Laura W, Author at Thrifty Minnesota

Mamma Mia! at Chanhassen Dinner Theatres – FREE Dinner

August 25, 2019 by Laura W Leave a Comment

Mamma Mia! is currently running at Chanhassen Dinner Theatres, and right now you can get your dinner FREE at most performances! This is their State Fair special.

Use the coupon code MMSF19 to get dinner free when you order online by 9/5/19 at 11:59 pm. Note that Saturday and Sunday evening performances are excluded.

One mom. One daughter. Three possible dads. And a trip down the aisle you’ll never forget!

It’s sequins, spandex and feather boas on a Greek Island paradise! Get ready to have the time of your life with Mamma Mia!

A daughter planning her wedding longs to discover the identity of her father. She brings three men from her mother’s secret past back to the Greek island they’d all visited 20 years ago. This sunny, funny tale is a guaranteed get-happy hit. The story-telling magic of ABBA’s timeless popular songs propel this delightful story of love, laughter and friendship. Don’t miss the theatrical sensation that’s been enjoyed by over 60 million people across the globe. A large cast, non-stop laughs and explosive dance numbers make Mamma Mia! a guaranteed smash hit that’ll have you dancing in the aisles!

Limit 12 tickets. Not valid with offers/discounts or on previously purchased tickets. Other restrictions may apply.

I took my mom and sisters to this show a little while ago and it was AWESOME! Very funny, lots of music, super entertaining show. I highly recommend it!

Filed Under: Great Deals, Theater

Get 2 Free Gophers Tickets When You Buy 3 Red Baron Pizzas

August 24, 2019 by Laura W Leave a Comment

Cheer on the home team and enjoy a FREE football or men’s basketball Gopher game! Buy three Red Baron pizzas at participating stores from 8/7 – 8/31/19 to get two tickets to a Gopher game.

Here’s how to redeem this offer:

Buy three Red Baron pizzas between 8/7/19 and 8/31/19.
Save your purchase receipt showing the itemized purchase.
Send your receipt to [email protected] OR mail it to the following address:

Gopher Sports Properties
Attn: Schwan’s, Gibson-Nagurski Complex
600 15th Ave SE, Suite 210
Minneapolis, MN 55445
Include your name, email address, and phone number in the email or write legibly and include in envelope if mailing in receipt.

Within 48 business hours of your submission or mail receipt, you’ll receive an email allowing you to select your preferred game. Choose from the following games:

Football: 8/29/19 vs. South Dakota State
Football: 9/14/19 vs. Georgia Southern
Men’s Basketball: 12/2/19 vs. Clemson

Your order will be completed via GopherSports.com digital ticketing platform.

Filed Under: Great Deals, Groceries, Sports

Mall of America State Fair Savings: FlyOver America, Sea Life, The Escape Game

August 23, 2019 by Laura W Leave a Comment

Just yesterday I was the grocery store and the customer in front of me was having a conversation with the cashier about how much less busy it was than normal. The cashier commented that they always see a drop in customers during the run of the Minnesota State Fair. I figured restaurants and entertainment venues might see fewer people, but even grocery stores? Who knew!

The Minnesota State Fair is a BIG draw for people, which means that other businesses and attractions will offer discounts to get you in their doors, too! Here are some different discounts currently happening at a few Mall of America attractions:

FlyOver America
Get 50% off general admission tickets when you show this post at the admissions counter. Valid on single general admission tickets from 8/22/19 – 9/2/19 only.

SEA LIFE Minnesota
Use the coupon code STATEFAIRBOGO online to get buy one, get one free admission.

The Escape Game
Use the coupon code STFAIR online to receive 20% off your 60-minute adventure at the Twin Cities’ #1 escape room. Expires 9/2/19.

Filed Under: Attractions, Great Deals, Mall of America

Free Basic Pass with State Fair Ticket Stub at Urban Air Adventure Park (Coon Rapids)

August 23, 2019 by Laura W Leave a Comment

Done with your State Fair adventure? Head to Urban Air Adventure Park in Coon Rapids where they’re offering a FREE Basic Pass when you bring in your State Fair ticket stub now through 9/2/19!

The Basic Pass is normally $13.99 and allows the jumper to jump on the Prozone Trampoline, Drop Zone, two Dodgeball Courts, two Slam Dunk Courts, and the Appex Trampolines. Note that you will need to use the Urban Air Socks which are $2.50 per pair (no personal socks allowed). They also have other attractions for a higher price, so your kids might get a little jealous. Still, (mostly) free is good, right?

