentine’s Day on a Budget

by Cecilia Harris 

Celebrating Valentine’s Day means spending a bundle of money on flowers, chocolates and fine dining, right? Not necessarily. Lovers desiring to be more frugal can still celebrate romance without breaking the budget. These suggestions of free activities in the surrounding area put the focus of your date on your relationship by helping you connect with your sweetheart for only the cost of the gas to get there. And with lower gas prices, perhaps you can afford to purchase a souvenir to remind your loved one of your special Valentine’s Day adventure. Just remember to check for hours of operation before starting your trip.

Bundle up and play in the park.

Take advantage of all Brown’s Park south of Abilene has to offer. Enjoy nature as you walk hand in hand towards the splashing sound of the waterfall, then meander to the iron bridge to linger on its wood-planked floor. Those of you who like a little competition can enjoy a spirited Frisbee Golf match, with the loser owing the winner a massage once you return home. More ambitious? Bring your bike for a ride through the park or hike the Nature Trail. (785.263.2351)

Brown's Park Nature Trail - photo by Cecilia Harris

Brown's Park Waterfall - photo by Cecilia Harris

In Salina, snuggle together in the gazebo while viewing the wildlife on the pond at Jerry Ivey Park, sled in Indian Rock Park or pitch horseshoes in Sunset Park with the winner cooking that night’s dinner. (http://www.salina-ks.gov; 785.826.7275)

Jerry Ivey Park Salina, Kansas

Spend the day taking cell phone selfies in front of all the monuments in Junction City’s parks including the one of Spanish explorer Francisco Vazquez de Coronado in Coronado Park, the Kansas Vietnam Memorial and the Civil War Memorial arch in Heritage Park, and the Buffalo Soldier Memorial. Frame the photos to remember your day. (www.junctioncity-ks.gov/; 785.238.3103)

Vietnam Memorial

Buffalo Soldier Memorial

Civil War Memorial arch in Heritage Park

Share childhood memories and family stories while visiting a museum.

Learn about the only United States President from Kansas at the Dwight D. Eisenhower Presidential Library, Museum and Boyhood Home, Abilene. Watch a short film about Eisenhower in the Visitors Center, view his final resting place in the Place of Meditation, enjoy a World War II exhibit in the Library, and stroll the grounds. (http://www.eisenhower.archives.gov/; 785-263-6700 or 877 RING IKE)

Step inside a full-size dugout and run your fingers through buffalo fur at Salina’s Smoky Hill Museum that explores the area’s history (www.smokyhillmuseum.org; 785.309.5776) or discover the agricultural and cultural antiques of the Great Plains, from old tractors to a one-room schoolhouse, at the Central Kansas Flywheels Yesteryear Museum, Salina. (http://yesteryearmuseum.org/; 785.825.8473)

Gain knowledge on the colorful history of the American mounted horse soldier by visiting the Calvary Museum at Fort Riley (http://www.junctioncity.org; 785.239.2737) or view a farm kitchen, train depot ticket office, and Victorian parlor among the exhibits at the Geary County Historical Society and Museum, Junction City. (www.gchsweb.org;785.238.1666).

Hit the trail together.

Snowmobile, walk, jog, bike, or ride your horse along the River Walk Trail in Junction City. The 4.8 mile trail winds along the Republican River from the Milford Lake outlet tubes, links to the Lake’s new equestrian trails, and ends at the Washington Street entrance to Fort Riley.  (http://www.junctioncity-ks.gov/; 785.238.3103).

Jump in the car and trek the Eisenhower Quilt Trail in Abilene or drive out into the country along the Dickinson County route to see the painted quilt blocks of all sizes installed on various structures. (http://www.abilenecityhall.com/index.aspx?NID=304; 785.263.2231)

Follow the Salina Hike and Bike Trail Map along wide concrete paths through the city from residential areas to business corridors or trek the ag-lime and flat trail that follows the flood control levees and connects to several parks, some of which have nature trails you can explore. (http://www.salina-ks.gov/).

Indulge in a special interest.

Get creative making a Valentine’s Day card for your sweetheart at The ARTery, a free, interactive arts lab where you can experiment with art materials and techniques at the Salina Art Center, recognized for its innovative exhibitions featuring local, regional and national artists. Some of the art making exercises relate to the current exhibition you won’t want to miss viewing. (salinaartcenter.org; 785.827.1431)

Birdwatchers can meander through the wildlife habitat at the Junction City Wetlands and then dance on the dock as the sun goes down or linger in the gazebo. The .7 mile walking trail includes an observation area and a pier extending over the water. (www.junctioncity-ks.gov/; 785.238.3103). Or, bring your binoculars to look for the eagles and other wildlife at Milford Lake (kdwpt.state.ks.us/; 785.238.3014).

Love dogs? Pet the greyhound greeters at the Greyhound Hall of Fame, Abilene. Then watch a film about greyhounds, view greyhound art, and tour the exhibit galleries (admission by donation) to learn more about these speedy canines. (greyhoundhalloffame.com; 800.932.7881 or 785.263.3000)

Have your own favorite low cost Valentine’s Day adventure? Share it with us by commenting below

Keep up-to-date with everything Salina with the Salina Kansas app.

GET The Free Mobile App HERE.