by Bella

Created on: February 11, 2009   Last Updated: February 14, 2009

Ideally, money is not required for a great date. For me the perfect low budget date would be spent at the beach. Afternoon dates are fun, but the ocean at night feeds my romantic soul. I am a girl of simple pleasures, a tasty home cooked meal, a nice glass of wine and the best part of the date, some interesting conversation, that is all it takes for me to be impressed. Throw in the beach and I'm a goner. It's free, it's romantic and the ideal spot for a low budget date.

A wonderful start would be a delicious dinner that we can cook together, simple and easy, practically fool proof: steaks on the grill, salad and baked potato. On a burger budget? That's fine too. For me, just the act of preparing supper together opens the gateway for so many conversations. How many hours do we all spend around the kitchen table? For me being together in the kitchen to cook dinner conjures up tales of childhood memories, recipes from Mom and family times. Working together as a team is a bonding experience. Ah, so sated and happy we stroll to the beach a few blocks away holding hands.

Walking beneath the starry sky, cool white sand for miles, the fishing pier in the distance and the moon glinting off the water, talking and laughing with just the sound of the waves in the background. Finding the perfect spot to set out our blanket and sharing a bottle of red wine (OK and maybe just a couple of those chocolate covered strawberries from the Fudge Boat!). Meanwhile, we sit back and pick out the constellations, wish on shooting stars and dream a little.

If the weather were a little chilly, an evening at the North End of Carolina Beach may be just the thing. Jump in the truck and four wheel out to the end of the beach to our own little secluded cove. It is here that I saw the sun set into the Cape Fear River as the moon rose huge and orangey-red from the ocean one night. Mother Nature puts on quite a show. When the sun goes down nothing can beat sipping some Almond Joy hot cocoa, huddled beside a bonfire, surrounded by water. Add some music playing on the radio and the night is complete with dancing in the sand with only the moon and stars as witness.

Whether it is creating memories with someone new or rekindling an old flame, I hope that you capture the moment of love in way that is special to you. The beach has always done this for me, refreshes me and that's why I think it is the perfect place for a date, especially on a low budget, the ambiance speaks for itself.

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