Filed Under: Attractions, Great Deals, Kids

Lunds & Byerlys: BOGO All Cereal

August 22, 2019 by Laura W Leave a Comment

Lunds & Byerlys may not be known for having low prices, but they often have some really great sales! Case in point: this week they are having a Buy One Get One Free sale on all ready-to-eat cereals, limit 6 per customer. Sale is valid through Wednesday, August 28.

Other deals at Lunds & Byerlys this week:

Real’Za and Bellatoria Pizzas, 12 inch – $5
Crystal Farms Shredded Cheeses, 6-8 oz –$2
Fresh All-Natural Premium Pork Boneless Chops and Roasts – $3.99/lb
Colorado Peaches – $1.99/lb

L&B Extras members (it’s free to join) can also get the following deals:

L&B Spring Water, 15 pk – 99¢ (limit 1 per day)
Village Hearth Cottage Bread, 24 oz – 99¢ (limit 1 per day)
Hormel Natural Choice Deli Meats, 6-8 oz – $2.49 (limit 1 per day)
L&B Bake-at-Home Traditional Baguette, 12 oz – 99¢ (limit 1 per day)

Filed Under: Great Deals, Groceries

Austin ArtWorks Festival – August 24th and 25th

August 21, 2019 by Laura W Leave a Comment

Head to Austin this Saturday and Sunday (August 24th and 25th) for the Austin ArtWorks Festival, a FREE event that celebrates visual, performing, and literary artists, many with ties to the area.

This 8th annual festival takes place in the heart of downtown Austin (125 4th Ave NE) with galleries, outdoor and indoor stages, author stage, demos, and other activities running from 9 am – 5 pm Saturday and 10 am – 4 pm Sunday.

Activities include art-making demonstrations, a family art tent, painting a Volkswagen Beetle, intro to harmonica class, pinata breaking, LOTS of author and music performances, and more. Visit the festival website for more information.

Filed Under: Events

Kamp Dels Discount Wristbands (Waterville): Waterpark, Petting Zoo, Paddleboats and More!

August 21, 2019 by Laura W Leave a Comment

Get ready for a last-minute summer getaway to Waterville! Groupon has Kamp Dels discount wristbands available for as low as $6 each!

Options include:

$6.25 for All-Day Water Park Wristband for One
$12.50 for All-Day Water Park Wristband for Two
$24 for All-Day Water Park Wristband for Four

Please note that these are valid through September 2, 2019. Admission is free for children under 2 years old.

With your wristband you’ll get admission to the petting zoo, paddle boats, canoe, fishing, and the water park. There is a limit of 2 per person, and you may buy 2 additional as gifts.

Kamp Dels aims to promote family togetherness, engaging children and adults alike in fun summer activities in the great outdoors. The campground’s rich history consists of over 60 years of experience and knowledge, welcoming all individuals to the Waterville area.

Kamp Dels aims to create an enjoyable experience for everyone with a range of recreational programs spanning from hiking and biking through the local trails to boating excursions on the lake and the 38,000 square foot water park. The facility also offers RV and tent sites, as well as cabin rentals to accommodate all vacation needs.

Get your Groupon HERE!

Filed Under: Attractions, Great Deals

Padelford Riverboats Boat Tours – Up to 42% Off

August 20, 2019 by Laura W Leave a Comment

How about a trip down the river? Padelford Riverboats offers historically narrated public sightseeing excursions that depart from Harriet Island in St. Paul. The trips run 1 1/2 hours and include sights along the way such as the St. Paul High Bridge, Pig’s Eye’s Cave, the Minnesota River mouth, Pike Island, and the timeless splendor of the mighty Mississippi River.

All sightseeing cruises offer a full bar as well as snacks such as hot dogs and popcorn (please no outside food or beverage). They also have a Margarita Boat Tour in which you can sip 2-for-1 margaritas and snack on their complimentary taco bar.

Right now you can check Groupon for discounted tickets! These are valid through 10/31/19:

Two Vouchers: Each Good for Sightseeing Boat Tour; Valid May 1-October 31 – $26
Four Vouchers: Each Good for Sightseeing Boat Tour; Valid May 1-October 31 – $44
Four Vouchers: Each Good for Margarita Boat Tour; Valid June through September – $80

Founded in 1969 by Capt. William D. Bowell, Sr. and his wife Lillian, Padelford Riverboats brings visitors to the riverfront along their route between downtown St. Paul and Harriet Island Regional Park. Padelford Riverboats has entertained more than 5 million passengers since their first tour of the river, .

