National Parks Free Martin Luther King Jr Day

January 13, 2013 by Tania
Filed under Freebies, Sport & Leisure, Weekend & Day Trips

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As the first in a series of National Parks Fee-Free Days to come this year, more than 100 National Parks across the country that usually charge admission fees are free for all on January 21, 2013. This is in honor of Martin Luther King, Jr. Day.

The Monday, January 21 free admission day includes these New Mexico National Parks that are waiving their usual fee:

Wherever you’re going, check the links above for current conditions at the park in case they have any special weather or other info you need to know, and some may have free events for the holiday too.

–Tania

Tags: 2013, Albuquerque, Aztec Ruins National Monument, Bandelier National Monument, Capulin Volcano National Monument, Carlsbad Caverns, El Morro National Monument, Fort Union National Monument, free admission, Gila Cliff Dwellings, National Park, national parks in New Mexico, New Mexico, NM, Pecos National Historic Park, Veterans Day, White Sands National Monument

Veterans Day Deals & Freebies

November 7, 2012 by Tania
Filed under Attractions, Freebies, Restaurants & Bars

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Here’s our 2012 round-up of Albuquerque Veterans Day freebies and discounts for veterans and current military – a heartfelt thank you for your service and sacrifice. (Not a service member? Look in the For Everyone list below to find some V-Day deals for all.)

Some of the freebies and discounts are valid only on November 11, others on November 12, and most require proof of military service so check details at the links. The Albuquerque Veterans Day Ceremony is on November 11 at the New Mexico Veterans’ Memorial Park. See details on the parade route and times here.

I’ll update the list as I find new Veterans Day 2012 deals, and if you know of others please drop me an email or leave a message in the comment box below.

For Everyone:

Free admission to National Parks for all visitors for three days over the Veterans Day weekend, from November 10 to November 12. This is the last of the National Parks free entrance days for 2012, and fees are waived at parks nationwide that usually a charge a fee, including these New Mexico National Parks.

Veterans Day Honor Free MP3s by the US Armed Forces bands and ensembles, including the Star Spangled Banner, Taps, Here’s to America, When Johnny Comes Marching Home, and more. Right now the full album price is showing at Amazon, but if you scroll down you’ll see all the MP3s are free to download, for a limited time.

New Mexico Veterans Art Show Free admission to see work by artists who are veterans or serving in military, Reserve or National Guard forces. At EXPO New Mexico Fine Arts building, the show opens on November 9 with a reception at 6 pm and ceremony at 7 pm. (That date is correct: Nov 9 not Nov 19 as displayed in a typo at their website.) Then the show runs from 10 am to 4 pm on these weekends: November 10/11, November 16/17/18 and November 23/24.

KiMo Theatre Free Movie Screening of V-DAY 11.11.11 on November 11 at 6:30 pm, doors open at 6 pm. The documentary feature by director John Goheen explores what it means to be a veteran in America by hearing stories from the men and women themselves. You can watch a mighty fine film trailer at YouTube.

Thrift Town Veterans Day Sale 30% off clothing on November 12, excluding gift cards and color tag items already discounted by 50%.

Thanks to reader Cheri for telling us that both Albuquerque Savers locations offer 50% off all clothing, shoes, accessories, and bed and bath in the Savers Veterans Day Sale on November 12.

For Military Only:

Grace for Vets Free Car Wash on November 11 for veterans and current service personnel. According to the list of participating businesses nationwide, the Albuquerque car washes sudsing up for free are Daddy’s Car Wash, Super Services, Airforce One Express Car Wash, and Octopus Car Wash locations. I heart Octopus – they always do a grand job on my car at such a fair price.

Half off Golf Course Green Fees on November 12 at all Albuquerque City courses for veterans and active duty military personnel. The four golf courses are Los Altos, Arroyo del Oso, Puerto del Sol and Ladera.

New Mexico Museum of Natural History and Science Free Admission for veterans on Sunday November 11 if you take your ID.

National Museum of Nuclear Science & History Free to military personnel on November 11. Take ID, and the free admission is good for both veterans and current service members. The museum will also screen the film Brats: Our Journey Home on November 11 at 10:30 am and 1:30 pm, with filmmaker Donna Musil on hand for Q&A.

