Frugal

Free Things To Do in Little Rock, Arkansas

September 15, 2020 By Amanda Blankenship Leave a Comment

Nearly 6.4 million people visit Little Rock, Arkansas each year, generating more than $6 billion in revenue for the state. Although supporting the local economy when you are traveling is important, you also need to stick to your budget. While you are setting up your travel itinerary include these free things to do in Little Rock to help save money.

Free Things To Do in Little Rock

Little Rock isn’t hurting for free things to do. In fact, there are more than a dozen activities you can do for absolutely no cost. Here are a few to consider adding to your list…

Pinnacle State Park

While you are visiting Little Rock, make time to explore Pinnacle State Park. You can visit the park free of charge and there are plenty of sites to see. Additionally, there are several other parks in the area that are great attractions, including Maumelle Park and Two Rivers Park. Do some research beforehand to plan out any trails or sites you may want to see along the way.

Little Rock Central High School Historic Site

Although you can’t enter the school itself, Little Rock Central High School has a visitor’s center. You can go and learn more about the civil rights events that occurred there and throughout Little Rock during the Civil Rights movements of the 1960s.

Big Dam Bridge

The name may make you giggle but the Big Dam Bridge is something to see! It is one of Little Rock’s most expensive bridges. What’s even better is it is also a pedestrian bridge. You can get a great view of the city from there. Little Rock is home to a few other impressive bridges as well. If you have time, make sure to see Junction Bridge and Clinton Presidential Park Bridge too.

Riverfront Park

Riverfront Park has something for the whole family to enjoy. There are a number of walking paths, water fountains, playgrounds, and sculptures throughout the park. It is also located along the river, so the views offered on some of the trails are truly breath-taking.

Arkansas State Capitol Building

Fun fact – the Arkansas State Capitol Building has actually been the stand-in for capitol buildings in a few movies. On Capitol grounds, there are two monuments: the Little Rock Nine Monument and the Vietnam Veterans’ Memorial. The Little Rock Nine monument is a memorial to honor the first nine students to integrate into Little Rock Central High School. Little Rock’s Vietnam memorial commemorates the lives of native Arkansans who fought and, in some cases, gave their lives during the war.

Arkansas River Trail

Fans of the outdoors should add the Arkansas River Trail to their list of things to do in Little Rock. It is a large trail that has a number of must-see sites in the city. You can bike much of the trail and there are a number of spots to stop for picnics and other activities.

Heifer Village

The Heifer International Campus, or Heifer Village, is an educational activity you can take part in while you visit Arkansas. There are educational programs about hunger and poverty, exhibits that feature alpacas and other live animals, as well as opportunities to learn about the agricultural systems. It is a fun thing to add to the itinerary for the entire family.

Old State House Museum

You can visit the Old State House Museum free of charge while you are in Arkansas. The building has stood there since 1833 and has seen a lot of history. Donations to the institution are welcome but not required upon visiting.

Arkansas Art Center

Another great activity among the list of free things to do in Little Rock is to visit the Arkansas Art Center. The center is home to many local pieces and art history. Admission is free with the exception of some ticketed events and exhibits.

Mosaic Templars Cultural Center

The Mosaic Templars Cultural Center is a center in Arkansas that celebrates African American history and culture. Specifically, it is dedicated to telling the stories of African Americans in Arkansas. Additionally, there are a number of exhibits and events held at the center. Admission is free, but donations are welcome. Some events may also require payment.

The Old Mill

You may recognize The Old Mill if you visit it while you’re in Little Rock. It is most famous for its appearance in the film Gone With the Wind. Not only is it an awesome photo op, but The Old Mill is a great spot to take a break, have a picnic, or just relax.

Historic Curran Hall

Curran Hall was built by Colonel Ebenezer Walters as a wedding gift for his wife, Mary Eliza Starbuck in 1842. Since then, it has been home to a number of important families in the Little Rock area. Now, it stands as a historical center where visitors can learn more about the history of Arkansas.

Medical Mile

Little Rock’s Medical Mile is something to behold while you’re in the state as well. Along the walkway, you will see local art in murals and statues. Each piece you see shares a similar theme: to remind you to take care of your health.

MacArthur Museum of Arkansas Military History

The Museum of Arkansas Military History takes a look at all of the ways the state has contributed to each American War. Exhibits in the museum include artifacts, documents, photos, uniforms, and weapons.

