I love summer!  And I love dating in summer!  It's my chance to get away from the usual coffee/dinner dates and actually do something fun - without breaking the bank! 

With so many open spaces, festivals and patios in the city - there's some great things to see and do.  And, if you happen to have a date to do them with - then even better.  Not only will you get a chance to get acquainted - it will also give you a reason to explore and participate in the city's arts, cultural and culinary offerings.

Here are my top ten summer date suggestions (listed in no particular order).  Click each title to go to a website that has more details:

1.   Dream in High Park: Pack a picnic, carry a blanket, kick off your shoes and stretch out on the grass or a rock as you watch the professional crew at CanStage perform Shakepeare with a modern day twist!  They're currently performing A Midsummer Night's Dream and it's a great performance.  On now and until September 2.  Pay what you can.

2.  Festivals at the Harbourfront Centre: The Harbourfront Centre’s World Routes Festival accentuates some of the diverse cultures Toronto is made up of.  From live stage performances to a dizzying array of vendors selling arts and crafts to world cuisine - stroll along the harbourfront and catch up with one of the many free programming activities every weekend - all through summer!

3.  Stroll around the Distillery District:  In just the past few years, The Distillery District has become one of the most romantic and enjoyable destinations in the City. The Distillery District is Toronto’s first pedestrian only village and the city’s only historic district. From the brick lined streets to the European piazza styled areas, The Distillery District is, as the Globe and Mail asserts, “a picture postcard draw”.

4.   St. Lawrence Market: In the centre of the historic St. Lawrence Neighbourhood, close to the hub of today's downtown, sit three buildings that have served as Toronto's social centre, City Hall and market place throughout the City's history.  Spend an afternoon visiting over 60 specialty vendors inside this premier market at Front and Jarvis Streets and then grab a specialty coffee or lunch at one of the patios outside or browse through various arts and antique collections on sale and display!

5.  Festivals at Port Credit:  Explore Port Credit's quaint villag esetting and harbour and rejoice at their jazz festival and annual Buskers fest.  Walk long the pier or on the boardwalk - and steal a kiss or a few in the beautiful sunsets.  If you have an absolute passion for antiques, hand crafted gifts, blown glass, arts and crafts, fine arts, or handmade chocolates, and if you adore shopping for clothes, shoes, or household goods, or perhaps finding unique and unusual gifts from around the world — then this is your haven!

6.   Walking in Kensington Market:  Located south of College, west of Spadina, north of Dundas, and east of Bathurst, Kensington Market’s been around for decades. In fact, it’s one of the oldest and most famous neighborhoods in Toronto.  A funky, colorful, eclectic place, there’s so much to see and do in the Market. But please don’t take your car! Walking’s the only way to get around in this part of town!  Get lost together, as you stroll hand-in-hand through the maze of dead-end streets and second-hand shops. Steal a kiss in Bellevue Square Park and then stop over for drinks on one of the many patios on Baldwin st.

7.   Patios, Patios, Patios!  I don't even know where to start.  Toronto has soem of the finest patios - all over the city!  Rooftop patios, streetside patios, secluded garden patios, waterfront patios and terrace patios!  Just google Toronto and Patios and you'll have hundreds of selections to choose from!

8.   Beach Jazz Festival / Taste of the Danforth: Two "not-to-be-missed" street festivals.  The Jazz Festival is an annual four day event held in July.  And then in August, enjoy the multicultural diversity of Toronto at Taste of the Danforth festival. From mouth-watering Greek cuisine like souvlaki and spanakopita (spinach pie) to Thai, Indian and Cuban fare, this street festival in the heart of Toronto's Greektown satisfies hungry mouths summer after summer.

9.   Movies at the Drive in: Re-create the dating charm of the seventies with a movie at Toronto's only Drive-In Theatre.  This is a fantastic alternative to the regular movie-theatre experience. The 500-car capacity drive-in screens double features three days a week, all summer long (Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays).

10.  Walking tours in High Park:  Sometimes dating’s just a walk in the park! Literally.  Toronto’s beautiful High Park offers walking tours all spring and summer.  The cost is only $2.00 per walk. Now that’s a cheap, cheap date, not to mention a great way to get some exercise, commune with nature and meet other people.