Manuel Castro delivers Valentine's Day carnations.

The store aisles lined with huge stuffed animals, cheesy cards, and overpriced chocolates are just another reminder that Valentine’s Day is quickly approaching. This year, take your date someplace fun and affordable so you can have a memorable Valentine’s Day without emptying out your wallet.

            If a classic dinner-and-a-movie is your style, take your date to see Valentine’s Day, a romantic comedy that she’ll love and you’ll be more than likely to get a few laughs out of as well. Dear John is another new blockbuster that most girls are dying to see, although it’s a tearjerker and definitely falls under the “chick flick” category. If you decide to take your date to a movie, try the cinema at North Hills. Not only is it an exceptionally nice theater, there are multiple restaurants within walking distance for a pre-movie dinner. Be sure to make reservations if you plan to go somewhere that has that option, and order the movie tickets online; you don’t want your Valentine’s Day to be ruined by a long wait or a sold out movie.

            If you’d rather stay in this Valentine’s Day or you’re working with a tight budget, plan a romantic evening at home. Make your date his/her favorite dinner, or pack a picnic basket full of finger foods and eat a cute meal in the park. Follow the meal up with a romantic movie marathon, consisting of romantic comedies like 50 First Dates, What Happens in Vegas, He’s Just Not That into You, The Proposal, and How to Lose a Guy in Ten Days.

            It’s not about how much you spend; whether you go out or stay in, with a little creativity you can still have a fun and memorable Valentine’s Day that both you and your date will enjoy.