Historic Arkansas Museum

Another one of the free things to do in Little Rock is to visit the Historic Arkansas Museum. You can download a free guided tour to your cell phone and listen while you walk through the exhibits. There is also a Living History program through the museum that offers performances at different times during the year depicting various moments in Arkansas history.

Firehouse Hostel and Museum

If you’re interested in learning about the history of the Little Rock fire department, check out the Firehouse Museum free of charge. Additionally, if you’re looking for a place to stay, you can book a room in their hostel for about $28 per night.

Witt Stephens Jr. Central Arkansas Nature Center

The nature center is something else to add to your itinerary if you’re looking for free things to do. There are a number of exhibits there as well as walking trails where you may see wildlife.

Listen to the Arkansas Civil Rights History Audio Tour

While you are in Little Rock, download the Arkansas Civil Rights history audio tour app. It will walk you through some of the state’s most pivotal moments in history. The app is completely free.

Mount Holly Cemetery

If you are a lover of macabre or darker things in life, you may enjoy visiting Mount Holly Cemetery in Little Rock. On the second October of every year, drama students from the local high school come out to perform different monologues or dialogues from “ghosts” in the cemetery.

The Arkansas Library System

No matter where you travel, having the library as a fallback plan is always a good idea. If you have a rainy day or a lull in your activities, checking out the local library can prove to be an interesting venture. Some libraries have local art and literature on display. At the very least, you’ll be able to cozy up with a book or magazine for a while.

Cheap Things To Do in Arkansas

Not everything can be free when you are traveling through. If you’d like to add a few more low-cost activities to your itinerary, consider adding one of these…

Burns Park & Golf Course

Burns Park itself is free to visit. However, to play golf, you may need to pay a fee for some days. Inquire about any admission fees to the green before heading to the park for the day.

River Market District

If you want to do a little shopping or people watching, the River Market District is a great stop to add to your list. It costs nothing to simply visit, but you’ll want to have a little cash on hand for any souvenirs or food you may want to buy.

Frugal Recipes to Try When Money Is Tight

September 9, 2020 By Kathryn Vercillo Leave a Comment

Your food budget probably takes up one of the largest percentages of outgoing money each money. Therefore, if you can reduce your food spending then you can improve your savings. As a result, it makes sense to look for frugal recipes for a tight budget if you want to start saving money quickly. By arming yourself with a long list of recipes you love, but that are made from ingredients that don’t cost you a lot of money, you can do yourself a huge financial service.

Frugal Breakfast Recipes for a Tight Budget

Sticking to meals that are only one or two ingredients is a surefire way to save money on meals. Breakfast is one of the easiest meals that you can do that with. Buttered toast, a bowl of oatmeal, yogurt with berries, and scrambled eggs are all examples of simple meals that you can enjoy for breakfast without spending very much money. But for those times when you want something a little bit fancier and yet not expensive try these recipes:

Cinnamon Sugar Pancake Squares. These affordable pancakes are made in the oven and taste so yummy.
Country Breakfast Bowls. Buy the ingredients in bulk, make a huge batch, freeze it, and then microwave individual portions when you’re ready to eat.
Overnight Breakfast Bacon and Egg Casserole. It’s as good as it sounds.
Scrambled Egg Muffins. Easy to make and affordable as well, these are great if you need to take breakfast on the go.
Vegetarian Breakfast Burritos. Of course, any breakfast burrito can be made affordably but these are a great option for the non-meat-eaters in the group.

Low-Cost Lunch Recipes

One of the best ways to save money on lunch is to eat dinner leftovers from the night before. A sandwich or wrap is always another smart choice.

However, that’s not always appealing. Luckily, it’s easy to find frugal recipes for a tight budget that are more than satisfactory for lunch at home or on the go. Here are some top choices:

Copycat Panera Tuna Salad Sandwich. Get a Panera-style lunch sandwich at a much lower cost using this recipe.
Homemade Chili Dogs. Use this recipe to serve tummy-filling chili dogs to eight people for less than $10 total. And if you have kids at the table they might be satisfied with just a no-bun, no-chili hot dog for lunch which will save you even more money.
Rice and Beans. This recipe will fuel you with energy for the rest of the day.
Vegetable Soup. Don’t just open a can of soup and heat it on the stove. Instead, make this homemade version and reheat it when you’re ready for a warm lunch.

