While dining out regularly can be costly, it doesn’t have to be. Look for savings in your dining out budget with these tips:

Let’s do Lunch. Try a new restaurant for lunch instead of dinner. Lunch menus are often smaller, less expensive versions of the dinner menus. Going for dinner? Order an appetizer instead of a main course. The portions are smaller, and so is the price.

Click and Save. Look for coupons online. Discount coupon sites offer great savings on restaurants. (But remember to tip your server on the full amount.)

Advance Notice. Check the menu in advance. It’s easier to make your decision while you have plenty of time, without the growling stomach, tempting smells and busy server. This is a great way to save calories too.

Cash Reserve. Make a reservation instead of waiting in the bar. You won’t be tempted to buy appetizers or drinks while you wait.

Add it Up. Servers are trained to up-sell, even after you’ve made your budget-conscious decision. Mushrooms on your steak? Cheese on your potato? And everyone knows the old stand-by: “Would you like fries with that?”

Water Please. Beverages add a considerable amount, even double, to your bill. A fountain soda can add $2, while a glass of wine can be $6 and up, even for a bottle you can buy for under $10 in the store. If you are with a group, split a bottle of wine with your table. You’ll pay less per glass.

Just Desserts. While you’re sharing, consider splitting dessert as well. Ordering a cup of coffee for dessert is another option.

Tightening your belt doesn’t mean you can’t enjoy a night out now and then. Have any more tips to share? How have you saved money on dining out?

photo by Digidave

They say everybody’s Irish on St. Patrick’s Day. In Milwaukee, Wisconsin, you can be Irish for an entire week.

Irish Week kicked off March 4 with the Shamrock Club’s annual Birthday Party at the Irish Cultural Heritage Center. Irish Week spotlights  Irish culture and pride, and includes Irish dancers, music, and a Mass in Honor of St. Patrick. The week of festivities concludes on March 13 with the time-honored Shamrock Club of Wisconsin’s 44th Annual St. Patrick’s Day Parade in downtown Milwaukee, the biggest St. Patrick’s Day parade in Wisconsin.

While The Shamrock Club is celebrating its 44th anniversary of producing the parade, the tradition dates back to 1843, before Wisconsin had even achieved statehood. The parade takes place at noon, and features more than 150 units, including Irish dance groups, pipe and drum corps, local celebrities and dignitaries.

The parade will proceed east from the Shops of Grand Avenue on 3rd and Wisconsin, north on Plankinton, west on Kilbourn, north on Old World 3rd Street, east on Juneau, and south on Water Street.

Following the parade is the Shamrock Club’s Post Parade Party from 1 to 6 pm at the Irish Cultural and Heritage Center at 2133 West Wisconsin Avenue, headlined by Different Drums of Ireland.

If You Go
Save on your hotel with our discount travel coupon for the Baymont Inn & Suites of Glendale, Wisconsin,  or use this lodging discount for the AmericInn Lodge & Suites of Germantown, Wisconsin.
Parking is $2 during the event at the Shops at Grand Avenue.
Parade spectators are encouraged to bring non-perishable food items to donate. Volunteers collect the donations in shopping carts during the parade.

The 2010 Winter Olympic Games have dazzled us with many inspiring moments. Here are just a few:

• Bode Miller races to his potential, winning Olympic gold in the Men’s Super-Combined after withering under high expectations four years ago.
• Shaun White defies gravity in the Men’s Snowboarding Halfpipe with flips and spins that send him orbiting above his competition.
• Lindsey Vonn skis through pain, blazing down the mountain to take the gold medal in Women’s Downhill.
• In Men’s Hockey, a young Team USA defeats favorite Team Canada on home ice, skating into the quarterfinals 30 years after the original Miracle on Ice.
• Apolo Ohno slices his way to the front of the pack in Men’s Short Track, on his way to the most career medals ever won by an American at the Winter Games.

Inspired by the dedication, strength, and ability of the Winter Olympic athletes? Here in Northeastern Wisconsin, you can try winter Olympic sports for yourself, and even compete for a medal. Want to try curling? You can! Or maybe you want to hit the ice in an adult hockey league. Experience cross-country skiing or ski jumping events for yourself at a local ski club.

Now that the Winter Olympics are drawing to a close, take inspiration – from the games, from the passion of the competitors, from the possibilities of the human body. You don’t have to be an Olympian to be considered an athlete.

Skiing/Snowboarding

Compare your speed against skiers and boarders across the country in every age group. In NASTAR, racers compete against the clock, with the potential of earning medals and qualifying for national events. NASTAR Racing is held Saturdays and Sundays at BlackJack Resort, Bessemer, Michigan, and Thursday evenings, Saturdays, and Sundays at Pine Mountain Resort, Iron Mountain, Michigan. At Norway Mountain, Norway, Michigan, five different racing teams train and compete in events with Team Norway Racing.

