You’re ready to ring in 2011 with style… but you still want to watch your budget, avoid ridiculous cover charges and high-priced parking. There are plenty of fun things to do that cost little or no money:
Find a fireworks display. There’s probably one close by. The first places to check are your local parks. It doesn’t cost a thing and you can have a nice midnight picnic to ring in the new year. What could be more fun?
Look for free events. You may be surprised how many New Year’s concerts and parties don’t cost anything to attend. Check Goldstar and Yelp for suggestions. Be sure to look into the cost of parking in advance, because it can add up. If it’s an outdoor event, you may be able to bring your own food and beverages. If not, consider eating before you go to keep the cost down.
Find some free booze. Check out MyOpenBar.com. They offer a guide for New Year’s Eve that shares drink specials, cover charges and, of course, free drinks, so you can find the best deal in your city.
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Find alternatives to paying for a cab. Want to visit your local bar, but can’t find a designated driver on New Year’s Eve? Take advantage of AAA’s Tipsy Tow program. It’s only available in certain areas, but you don’t even have to be a member to get a free five- to 15-mile one-way tow home. The rules vary by region, though, so call in advance and find out their policy. No luck? Try local cab companies or mass transit. Sometimes they offer free deals on New Year’s Eve, too.Take a trip to the beach. If you’re near the coast, it’s a fun, inexpensive way to ring in the new year. Check out the beach’s regulations before you go to make sure it’s open late at night. You may also be able to have a bonfire or bring a BBQ grill to make a nice meal on the shore.
Throw your own party. It doesn’t have to be an expensive endeavor and you’ll be saving on gas, too. Make it a potluck. Ask your friends to contribute their favorite appetizers, and then you can simply purchase some plastic champagne glasses and a few bottles of champagne, which you can find for under $5. Each will serve about six flute glasses. Then bring some of those Christmas lights indoors for decorations and you’re ready to go!
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