Frugal Dinner Recipes for a Tight Budget

Dinner is usually the most expensive meal of the day. Oftentimes, that’s because we dine out. However, it can get expensive even at home. Making smart choices about the dinner ingredients that you use will go a long way towards reducing your food spending when you’re on a budget. Here are some frugal recipes for a tight budget that will satisfy you at dinner time:

Barbecue Chicken on the Grill. Affordable cuts of meat that you can grill for flavor are good options for those non-vegetarians on a budget. This recipe serves six.
Beef Brisket. Eating meat isn’t always the most affordable way to go with dinner but if you prefer it then this is a good recipe option.
Better Than Takeout Chicken Fried Rice. Or skip the chicken for an even more affordable vegetable fried rice dish.
Easy Roast Prime Rib. This recipe doesn’t just save you money but it also saves you time. It takes ten minutes to prepare then the oven does the rest of the work.
Grilled Flank Steak. If you enjoy eating steak but don’t want to spend too much money then ask your butcher about getting some flank steak. It’s a tasty alternative to more expensive cuts of beef. Generally you can get one-and-a-half pounds for this meat for under $7. Here’s a recipe that will serve six people for that prices.
Honey Glazed Ham. Like the Prime Rib recipe above, this is a meal that you can prepare quickly then do other things while the oven cooks it for you. It serves a whopping twelve people. Therefore, its one of the frugal recipes for a tight budget that you can bookmark for holiday meals.
Ramen Noodle Dishes. Of course, you could really save money and get the 50-cent soups but that’s not what we’re talking about here. We’re talking about three different recipes for high-quality, extra-tasty, very satisfying homemade ramen noodle dishes that are also very affordable to make at home. These are also healthy dishes with one vegetarian option.
Shrimp Scampi Pasta. You can almost always make pasta dishes on a budget. If you see a discount on shrimp then make the purchase and use this recipe for a wonderful low-cost dinner.

Snacks, Sides, and Appetizers

Sometimes you just want to have a quick snack. A simple apple or handful of nuts will often do and can be your most affordable option. However, sometimes you want something a little bit more special. For example, you might want frugal snack recipes when you’re on a tight budget but still want to impress someone who is coming over to your home. Or you might want a cheap snack that you can bring to a gathering. Here are some good choices.

Beer Battered Fish: Although you can actually use this recipe to make dinner, it’s a particularly good option for making an appetizer or side dish for large groups of people.
Classic Deviled Eggs: Make half a dozen terrific and tasty deviled eggs for less than five dollars when you use this easy recipe. This is a Labor Day or holiday gathering favorite.
Honey Glazed Carrots. Make these in a slow cooker. You can serve up to ten people with this recipe.
Potato Salad. Potatoes are among the most filling frugal ingredients that you’ll find for any meal. Stock up on them and use them liberally throughout your cooking. This potato salad recipe will give you a unique snack, suitable to take to any group gathering. Moreover, it costs about $1 per serving. You can’t beat that!
Stuffed Mushrooms. Mushrooms are a simple food that can be dressed up with good stuffing. They are often affordable, and they work well as sides or appetizers for any meals. Make one dozen of them with this recipe.

Frugal Dessert for a Tight Budget

If you want to save money on meals then you should skip dessert. In fact, when dining at a restaurant, it is almost always best to skip drinks and dessert if you want to reduce your bill. But of course sometimes we want a little treat. You can use these frugal dessert recipes to enjoy that treat on a budget.

Apple Cinnamon Rice Pudding. What a yummy option that will impress anyone you offer it to.
Chocolate Ice Cream. Ice cream is a popular dessert for all ages. Learn how to easily make your own.
Oven-Baked Smores. Who doesn’t love Smores? And you don’t even need a campfire to cook them. This recipe will cost you less than $10 to make. Nevertheless, it will provide dessert for fifteen people. Moreover, cooking and enjoying it will delight you.
The Best Chocolate Chip Cookie Recipe. Simple chocolate chip cookies are a surprisingly satisfying dessert. Make six dozen of them with this recipe! Of course, you can cut the recipe in half to make fewer cookies and save more money.

What are some of your favorite frugal recipes on a tight budget? Share in the comments!

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Free Things to Do in Phoenix, Arizona

September 9, 2020 By Amanda Blankenship Leave a Comment

The average cost of a seven-day trip to Phoenix, Arizona is $1,486 for one person. For families of four, a seven-day visit can cost $5,003 or more. So, finding some cheap or free things to do in Phoenix can be helpful to ensure you stick to your budget.

