Between the dozen long-stem roses, the rich chocolate assortment in a heart-shaped box and the romantic table for two at a fine restaurant, the "traditional" Valentine's Day can leave the wallet feeling pretty empty at the end of the night.\nBut for couples on a tighter spending budget, Valentine's Day requires a touch of spending savvy.\nSophomore Laura Hensley managed to get all the necessities for a Valentine's dinner at minimal cost. With ingredients purchased at the Willkie C-store, the use of her friend's hot pot and a heart full of love, Hensley will make dinner consisting of pasta, salad and a no-bake Jello cheesecake for her fiancée of one and a half years inside her Ashton dorm.\n"It's a nice excuse for us to do something romantic," Hensley said. "And it doesn't have to be about the money."\nHensley purchased the cake mix, a heart shaped tin in which to bake it and salad at Kroger and the ingredients for the pasta at the C-store. Not including what she purchased with her meal points, Hensley got away for less than $10.\nAlthough all students might not be as resourceful as Hensley, some Bloomington businesses are offering pleasant Valentine's Day experiences at low prices.
Keeping it simple\nThe Bloomington Bagel Co., with locations on Third Street and North Dunn, is making heart-shaped bagels in several flavors, which will be on sale today and tomorrow for 70 cents each or $6.25 per dozen.\nFor a romantic night in front of the silver screen, the Dollar Cinema on College Mall Road will show movies on Valentine's Day. Admission is $2 for shows after 6 p.m. For these special showtimes, call 323-0796.\nA few laps around the Frank Southern Ice Arena, 1965 S. Henderson St., is a quiet date with a potentially romantic setting for new couples and longtime loves alike. \n"Ice skating takes place in a comfortable environment," said freshman Mike Mullen. "It's a good way to talk to and really get to know another person."
Moderate elegance\nFor a more formal dining experience that won't completely wipe out the bank account, the Irish Lion Restaurant & Pub, 212 W. Kirkwood, is offering a Valentine's Day dinner special. The meal for two, which costs $33.95, includes an authentic Irish entrée, such as lobster pasta alfredo or filet mignon, accompanied by twice-baked potatoes and soup and salad.\nThe dinner special will be available from 4 p.m. to 11 p.m. on Saturday. For more information regarding the menu or to make reservations, visit www.irishlion.com.\nBut picking up the tab for an entire meal can still be hard on the cash flow, so going the "dessert-only" route is the less expensive and sweeter option.\nThe Scholars Inn, 717 N. College Ave., also offers an extensive selection of choice desserts, including flan, tiramisu, key lime pie, crème brulee and specialty coffees all for $12 or less.\nA special "Fondue for Two" dessert selection is also available at the Inn for $14. The fondue platter includes bite-sized pieces of cake, fruit and other goodies with dipping sauces, primarily chocolate -- all perfect for setting the romantic Valentine's mood. \n"Fondue is the ultimate romantic food," said freshman Caleigh Drane. "It would be awesome to have on a date."\nEven poor college students can have a romantic and eventful Valentine's Day. Tomorrow, take advantage of the inexpensive opportunities in Bloomington with loved ones and create some pleasant, even unforgettable, memories.\n-- Contact staff writer Michelle Manchir at mmanchir@indiana.edu.
