Guide to Valentine's Day on a Budget in Sacramento

The origin of Valentine's Day may be shrouded in mystery, but we do know that the month of February is a busy one for florists across the country. If your unoriginal plans for Valentine's Day include a dozen roses, dinner, a cheesy card and a box of chocolates, your significant other might appreciate something a little more exciting. We've scoured the city for fun, Valentine's Day date ideas that won't break the bank. The following is a list of our favorite ideas.

Tea Anytime
5901 Fair Oaks Blvd
Carmichael, CA 95608
(916) 488-8864
Price: Varies- $8-$30
http://teaanytime.net/

Tea Anytime is a delightful tea shop located right off of Fair Oaks Blvd just south of El Camino Ave. Cindy, the owner, mixes her own tea and has been all over the world researching tea blending techniques and buying the best teas to bring back to her shop. In addition to tea and tea accessories, the gift shop also features home décor items, jewelry, and books among much more. There are different dining options to choose from to pair with your pot of tea. Choose from scones with your pot of tea to a full meal with soup, salad, and a three layer tray of delicious baked goods. The cozy setting is perfect for first dates and date nights after years of marriage.

West Wind Drive In
9616 Oates Drive
Sacramento, CA 95827
(916) 363-6572
Price: $6.95 per person
http://www.westwinddriveins.com/theaters/sacramento.htm

For $6.95 per person you get to see a double feature from the comfort of your car. Yes. That's two movies for under $7! If you are looking for a casual dinner and movie date, pick up a pizza or Chinese food to enjoy during the show. (We recommend Peking Village.) There is a concession stand inside with churros, nachos, popcorn and the like. They also have huge sodas and ice cream. For a more romantic evening, take the truck and snuggle up with some blankets in the truck bed while watching the movie.

CBS Sacramento Insider's Tip: If you sign up on their email list, you'll be sent weekly show times as well as coupons for upcoming movie events or deals on food and drinks.

Frasinetti's Winery
7395 Frasinetti Road
Sacramento, CA 95828
(916) 383-2444
Price: Wine Tasting- Free, Dinner- Varies
http://www.frasinetti.com/

If you plan to go wine tasting in the Napa Valley, you could pay as much as $30 per person. Frasinetti's is a refreshing throwback to the days before you were actually charged for wine tasting. Their delicious Italian dinners combined with a free wine tasting at Sacramento's oldest family winery makes for a romantic, fairly inexpensive evening out.

Granite Arch Climbing Center
11335 Suite G
Rancho Cordova, CA 95742
(916) 852-7625
Hours: Monday-Friday 11:30 p.m.- 10:00 p.m., Saturday- 11:00 p.m.-9:30 p.m., Sunday-Noon- 5:00 p.m.
Price: Varies. Friday and Saturday nights are half off
http://www.granitearch.com/

Not sure if he's the one? Well, there's no better way to put your communication and team problem solving skills to the test than on the faux-rock walls of Granite Arch Climbing Center. From the hard-core climber to the climbing novice, Granite Arch offers classes to fit your skill sets. Nothing says commitment like belaying (managing the rope that supports your climbing partner) your partner to safety. Or, if you'd like to try something with fewer ropes, you can test your skills and strength at bouldering-ropeless rock climbing on their 12-foot tall climbing wall.

Michelle Ventress lives in Sacramento with her husband and two dogs. When she's not writing or traveling she enjoys spending time working in her garden and volunteering.