Free Valentine Events from All Over

Valentine’s Day is here. How are you spending yours? Mr. Thrifty and I were very lucky this year. I won two passes to Medieval Times for Valentine’s Day. I’ve never been before and I’m so excited. I won that prize by writing an essay for a local radio station contest. I would encourage my readers to try entering essay contests because your odds of winning are higher because so many people don’t enter them..I had also written an essay for a radio contest to try to win a marriage renewal at Stone Mountain that’s scheduled for today. I didn’t win that but I won’t stop entering contests because of it.

We also won an evening for two at the High Museum. This was from our local newspaper. This was a random draw and not an essay contest. Which brings me to my second point, check your newspaper and local radio stations for free and inexpensive things to do today. When I was a struggling divorced Mom with two sons, I checked the local paper and listened to radio stations and learned about things like, free concerts, free admissions to local museums, free admission to state parks, etc. With the advent of the internet you can find even more fun things to do with your family. I’ve plucked some out for you.

I was born in DC and I love all the free activities that are always available there. So I will start with some great ideas for spending Valentine’s Day with your sweetheart.

Chocolate indulgence: Nothing says Valentine’s Day like chocolate. Spend Valentine’s Day weekend at the National Museum of the American Indian’s Power of Chocolate festival, learning about the history, medicinal properties and cultural influence of chocolate. Events include dancers, demonstrations and interactions with cacao growers. The event takes place Saturday and Sunday, Feb. 14-15, 2009, from 10:30 a.m.-4:30 p.m. each day at the National Museum of the American Indian, which is located at Fourth Street and Independence Avenue SW.

Make it a movie night: Catch a flick or three. The National Gallery of Art is presenting a free viewing of “Ciné-Concert: Show Life” on Saturday, Feb. 14, at 4:30 p.m. in the East Building Concourse Auditorium. This German film is an “obliquely romantic tale of unrequited love between a waif and a knife thrower, a Madame Butterfly scenario filled with dance and cabaret.” The National Gallery is located at Fourth Street and Constitution Avenue NW. Afterward, head over to the National Geographic Society headquarters for a complimentary reception before an 8 p.m. presentation of “Departures,” a Japanese film that is a contender for this year’s Best Foreign Language Oscar. Tickets to the movie are $8, but hey, the popcorn’s free. National Geographic is located at 1600 M St. NW.

Lincoln love: Show some love for Abraham Lincoln by checking out the original Emancipation Proclamation on display from Feb. 12-16 at the National Archives. If you go on Feb. 14, be sure to check out the screening of “Young Mr. Lincoln” at noon in the William G. McGowan Theater. It’s free. The Archives are located at 700 Pennsylvania Ave. NW.

ATLANTA, GA

I live just outside of Georgia now. It’s an exciting city and is often referred to as the New York .

Click here to discover some free Valentine’s Day Activities.

Raleigh NC

What’s more romantic than a carriage ride?
The Downtown Raleigh Alliance will be providing free horse drawn carriage rides on Fayetteville Street. Under the twinkling lights of Fayetteville Street, couples, friends and families can take advantage of the free carriage rides. The rides will go up and down the four blocks of Fayetteville Street and then loop around the capitol block or Moore Square. The carriages can be accessed at two locations on Fayetteville Street, one at 150 Fayetteville Street for rides around the capitol and the second at 219 Fayetteville Street for rides around Moore Square.
Dates & Times:
02/14/2009
6:00 pm to 10:00 pm
For more information call (919) 890-3000
Email: info@downtownraleigh.org


DENVER, CO

I’ve never been to Denver but this would be a great way to spend Valentine’s Day.
Free Day at the Denver Zoo
Date: Saturday, Feb. 14, 2009
Location: Denver Zoo, 2300 Steele St.
Time: 10 a.m. - 5 p.m.
What: Free admission for Colorado residents.
Contact: 303-376-4800

This isn’t happening Valentine’s Day but it’s still a great way to spend the day.

Free Day at the Denver Botanic Gardens
Date: Monday, Feb. 16, 2009
Location: Denver Botanic Gardens, 1005 York St.
Time: 9 a.m. - 5 p.m.
What: Free admission for Colorado residents.
Contact: 720-865-3500

Do you know of another celebration anywhere in the United States? Let others know. Please post information about any local festivities here. Thank you and Happy Valentine’s Day.