One of my goals this year is to spend less money on tequila-based craft cocktails and brussels sprouts roasted in duck fat. The foodie in me is somewhat disappointed by this lifestyle change, but I have a feeling my bank account (and waistline) are going to love it.
How often do you bump into a friend and say, "we should meet up for drinks or dinner soon!?" I can't be the only one, and quite frankly I'm sick of spending $30, $40, $50 or more on a regular basis for a conversation that could be had over a much more interesting activity, such as navigating a sculpture garden or at least in a more affordable setting, like my living room.
So, if you want to hang out with me (or date me) in 2016, be prepared for me to turn down your invitation to dinner with a request that we find something more affordable and creative to do with our time. Here are some of my (free, cheap, nerdy and/or weird) suggestions, in advance:
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Wildflower Center
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Ladybird Lake
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Hope Gallery
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Tacos (breakfast, lunch, or dinner; the ultimate cheap meal, if we must eat)
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Tea time
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Coffee shop (a new one please, not Starbucks)
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Free yoga session
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Mayfield Park Home
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Congree Bridge Bats
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Governor’s Mansion
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Capital Tour
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BookPeople
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HRC
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Farmers Market
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Before I Die Mural
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Austin Nature & Science Center
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James Turell
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Creative Mornings
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Mexic-Arte Museum (Sundays)
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Broken Spoke
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Elephant Room
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Laguna Gloria (Tuesdays)
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Bike ride
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Bocce @ Mandola’s
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Austin Pets Alive
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The Contemporary (Tuesdays)
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Uncommon Goods
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Workout class
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Outdoor Movies
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Shakespeare in the Park
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Thursday Improv @ Hideout Theater
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Open Mic Comedy — Cherrywood (Tuesdays)/Austin Java (Saturdays)
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Tuezgayz
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Connect Four Night
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Zilker Park or Botanical Gardens
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BOTG
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Central Market Concerts
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Sound & Cinema
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Unplugged @ the Grove
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Meetups
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Talks @ UT
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Kick Butt Standup
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Service activity
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Cathedral of Junk
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Historic Walking/Ghost Tour
So, hey, let's hang out.