I know, I know… you’re wondering if I stepped outside or at least looked at the forecast this week. I did. It’s cold. It sucks. But even in the dead of winter, we are lucky enough to have some days when the sun is shining, the air is calm, and with a light coat, it’s not a bad day to get out and get some fresh air.

It’s easy to find cheap outside date options in the summer. Restaurants and bars open up the patios. Active couples can grab tennis rackets or bikes. Mini golf, Wingnuts games, festivals… there are always options. But when the mercury starts to drop, options for outside activities dwindle. Don’t forget all of your public venues. Your tax dollars help keep the parks and city looking good; get out and enjoy it!

You can’t get any cheaper than free. That’s right – free! (Okay, like I said, you’ve probably chipped in a penny or two with your tax dollars, but you don’t have to drop a dime tonight to enjoy these sites.) Where else are you going to take a date to experience a burning ring of fire, a brief history lesson, views of some of the city’s most iconic figures, and a troll illuminated by an eerie green glow? Right down by the Arkansas River, and at the bargain price of zero dollars.

In May 2007, a $20 million river restoration and beautification project was completed. Part of this renovation included the installation of two suspension bridges, the Keeper of the Plains plaza, and raising the iconic statue on a 30-foot pedestal. If you haven’t been down to check it out, it’s worth your time. It’s also a great place to take a date. Free and open to the public year round, you can take your special someone out for a romantic stroll along the river. The plaza is accessible from either side of the river by the two suspension bridges. I usually park near Exploration Place off of McLean, giving me easy access to the area.

You can grab your honey’s hand and skip (or, if you’re not as fun as me, simply walk) across the first bridge. The bridges meet at the Keeper of the Plains plaza at the base of the statue. You’ll find soothing music playing and information about the plains Indians. Check out some of the information and get an idea of your date’s mental capacities. Do you have yourself a dud or a stud? Can they hang with you in an intellectually stimulating conversation? Perhaps not. Oh, sorry, I’m a history nerd. Most of you probably couldn’t care less. You’re just looking for your chance to start sucking face with the hottie at your side. Don’t fret, there’s ample opportunity for that as well. (But if you are a nerd like me, you may want to check this out for more info about the Keeper of the Plains, the plaza, and the significance of the different symbols.)

For a little “oooohhhhh, aaaaahhhhh” factor, grab yourself a bench around 9:00 and cuddle up to your date to enjoy the show. Every evening (weather permitting), the ring of fire is lit around the Keeper of the Plains at 9 P.M. and burns for 15 minutes. Girls will feel like they’re a star right in their own little romance flick – sitting on a bench, cuddled up to keep warm, smooching on her honey with a fire burning in the background. Guys will think, “Cool… fire.”

After the fire dies, you can take your date to see Wichita’s very own troll. Troll? Yes, I said troll. This is a little gem in our city that I only discovered earlier this year and I love it. If you’re coming from the Exploration Place parking lot, you’ll have to cross both bridges to get to the east bank of the river. Walk towards the Westar building and when the path splits, head up. At night, you’ll see an eerie green glow from the storm grate. Get a little closer, and check out the troll chained away underneath. The attention to detail is remarkable. It’s definitely worth checking out in daylight too. I don’t want to give you too many details; I want you to go check it out for yourself!

Aside from a date, visiting the troll also makes a great little trip with kiddos. I recommend preparing for troll hunting by telling stories that will scare children and likely scar them for life. For example, tell them the troll comes to life at night and eats puppies, kittens, and small children. Yeah, you think I’m sick and twisted, don’t you? You can also prepare children for troll hunting by letting them know that they must come with proper attire and protection. Soccer cleats, boxing gloves, plastic swords….whatever, it’s your kid/niece/nephew/child you borrowed simply to get a kick out of making them look ridiculous, you can make them look as crazy as you want. Just make sure to get pictures. That way when they’re old enough to take a date to the troll, you have the blackmail pictures to show.

Whether you venture out for a “getting to know you” date with that hottie you just met, or you’re looking for a relaxing evening with your significant other, or you just want to set your children up to look like crazy people with no fashion sense, walking along the Arkansas River can offer a good time and interesting sites. There are all sorts of hidden treasures along the river.

What are some of your “must-see” stops walking by the river?

Related posts:

1. [do] Cheap Date: Ice Skating
2. daily [snap] – Keeper of the Plains
3. [do] Cheap Date: Palace Theatre West
4. Daily [snap] – Keeper of the Plains
5. [do] Where to Go on a Mom-Date