Denny’s Free Pancakes on November 12 from 6 am – 2 pm at participating Denny’s Restaurants. The free all-you-can-eat pancakes are for military personnel (retired, active or non-active) with ID.

El Pinto Buy One Get One Free Entree on Monday November 12 for veterans and active military in uniform or with military ID at the North Valley restaurant: 10500 4th Street.

Texas Roadhouse Free Lunch on November 12 for active, former, and retired military with ID. Select from a special free Veterans Day menu including sirloin steak, country fried chicken, and pulled pork dinner, all served with two sides.

Olive Garden Free Entree for Veterans and Active Duty Military on November 11, with ID. Entrees include garlic breadsticks and soup or salad, so that’s a good full meal, and the Veterans Day free menu to select from includes spaghetti and meat sauce, chicken parmigiana, and seafood alfredo.

Chili’s Veterans Eat Free deal gets active duty military and veterans a free entree all day on November 11. Options include Margarita Grilled Chicken, Cajun Pasta with Chicken, Bacon and Chicken Ranch Quesadilla and more, with proof of military service. I don’t see this announced at the Chili’s Grill & Bar website yet, but we have the deal confirmed by their press office.

Chick-fil-A Cottonwood Free Meal on November 12 between 6:30 am and 10 pm for current military and veterans. This is only at the Cottonwood location at 3801 Ellison Rd. NW.

Veterans and active duty military eat free at Applebee’s on November 11 with proof of military service. You get a free entree from a selection including House Sirloin, Fiesta Lime Chicken, Bacon Cheeseburger, Double Crunch Shrimp and more.

California Pizza Kitchen Free Pizza and beverage (non-alcoholic) on November 11 and 12 for veterans and active duty military in uniform or with proof of service.

Outback Steakhouse Veterans Freebies A free Bloomin’ Onion and Coca-Cola drink on November 11 and 12 for veterans and active military. Plus 10% off for military personnel from November 13 to December 31, valid on the entire check apart from booze. Military ID required – check out the required proofs at the Outback Steakhouse freebie page (scroll WAAAAAY down the bottom!)

Golden Corral also offers a free meal to veterans and active duty military members. This year their annual Military Appreciation Monday dinner will be held on November 12 from 4 – 9 pm.

Einstein Bros. Bagels Free Bagel for veterans on November 11. According to an email from Einstein Bros. the freebie is a classic or signature bagel, with no coupon required: “Just tell the cashier you’re a veteran.” Limit to one per person and it’s the bagel only, no toppings.

Red Lobster is serving up a free appetizer on November 11 for veterans and active duty military, according to their Facebook page.

TGI Friday’s Free Lunch for veterans on November 12 from 11 am to 2 pm. So that’s more like TGI Monday.

Twin Peaks Armed Forces Appreciation Service men and women eat free from November 8 to Nov 11.

Hooters Free Wings for Vets on November 11. Veterans and active duty military can score ten free wings with the purchase of a drink, and proof of service.

Note: Not all locations may be participating, call ahead if you want to be sure! Follow the links I’ve given for each deal or venue to find further details, and info on the proof of military service required.

Thanks to my cheap chum Carolyn at Witchita on the Cheap for helping confirm the Chili’s deal. FYI, I’ve give my Amazon affiliate link for the free MP3s.

–Tania

Tags: 2012, Albuquerque, Albuquerque restaurants, coupon, free, free admission, military, Military Appreciation Monday, military deals, military freebies, military personnel, New Mexico, NM, veterans, Veterans Day, veterans eat free

Military Free Admission: Museum of Nuclear Science Nov 11

November 5, 2012 by Tania
Filed under Attractions, Events

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The National Museum of Nuclear Science & History is open with free admission to current and former military personnel on Veterans Day, November 11, 2012.

In honor of Veterans Day, the National Museum of Nuclear Science & History is free to military personnel with ID on Sunday November 11. The free admission is good for both veterans and current service members, but remember to take your military ID.