Free Things to Do in Phoenix

There are a plethora of low-cost things to do in Phoenix that can help you control how much you spend while you’re there. Below is a list of activities you may consider including in your itinerary.

Visit Local Mountains and Hiking Trails

If there is one thing Arizona is not low on it is natural hiking trails and mountains. There are so many places within a short drive to hike and explore. Research the trails nearby and see which might fit your hiking experience. The only thing you’ll need to spend money on is snacks for the trails.

Wells Fargo Museum

Visiting the Wells Fargo Museum is another activity in Phoenix that is free of cost. You can see local artists’ work, learn about Wyatt Earp, and see mine shafts. There are special events at the museum from time to time as well. Check to see if there are any shows or events happening prior to your visit.

St. Mary’s Basilica

St. Mary’s is a must-see while you are in Phoenix. It was built in 1902 and is open to the public seven days a week. If you visit, be sure to take note of the beautiful Spanish Colonial Revival-style architecture and beautiful decor.

Arizona Capitol Museum

Another one of the free things to do in Phoenix is to visit the Capitol Museum. You can learn more about Arizona’s capitol as well as gain knowledge about the state. Admission is free but donations to the museum are encouraged.

Desert Botanical Garden

If you are able to line your trip up with the second Tuesday of the month, you can get free admission to the Desert Botanical Garden. Although many people would not think about gardening in the desert, it is actually home to a lot of beautiful plants. All of which you can see at the botanical gardens in Phoenix.

Brass Armadillo Antique Mall

Phoenix is home to the Brass Armadillo Antique Mall as well. You don’t have to pay anything to walk through the mall and see some of the interesting things it holds. Who knows, maybe you’ll find the perfect souvenir while you’re there.

Phoenix Police Museum

The Phoenix Police Musem is relatively close to the Wells Fargo Museum and it is also free. Tour hosts at the facility are retired police. You can learn more about the history of the Phoenix PD in addition to the general history of the area.

Arizona Military Museum

You can see a collection of Arizona military history at the military museum. Admission is free and you can tour the facility to see pieces of Arizona military airplanes and other vehicles.

Phoenix Art Museum

While you’re in Phoenix, another great free thing to do is visit the art museum. You will see local artist’s work as well as historical information about the area. To get free admission, visit between 3 p.m. and 9 p.m. on Wednesday.

Cheap Activities to Add to Your Itinerary

Of course, not everything on your trip can be free. You can consider some cheap activities to include in your daily event list though. Here are a few to take a look at…

Hall of Flame Fire Museum

Arizona and much of the western United States have a history of wildfires. The Hall of Flame Fire Museum takes a look at the history of fires in Phoenix and the history of the heroes who have fought them. Adult admission cost if $7 for a tour of the facility.

Goldfield Ghost Town

Goldfield is an actual ghost town from the gold rush era. Many of the attractions and activities are $10 or under. You can even pan for gold during your visit. It is a good cheap thing to add to your to-do list while you’re in Phoenix.

Chase Field Tours

Get a tour of Chase Field, the local ballpark. You can get information about the field and stadium that you might not have known. You’ll also get a view of the ballpark from exclusive seating angles.

Arizona Science Center

Self-guided tours through the Arizona Science Center in Phoenix are free if you are a member. If you are not a member, self-guided tours are $19.95 for adults; and $14.95 for kids. Guided tours are $11.95 for children and $14.95 for adults who are members. Non-members pay $34.95 per adult and $19.95 per child for guided tours of the center. The center is open Wednesday through Monday from 10:30 a.m. until 4:30 p.m.

12 Ways to Save Money at Panera Bread

August 28, 2020 By Kathryn Vercillo 5 Comments

Panera Bread is a popular fast food establishment enjoyed by many people across the country. With a wide array of soups, salads, sandwiches, and pastries, it’s no wonder they have a large customer base. While it may be a fan favorite, it’s also known for being a little pricey in comparison with some of its competitors. However, Panera Bread offers several ways to save money at their locations. Plus there are some smart dining out tricks that you can implement to save even further. Here are twelve ways to save money at your local Panera Bread:

1. MyPanera Rewards Card

Like many restaurants or businesses, Panera Bread offers a customer loyalty card. It comes with many rewards that you can earn over the course of your visits to their stores. In fact, you get a free item upon registration. For example, in 2020, if you sign up for the card in the summer then you get unlimited free coffee with no fees through September 2020. (You can get any size, any flavor, once up to every two hours during this promotion.) And, of course, registration for the card is free. You don’t have to pay anything to be a member.

