By Melanie Heimburg

Setting aside a little time to spend with your main squeeze can definitely help keep the romance alive. This Valentine’s Day, make love—not debt—at one of these on-the-cheap but oh-so-sweet events:

1. Dance Floor Amour
   The Sacramento Ballet hosts an intimate in-studio performance followed by a lesson in Argentine Tango (on February 5 and 6) at the Sacramento Ballet Studios in downtown Sacramento. Bring your favorite partner (or dance with a Sacramento Ballet dancer!) to celebrate the language of love in each other’s arms. $20 each. www.SacBallet.org
   
2. Smitten in the Kitchen
   Looking for a gourmet soiree? Head to Calaveras, where the wines are affordable and delicious. During Presidents’ Day Weekend (February 13 and 14, 11am-5pm), you and your sweetheart will enjoy special barrel tastings, new releases and an array of palate-pleasing appetizers at participating wineries. $10 admission includes a keepsake wine glass. www.CalaverasWines.org
   [Editor's Note: Many local wineries are holding similar events; check out your favorite's Web site for details. Placer County Wine & Grape Association is also holding a Valentine's Day weekend wine tour; click here for details.]
   
3. Physical Sizzle
   The family and pet-friendly Valentine Run (on February 13) is guaranteed to get your endorphins flowing and your heart pumping. The whole family will celebrate the season of love with kids’ fun runs, entertainers, a fitness expo, vendors, prizes, and more. Best of all, passion goes to the people—funds raised are donated to local charities. $16-$30. www.LsncRun.info
   
4. Lure of Nature
   Thinking of a weekend getaway? May we suggest heading to the Bay Area and beginning at the Exploratorium’s After Dark Series (February 4, 6-10pm), an exclusive adults-only evening that mixes cocktails with playful, innovative science. During this week’s theme, "Sexplorations," you’ll learn about some of nature’s surprising reproductive strategies, uncover the sexual makeup of our own species, and more. Who knows? Learning about the nature of romance may be inspiration to practice it! Free with admission: $15. www.Exploratorium.edu
   
5. Warm Fuzzies
   Learn how to write a dynamite love letter with relationship educator Susi Pinto. Amateur authors, fledgling wordsmiths and devoted sweethearts will learn the secrets of written conversation (nearly lost to time and technology) and experience the sweet rewards of shared expression (February 6). Voluntary donation of $14 to the Healthy Marriage Project is suggested. www.SacMarriage.org
   
6. Sultry Show
   European, ravishing and sensuous... Carmen is a sizzling opera about a beautiful gypsy diva, obsessive love and passionate illusion. A special encoure presentation of Fathom and the Metropolitan Opera's Emmy and Peabody Award-winning series of performance of Carmen returns to local movie theaters for one night only (February 3). www.Zvents.com