The museum will also screen the film Brats: Our Journey Home on November 11 at 10:30 am and 1:30 pm, with filmmaker Donna Musil on hand for Q&A. Brats: Our Journey Home explores the experiences of service members who grew up on military basis around the world. General Norman Schwarzkopf is one of the interviewees, and the film features narration and music by Kris Kristofferson. The film received an award in the G.I. Film Festival, and John Hardy, producer of movies including Erin Brokovich and Ocean’s 11 and 12, described it as “A beautiful film… a must for each and every American.”

If you get a chance to talk with one of the museum docents, do so! It’s been a highlight at the museum for me to talk with docents who have served in the military and are full of knowledge on the exhibits.

Usual admission is $8 for adults (aged 18-59), $6 for active military and their dependents, $7 for veterans, $7 for seniors 60+ and youngsters aged 6-17, and free for kids aged 5 and under.

The National Museum of Nuclear Science & History is located at 601 Eubank Boulevard SE, six blocks south of Central Avenue at the Southern Boulevard intersection.

–Tania

Tags: 2012, Albuquerque, free admission, military, military deals, military freebies, military personnel, National Museum of Nuclear Science & History, New Mexico, NM, veterans, Veterans Day

National Parks Free Veterans Day Weekend

November 5, 2012 by Tania
Filed under Freebies, Sport & Leisure, Weekend & Day Trips

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In honor of Veterans Day, all National Parks that usually charge admission fees are free for all visitors for three days over the Veterans Day weekend, from November 10-12, 2012.

The Veterans Day free admission to National Parks all weekend is in tribute to America’s current and previously serving armed forces, and although it’s in gratitude for their service, the free entry applies to all visitors.

This is the last of the National Parks free entrance days for 2012, offering a great opportunity to to take a day trip, get outside, and make the most of these lovely fall days. If you’re in the mood for a weekend trip, the free admissions include Grand Canyon National Park, Bryce Canyon, and Yellowstone National Park, among more than 100 parks waiving their fees for three days.

New Mexico National Parks that usually charge a fee but are free from Friday November 10 to Sunday November 12 are:

Aztec Ruins National Monument
Bandelier National Monument (but check the link for which sections are open, and for access info. Frijoles Canyon is only accessible via the park’s shuttle bus until November 18, when it will open again to cars.)
Capulin Volcano National Monument
Carlsbad Caverns National Park
Chaco Culture National Historical Park
El Morro National Monument
Fort Union National Monument
Gila Cliff Dwellings National Monument
Pecos National Historical Park
White Sands National Monument

Wherever you’re going, check current conditions at the park, and some may have special free events you can join in too.

–Tania

Tags: 2012, Albuquerque, Aztec Ruins National Monument, Bandelier National Monument, Capulin Volcano National Monument, Carlsbad Caverns, El Morro National Monument, Fort Union National Monument, free admission, Gila Cliff Dwellings, National Park, national parks in New Mexico, New Mexico, NM, Pecos National Historic Park, Veterans Day, White Sands National Monument

Veterans Day & Food Deals

November 11, 2011 by Tania
Filed under Attractions, Restaurants & Bars, Weekend & Day Trips

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Albuquerque Veterans Day freebies and discounts for veterans and active military – a heartfelt thank you for your service! Combined with food deals and Veterans weekend deals for everyone else too.

For Everyone:

Whole Foods Chicken Sale If you’re roasting a chicken for the holiday weekend, Whole Foods is selling uncooked whole chickens for $1.29 per pound today, November 11. That’s 70 cents a pound off the usual price.

Free admission to National Parks for all visitors for three days over the Veterans Day weekend, from November 11-13 This is the last of the National Parks free entrance days for 2011, at these New Mexico National Parks.

50% Off Champagne Balloon Ride $80 for a balloon ride with World Balloon, including a champagne toast and flight certificate seems like a pretty good deal to me! Regular value is $160, and the half price Balloon Ride is available through November 13 while supplies last via Living Social, and can be redeemed for a balloon ride through May 14, 2012.

Thrift Town Veterans Day Sale 30% off clothing on November 11, excluding color tag items already discounted by 50% and gift cards.