Additionally, the card offers various free items throughout the year, as well as for your birthday. It will also occasionally update you about special deals and promotions happening at your local store. This is one of the best ways to stay on top of your options to save money at Panera Bread.

That said, remember that rewards cards are designed to keep your loyalty. They want you coming back again and again. If you go there to get your free birthday reward, but then you buy other things when you weren’t planning to go there in the first place, then you’re spending money, not saving it. So be smart about taking advantage of the Rewards perks without caving to the pressure to buy more.

2. Tip: MyPanera Rewards Card Hack

You can earn more rewards using your Panera rewards card by separately ordering your purchases. The reward card gives rewards depending on the number of purchases you make, but doesn’t void purchases made on the same day.

So, if you buy five breads all at once, that counts as a single purchase toward your next reward. In contrast, if you buy those five breads separately, then you earn five purchases toward the next reward. Therefore, for those who want to earn faster rewards (and the discounts that come with them), splitting the purchases is a good option.

Of course, be respectful of the people who are working at the store and in the line behind you. Try to choose less-busy hours for such purchase.

3. Follow Panera Bread’s Social Media and App

If you’re an avid social media user, you should consider following, or at least routinely checking, Panera Bread’s Facebook and Twitter accounts. Social media sites are a great way to keep up to date on what businesses are doing, especially when it comes to new menu items, special discounts, or promotions that are happening. You never know what new or useful information you may find.

Make sure that you also sign up for the Panera Bread app. This is especially useful if you’ve signed up as a rewards member. It’s the number one place, other than their actual website, to get information about their latest deals, offers, new products, and more.

4. Gift Cards

In 2020, Panera Bread is offering a 20% discount on their gift cards, including eCards. The sale is only through September 7, 2020, but this is a great reminder that gift cards can be a way to save money at restaurants.

For example, another option would be to use your credit card rewards points to purchase Panera Bread gift cards. Then use those cards to treat yourself to Panera. You’re not spending any money since you used points to get those cards.

If you really love Panera, then you could also ask family members to give you gift cards there as presents rather than purchasing something for you that you might not want.

5. Special Deal Days

Panera does have special deal days on certain items. For example, you can currently get 13 bagels for $8.39 every Tuesday. That’s more than four dollars off the usual cost of a baker’s dozen of Panera Bread bagels.

Note that their deals change regularly. Moreover, they can be different from location to location. Ask the cashiers at your local store what the current deals are.

6. Panera Bread: Know The Menu

One of the best ways to save money at Panera is to know the menu. Sometimes the “double” deals they have are actually more expensive than if you had ordered the two items separately (and sometimes the opposite is true as well).

Also make sure that you know what “secret” menu items you can order, since these can be cheaper than the items stated on the menu. When in doubt, just ask the cashier about the secret menu options.

Most importantly, though, it’s good to know the menu because it will help you choose in advance what you want to buy. If you take the time to thoughtfully plan out your meals, then you’ll be better off. You’ll choose the most cost-effective options that are suitable for your diet. This helps you avoid impulse purchases, and therefore helps you save money.

7. Avoid Desserts

Speaking of planning ahead, make sure that you avoid the desserts. (Unless, of course, you’re going there specifically to purchase a dessert.) Most of the time, people buy them because they’re on display and look so tempting. If it wasn’t in your meal plan to begin with then save yourself the time and calories by skipping them.

8. Get Free Water Instead of Buying a Drink

Similar to avoiding desserts, buying a drink is something to be avoided not only because it’s expensive, but also because you don’t really need to buy a drink. Panera will give you a cup for water free of charge if you ask for it, so there’s really no reason to be spending money on a soda, iced coffee, or smoothie.

Of course, with the 2020 promotion, you can also get free coffee at Panera Bread. Look for the deals like that and splurge (without spending a dime) to get a nice beverage treat.

9. Don’t Order Sides

In most fast food or takeout places, adding sides to your order will only make it more expensive. There’s a cost for cream cheese for your bagel or salad dressing for your salad. Panera has an entire section of their menu devoted to sides, and even though the most expensive may be no more than a few dollars, it’s still smart to avoid ordering sides if you’re looking to save money. Again, knowing the menu and planning in advance will go a long way towards avoiding falling into such a trap.

