Make Valentine's Day spectacular-for less money than you'd think
By Lindsay Goodier

Whether this Valentine's Day will find you holding the hand of your special someone or sharing laughs with a few friends, the city of Tulsa has several exciting options for couples and singles.

For Single Ladies:
Ladies, instead of watching another romantic comedy this Feb. 14 and wishing and praying all night that "the One" would hurry up and find you, why not have some fun with the gals?

Have a beauty night by taking Glamour Shots (Woodland Hills Mall, 254-9330) with a friend. You can either truly get all dolled up, or you can be silly by choosing the most flamboyant clothing and hairstyles and taking funny shots. For a cheaper option, revert to your junior high days and try on prom dresses in department stores. Have a friend take pictures if the sales staff doesn't mind.

Looking for a restaurant that won't be crowded with mushy couples? When was the last time you ate at Chuck E. Cheese (252-9661)? Sure, you always joke about going there, but now is your chance to beat all the little kids at your favorite video games and take pictures with that ever-loveable mouse mascot.

For Single Men:
Since Valentine's Day is pretty much like any other day for a single guy, you can spend Friday night hanging out with the gang. Although you can expect a wait, Cheddar's Casual Cafe (307-2013) serves a full portion of food without a huge bill. You can conclude the evening at a friend's house or back at the dorm with a PlayStation 2 or X Box tournament.

For a group of friends:
Grab the girls and guys with "totally platonic relationships" and commit to having the best Cupid Day ever.

For a fun meal at a restaurant that can accommodate a large group without a long wait, try Casa Bonita (836-6464) or Joe's Crab Shack (294-3875). Though Casa Bonita may not serve the best Mexican food this side of the Rio Grande, it offers all the fixings you could want: mariachi singers, hourly puppet shows, an arcade and the ever famous cave room. Joe's Crab Shack serves reasonably priced seafood--along with some land-lover items-and there's always an opportunity to dress up in one of their funny costumes, whether it's your birthday or not.

For "Lord of the Rings" fans, the Tulsa Community College Theatre Department will be performing Tolkien's "The Hobbit" at 8 p.m. Tickets are $4 for students; call 595-7777 for more information.

For Couples:
Whether your pocket is bulging or practically empty, you can give that special someone the best Valentine's Day ever.

Begin the day with a cup of coffee or tea and a bagel at Panera Bread (71st and Lewis). Glance through the Tulsa World together until you come across the "Love Lines" ad you had printed to express your undying love for your sweetheart. The personal messages cost $2.33 per 24-character line with a three-line minimum. Pick up a copy of the World for a form. The deadline for submitting ads is Feb. 12 at 3 p.m.

Because this day is important in your dating relationship or engagement, you will want to remember it with pictures. Fromex Photo Center (610-8841) includes a booth in which you can pick several different backgrounds, zoom in and out as you please and choose between six and 24 shots of you and your sweetie for under $20.

While the dinner options are dependent upon your budget, the Italian Cafe (258-5775) in Broken Arrow offers authentic Italian food in an artistic atmosphere for under $10 a plate. While the Peach House (455-5404) of Broken Arrow is on the more pricey side, you will be served in sheer elegance and will be amazed at just how peachy your Valentine's meal can be.

End the night at one of the outdoor beauties of Tulsa. If you can possibly find the Center of the Universe downtown-a spot by the old railroad station in which one can hear echoes from all directions-it's worth the trip. Watch the fountains at Riverside, walk around Swan Lake, talk while gazing at the stars…just don't forget about curfew.

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