El Rey Theater free concert Academy Winds on Saturday November 12, 2011, at 8 pm, featuring the touring United States Air Force Academy Band performing a program suitable for all ages. Get tickets in advance for priority seating.

New Mexico Veterans Art Show Free admission to see work by artists who are veterans or serving in military, Reserve or National Guard forces. At EXPO New Mexico, opening on November 11 with a reception at 6 pm, and ceremony at 7 pm. Then daily from 10 am to 4 pm on these weekends: November 12/13, 18/19/20 and 25/26.

StreetFood Asia Free Tapas Uniformed service personnel, including police officers and fire fighters, as well as veterans and active duty military personnel can claim a free small plate between November 14 - 17 at Street Food Asia in Nob Hill. Go in uniform or take service ID, for one tapas per table, excluding sampler.

50% Off The Sassy Apron’s Delivered Dinners in Albuquerque or Rio Rancho. Freshly prepared ready-to-eat dinners by chefs include salad, soup, entree and side dish, and options include 4 delivered meals for two people (one a week for a month) at $59, or 8 delivered meals for two people (twice a week for one month) at $99 in a half price deal via Groupon.

Arby’s Free Chocolate Turnover with the purchase of any sandwich – get the coupon at the link.

Baskin Robbins BOGO Free Scoop or Swirl with the coupon valid till November 22.

Del Taco Free Chipotle Steak Big Fat Taco with any purchase, using the Facebook coupon. You have to be a Facebook member and Like their page to get the coupon.

Watch the Pei Wei Asian Culinary Tour video for a BOGO free coupon good for one free entree when you buy an entree

PF Chang’s Wine Deal Get a third off a bottle of wine all day on Mondays and Tuesdays through the month of November 2011.

USO Care Package $15 = $30 Value toward a care package, or other efforts for US Troops and an American flag for purchasers, in a deal via Living Social.

High Desert Art & Frame 20% Off any military themed custom framing (eg. framing medals, ribbons, military photos etc.) and 20% off any kind of custom framing job for active duty or retired military service personnel. Both deals run at High Desert Art & Frame through the end of November, 2011.

For Military Only:

Free Hugo Folding Canes for Veterans The Hugo canes (worth $29.99) are free to military veterans in need of mobility assistance at all Sam’s Club stores nationwide (you don’t need to be a Sam’s Club member). They’ve got 60 free canes per store to give away starting November 9 through November 11 while supplies last, as part of the Hugo Salutes Our Veterans program. Take proof of military service.

New Mexico Museum of Natural History and Science Free Admission for veterans on Friday November 11.

National Museum of Nuclear Science & History Free to military personnel on November 11. Take ID, and the free admission is good for both veterans and current service members.

New Mexico Museum of Space History in Alamogordo. Free Admission to the museum for all military personnel with ID on November 11.

Dollar General 10% Military Discount on November 11. Veterans, active duty military, National Guard and Reserve, and their immediate families receive the 10% off Veterans Day discount. There are 6 stores in Albuquerque, use the Dollar General store locator to find the nearest one! Also get 10% off shopping online at DollarGeneral.com from November 11-13 using the coupon code: VETERANSDAY.

Grace for Vets Free Car Wash on November 11 for veterans and current service personnel. According to the list of participating businesses, the Albuquerque car wash sudsing up for day is Octopus Car Wash in several locations.

Veterans and Military Eat Free and Restaurant Deals

Denny’s Free Grand Slam for military personnel (retired, active or non-active) on Veterans Day November 11, 2011, between 6 am – 2 pm at participating Denny’s Restaurants. We know (thanks Ron!) that the Denny’s at Juan Tabo/Menaul is participating, and believe other Albuquerque Denny’s are too. A Denny’s Grand Slam includes two pancakes, two eggs, bacon, and sausages. You need to take valid military ID.

The Candy Lady in Old Town 20% Off for Veterans today Friday November 11.

Nicky V’s Pizzeria Free Pizza for active duty and retired military until 5 pm on Friday November 11. Choose either a Pepperoni or New Mexican free pizza, for dine-in only.

