Free Veterans Day Dinner

Posted by Courtney November 11, 2008 (2 weeks ago) at 12:39 pm

A tasty thank-you to all our veterans from Zebra’s Bistro in Medfield, MA. Owner Craig Neubecker says, “I wish I could shake the hand of every Veteran, sit down with them and buy them dinner, say thank you for all they have done for us.” This Veterans Day, he’s doing exactly that. From 5:30 p.m. until 10 p.m. tonight, all veterans will get a free entrée. Reservations are recommended. Zebra’s Bistro, 21 North Street, Medfield, MA. (508)359-4100. zebrasbistro.com.

What to do this weekend

Posted by Courtney October 30, 2008 (4 weeks ago) at 11:10 am

Haunted Happenings
Put on your witch’s hat, grab your broomstick and head to Salem, MA, better known this time of year as the Halloween capital of the world. Check out the fabulous costumes, have dinner with the dead, and listen to chilling tales. All weekend. Most events are free.

Pumpkin Ale Festival
Sample some of the best beer the fall has to offer at Cambridge Brewing Company’s annual festival. Friday, beginning at 5 p.m.

Veggie Delight
Load up on free (and yummy!) food at the annual Boston Vegeterian Food Festival. Saturday from 10 a.m. — 6 p.m. at the Reggie Lewis Athletic Center. Free admission & samples.

CollegeFest 2008

Posted by Courtney September 22, 2008 at 11:36 am

Looking for something to do this weekend but don’t have a lot of money to spend?  You might want to check out CollegeFest in downtown Boston.  $10 admission gets you loads of free stuff –food, products and more.  Saturday & Sunday, 9/27-9/28, at Hynes Convention Center.  Doors open at noon.

A little free end-of-summer sand art

Posted by Ted McEnroe September 19, 2008 at 1:08 pm

Wanted to give a little shout out to one of Cut Your Costs partners - the Clarion Nantasket Beach Resort and Spa, which is sponsoring the “Endless Summer Sand Castle Competition” this Saturday as part of the Endless Summer Waterfront Festival in Hull, Massachusetts.

The contest features sculptors creating what they can from 30 tons of sand dumped right on Nantasket Avenue. The competition begins Saturday at 1pm, and there are even sandsculpting lessons starting at noon.

The contest, and the rest of the event Saturday, are free - you can find the schedule at hullchamber.com.

Because before long - those sandpails will be replaced with, umm, snow shovels.

A great deal for a New England fall classic!

Posted by Ted McEnroe July 17, 2008 at 10:05 am

The 190th Topsfield Fair opens on October 3. It’s always a great time, and the Cut Your Costs team loves nothing more than the sights and sounds of the midway, the annual chance to try out the fried dough and cotton candy, and the cool New England agricultural exhibitions that each fair season brings with it.

But this year in Topsfield, there’s a special deal you won’t want the family to pass up. You can get tickets to see Jeff Corwin’s “Tales from the Field”, live on October 11 at the Topsfield Fair arena at 11 a.m., for a special price of $15 each, or get a discounted “Family Four Pack for $48. It’s a chance for you and the family to get an up close visit with one of the world’s most popular conservationists at a price that won’t break your bank.

And if you’re not careful, you *and* your kids might learn something, too.

Call 888-781-3247 to order tickets.

Finding affordable summer fun

Posted by admin June 16, 2008 at 5:25 pm

Summertime, but the living isn’t all that easy, if you’re trying to find summer activities that won’t break the bank.

But fear not, Louise Sacco, co-host of The Frugal Yankee has some ideas that could keep the fun affordable.

Here are some of Louise’s suggestions:

1. Take a hike - check out local state parks; pick up a guide book to your area. Take your camera, some lunch, and insect repellant. You don’t have to be in the wilderness to enjoy a hike. You can plot your route through cities or towns that you’ve been meaning to explore. This can be geared for any age and any level of fitness.

2. Become a tourist - right where you are. Check your state or region’s tourism website. I’ll bet you haven’t seen all the sights they recommend for visitors. Have you taken the Duck Tour? visited the Harbor Islands? You may discover a museum or historic site right in your home town. I’ve just learned about the Black History Trail in Boston - I plan to walk that one soon.

If you’re expecting out-of-town visitors this summer, do the tourist bit with them.

3. Can’t afford a Red Sox game? Even if you can, chances are you can’t get tickets. You probably know about the Paw Sox - it’s a lot of fun. But did you know there are minor league games in New Britain & Norwich CT, Lowell MA, Manchester NH, Burlington VT? And, of course, the Cape Cod League. This is a especially good for younger kids who would be exhausted with a long drive and a long game. For really little kids - the 3-5 year olds, take them to a local Little League or Babe Ruth game. They’ll see some baseball, you can tell them a bit about the game and leave when they get restless.

4. Read the local newspaper. The churches, schools, civic organizations, and local towns can keep you busy. You’ll meet your neighbors and have a good time at a church supper, concert on the green, library book sale, fair, farmers’ market, or parade. You might volunteer to help out.

5. Go fishing. There may be a fishing pole in your basement. If not, get a pole and a fishing license - and check out the rules and regs in your state. This outing can include some hiking, a picnic lunch, and a chance for quiet talk. You don’t have to clean and eat the fish. Take a photo and throw it back.

6. State Parks. There’s probably a state park near you. Get hold of their schedule of events. Many of them organize guided walks. You’ll learn a lot about the plants and animals in your area and enjoy a leisurely walk. They may also have talks, workshops, and kids events.