Sunset, Skyline, & Swedish Meatballs: Date Night in NYC

Are you looking for an evening out?  Have I got a deal for you.

First, you and your loved one will take a quiet stroll through the heart of the Financial District until you reach the water's edge.  Next, you'll take a ferry ride where you can see beautiful views of the Manhattan skyline and the Statue of Liberty.  Then, you'll enjoy a European meal as you watch the sun set on the East River.   Finally, enjoy the lit skyline against the night sky as you head back to Manhattan.

How much would you expect to pay for such an evening?

$50?

$100?

Try

10 bucks!

That's right, a certain Englishman and I have figured out the cheapest date in NYC.

Go to IKEA.

You see, IKEA is in Brooklyn, which is across the East River.  So they have a water taxi that costs $5 to ride.  BUT, if you spend $10 at IKEA, they take $5 off your bill, and there isn't a fare to get back home.  So the ferry ride is free, because really, who goes to IKEA to spend less than $10?

Here we are starting our ferry ride. 

After we docked at the IKEA parking lot, we went upstairs to their cafeteria and bought their Swedish meatball dinner which is $5.

You can sit with a view of the Manhattan skyline, or a view of the Statue of Liberty.

After dinner, we went downstairs to do our shopping.  Tonight's theme is called, "Bedding."

They even have an escalator just for your cart to make it easier to get out the door.

As we waited for the ferry to take us back, we got to watch the sunset behind Lady Liberty.

By the time we left, it was dark.

As we made our way to the pier, I looked over at the Brooklyn Bridge were Johnny was with a large group of teenagers for his first NYC MTC activity.

He ended up walking home all the way from Brooklyn, crazy kid!

I'm learning to feel like I'm close to home when I see the Freedom Tower.

Not bad for a $10 date!