El Pinto BOGO Entree Veterans and active military get a free entree with the purchase of an entree, all day on November 11, with military ID.

Subway Free 6″ Sub on Veterans Day with military ID. Thanks to Jas for emailing this tip – so we assume at least one Albuquerque Subway is participating, check with your nearest location.

Texas Roadhouse Free Lunch Entree from 11 am – 2 pm on November 11 for veterans and active duty military. Select from a special Veterans Day free menu including sirloin steak, country fried chicken, and pulled pork dinner, all served with two sides. (And if you buy a military design Texas Roadhouse gift card by November 30, 10% of the sale is donated to the Home for Our Troops Organization.

Olive Garden Free Entree for Veterans and Active Duty Military on November 11, with ID. Entrees include garlic breadsticks and soup or salad, so that’s a good full meal, and the Veterans Day free menu to select from includes spaghetti and meatballs, chicken parmigiana, and seafood alfredo. Thanks to reader Beth for the tip!

Chick-fil-A Cottonwood Free Meal for active duty military and veterans from 5 pm – 8 pm on Monday November 14 (and all Mondays in November). The free meal is up to an $8 value, take ID. This is only at the Cottonwood location at 3801 Ellison Rd. NW.

Twin Peaks Veterans Day Free Entree for military with ID on November 11. The Albuquerque Twin Peaks is located at 4441 The 25 Way NE.

Veterans and active duty military eat free at Applebee’s on November 11 with proof of military service. You get a free entree from a selection including House Sirloin, Fiesta Lime Chicken, Bacon Cheeseburger, Double Crunch Shrimp and more.

Outback Steakhouse Veterans Freebies A free Bloomin’ Onion and Coca-Cola drink for veterans and active military all next week, from November 7 – 11. Military ID required – check out the required proofs at the Outback Steakhouse freebie page (scroll WAAAAAY down the bottom!)

Chili’s Veterans Eat Free deal gets active duty military and veterans a free entree on November 11 from 11 am – 5 pm. Options include Margarita Grilled Chicken, Margarita Chicken Tacos, Santa Fe Chicken Wrap, and more, with proof of military service.

Golden Corral also offers a free meal to veterans and active duty military members. This year their annual Military Appreciation Monday dinner will be held on November 14, from 5 – 9 pm.

TGI Friday’s Veterans Day BOGO deal for active military personnel and veterans to buy one entree and get one free on November 11, in uniform or with ID.

Buca di Beppo Free Spaghetti with Purchase. Active and retired military personnel get a free Small Spaghetti Marinara with the purchase of a Buca Small or Large pasta or entree on November 11.

Hooters Free Wings for Vets on November 11. Veterans and active duty military can score ten free wings with the purchase of a drink, and proof of service.

StreetFood Asia Freebie Veterans, active duty military personnel and uniformed service personnel – that includes fire fighters and police – can get a free small plate between November 14 - 17 at Street Food Asia in Nob Hill. Go in uniform or take service ID, for one tapas per table, excluding sampler.

Note: Not all locations may be participating, call ahead if you want to be sure! Also check with the individual deals / venues for the proof of military service required.

Thanks to Ron, who knows Free Food when he sees it (and he sees it often) for helping with a couple of these deals! And thanks to Julie at Kansas City on the Cheap for the Buca tip, and Teresa at Miami on the Cheap for sending the Hooters free wings tip!

–Tania FYI: - I’ve given my Groupon and Living Social affiliate links on those specific deals. To help support ABQ on the Cheap (it doesn’t cost you anything), please use the links. Thanks!

Tags: 2011, Albuquerque, Albuquerque restaurants, coupon, free, free admission, military, Military Appreciation Monday, military deals, military freebies, military personnel, New Mexico, NM, veterans, Veterans Day, veterans eat free

Veterans Day Deals

November 8, 2011 by Tania
Filed under Attractions, Restaurants & Bars, Weekend & Day Trips

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Albuquerque Veterans Day freebies and discounts for veterans and active military – a heartfelt thank you for your service! Plus a few deals for everyone else too. We’ll keep updating as we find new Veterans Day deals, and please send us your tip if you know of any others….