Love doesn’t have to cost a thing

In her hit song, Jenifer Lopez sang ‘even if you were broke, my love don’t cost a thing’.

Couples often skip Valentine’s Day to avoid footing those hefty candlelit dinner bills but there are other ways to impress on ‘love day’.

Johannesburg is full of parks, dams, lakes and markets, free for anyone to visit which could make for the perfect Valentine’s Day date.

Emmarentia Dam and Johannesburg Botanical Gardens:

Emmarentia Dam is the perfect place for a walk at sunset as it is home to the Dabulamanzi Canoe Club and one can often spot a canoeist on the water at that time.

The Botanical Gardens are also home to manicured rose and other gardens that provide the perfect setting for romantic picnics.

During previous years, the bridge on the north side of the dam was home to Johannesburg’s own Love Bridge that was taken down in 2015 due to renovations.

Westdene Dam Park:

The Westdene Dam Park recently received a facelift and has something for everyone, especially those looking for a quiet place to have a picnic or those wanting to keep their children busy while indulging in some couple time.

The dam is also dog-friendly and is the perfect place for couples to walk their dogs together.

Zoo Lake:

The lake and park are located in Parkview on the corner of Jan Smuts Avenue and West World Street.

What’s unique about Zoo Lake is that in addition to picnic space, braai areas and a play area for children, couples can grab two oars and take on the water but at a cost.

Melville:

Melville is a small suburb in the north west of Johannesburg. The eclectic area is a melting pot of artists, academics and musicians.

The area’s streets are lined with trees and its architecture is best viewed on a walk. It sports old structures from yesteryear as well as new buildings designed by well-known architects.

The area also runs a sidewalk competition where residents compete for the title of the best-kept sidewalk. Some are flower-themed while others concentrate on herbs and succulents.

Melville’s Main Street which eventually becomes Beyers Naude Drive is home to restaurants, second-hand stores and bookshops which makes for excellent window shopping.

On 7th Street in the area, there are even more restaurants and watering holes.

ALSO READ: What to do at Westdene Dam