By Sydney Portilla-Diggs
Campus Correspondent

Regardless of the weather, if you have a desire to be romantic, there's no excuse for you and your partner not to have a special Valentine’s Day date. Don't have enough money, you say? Here are 14 ideas for Feb. 14 that won't set you back more than $20.

Find the best happy hour in town. Look through your newspaper or search online for local restaurants with happy hours. Most places offer half-price food and drink specials, allowing you to get two drinks and share an appetizer for less than $20.

Go to a museum. Most museums either have free admission or offer free entry on certain days of the month.

Go on a romantic hike. Bring a backpack and surprise your partner with a bottle of sparkling cider, glasses and fresh strawberries. Depending upon the weather, you have an extra excuse to snuggle.

Have an ice cream date. Take two scoops, take a walk downtown and go people watching.

Hit the dollar movies. Lots of cities have discount movie theaters showing second-run features. Pick a day and have a movie marathon.

Take a downtown walking tour. Discover things and places you never knew existed. While you're there, pick up a free visitors guide for more date ideas.

 
Plan a picnic indoors or in your own backyard, depending upon the weather. Grab a blanket; pack a deli sandwich and a favorite soft drink or sparkling grape juice.

Be a kid again. Go bowling, play miniature golf, ride go-carts or play laser tag.

Go roller or ice skating, rent a two-seater bicycle and pedal through the park.

Paint pottery together. Lots of studios let you get creative for around $6 an hour.

Pitch a tent and camp. Some park fees may be less than $10, which leaves money for food and firewood. Go camping and roast hot dogs as you gaze at the stars.

Explore local galleries and artists. Many cities have art walks one night a month.

Rack 'em up at your local pool joint. With pool games costing less than $20, you might even have money left over to share some hot wings.