Today, the riverboats are owned and managed by Gus and Tammy Gaspardo, along with their team of experienced river professionals. Both Tammy and Gus have had a remarkable journey; they began their lives on the river as deckhands over 30 years ago, working their way up the ranks from deckhands to Vice President positions and beyond. Tammy and Gus have been married for much of their careers, and over time the Bowell family adopted them— they purchased the company from them in 2016. Today, the family operates boats equipped with dance areas, bars, and sun decks, complete with a view of the Twin Cities’ skyline and the green banks of the river as the backdrop.

Get your Groupon HERE!

Filed Under: Great Deals

25 Ways to Save Money at the Minnesota State Fair

August 19, 2019 by Laura W 1 Comment

Looking for ways to save money at the Minnesota State Fair? We’ve got ’em – you don’t have to break the bank to have a good time!

The Minnesota State Fair is just around the corner – hooray! Our state fair is incredibly popular, and for good reason! The 2019 Minnesota State Fair runs from Thursday, August 22nd to Monday, September 2nd (Labor Day) with twelve days of fantastic fun and food.

It’s easy to spend big bucks at the Minnesota State Fair with all of the treats, rides, vendors, and entertainment. And it’s totally OK to spend money if you want to! However, if you’re looking for some ways to save money at the Minnesota State Fair, we’ve got lots of different ideas for you!

Ways to Save Money at the Minnesota State Fair

1. Buy Discount Tickets

You’ll definitely want to get your tickets in advance, if you can. Pre-fair discount admission tickets are $12 and are valid for any age guest (age 5+). Most people buy their discount tickets at Cub Foods (locations here), but they have been known to sell out so GET TO IT if you’re going this route.

Otherwise you can buy discount tickets in advance online through 9 pm on 8/21/19, swing by the State Fairgrounds Ticket Office, or call Etix at 800-514-3849. If you work for a large company (Target, the state government, 3M, etc.), you maybe be able to get discount tickets through them.

Regular price tickets are $15/adult (ages 13-64), $13/senior (ages 65+), $13/child (ages 5-12), and free for children 4 and under.

2. Visit on a Discount Day

If for whatever reason you don’t buy discount tickets, you can visit on a discount day instead. (It’s actually cheaper in some instances to visit on a discount day vs. buying discount tickets.) When adults are discounted they’ll pay $13 vs. the regular $15 fee. When seniors or children are discounted they’ll pay $10 vs. the regular $13 fee.

Discount Days for 2019 include:

Thrifty Thursday (August 22nd)
- Adults, seniors, and children all receive discounted admission.
- Deals on merchandise and food for all Fair guests.
- All-day specials offered on Mighty Midway and Kidway rides and games.
Seniors & Kids Day (Monday, August 26th)
- Seniors and children receive discounted admission.
- Deals on merchandise and food for all Fair guests.
- All-day specials offered on Mighty Midway and Kidway rides and games.
Military Appreciation Day (Tuesday, August 27th)
- Discounted admission ($10) for active military, their spouses and kids, retired military and their spouses, and military veterans and their spouses.
- Deals on merchandise and food for all Fair guests.
- Early Bird specials offered on Mighty Midway and Kidway rides and games until 1 pm.
Read & Ride Day (Wednesday, August 28th)
- Show your valid public library card to receive discounted admission.
- All-day specials offered on Mighty Midway and Kidway rides and games.
Seniors Day (Thursday, August 29th)
- Seniors receive discounted admission.
- Deals on merchandise and food for all Fair guests.
- Early Bird specials offered on Mighty Midway and Kidway rides and games until 1 pm.
Kids & Last Chance Day (Monday, September 2nd)
- Children receive discounted admission.
- Deals on merchandise and food for all Fair guests.
- All-day specials offered on Mighty Midway and Kidway rides and games.

[Read more…]

Filed Under: Great Deals, Thrifty Tips

Woodbury Days at Ojibway Park – August 23rd to 25th

August 19, 2019 by Laura W Leave a Comment

Woodbury Days are this weekend, August 23rd – 25th at Ojibway Park. Events include carnival rides and games, Taste of Woodbury, petting zoo, grande parade, car show, fireworks and more.

Woodbury Days is a FREE, fun-filled event.