10. Split Your Meal with Someone

Another great way to save money at Panera is to split your meal with a friend, coworker, or family member. Panera has a lot of deals that let you combine soups, salads, and sandwiches for under $10. If you’re grabbing a quick bite to eat, think about ordering with a friend and splitting the cost.

Alternatively, you can buy the cheap big meal and immediately put half of it in a to go box for later.

11. Panera Bread Coupons

Panera Bread is one of the few businesses in the fast food industry that does not have regularly recurring coupons. Since coupons are so rare, finding some is like hitting a goldmine. That said, it’s not impossible to find Panera Bread coupons. Check sites like Groupon. Do a quick online search before heading out to Panera. It’s always worth it to look.

12. Remember Panera Isn’t Your Only Option

Even if you love Panera Bread and want to go there regularly, don’t limit yourself to that one restaurant. Look for other deals in your area of comparable food options. If the prices are lower, or there’s a great coupon, then try something new.

And, of course, it’s almost always cheaper to make yourself a sandwich at home than to buy one at a restaurant. Ask yourself if you need to dine out at all. That’s truly the way to save money!

Free Things to Do in Anchorage, Alaska

August 25, 2020 By Amanda Blankenship Leave a Comment

Nearly 2 million tourists venture to Anchorage, Alaska each year. If you want to travel there on a budget, making an itinerary can help you save money. Try to include some of these free things to do in Anchorage if you are planning a trip.

Free Things to Do in Anchorage

Any time you travel, it is a good idea to include some low-cost activities on your to-do list to keep you within your budget. The following destinations are 100% free.

Alaska Heritage Museum

The Alaska Heritage Museum gives visitors a look at the history of the state. It also showcases different art and stories from the area. If you want to get an idea of the history behind the Alaskan wilderness, definitely check this free museum out!

Alyeska Roundhouse Museum

Alyeska is a ski resort in Alaska where many people travel each year. At the resort, you can ride a tram up the mountain to the Alyeska Roundhouse Museum. There you can get more information about the history of the resort. You can also see the ocean, two mountain ranges, and seven glaciers from within the structure.

Alaska Trooper Museum

Alaskan State Troopers have some of the roughest terrains to work on. As you can imagine, the first group of state troopers had to go through a lot of new, and vastly different, training. The Alaska Trooper Museum gives you a look at the history of the troopers.

The Anchorage Museum

The Anchorage Museum focuses on the city’s history itself. At any given time, there will also be various local artists and creators who exhibit there. Admission prices are waived the first Friday of every month from 6 p.m. until 9 p.m.

Campbell Creek Science Center

Campbell Creek Science Center is an outdoor attraction that is free of charge. Guides give you a tour through the conservation grounds and you get up-close-and-personal looks at wildlife. Many visitors have seen coyotes, wolves, and other breath-taking animals.

Check Out Thunderbird Falls

Thunderbird Falls is a great short hike to take while you are in Anchorage. It is only one mile long and it walks you right up to the beautiful falls. If you choose to do so, you can also walk down into the canyon to get a better look at the waterfall.

Take a look at other hiking, kayaking, and outdoor activities you might enjoy while you are in Anchorage as well. Many of these are free or low-cost and there are a plethora of options in the area.

Lousacc Library

Although the local public library wouldn’t normally be on a travel list of “must-sees,” the Lousacc Library is one of the most interesting buildings in Anchorage. Additionally, there is a great display of local art throughout the library as well as large selections of Alaskan literature and history. It is one of the more obscure free things to do in Anchorage.

Play Disc Golf

Believe it or not, there are there large disc golf courses in the Anchorage area. If you are an avid player and want to squeeze some time in during your visit, it is a great free activity to partake in while also visiting the local parks.

Potter Marsh Bird Sanctuary

Birdwatchers and nature lovers should make time to stop by the Potter Marsh Bird Sanctuary while you are in Anchorage. The marsh is home to hundreds of species of birds and animals at any given time, so there is no telling what you might spot during your visit.

Search Earthquake Park

In 1964, Alaska experienced a 9.2 magnitude earthquake that sent a neighborhood sliding into the ocean. Now, a park stands in its place. It is a good place to visit, take a walk or bike around, and it is an interesting piece of Alaskan history.

