Ask Cheap Thrills Rob

If anyone happens across my little ol' blog -- or someone in town – has a question about Boston, feel free to ask me. If you don't find what you're looking for, I might know some other cheap fun in Boston or other free things to do.

Your query could be about saving a buck or whatever. I'll try to give some kind of answer within 24 hours or less. I might even admit I don't know the answer (or make up a funny answer)...

You can leave a comment or send me a email at:
cheapthrillsboston ]at[ gmail ]dot[ com

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QUESTION: Event Listing?

How do I encourage you to post an event I have coming up?

ANSWER:

Easy. Just ask nicely. If it's interesting and costs $10 (or less) to get in, there's a very good chance that I'll try to tell people about it.

Leave a comment or send me a email at: cheapthrillsboston ]at[ verizon ]dot[ net

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QUESTION: Hanging out together?

I'm interested in going to an event. Would you like to attend one with me?

ANSWER:

Hmm... I try to go to at least one cheap event every week. My girlfriend and/or some friends will normally go along with me. Sometimes I ride solo.

It never hurts to ask if I'm going to something. I am a beatnik-style free spirit, so I don't mind meeting anyone. In the case you are a crazy person, I would like to check you out before giving you a chance to chainsaw my loved ones in tiny pieces -- or whatever.

So the bottom line is: Maybe.

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QUESTION: Second Date?

Hey Rob,

I am trying to choose a place for a second date. Last week we went to dinner which was amazing but I am looking for something different. We are both in our twenties. Doesnt have to be partcularly cheap... anywhere in cambridge/boston

Any thoughts?

Thank you!!

(submitted: 2/17/09)

ANSWER:

I started thinking about it, and I went a bit overboard. I hope there's something below that appeals to you.

Have a good time. Enjoy yourself! :-)

[Note: I'm not a "dating expert", but I generally like to plan an "activity" or "destination" then keep the rest of the plan fairly flexible. Oh, and just be yourself...]

Bowling or pool is a casual date activity where you can talk to each other AND have considerable opportunity to check out their butt. There's Jillians, but it feels too much like an obvious choice. I'd even prefer Kings. It's not as isolated, and Bukowski Tavern is next door for good grub and better beer.

I love the dark, kitschy ambience at the Milky Way. It's one of my favorite places, and they're moving in March to another location in JP (minus candlepin bowling). During February, bowling is free from 6pm to 9pm on Sundays thru Wednesdays. Sacco's Bowl Haven hasn't redecorated in decades, but that's part of the fun. No alcohol is served, so I'd suggest stopping at any of the bars/restaurants in Davis Sq. (Downstairs at Redbones wouldn't be a bad date dinner spot, imho.)

It's winter time, so ice skating is an outdoor option. I'm a lousy skater, so it's not my first choice. On the other hand, some awkward skating could make for some laughs... Break the ice, but not by falling own your ass too hard. Frog Pond, Kendall Sq Community Skating, and The Charles Hotel come to mind, but here's a list of public rinks around the area.

I like a trip to an art museum or gallery, because there's something else to occupy the time between normal 'getting-to-know-you' conversation. The Phoenix has a list of almost every gallery and museum.

The Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum is packed with so much amazing stuff, and the Italian palazzo interior is romantic without being blatantly so. I'm a dork, but I love the glass flowers and weird animal fossils at The Harvard Museum of Natural History.

I went to the Shephard Fairey at ICA last weekend and that's accessible for someone who isn't the "museum-going type". ("OBEY!") The ticket line was long, but it moved fast. Be sure to linger in the long window corridor overlooking the harbor. Sit down and enjoy the view; it might be the best sight in the museum (to date). (And Thursday nights are free.)

If you haven't gone on the Sam Adams brewery tour, that's about an hour of interest for the beer lover, which ends with a fairly generous tasting. Perhaps a good beginning to an afternoon/early evening date. (My party went to Doyle's Cafe afterwards...)

As for specific potential dates happening this weekend, here are a couple ideas:

On Friday 2/20, the good times are rolling early at Johnny D's. Mickey Bliss's annual "Mardi Gras Masquerade Ball and Zulu Parade of the Golden Blade" ($10) has several NOLA-style bands, dancing, and party favors. There are four good bands at Lizard Lounge, and you can talk to each other as much (or little) as you like if you grab a spot at one of the tables in the back.

On Saturday (2/21) afternoon, you can "get physical" at a free capoeira open house in Chinatown that's includes demonstration and participation. Or you can participate in Allston-style spectacle at the Rock City Prom & Masquerade Ball ($15 advance/$20 door) at The Draft (more info on Yelp).

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QUESTION: Place to Dance?

I'm fairly new to the boston going out scene & am planning a bday gathering for my honey. My dilemma...i dunno a fun, chill, non-pretentious bar in the city or cambridge/somerville to invade. Ideally, i would love a spot that has a dj or some music...chill vibe. We frequent an.tua.nua which is great for food and their special drinks but its hella expensive and no dancing - boo!

would you have any recs?

thanks,
lost in the city

ANSWER:

Ooooh... Dance places are my weakness, but I do have a couple thoughts. I'm going to think about this a little more, but a couple spots came to mind.

In Central Sq, there's a couple ideas depending on the size of the group. On most nights, there's a DJ at ZuZu that's pretty chill. It's a bit on the small side, drinks are reasonable, but meals are a bit on the high side. (Maybe hang at nearby spot? One of other Middle East clubs, etc.) Phoenix Landing has okay food with good proces, and dance nights at least on the weekends. Middlesex Lounge is a good dance club that's a little outside of Central Sq; Miracle of Science is owned by the same people, and I love their burgers -- and their good beer selection.

The Burren in Davis Sq has decent food & prices (as I recall from last time I ate there), and pretty close to 'real Irish pub' feel. They often have a cover band in the back room on weekends. I've even seen people dancing...

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QUESTION: Twitter?

I come here once or twice a week. Why on earth don't you have a twitter?

ANSWER:

I did set up a Twitter account, and - as of now - I will update it when posts are up. Maybe I'll add other little tidbits too.

When I'm confidently ahead in Cheap Thrills information, I might even set up a Facebook page...

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I don't feel like taking down my placemarker GIF. (Who doesn't love "The Big Lebowski"...) You know I'll never throw a stapler at you! (Does this work?)