Dating on a Budget: Staff writer Matthew Smith suggests taking your date to the Huntington Library and Botanical Gardens
It is no secret that most students do not have the disposable income for lavish dates. Due to this lack of funds, many spend their date nights with old reliable: Netflix. Fear not fellow students, there’s hope. Dating is about having fun and getting to know each other.
Photo by Matthew Smith
The moon bridge in the Japanese Gardens at the Huntington Botanical Gardens, San Marino, CA. The water underneath is home to many species of fish, including giant koi.
An excellent location to take your date would be the Huntington Library and Botanical Gardens as it offers about a dozen varying landscapes all within a 120 acre spread, from tropical jungle themed sections to the opulent rose garden.
Upon entrance, visitors are greeted warmly by staff, whom are both knowledgeable and friendly. After collecting an entry wristband notice several paths leading in various directions. Each path guides the guest to a separate part of the gardens yet they all converge throughout the grounds. The path to the right will lead guests to the Conservatory, a greenhouse that is kept humid to maintain ideal temperature for the verdure. It is host to a multitude of tropical plants like cacao trees and orchids.
After leaving the Conservatory, one of the most captivating yet laborious walks is to the Japanese Gardens.
The iconic garden offers various plants and trees local to Japan, such as azaleas and Japanese cherry blossoms, as well as stunning depictions of traditional Japanese architecture, like the moon bridge and the Japanese House. This garden leads to the bonsai collection and the zen court which includes ancient viewing stones known as suiseki and native landscapes that once evolved in traditional temple gardens. The garden was heavily inspired by Japanese culture and imbues the guest with a peaceful state of mind.
There is an expansive lawn where peacocks and geese gather. Here, visitors can relax, read, play catch or even sunbathe. The library contains a unique experience for the philomath in your life, with exhibits on astronomy, literature and art. Although the botanical garden is a lengthy walk, there are many key locations for visitors to simply sit and enjoy the day together.
Photo by Matthew Smith
Lavender plants sway in the breeze on May 17, 2017, at the Huntington Botanical Gardens in San Marino, CA.
Tickets may be a bit pricey, but if you make plans in advance, the first Thursday of every month is free. To obtain a free ticket you must visit www.huntington.org and reserve a spot. Pack a lunch and take in the day!
Estimated Costs:
Estimated Gas Price from Citrus College to The Huntington Library and Gardens- $5.00
Student tickets – $23 per ticket with Student ID, or free on the first Thursday of every month.
Total Cost for 2: $5-$50
We hope you enjoyed our first suggestion! Feel free to expand on our ideas and submit your own! Stay tuned for the next installment of: A Student’s Guide to Dating on a Budget.
