Well, the day of love has arrived once again. Many people automatically make reservations to an upscale restaurant for Valentine’s Day. However, don’t feel guilty if you can’t afford the elegant dinner. There are a range of other things you can do on a budget.

One idea to consider is the Spirit Sacramento Riverboat Cruise. For $75 a person, a couple can enjoy the Valentine’s special, which includes dinner and dancing. Take pleasure in a buffet with an assortment of hors d’oeuvres, prime rib, salmon and much more. Music for shaking it up and getting couples closer together will be provided by a disc jockey.

Marisela Sanchez, a senior majoring in health care administration, said $75 is a good price for dinner, dancing and a cruise.

“I think it would be nice, something different. Everyone [else] just goes to dinner,” Sanchez said.

The riverboat boards at 6:30 p.m. from Old Town Sacramento and lasts until 10 p.m. To reserve a spot on the boat, call Debra Sciotto at (916) 552-2933.

“Start making reservations now,” Sciotto said.

If you get motion sickness on boats but would still really like to do some dancing, Linda Tran, a senior majoring in accounting, suggests taking a dance class at Arthur Murray Dance Studio located in Carmichael. Dancing is a great way to connect and get into rhythm with each other. Arthur Murray offers a free introductory lesson.

“It’s something out of the ordinary. Most couples go to a restaurant. It’s something unique, something out of your everyday life,” Tran said.

“It would be a great idea for couples,” said James Smith, an instructor at the studio.

Couples can learn to dance and be social, Smith said.

The complimentary lesson lasts for 30 to 35 minutes and ranges from the cha-cha to salsa to waltzing. After the lesson, there is a private practice party where students can dance in any style depending on the music playing.

For more information on the studio and appointments, visit http://www.sacramentodancesport.com or call (916) 971-3550.

However, if you just aren’t groovy or have no coordination whatsoever, Lindsey Lawson, a junior majoring in mathematics, recommends doing something creative with your special someone.

For example, Color Me Mine in Elk Grove is the perfect place to be creative on Valentine’s Day. Color Me Mine offers a selection of pottery that customers can choose from to paint.

“It would be a very cute date,” Lindsey Lawson, a junior majoring in mathematics, said. “Very out of the ordinary and cheap.”

For Valentine’s Day, the shop has heart-shaped pottery that can be painted to express how much that special someone can inspire you. Ladies also get half off as a Valentine’s Day special at Color Me Mine.

Katie Baker, an employee of the shop, said prices usually range from $6 to $60 on top of the $10 studio fee.

No reservations are needed. The shop is open from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. Monday through Thursday. For additional information, call (916) 714-4943.

Now, it’s almost obvious that Valentine’s Day is expected to be a day of romance with dinner and cute dates, but what if you just aren’t into all that sappy stuff?

Go get a good laugh at a local comedy club. Actor and comedian Jack Gallagher will be appearing at Laughs Unlimited Comedy Club and Lounge for Valentine’s Day.

“That would be awesome,” Lawson said. “I know it’s something my boyfriend and I would both enjoy.”

Chipotle will be providing guests with dinner at 6 p.m. and Gallagher will be performing at 8 p.m. Tickets for this event are $30 per person and can be purchased at http://www.dereks-wish.com. The directions and address to the club can be found at http://www.laughsunlimited.com or call (916) 446-8128 for more information.

For those who’d rather do something outgoing and active, Patty Velasquez, a sophomore majoring in criminal justice, suggests Scandia Family Fun Center as a fun place to spend a romantic evening.

“That would be fun. I would definitely do that,” student Patty Velasquez said. “There’s a lot you can do there without spending a lot.”

Couples can compete with each other in miniature golfing, go-kart racing, arcades, batting cages and more.

“It would be good for couples who are just getting to know each other,” Velasquez said.

Scandia’s hours of operation are 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. For additional information on Scandia, visit their website at http://www.scandiasports.com or call (916) 331-0115.

Strings Italian Café is also nearby if hunger strikes after Scandia. Strings serves a range of dishes from $7 to $15. For their menu and location, visit http://www.stringscafe.com or call (916) 635-6465.

All of these dates sound fun but just in case cash is really tight, or you have no way of transportation – e.g. you live in the dorms, there is no shame in resorting to the classic dinner and movie at home. Create a romantic theme with butcher paper and markers.

“That’s really creative and fun,” Sanchez said.

“I think it’s a romantic thing to do for your boyfriend or girlfriend,” Sanchez said.

For example, draw a version of the Eiffel Tower on a piece of butcher paper and hang it on the wall of the dining area to create the look of a view. Then add candles, soft music and food.

After dinner, cuddle on the sofa and watch some of your favorite movies.

Give each other massages and just spend the evening oblivious to the world.

There are a variety of things you can do while saving cash. Make your Valentine’s Day a priceless night!

Tiffanie Yang can be reached at [email protected]