Couples don’t need a stretch limo, expensive champagne or a fancy restaurant to have a memorable date.

There’s no need to break the bank in order to impress. The best dates are those with the most thought put into them — and that doesn’t necessarily mean a lot of money.

It doesn’t take a lot of preparation time — just a little creativity and a willingness to stray from the typical date routine. There is plenty to do outside the dinner-and-a-movie realm, and many activities are on campus or only a short drive away.

The Masque Community Theatre
This non-profit community theater features both plays and concerts that won’t break the banks of students.

On Valentine’s Day, the theater will host Night of January 16th, a murder mystery sure to give you and your date something to talk about over dinner.

Showtimes are Fridays and Saturdays at 8 p.m. and Sundays at 2 p.m. For a full schedule of upcoming events, visit masquetheatre.net.

The theater is located at 8825 N. 56th street in Temple Terrace. For reservations, call 813-983-1710.

 Cost: $12 per person with student ID

Moonlight Canoeing at Riverside Park
USF’s own Riverside Park is host to nighttime canoe trips on the Hillsborough River. Though it’s doubtful the surrounding animals will join in the chorus, a slow ride down the river could make for a moment reminiscent of the “Kiss the Girl” scene from The Little Mermaid.

For dates of upcoming Moonlight Canoeing trips, check the Outdoor Recreation section of the USF Campus Recreation Web page at usfweb2.usf.edu/camprec.

Each night of Moonlight Canoeing has two time slots — from 7 to 8:50 and from 9 to 10:50. Tickets must be purchased in advance from the Outdoor Recreation Online Store, which is accessible through the USF Campus Recreation Web page. The park is 1.5 miles east of campus. Call 813-987-6840 with questions.

Cost: $5 per person with student ID

The USF Monday Night Jazz Series
The University dubbed this one of the “best kept secrets at USF.” Acclaimed jazz artists come to USF to perform with jazz students and faculty the last Monday of every month.

Locations of the performances vary between the Musical Recital Hall and Theater One and Two, on campus.

Tickets are available by phone, 813-974-2323 starting two weeks before the event and are more expensive if purchased the night of the performance.

For a list of upcoming visiting artists go to mondaynightjazz.arts.usf.edu.

Cost: Ranges from $8-$10 per person with student ID

Salsa Dancing Classes
The USF Salsa Club can help spice up a romance. No prior dance experience is necessary — the classes are open to anyone willing and able to learn.

The weekly class is held Thursday nights from 7 to 8:45 in Marshall Student Center Room 132. E-mail info@usfsalsaclub.com with any questions.

Cost: $3.50 per person per week