Valentine’s Day is already upon us! We are sure this didn’t surprise you at all, but if it did sneak up on you, no sweat! We have a quick list here of some awesome free and inexpensive East Texas date ideas for you. Feel free to use these year-round!

FREE

Love’s Lookout Visitor Center - Jacksonville

Just a short drive from either Tyler or Jacksonville lies this rest stop with a captivating view. It’s the perfect spot for a romantic picnic while you take in the view. Plenty of seating options or just layout in the nice grassy area.

Tyler Rose Garden - Tyler

Have you run out of time to buy your partner a bouquet of flowers? Well, then give them a garden! You can’t take these flower, but you can enjoy a stroll with your significant other through the stunning beauty of thousands of roses.

Mineola Nature Preserve - Mineola

Get away from the hustle and bustle this Valentine’s Day. Take a stroll with your honey and walk across the Dr. John Thomas Bridge. Take some great selfie’s at the carved tree or windmill.

Museum of East Texas - Lufkin

This art museum in the heart of Lufkin is totally free to visit. Tons of exhibits and awe inspiring works of art to admire, alongside the one you admire most.

A Stroll Downtown - Nacogdoches

Want to take your date to the oldest city in Texas? Well, right here in East Texas lies this historic town. Just moseying around the old streets and buildings can make some everlasting memories.

Art Mural Scavenger Hunt

Just about every downtown area in East Texas has some sort of mural depicting the culture that exists there. Make a scavenger hunt together by visiting your local downtown and search for these great, and sometimes historic, murals.

ETX Lake Day

Although February isn’t necessarily the best time of the year for lake activities, there is nothing quite like sitting together by the calm waters of the many lakes we have here in East Texas. Grab a blanket and a few snacks, and visit a lake nearest to you.

INEXPENSIVE

East Texas State Parks

For a small fee, you can enjoy a full day of peace and fun with your special someone at the many state parks here in East Texas. Hiking trails, lake activities, camping, and so on. Find the state park closest to you in the link above.

Craft Coffee Shops

For about $8, you can get yourself a high quality latte for you and your partner. Coffee shops are the best place to see and have international conversation. Plus, just about every city in East Texas has a great option for coffee. From Joe Pine in Marshall, The Foundry in Tyler, to Lost Sheep in Bullard, and the Silver Grizzly in Longview. There are so many options!

Board Game Cafes

Board games are great way to enjoy some time together, as well as participating in some friendly competition. If this sounds fun to you, why not visit some board game cafes such as The Board Room or Boards & Bites? They make perfect date spot as you can grab coffee or a snack and play tons of fun and intriguing games.

East Texas Arboretum - Athens

For just $5 per person, you can take your date to this incredible display of East Texas nature. This one hundred acre area of beauty will captivate you and your partner. Visit their many gardens and Frentress Hickory Loop.

Longview Museum of Fine Arts - Longview

Another opportunity to take in the arts, is with the Longview Museum of Fine Arts. The facilities and exhibits at this downtown museum are top tier. For just $5 per person, this is a great date idea to view amazing photographs, sculptures, paintings, and more together.

Ritual Laboratorium + Soda Fountain of Youth - Jacksonville

Recreate a 1930′s date by bringing your partner to this old fashion soda fountain in the heart of downtown Jacksonville. Try one of their malts or root beer floats made with all natural ingredients.

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