LINCOLNVILLE-We've already established that the best Cheap Dates are the free ones, right? Well this one ties in perfectly with warm spring weather and the need to stop wearing your give-ups (i.e. sweat pants). It's time to stop cramming Cheetos into your eating hole and face it: bathing suit season is right around the corner. Good thing Point Lookout Fitness Center in Lincolnville is having an Open House this Saturday and Sunday (April 20 and 21) allowing everyone free access to their free weights and cardio machines, aerobic and stretching rooms, squash, racquetball and tennis courts, outdoor track, soccer fields, gymnasium, Nintendo Wii gaming system and public lounge with billiards and ping pong.

I spoke with Matt Merrifield, Point Lookout's Fitness Instructor, who will be hosting tours both indoors and outdoors. His suggestion for a Cheap Date? "Come for a free workout, then play racquetball, then maybe get a bite to eat at the Copper Pine Cafe, " he suggested. "Or go hiking on our 3.2 miles of trails." According to weather reports, Saturday and Sunday afternoon are looking like the best times for being outdoors.

He then showed me the identical racquetball and squash rooms. "Racquetball has a smaller racquet and a bigger ball," Merrifield said explaining the difference the two games. "And for a date, it's more fun to play," he added. Check. That's on the list to try.

Speaking of play, light-hearted competitive adult play boosts the emotional connection between two people. Point Lookout provides all the equipment, so playing Horse in basketball, or one-on-one soccer, ping pong, or billards can turn any game into a memorable date, especially if you add some good-natured smack talk or trash-talking.

They even have an entire room dedicated to Nintendo Wii, so you and your date can play virtual basketball, baseball, tennis, boxing or a variety of games. Perfect for people who have forgotten what it's like to pick up a real baseball bat, tennis racquet, basketball or boxing gloves. Or operate a door knob. See that was a little smack talk; you get the idea.

Point Lookout's weekend hours are 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. For more information visit: Point Lookout Open House Weekend.

Cheap Dates is a series dedicated to scrounging the most amount of fun out of the Midcoast on the fewest dollars.

Kay Stephens can be reached at news@penbaypilot.com