Valentine’s Day on a Budget
by Cecilia Harris
Celebrating
Valentine’s Day means spending a bundle of money on flowers, chocolates and
fine dining, right? Not necessarily. Lovers desiring to be more frugal can
still celebrate romance without breaking the budget. These suggestions of free
activities in the surrounding area put the focus of your date on your
relationship by helping you connect with your sweetheart for only the cost of
the gas to get there. And with lower gas prices, perhaps you can afford to
purchase a souvenir to remind your loved one of your special Valentine’s Day adventure.
Just remember to check for hours of operation before starting your trip.
Bundle up and play in the park.
Take
advantage of all Brown’s Park south of Abilene has to offer. Enjoy nature as
you walk hand in hand towards the splashing sound of the waterfall, then meander
to the iron bridge to linger on its wood-planked floor. Those of you who like a
little competition can enjoy a spirited Frisbee Golf match, with the loser
owing the winner a massage once you return home. More ambitious? Bring your
bike for a ride through the park or hike the Nature Trail. (785.263.2351)
Brown's Park Waterfall - photo by Cecilia Harris |
Spend
the day taking cell phone selfies in front of all the monuments in Junction
City’s parks including the one of Spanish explorer Francisco Vazquez de
Coronado in Coronado Park, the Kansas Vietnam Memorial and the Civil War
Memorial arch in Heritage Park, and the Buffalo Soldier Memorial. Frame the
photos to remember your day. (www.junctioncity-ks.gov/;
785.238.3103)
Share childhood memories and
family stories while visiting a museum.
Learn
about the only United States President from Kansas at the Dwight D. Eisenhower
Presidential Library, Museum and Boyhood Home, Abilene. Watch a short film
about Eisenhower in the Visitors Center, view his final resting place in the
Place of Meditation, enjoy a World War II exhibit in the Library, and stroll
the grounds. (http://www.eisenhower.archives.gov/;
785-263-6700 or 877 RING IKE)
Step
inside a full-size dugout and run your fingers through buffalo fur at Salina’s
Smoky Hill Museum that explores the area’s history (www.smokyhillmuseum.org; 785.309.5776) or discover the agricultural and
cultural antiques of the Great Plains, from old tractors to a one-room
schoolhouse, at the Central Kansas Flywheels Yesteryear Museum, Salina.
(http://yesteryearmuseum.org/;
785.825.8473)
Gain
knowledge on the colorful history of the American mounted horse soldier by
visiting the Calvary Museum at Fort Riley (http://www.junctioncity.org;
785.239.2737) or view a farm kitchen, train depot ticket office, and Victorian
parlor among the exhibits at the Geary County Historical Society and Museum,
Junction City. (www.gchsweb.org;785.238.1666).
Hit the trail together.
Snowmobile,
walk, jog, bike, or ride your horse along the River Walk Trail in Junction City.
The 4.8 mile trail winds along the Republican River from the Milford Lake
outlet tubes, links to the Lake’s new equestrian trails, and ends at the
Washington Street entrance to Fort Riley. (http://www.junctioncity-ks.gov/;
785.238.3103).
Jump in
the car and trek the Eisenhower Quilt Trail in Abilene or drive out into the
country along the Dickinson County route to see the painted quilt blocks of all
sizes installed on various structures. (http://www.abilenecityhall.com/index.aspx?NID=304;
785.263.2231)
Follow
the Salina Hike and Bike Trail Map along wide concrete paths through the city
from residential areas to business corridors or trek the ag-lime and flat trail
that follows the flood control levees and connects to several parks, some of
which have nature trails you can explore. (http://www.salina-ks.gov/).
Indulge in a special interest.
Get
creative making a Valentine’s Day card for your sweetheart at The ARTery, a
free, interactive arts lab where you can experiment with art materials and
techniques at the Salina Art Center, recognized for its innovative exhibitions featuring
local, regional and national artists. Some of the art making exercises relate
to the current exhibition you won’t want to miss viewing. (salinaartcenter.org;
785.827.1431)
Birdwatchers
can meander through the wildlife habitat at the Junction City Wetlands and then
dance on the dock as the sun goes down or linger in the gazebo. The .7 mile
walking trail includes an observation area and a pier extending over the water.
(www.junctioncity-ks.gov/;
785.238.3103). Or, bring your binoculars to look for the eagles and other
wildlife at Milford Lake (kdwpt.state.ks.us/; 785.238.3014).
Love
dogs? Pet the greyhound greeters at the Greyhound Hall of Fame, Abilene. Then
watch a film about greyhounds, view greyhound art, and tour the exhibit
galleries (admission by donation) to learn more about these speedy canines.
(greyhoundhalloffame.com; 800.932.7881 or 785.263.3000)
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