By Samantha Shirley
Couples this year may feel like they don”t have the resources to spend a lot of money for Valentine”s Day, but there are ways to make the holiday special without breaking the bank.
According to a survey by the Impulse Research Corporation, almost 50 percent of women between the ages of 18 and 34 aren”t expecting much for Valentine”s Day this year.
However, there are still many ways to make the day memorable.
Outdoors Unlimited, in 1151 of the Wilkinson Student Center offers snowshoe rentals for $7.50 and cross-country ski rentals for $8.
Whether renting skis, snowshoes or snowboards, Outdoors Unlimited provides an inexpensive way to have fun and enjoy nature with your significant other.
The employees at Outdoors Unlimited also encourage couples to just get outside on Valentine”s Day.
“You can go build a snowman and have a candlelight dinner in front of your new chaperone,” said Scott Peart, a junior from Phoenix, Ariz. who works at the sporting goods store.
On Valentine”s Day couples can get a two-for-one studio fee at Color Me Mine for $8 and show their artistic side while making a lasting memory.
“You can show your own creativity and personalize gifts for each other,” said Kourtney Sorensen, a manager at Color Me Mine. “It”s a lot of fun.”
Peaks Ice Arena is also offering $5 two-for-one admission this Saturday night, with $1.50 skate rentals per person.
Sweetheart Skating will have a special Valentine”s skate from 7 to 10 p.m. at the ice rink, and free hot chocolate will be given to couples wearing pink or red. There will also be raffles and giveaways.
The Hogle Zoo is offering a unique event tonight, “Mating Dances and Wild Romances.” Admission is $60 per couple, or $54 for Zoo members. Couples will visit the Zoo from 6 to 9 p.m., eat dinner cooked by the Zoo”s executive chef and learn about love in the wild.
“It is cool and different,” said Holly Braithwaite, a spokeswoman for the Zoo. “You don”t often get to come to the Hogle Zoo after-hours. It”s interactive, and it”s a fun time you get to spend with your sweetie and learn about the animals.”
Campus Craft & Floral, in 1021 WSC, also offers ways to save money this holiday season.
Instead of shelling out $30-$60 for red roses, think about giving red tulips, which cost considerably less. Ten tulips cost $14.99 at the floral shop. According to the Society of American Florists, red tulips represent a “declaration of love.”
