Hot Dates in Tough Times

So you've got a first date coming up, but you're broke.

No worries, As a twenty-something woman living and dating in the Fort Greene area, I've found some gems that won't break the bank while you're breaking the ice.

Flirting in the Fort need not be an expensive affair.

Try one of the activities below and your date will be so impressed by your creativity that your empty wallet won't even be an issue. Even better: you'll avoid the whole "do I pay or do we split the bill" dilemma that makes everybody uncomfortable.

The Enlightenment: Get your "om" on at , which offers a $10 yoga class on most days, a free meditation class on Wednesday nights (8:15 to 9:15pm), or a free lecture on Buddhist texts on Sunday nights (7-8:30pm).What's sexier than stretching and breathing in leggings in a dimly-lit room? See their website for a schedule of the $10 classes.

The Freelancer: Knock out some work and show off your Macbook while getting to know your date over coffee at This is especially good for those "not-quite-dates" with someone you are casually hanging out with but want to start dating. The music isn't too loud, so you can poke fun at all the Macbook-toting coffee-fiends (many of whom contribute to Fort Greene Patch). The beans are organic and fair-trade, which is sure to score points with your environmentally and socially-conscious partner. If you come on Thursday night you'll catch the Open Mic series (bring your guitar if you are daring enough to serenade your date).

The Flaneur: Meet at Jack's Coffee at the corner of Dekalb Avenue and Cumberland Street. Grab a coffee, and then head into Fort Greene Park, right down the street. Walking with coffee is a great way to stay warm while being outside. This is my personal favorite way to meet with someone, because we are immediately relaxed by being surrounded by trees instead of city sidewalks. First dates are less nerve-wracking when you're out in open space, rather than crammed into a restaurant corner or stuck on stools in a packed bar.

The Chill-Out: If you just want to relax, catch Alibi's $3 happy hour deal, 5 to 8pm Monday through Friday, and until 7pm on the weekends. It's kind of loud here, and the game is on, but if you're not feeling up to much conversation, it's a good pick. If you can spare a few more quarters, they've got a billiards table where you can impress your date with your pool sharkin'. Beer and pool is generally a no-fail first date. Unless you really suck at pool.

The Artsy: The MoCADA (Museum of Contemporary Arts of the African Diaspora) boasts cutting-edge exhibits by local and international artists. The exhibits usually explore current issues like gentrification or African politics, setting the scene for a heated debate with your brainy honey. $4 for students, $5 for other adults.

The Browser: Love vintage stuff? Spend an hour perusing the Sunday flea market in the Williamsburgh Savings Bank Tower. Don't worry if you can't afford anything in this premium flea market. Use it as a way to learn about your date's tastes and create fun conversation as you spy all the stuff you can't afford. Save whatever cash you have for one of the tasty treats offered by the market vendors: gourmet hot dogs, smoothies, and coffee, to name a few. The next flea willl be on Jan. 8-9.

Don't let hefty bills or unemployment keep you from flirting in the Fort! Our neighborhood is full of enjoyable activities that require barely any funds. So, stay tuned for next week's dispatch from the Flirt. Have any questions for the Flirt? Send them to: flirtinthefort@gmail.com.