Free Date in PA

This is the first of what I hope will be at least a monthly blog I want to share with my family and friends.  During the last few years, I saw my salary rise dramatically, then fall drastically when I was unemployed.  Now it is steady since I am back at work, but my husband Victor and I are still adjusting to living with a smaller income because he has lost much of his over-time.

As the economy is slowly improving, we are still seeing the cost of gasoline, clothing, entertainment, and food rise.  By writing this blog, I want to share things we have done to help keep some money in our/your pockets.

Many of these suggestions may be things you are currently doing, others may be ideas you heard before, and some may be new proposals.  Some may be more appropriate for families, while others may fit better into a single or couple lifestyle.  With living in Pennsylvania, my family and friends out of state may not be able to take advantage of my first idea.  Never fear, check with places that are in your own locale, as they could possible offer a reduced or free event.

------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

My first reflection is what Vic and I have taken advantage of for years.  Although we have to drive to the location, we pack a lunch and spend little money except for the gas for the day.  As a scrapbook enthusiast, I take lots of photos.  I only print the ones I will use to document the date.

On March 11, 2012, Vic and I will be taking advantage of a free event.  This will be the 9^th year that we are spending the day together touring a historic site.  In Pennsylvania, Charter Day is celebrated on either the first or second Sunday in March to celebrate William Penn’s receipt of land from King Charles II.  This land was called Penn’s Woods or Pennsylvania.

Check out the web site of a museum site near you.  Check to see what their hours are and the special events that they have planned. 

http://www.portal.state.pa.us/portal/server.pt/community/trails_of_history_sites/1800

Another idea for those living in the Lancaster County area is a Museum Pass to several of the local Lancaster County museums.  Passes are available on a first come, first serve basis for your local Lancaster County library.  Some of the museums have limitations as to when they can be used.  These passes also allow one or two adults to free admission with a specified number of children.  To learn more about the Museum Pass, and what each of the participating museums offer, check it out at the Library System of Lancaster County web site.

http://www.lancasterlibraries.org/lslc/cwp/view.asp?a=3&q=467127