The animal-friendly outing. Check out the new baby elephant, the trouble-making monkeys and all the other animals by spending a day at the Maryland Zoo in Baltimore. IMO, it's a little low on ambiance, but there's plenty to see and do, and tickets are $11 until the end of April. For dog-lovers out for a low-key first date, you can also try a pet date at Canton Dog Park or any of the other dog-friendly spots in the city, such as the west side of Mount Vernon Park.

The beautiful view! BaltAmour reader suggested a trip on the Martha Lewis in Havre de Grace. If it worked for him, it can work for you! Nothing like the bay breeze and gorgeous views on a sunset cruise ($25) to put you in a romantic state of mind. Just be sure that your date doesn't get seasick; pack some non-drowsy Dramamine in case. You can also take the touristy option and try a tour from the Inner Harbor on the Prince Charming ($16). For land-lubbers, Cylburn Arboretum, Rawlings Conservatory at Druid Hill Park are great choices; pack a picnic and head to Federal Hill or Fort McHenry.

The museum option. Museums are always a great idea: there's plenty to talk about, and you get an idea of what a person likes, loves and hates. There's plenty to see in the city, beyond the usuals (the Walters, BMA, AVAM): the B&O Museum ($14), the Museum of Industry ($10), the Tattoo Museum (just don't get any work done while you're there) and Reginald F. Lewis Museum of Maryland African American Culture ($8) are all options. The usuals also have surprises too, from interactive activities (see Shiny Happy Things on May 17) to regular (free) film screenings on Thursday nights.

For the active lifestyle. Catch a game at Camden Yards, or go out and play yourselves: there's tubing and canoeing at Gunpowder Falls (comfort in a bathing suit is a must), rock-climbing at Rocks State Park in Bel Air, hiking at Robert E. Lee Park and, for established couples, you can learn how to paddle through the Canton Kayak Club ($125-$135).

Drinks and desserts. Alternatives to the coffee date: Get a sweet treat or a nice drink instead. Get a slice of pie (and coffee, if you must) at Dangerously Delicious pies in Federal Hill, gelato at Pitango in Fells Point (a personal favorite) and cupcake happy hour at Baltimore Cupcake Company in Locust Point. For drinks, the 13th Floor at the Belvedere has a nice view, and Club Charles, between Mount Vernon and Station North, with its red decor, can lend a little bit of "mood lighting" for those who want a more low-key (and cheaper) place to catch a drink.

(Cupcake photo, Nanine Hartzenbusch/Sun Photographer)

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*Hey, I tried -- some places/activities could end up being more, but the base price for most is less than $50 for two people.