It's Friday and you have no interest in seeing the new G.I. Joe movie. (Me either!)

But sitting in the house is not an option either because the weather is going to be so nice, no storms (don't quote me -- I am not Larry Sprinkle) are brewing on the horizon. You need something to do and you don't want to spend a lot of money on it.

I feel your pain. But a nice date doesn't have to be expensive. It can even be free -- so to speak. The venue is free but you have to spring for dinner.

Head to Freedom Park tonight with your love (date, booty call or whatever) and a picnic basket filled with treats that you both like. If your plan is to get some sweet lip while you're at the park, leave the onions and the pickles at home.

Pack some water or something sparkling and take a walk around the park while feeding each other. The park closes at dusk, so if you time things right, you'll be burning more calories in bed before midnight.

So you met Mr. or Miss Right (Now) and you're looking for some place in the Charlotte area to take them on your first date ... and you're trying to do it without breaking the bank.

Usually people say skip the movie since you can't talk and it's dark. I say go to the drive-in in Belmont. It's an old throwback to 1950s dating and the cost for admission is $4 a person. Though it's discouraged, you can pack a dinner that you two want to eat and watch a movie in the car. But the food at the drive-in snack bar is much cheaper than what you pay for at most cinema-plexes around the Queen City.

At the Belmont drive-in, you can buy fries for $1. Their menu is online along with the prices.

You can talk all you want and not worry about someone telling you to shut up.

Show time is at dusk.

It's the middle of the month and if your money is tight, but you still want to take your sweetie or that potential booty out this weekend, you are in luck.

There are some free, cheap and sexy events going on this weekend that are built just for two:

It's Couples night at the Men's Club. You and you sweetheart are admitted free from 6 p.m. until 12 a.m.

Martinis are half priced all night.

Jazz in the Park is back. From 1 p.m. to 7 p.m., you and your boo can head out to Marshall Park every Sunday this June and listen to smooth music. And there will be beer and wine for sale at the park. Make sure you watch out for the green duck shit.

Summer Couture Fashion at CRAVE. If your woman is into fashion, you come out looking like a prince and you get to drink and have sweets? The event gets started tonight at 6 p.m.

Over the years, dating experts and daters have said going to the movies on a first date isn't a good thing to do. And that's true if you go to a picture on opening weekend. It's going to be crowded and people around you will frown on you and your date talking (or doing something else) during the movie.

But you can make a movie date work for you. First, make sure the person you're dating isn't a movie buff. Dating someone who thinks silence is really golden at the cineplex will ruin the fun.

Next, pick a movie that everyone has already watched or a film that no one wants to see. You and your date will more than likely be alone in the dark. Popcorn is optional. If the movie theater is empty, take a seat at the top of the theater. Then you can talk, kiss, stroke or do whatever without worry that you'll get caught. Of course this only works in stadium seating.

You may not remember what movie you and your date saw, but will get a chance to act like a kid again and what can be better than that?

And if you want to save money, go to the movies during the day then hit up a park afterwards to continue the conversation or whatever.

In today's recession soaked environment, you have to change some of the things you do.

That mean date night should come in the middle of the week and not just the weekend. You'll save money and there's nothing like some mid-week loving.

So, what's your motivation for going out in the middle of the week for dinner and booty?

Restaurant specials.

1. Eddie's Place has a month of specials. Thursday seems as if it's the best day to go.
2. Twist has martini specials on Wednesday.
3. Mert's Heart and Soul in Uptown Charlotte gives you so much food that you'd have to share. Dinner starts at 3 p.m. Tuesday-Sunday.
4. Blue has late night eats for two at a decent price, especially Wednesday and Thursday nights.
5. And never forget, McDonald's dollar menu. (Just kidding, kind of.)

Just because the economy sucks, it doesn't mean you should suffer in your bedroom and dating activities.

It's Friday (don't we all wish) and you want to spend the evening with that special someone. You decide to pop some popcorn and pull out a few DVDs. If you want to get laid or have a good date, you're going to leave these movies in their cases on on the shelf.

1. Valkyrie. Sure it has Tom Cruise, but who wants a history lesson?
2. Fatal Attraction. This should be banned from any date night.
3. Waiting to Exhale. See above.
4. Basic Instinct. Watch this with someone you want to tie up and it will never happen. (Don't ask me how I know.)
5. Sleepless in Seattle. This movie is corny and if you're a woman it will cause erectile dysfunction in your date.
6. Any Rocky or Terminator movie. Do I even have to explain this one?
7. Beloved. The book was hard enough to follow.
8. Current Porn. It may be obvious that you want to have sex, but do you really have to pull out the Jenna Jamison collection.

So, what are good movies to watch on a date?

While I said no current porn, you can impress your date with "The Devil In Miss Jones," because that movie is classic. Just make sure you comment on the artistic nature of the movie.

Comedies are also a good choice. Laughter can lead to a lot of things. And if you have to see a drama, make sure it's one with an ending that will lead to a lot of conversation. Try Spike Lee's 25th Hour.

Superhero movies are cool, only if it's Batman, either the Christian Bale ones or the Michael Keaton ones.