With the temperature dropping as fast as the snowflakes, your go-to date ideas are going to need a cold-weather update. We compiled a list of fun date ideas that cost very little, if anything at all! Plus, they’ll get you out of your house and away from your parents.

 

Outdoor dates:

 

Take a winter hike 

Enjoy the great outdoors and alone time with a winter hike. Vermont has many peaks to choose from, ranging from beginner jaunts to more arduous climbs. If you don't have all day, just go part of the way up, or take a walk in the woods near your house. Bring lunch and a thermos of hot chocolate —and plenty of layers! 

Start Here: Try Killington Peak near Rutland, Snake Mountain in Vergennes or Camel’s Hump in Huntington.

 

Cross-country skiing 

Even if you aren’t an avid skier, cross-country skiing is a sport that everyone can enjoy. Plus, it’s a great way to get close to your other half. Fall down and pick each other up, or just find a quiet spot for a thermos of hot chocolate. 

Start Here: Weissner Woods in Stowe has a two-mile trail that is just long enough to get out for the afternoon. Half-day rentals start at 12 p.m. available for $36 at either Mansfield or Spruce Base Area right at the mountain. Catamount Family Center in Williston also has great trails and beautiful views. Check out www.catamountoutdoor.com for info. 

 

Ice Skating 

Every girl wants to be taken ice skating, and in Vermont there are many places to make this ultimate dream date happen. From cozy indoor rinks to outdoor ones surrounded by a beautiful winter wonderland, there's a spot near you! 

Start Here: Indoor rinks include Cairns Arena in South Burlington, Leddy Park in Burlington, and Central Vermont Memorial Civic Center in Montpelier. Outdoor rinks include Sleepy Hollow Inn Ski and Bike Center in Huntington, and Foster Road Park in Essex.  

 

Wander downtown 

Head to downtown Burlington, Montpelier, or whatever town is close by and just browse shops, pick up some snacks and a warm drink, and people watch.

 

 

 

Indoor Dates

  

College sports games 

Are you sick of watching basketball games from your high school auditorium? Mix things up with a University of Vermont game. From basketball to hockey, tickets are available at great prices. 

Start Here: General admission tickets for men’s basketball games are $12. Call Gutterson Field House at 656-4410 for pricing or to reserve tickets. UVM hockey tickets are going for $25-$40 on Stubhub.com.

 

Lake Champlain Chocolates tours

 Can’t get enough of the chocolate your other half keeps giving you? Head in to Lake Champlain Chocolates’ Pine Street location and see it made for yourself! Tours include tasty samples. Hey, if nothing else, chocolate is an aphrodisiac, right? 

Start here: Take the free tour Monday through Saturday anytime from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. and 12 p.m. – 5 p.m. on Sunday.

 

Bookstore Browsing 

Grab some warm drinks if the bookstore has a coffee shop. Then, pick up a few cool books to flip through together and find a quiet spot. Try travel books, books of photographs, or magazines. 

Start here: Barnes & Noble in South Burlington, Borders or The Crow Bookshop in Burlington or Bear Pond Books in Montpelier.

 

Rock Climbing 

Try something new together! Learn to belay and climb the big walls, or boulder harness-free. Just be careful. Going to the emergency room together is not an ideal date. 

Start here: Day passes to Petra Cliffs Climbing Center in Burlington start at $11.

 

Try a new restaurant 

Lots of delicious places have entrees under $10. Keep and eye out for spots you want to try the next time you’re out and about. 

Start here: Tiny Thai in Essex or Winooski, The Skinny Pancake in Burlington or Montpelier, or Bove’s in Burlington.

  

Make it a group date 

Try any of these ideas with a few more friends to take the pressure off or just change it up!