Take Lake Hood Floatplane Walking Tour

Lake Hood is the largest and busiest seaplane base in the United States. There are two walking routes around the base where you can see planes taking off and landing as well as the surrounding landscape. One route is a short one-hour tour of the grounds, the other route can take more than two hours to complete. Both are free of charge.

Visit the Anchorage Market

Shopping around is always something fun to do when visiting a new place. The Anchorage Market showcases many local small businesses, artists, and restauranteurs. Whether you are wanting to people watch or you are searching for the perfect souvenir, this is the perfect spot to go.

Walk the Lightspeed Planet Walk

One of the more peculiar free things to do in Anchorage is the Lightspeed Planet Walk. Along the pathway, you will see paintings of the plants. The time it takes you to walk between planets simulates how long it would take to travel in lightspeed. The distance from the sun to the Earth, for instance, is eight minutes on foot. To travel from the sun to Pluto takes between five and six hours.

Whale-Watch at Woronzf Park

Woronzf park is yet another one of Alaska’s wonders. From the park, you can see planes taking off, mountain ranges, the ocean, and even whales. It is a must-see while you’re there.

Cheap Stuff To Add to the Itinerary

Not everything you do on your trip can (or will) be free, but you can continue to keep costs low by including some cheaper activities. Each of the following costs less than $20 per person (and is well worth the money).

Alaska Wildlife Conservation Center

The Alaska Wildlife Conservation Center is a great place to visit in Anchorage. You can access the tour on foot or by car. Admission is free for kids under six. Non -residents pay $17 for entry into the center. Alaskan citizens, members of the military, and seniors pay an admission rate of $15 and students pay $13.

Alaska Botanical Gardens

Although Alaska’s typically cold climate would make many people think flowers and shrubbery don’t grow there, the botanical gardens can prove them wrong. Children over the age of seven pay $8 admission. Students, seniors, and military pay $10, and regular admission is $12.

Take a Tour of the Alaska Zoo

Alaska’s zoo is another must-see while you are visiting. Because of its location, there are different exhibits than you’d typically see. Non-residents will pay $17 admission, while residents pay $15. Seniors and military admission is $13, and child tickets cost $10. Don’t forget to check what shows and other attractions may be happening while you visit as well.

Readers, have you ever been to Anchorage? What was your favorite thing about your visit?

How to Get Rid of Carpenter Bees With WD-40

August 21, 2020 By Trey LaRocca Leave a Comment

One of the many repair costs that home ownership entails is pest control. While not all pests would really fall under the “repair” category, carpenter bees can do real damage to your home. While renters should probably get in touch with the landlord to ensure the problem is dealt with permanently, homeowners may want to save some serious cash by trying a more… manual solution. This is where the WD-40 comes in. While it doesn’t seem like the tool you’d use for pest control, WD-40 can be pretty effective. Above all, it is cheap. So, how do you get rid of carpenter bees with WD-40?

Where to Buy WD-40

Honestly, you can get WD-40 everywhere. It is a lubricant solution that is sold in pretty much every hardware store, some grocery stores, and even many gas stations. It’s cheap and easy to find because t is extremely versatile. WD-40 can help with anything from quieting down a squeaky front door, to getting an old rusty skateboard moving again. In this case, it is taking on an even more unorthodox job. The compounds used to make it such a reliable and cheap lubricant also make it deadly to many pests. while it isn’t great looking if it drips on walls inside your home, the aesthetics of it don’t matter as much in the places carpenter bees tend to live.

How to Use It

Carpenter bees typically set up shop in “bee holes” under your fascia, deck, or inside any other wood structures. This usually entails a closed space that they can stay contained in, similar to the way honeybees hide in a hive. So, you will just grab your can of WD-40, and use the straw attachment to spray into the bee hole. Hold the spray down until you have gotten a good coat at every angle possible in the hole. While male carpenter bees can’t sting, females can. So, make sure you wear gloves and a long shirt or sweater in addition to protective eyewear. This will make sure you don’t get stung, and your skin and eyes are not exposed to too much WD-40.

While this may not be the most permanent solution, it is cheap and easy to repeat. So, saving on the hefty exterminator bills may be worth it if you’re willing to get your hands dirty yourself. With Carpenter bee removal costing anywhere from $75 to a few hundred dollars, it is worth giving it a try before calling on a professional.