Free and Cheap Date Ideas in Richmond, Virginia

If you are looking to connect to someone special or give your sweetie some love and attention, on the cheap, any time of the year, there are plenty of activities and destinations in Richmond that are low cost and really can make that special someone feel loved and won’t break the bank. These FREE and cheap date ideas around Richmond, Virginia are active and can appeal to those that dig culture, food, history, nature, food or civic life. Happy trails.

Bicycling around Richmond’s bike-friendly streets, lanes and parks is a great way to pass a date on the cheap. Photo credit: Re-cycle bike shop / Facebook.

•Have a drink at a restaurant or bar with a patio. Many have heaters and fire pits.

•Visit the Ginter Botanical Garden to soak in a stunning setting or a do-it-yourself photo session. Visitors can enjoy half-price admission from Jan. 20 to Feb. 28, 2021.

•Buy fresh produce at one of Richmond’s many outdoor farmers’ markets. You may be able to score a delicious nibble from one of Richmond’s many food trucks at the market.

•Put on a pair of skates at one of Richmond’s ice or roller skating rinks.

•Enjoy a seasonal drink at one of Richmond’s many apple cideries.

•Enjoy a warm drink and a treat from one of Richmond’s favorite local coffee shops .

•Visit one of Richmond’s museums ,VCU’s Institute of Contemporary Art and the Virginia Museum of Fine Arts are always FREE. Or go for a bike ride to see Richmond’s outdoor murals.

•Take in the history of the Richmond Slave Trail, or the Maggie L. Walker National Historic Site.

•Take a self guided neighborhood tour courtesy of The Valentine museum.

•Visit the grounds of the Maymont Park which are always FREE.

•Bundle up and go outdoors, weather permitting. It costs nothing to go for a bike ride or walk in one of the numerous parks in Richmond with a date. Some of the more interesting natural spaces in Richmond are: Belle Isle and Brown’s Island, Hollywood Cemetery, James River Park, Floodwall Walking Tour, Monroe Park and Canal Walk and Cruises. There are nature walks and scenic hiking trails for all levels.

•Check out these labyrinths around Richmond for a contemplative challenge.

•Walk across one of the pedestrian bridges over The James River – Belle Isle Pedestrian Bridge and the T. Tyler Potterfield Memorial Bridge to enjoy the stunning nature and sunsets.

•Explore one of Richmond’s many neighborhoods like: Carytown, Church Hill: Where Richmond Began, Fan Historic District or Shockoe Slip. Check out the many outdoor murals in Richmond’s neighborhoods.

•Go for a change of scenery on a scenic drive.

•Make a difference volunteering to help people in need around Richmond.

•Make a stop before or after your outing at the Richmond City Hall Observation Deck (if it’s open) to get a 360 view of the city. Open until 5pm.

Hope you enjoy your special someone with these money saving ideas.

Room With A View: Richmonders Glen Jones, Jr. and Catia Jones enjoy the vantage point from the Richmond City Hall Observation Deck – together.

Catia Jones shared some of her top cheap Richmond date ideas:

•Do an inside or outside picnic.

•Work out together.

•Go roller skating.

•Go for a walk around your neighborhood.

•Go on a road trip on one tank of gas.

•Make a romantic dinner at home.

•Go camping.

•Play board games.

•Test drive an expensive (dream) car.

•Drive to the highest point in the city (Libby Hill, Jefferson Park or Chimborazo Park in Church Hill) spread out a blanket and gaze at the stars.

•Do volunteer work together.

•Make a pizza at home.

Thanks Catia! And wishing you and your family happy holidays!

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More things to do in and around Richmond: