Now Featuring...

Abbie on... : Every Monday relationship philosopher Abbie discusses all things love, loss and San Diego.

My San Diego: Where we welcome a guest blogger who tells us all about their San Diego. Wednesdays!

Places I've Been: Every Friday Cutcha tells you about a place she's been. San Diego sites, attractions and fun. She'll tell you about her San Diego.

Monday, December 10, 2007

Since December is all about lists: Once Again, Abbie On Dates to Impress


*Editors Note* Originally run on November 12 as part of the Abbie On series, but it was such a good list we're running it again. Tis the Season to impress those dates...

Abbie on: All the dates that will get you some... fun.
Abbie Berry

Last week I was feeling rather pensive and I felt like I was stuck inside my brain-- somewhere in the sensitive, sappy region. This week, I’m trying something a little bit different. I love to make lists. So…

If you two just met or you’ve been married for years, this is a list for you.

5 perfect San Diego dates from $0 to $100:

1. Walk a puppy.

At the Grossmont Center mall, you can borrow a puppy as you would a library book but you’re only given one hour to do so. This is a great date. Pet Works Pets has quite a variety of puppy breeds. If you arrive early, you will have the first pick of puppies ready to be walked. This list is replenished a few times throughout the day, as all of the puppies in the store are exercised by the public.

Be ready with your personal I.D. and a credit card. This is just a precaution that the pet store takes in case you decide to dognap the puppy, which is an idea you may entertain after you watch your date fall in love with the little ball of fluff.

Also, the puppies are stinky. Try to imagine them after a bath. You’ll need to do this to survive the stench. But work through it. It’s worth it.

Cost: FREE

2. House hunt.

Get in your best business casual attire. Drive to an area that is either just beyond your grasp or WAY out of your league and go to a bunch of open houses. This is fun when you pretend you can afford to be there. Ask the real estate agents questions about the neighborhood, the home and the previous owners. Make up your price range. Create new professions. Try out new names. Anything to make it fun. This is a great way to find out how creative your date can be.

Great areas to explore: Rancho Santa Fe, Eastlake Chula Vista, Del Mar and Coronado.

Cost: FREE and a few possible phone calls from real estate agents after the fact.

3. Go on a hike.

Get in the car and drive to Torrey Pines State Reserve. When you first arrive, check out the visitor’s center. There are multiple trails to choose from and the views are amazing. You and your date will be able to share the beauty of the scenery and chat as you hike along the path. There’s nothing like arriving at the end of your hiking trail to find a spectacular view of the ocean. If you time this one right you’ll arrive at that spot just in time to see the sunset.

One warning—rattlesnakes live in the brush along the trails. If you’re afraid of snakes, know that you more apt to see one if you hike during the warmer part of the year.

Cost: $8 for parking

4. Go sailing in Mission Bay.

This is another date that is best during the warmer months, but San Diego’s weather will permit this date at any time of the year. Assuming one of you has some experience in the water, this is a great way to escape the real world for just a little while. Again, you’ll experience some beautiful San Diego scenery and there is something very peaceful about floating around in the bay. This is great if you want to be alone while experiencing the outdoors. If you rent a catamaran, make sure the water temperature is warm or be prepared to get wet and be chilly.

If you don’t know anything about sailing, they have instructors and classes for you to take as well.

Cost: $20 - $70 depending on what you choose to do and how long you stay in the water.

5. Go to a Rock Concert

Coors Amphitheatre is the best venue because of their lawn seating. Pick an artist, band or group you both like, but one that you don’t need a great view of to appreciate live. Buy lawn tickets which are much less expensive.

Tailgate before the show. Have a picnic at your car and enjoy the conversation you share since it will be more difficult to have one when the music is blaring during the show. Bring a blanket to the lawn and cuddle up. Make sure to people watch. You never know what you’re going to see. People seem to let loose at rock concerts.

Cost: $15 - $40/ticket depending on the show. $20 optional VIP parking. If you decide to eat there be ready to spend $10 for a burger and $12 for a beer.


Report back. I want to know what you think about these San Diego dates.

The best.

For me.

And you.

No comments: