Who ever said date night had to empty your wallet?
The following is a list of Downtown date ideas that are under $50.

The *** mark denotes a seasonal event or activity.

FREE:

1. Visit Easley Winery and receive a free guided tour of Indy's 30-year-old Downtown winery on Saturdays. More than 2,000 wine and grape-related gadgets, home accessories, glasses, wine racks and more are available. Visit www.easleywine.com for more information.

2. Relax and listen to Concerts on the Canal at the Indiana Historical Society, Thursdays June through mid-August from 5:30 - 7:30 p.m. Log on to www.indianahistory.org for more information. ***

3. The famous LOVE sculpture at IMA The Indianapolis Museum of Art was ranked by USA Today as one of the top ten locations for marriage proposals. Meander through the beautiful outdoor gardens at the Indianapolis Museum of Art. Admission to the Museum and Lilly House will is FREE. Check out more www.ima-art.org for more information.

4. Did you know that the Soldiers & Sailors Monument located on the circle is just 16 and ˝ feet shorter than the Statue of Liberty? Visit the top of the Soldiers & Sailors Monument and get a top-notch view of the city. There is a minimal fee to use the elevator. Visit www.state.in.us/iwm for more details.

5. If it's outdoor public art you enjoy, take a stroll along Massachusetts Avenue and admire talent of many different artists. The Mass Ave Arts & Theater Cultural District boasts unique, one-of-a-kind art in various locations that can't be found anywhere else in Indianapolis. Find out more at www.discovermassave.com.

6. Downtown Indianapolis displays the second largest number of war memorials in the U.S. next to Washington, D.C. Explore them all and learn about Indiana history at www.state.in.us/iwm.

7. In an Old World atmosphere, the Indianapolis City Market hosts approximately 50 shops and restaurants offering fresh produce, meats, baked goods, flowers and imported foods and coffees. A variety of food stands offer prepare traditional, ethnic and specialty cuisines. During the summer months, visitors will find a traditional farmer's market followed by Market After Hours, a summer concert series featuring wine tasting, free live music, food samples and more! Check out www.indianapoliscitymarket.com for more information. The historic City Market House is undergoing reconstruction this winter. Shops and restaurants are temporarily located in the Market's East Wing. All historic Market House doors will be closed during the renovation. Please enter the City Market through East and West Wing doors.

8. The Lawn at White River State Park accommodates up to 5,000 people for various events, concerts and more. Visitors are welcome to relax or enjoy a picnic in the area when no events are taking place. While you're there check out the many sculptures that adorn the area. Log on to www.inwhiteriver.com for more details.

9. Ride bikes through historic neighborhoods, like Old Northside or Lockerbie Square. Learn more at www.theoldnorthside.org.

10. Located above the busy intersection of Washington and Illinois streets is the Indianapolis Artsgarden, a unique glass-domed structure suspended 17 feet over street level and rising to 95 feet above the ground. Owned and operated by the Arts Council of Indianapolis, the Artsgarden provides residents and visitors with more than 300 free arts performances and exhibits each year. Visit www.indyarts.org for more details.

11. Located at the intersection of Illinois and Washington streets in Downtown Indianapolis, Trackside provides off-track wagering on horse racing televised from Indiana's Hoosier Park at Anderson, Churchill Downs and other premier tracks around the United States. More than 200 television monitors provide patrons a view of the action from any area of the facility. Visitors have the choice of full service dining, a sports bar/lounge or walk-up concessions. Doors open at 11 a.m. every day and admission is always free. 656.7223, www.tracksideotb.com.

12. Relax and enjoy Movies in the Park at the Indiana Historical Society, a movie series offered on select Fridays during the summer months. Screenings begin at dusk on the Canal Plaza. Admission is free with free table seating available. Log on to http://www.indianapoliscitymarket.com/music.movies.fridaynight.htm for details. ***

13. The Colonel Eli Lilly Civil War Museum, located in the Indiana Soldiers & Sailors Monument, tells the story of the Civil War through the experiences of Hoosiers who lived during that time. The exhibits look at both the soldier's experiences while away at war and the homefront activities that supported the war effort. The museum is open from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Wednesday through Sunday. Visit www.state.in.us/iwm/civilwar/index.html for more details.

14. The Circle of Lights® presented by the Contractors of Quality Connection and Electrical Workers of IBEW 481 is illuminated the day after Thanksgiving through the beginning of the new year as the Soldiers and Sailors Monument shines with 4,784 multi-colored lights on 52 garland strands. For more information, call 237.2222 or log on to www.indydt.com. ***

    Under $25:

15. Take your sweetie to an Indianapolis Indians game. Victory Field was voted "Best Minor League Ballpark in America" by Sports Illustrated. Enjoy fun promotions like Friday Night Fireworks, Monday Dollar menu and FREE giveaways. Visit www.indyindians.com for more details. ***

16. The Indiana State Museum in Downtown's White River State Park is the crossroads of everything interesting, educational and unique about the state. The Indiana State Museum features original works of art, hands-on exhibits devoted to Hoosier culture, science and history, an innovative gallery on Indiana's future and an atmosphere that invites discovery and exploration. The museum honors Community Tuesdays by offering a 50 percent discount on all standard museum admission tickets on the first Tuesday of each month. IMAX Theater tickets are $2 off. Learn more at www.indianamuseum.org.

17. Take the Landmarks on Foot Downtown Canal Tour. On a waterside walk, you will hear how the 1836 landmark bankrupted the state and never lived up to its potential-until now. Visit the USS Indianapolis, Congressional Medal of Honor memorial and much more. Participants receive $2 off admission to the Eiteljorg Museum (with valid sticker on day of the tour). The tour departs every Friday at 10 a.m., May through October, from White River State Park Visitor Center, 801 West Washington Street. ***

18. Surprise your date with some good, old-fashioned ice skating at Indiana/World Skating Academy, located at the Pan American Plaza. The twin rink facility has both the standard NHL size rink and one of the few Olympic Rinks in the nation (International size). Call 237-5565 or visit www.iwsa.org for more details.

19. Step back into the 1950s and discover the Fountain Diner in Fountain Square, serving hand-pattied burgers with crinkle-cut fries, jumbo tenderloins and hand dipped shakes and malts. Ask for one milkshake…two straws. Log on to http://www.fountainsquareindy.com/diner.asp for more information.

20. IntoSalsa Latin Dance Studio is conveniently located Downtown and offers numerous classes including Intro to Latin dance, beginner, intermediate and advanced salsa, salsa aerobics, hip hop/jazz and more! Walk-ins are welcome! Call 496.4196 or log on to www.intosalsa.com for more details.

21. The Eiteljorg Museum of American Indians and Western Art is one of only two museums east of the Mississippi that showcases Native-American and Western art. The museum contains one of the best Native American and Western art collections in the world, including traditional and contemporary work. Students and faculty of IUPUI receive FREE admission. www.eiteljorg.org.

22. Scholars Inn Gourmet Cafe & Wine Bar is a 310-seat restaurant complete with two custom bars, two private dining spaces, an outdoor back patio with a 17-foot, dual directional fireplace and plenty of private parking in the heart of Downtown Indy. Located on historic Massachusetts Ave., in the heart of the arts district, this restaurant is unlike any other. Those wanting to enjoy the Scholar's Inn on a budget can take advantage of their weekly specials, including half-priced bottles of wine on Mondays, half-priced Martinis on Thursdays and half-priced champagne cocktails on Sundays. Check out www.scholarsinn.com.

23. Visit one of Indianapolis' newest additions to the restaurant scene, McCormick & Schmick's Seafood Restaurant is located at 110 North Illinois St., one block west of Monument Circle. Enjoy tempting appetizers for only $1.95 each Monday though Friday from 4:30 - 6:30 p.m., Monday through Thursday 9:30 p.m. to close and Saturday and Sunday 4 - 6 p.m. Enjoy scrumptious appetizers including baja fish tacos, half-pound cheeseburger, Oyster Shooters and more! Visit http://www.mccormickandschmicks.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=content.display&pageid=96&id=83 for more information.

24. Visit Crackers Comedy Club and see the stars of tomorrow as national, regional and local comedians appear weekly at this nightclub/restaurant. Partake of the full service bar and munchies menu as you enjoy comedians that appeal to all audiences. Wednesday is Ladies Night...admission is FREE for all Ladies! Thursday is College I.D. Night...admission is $5 with College I.D. Log on to www.crackerscomedy.com for more details.

25. Located in the heart of the Mass Ave Arts and Theater District, ComedySportz Indianapolis is team competitive improvisation. No, it's not comedy about sports, it's comedy played as a sport! Two teams of improvisational "actletes" compete against each other for points by playing Improv games based off of audience suggestions. Students receive a discount with a valid ID. Check out www.indycomedysportz.com for more information.

26. Visit the Biergarden at the Rathskeller. This outdoor venue is one of the hottest spots in Indianapolis during the spring, summer and fall months. Enjoy a full service walk-up bar, gourmet pub style food and no cover charge. The Biergarden features live entertainment Wednesday through Sunday under the stars overlooking the Indianapolis skyline. Log on to http://www.rathskeller.com for more details. ***

27. Did you know that St. Elmo Steak House goes through more than 760,000 pieces of shrimp and 65 tons of beef each year to please guests looking to savor their world-famous culinary delights? Lovebirds on a budget can stop in for an appetizer and try St. Elmo's renowned shrimp cocktail with its famous fiery sauce for under $13. www.stelmos.com

28. The IMAX Theatre at the Indiana State Museum is a 404-seat theater specializing in 3D and 2D films projected onto a giant six-story-tall screen. Featuring cutting-edge technology, films in the theatre are a one of a kind experience for any visitor. The academy award winning IMAX technology brings images to life like no other. Treat your senses to the most powerful and involving movie experience yet created. 232.0757, www.imaxindy.com

29. Jillian's is complete with bowling, billiards, video games, great food and more. Make plans to play the day away! Come in every Thursday for Free for All! For only $10, you will get a game of bowling and unlimited electronic game play from 8 p.m. - 12 a.m. Bring your date for a fun night out! www.jilliansbilliards.com

30. Nothing says romance like a good, old-fashioned night at the movies. The United Artists Theatres is located on the fourth floor of Circle Centre mall. The venue holds nine state-of-the-art auditoriums that feature Hollywood's latest films. Show acollege ID and receive a student discount. 237.6356, www.uatc.com.

31. The Indianapolis Zoo has offered more than 40 years of excitement from beautiful gardens to breeding rare Amur tigers to the new Dolphin Adventure and Meerkats. It is the nation's only accredited combined zoo, aquarium and botanical garden. The White River Gardens continues the Indianapolis Zoological Society's mission of connecting animals, plants and people. On select Community Tuesdays, admission to the Zoo and Gardens are discounted to $7 for a combo ticket. Visit www.indyzoo.org to learn more.

32. The Children's Museum of Indianapolis was ranked the #1 museum in the Midwest by FamilyFun magazine and Best Children's Museum in the Nation by Child magazine in 2002. Attracting a million adults and children per year, this five-story museum houses 110,000 artifacts, the largest collection of any youth museum in the world. The museum is open free for families the first Thursday of each month from 4 - 8 p.m. Also, the museum is free on Dr. Martin Luther King Day, Presidents Day, El Dia de Los Ninos and Christmas Eve. Log onto www.childrensmuseum.org for more details.

33. The President Benjamin Harrison Home, built in 1875, was the home of America's 23rd president. The 16 room Italianate mansion, from which Harrison campaigned in 1888, has been carefully restored to its late 1800s appearance with original Victorian furnishings and political mementos. Check out www.presidentbenjaminharrison.org for more information.

34. Be transported to another era in time with Action Duckpin Bowl in the Fountain Square Theatre Building. In addition to the eight lanes of bowling, Action Bowl has a café area with a vintage pool table. Windows surround the cafe for a magnificent view of downtown Indianapolis. http://www.discoverfountainsquare.com/microsites/merch-actionduckpin.html

35. The Chatterbox Jazz Club, located in the heart of the Mass Ave Arts and Theatre District, showcases live jazz seven nights a week. Enjoy a smoke-free first set indoors on Friday & Saturday 10 p.m. until midnight. www.chatterboxjazz.com

36. A magnificent view of Downtown can be found on the canal located in a romantic urban park in the heart of Downtown Indianapolis. Imagine floating down the waterway in a pedal boat and viewing waterfalls, a 40-foot geyser and sprinklers. Wheel Fun Rental Company offers manual and electrically powered pedal boats in various sizes and is open mid-April through October. 767.5072, www.4gondola.com. ***

37. Buca di Beppo specializes in authentic Italian food, served family style. A perfect plan for a double-date. Bring your appetite because their traditional, Buca Large portions serve four or more people and their Buca Small serves parties of two or more. Check out www.bucadibeppo.com for more scrumptious details.

38. Show off your moves at the Fountain Square Theatre's Friday Night Swing Dance. Beginning swing dance lessons are from 7:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. Enjoy live musical entertainment from 8:30 p.m. to 11:30 p.m. Admission is $12 at 7:30pm or $10 at 8:30pm. www.fountainsquareindy.com

39. Join the Indy Swing Dance Club and jive at the Madame Walker Theatre Center Open to all ages and levels of dancers. Dance lessons from 2 - 3 p.m. Tickets are $10 for members and $15 for nonmembers.

40. Check out the beautiful scenery of the historic Indiana Roof Ballroom while dancing the night away. Multiple times a year, the facility will present the opportunity to dance to the sounds of Big-Band music. www.indianaroof.com

    Under $50:

41. Take a carriage ride around the Circle City! Yellow Rose Carriage offers relaxing rides seven days a week. Log on to www.indycarriage.com for more details. Also, Blue Ribbon Carriage Company offers romantic horse-drawn carriage rides in the Downtown Indianapolis area. Visit www.blueribboncarriages.com for more information.

42. The Indianapolis Symphony Orchestra performs 200 concerts each year to an audience of more than 500,000 people. Since 1994 the group has been heard in more than 250 radio markets in 41 states and has performed in three European musical capitals. www.indianapolissymphony.org.

43. Broadway in Indianapolis -Catch the excitement of Broadway, right here in Indianapolis! See a world-renowned musical theatre performance. Check out what is playing at http://www.broadwayacrossamerica.com/BAA.Public.Web/Pages/SeasonTicketHolder/BAACity.aspx?cityID=47

44. Come experience a journey into the past. Sit back and allow your imagination to take you to the canals of Venice and the romance of old Italy with Old World Gondoliers. Sense the beauty and mystique of Downtown Indianapolis with spectacular canal views. Each gondola holds up to six passengers. 491.4835, www.4gondola.com ***

45. Take your sweetie to see Dance Kaleidoscope, the professional contemporary dance company that performs a unique blend of contemporary dance, live music and theatre. www.dancekal.org.

46. Located in the heart of the Mass Ave Arts and Theater District, Theatre on the Square was created to explore contemporary, classic and lesser-known plays and musicals in an intimate environment. Students and seniors (55+) receive discounted tickets for $15. www.tots.org.

47. The Phoenix Theatre, located in the historic Chatham Arch neighborhood, was a turn-of-the-century church- renovated to house an intimate 125-seat Mainstage venue, an 85 seat Underground Stage and theatre offices. Individuals under the age of 24 receive a discounted ticket price. Individuals ages 24 and under receive a discount of $15 per ticket. www.phoenixtheatre.org.

48. The American Cabaret Theatre offers year round musical cabaret theatre productions. With all the characteristics of a Broadway production --including orchestra, costumes and high quality talent- the professional troupe utilizes popular songs and original concepts to create themes and stories that are fast-paced, highly entertaining and memorable. American Cabaret Theatre offers discounts for seniors and students. www.actindy.org.

49. The Indiana Repertory Theatre has grown into one of the leading regional theatres in the country, as well as one of the top-flight cultural institutions in the city and state. The IRT remains the only fully professional resident not-for-profit theatre in the state, attracting audiences of almost 132,000 annually from across central Indiana. www.indianarep.com.

50. Spend an evening relaxing high above the city at the Rooftop Garden in Fountain Square. Enjoy a casual dinner served from the shelBi street caFe, or just chill out with a cocktail and a spectacular view of the downtown skyline. http://www.discoverfountainsquare.com/microsites/merch-shelbistreetcafe.html***

Over $50:

• Escape to the Hyatt Regency hotel featuring the Eagle's Nest, Indiana's only rooftop revolving restaurant. Serving dinner, along with the best views in Indianapolis. The Eagle's nest has been voted "most Romantic Restaurant in Indianapolis" for 10 consecutive years. www.indianapolis.hyatt.com

• Relax and enjoy the beautiful Indianapolis skyline from the comfort of one of Downtown's historic bed and breakfasts including the Yellow Rose Inn www.yellowroseinn.com and Nestle Inn & Breakfast www.nestleindy.com.

• Downtown Indianapolis has a number of spectacular hotels for you to stay the weekend, including the Canterbury Hotel, Courtyard by Marriott at the Capitol, Courtyard by Marriott Downtown, Crowne Plaza Hotel at Union Station, Embassy Suites Downtown, Hampton Inn Downtown, Hilton Garden Inn, Hilton Indianapolis, Homewood Suites, Indianapolis Marriott Downtown, Omni Severin Downtown, Residence Inn by Marriott on the Canal and the Westin Indianapolis.