Cross-country Skiing

The American Birkebeiner will be held this weekend in Hayward, Wisconsin, as it is every year. In “The Birkie,” America’s largest cross-country ski race, professional competitors on the Worldloppet circuit ski amongst the masses in 11 waves on a 50K course. While registration for this year is closed, you can still take part with the estimated 15,000 to 20,000 spectators.
http://www.birkie.com/

Ski Jumping and Cross Country Skiing
The Iola Winter Sports Complex offers 20K of cross-country trails open to the public for a daily fee. Or join the Iola Winter Sports Club, where you and your family can participate in cross-country ski events and learn about the sport of ski jumping on ski jumps ranging from 5 to 60 meters. Stay in nearby Stevens Point with our discount certificate to the Fairfield Inn, or use this travel coupon for the Stevens Point La Quinta Inn.

Hockey
Adult hockey leagues  play year round at the Appleton Family Ice Center. In the Green Bay area, the Cornerstone Community Center of De Pere offers adult hockey leagues for Novice and Elite players 18 years old and up. The Oshkosh Community YMCA Ice Skating Rink offers adult hockey leagues and clinics for players of all abilities.

Speed Skating
At Cornerstone Community Center, Team Cornerstone Speed Skating offers classes for all ages.

Ice Skating
In Oshkosh, Figure Skating and Ice Skating lessons are available at the Oshkosh Community YMCA Ice Skating Rink. In De Pere, the Cornerstone Community Center offers Open Skating, Figure Skating Lessons, and Skating Fitness classes.

Curling
At the Appleton Curling Club, leagues are available for all ages. New members are assigned a mentor to help get the training they need. A New Curlers Clinic is usually held at the beginning of December, and they offer a Learn to Curl League, with no experience required. The Green Bay Curling Club is offering Open Houses March 1-5 from 6pm to 9 pm, with instructors available. Leagues are available for every level.

All across Northeastern Wisconsin, families are sitting down at the kitchen table with forms, tax preparation software, calculators, and receipts. As if paying taxes wasn’t bad enough, figuring out taxes can take hours.

There’s no reason to procrastinate, especially if you’re expecting a refund. Here at RTownShopper,com, we love nothing more than helping you keep more money in your pocket. That’s why our discount certificates are always 50% off. In that spirit, we’ve compiled a list of free tax resources in Fond du Lac, Oshkosh, Green Bay, and Appleton to help you through tax time, and get your tax refund back faster.

You’ll find customer service numbers (yes, they do exist,) for the Wisconsin Department of Revenue and the IRS. For those who would like free personal tax assistance, check out the Fond du Lac library where DOR staff will answer your questions. And finally, those who qualify can receive FREE tax preparation and e-filing from locations in Menasha, Appleton, and Green Bay.

So get those taxes done, and get your tax refund back faster! Instead of figuring out your taxes, you could be planning your next ski vacation, Wisconsin golfing trip, or weekend getaway. Or, after all that work, reward yourself with relaxation at the spa.

Customer Service contacts:

Wisconsin Department of Revenue (State)
http://www.revenue.wi.gov/
Individuals: (608) 266-2772
Businesses: (608) 266-2776

Internal Revenue Service (Federal)
http://www.irs.gov/
1-800-829-1040

Tax Questions:

Fond du Lac

Department of Revenue staff answer questions. No returns will be prepared.
Fond du Lac Public Library
March 1, 15, 29, April 5, 15
9 am – 2:30 pm 

 VITA and TCE locations:

Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA)/ Tax Counseling for the Elderly (TCE)
For more locations, call 211
http://revenue.wi.gov/faqs/pcs/vita.html

Appleton/Neenah/Menasha

http://www.fvtc.edu/public/NewsDetail.aspx?Id=564
VITA, TCE and accounting students from Fox Valley Technical College will be providing free tax assistance to qualifying individuals and families.

Goodwill Industries of North Central Wisconsin
1800 Appleton Road, Menasha
Feb. 1 – April 14
Mondays and Wednesdays 1 pm – 6 pm
Saturdays 8 am – 12 pm
Thursdays 1 pm -6 pm February Only
Contact: (920) 731-6601

Green Bay

http://www.uwgb.edu/vita/
February 15 – April 14

Oneida Center for Self Sufficiency
2640 West Point Road
Tuesdays 5:30 – 7:30

Salvation Army
626 Union Court
Wednesdays 5:30 – 7:30 pm

UWGB General Access Computer Lab
2420 Nicolet Drive, Room IS 1129Q
Mondays 3:00 – 5:00 pm

Oshkosh

http://www.mainstreetoshkosh.com/2010/01/free-volunteer-income-tax-assistance.html
VITA services – Free tax assistance including electronic filing

Senior Center and Community Pantry
Thursdays, Fridays, and Saturdays
February 4 – April 10
Closed April 1,2, and 3.
Contact: Oshkosh Area United Way
(920) 651-3060 for questions or to make an appointment

We are asking you to be our Valentine. RTownShopper.com is on the search for the best Pucker in all of Northeast Wisconsin. If there was ever a time to become an RTownShopper.com Facebook fan this is it.

1. Pucker up and snap a shot of your kiss.
2. Then upload the image to RTownShopper.com Facebook page and get ready to compete for one of our best certificates.
3. Be sure to rally your friends and family to ‘fan up’ and vote.
4. Tell your friends and family to thread their vote under your Pucker.

The winner is the one with the most votes – one vote per person. The most votes walks away with a nights stay at Fox Hills Resort in Mishicot. The winner will also receive a $40 certificate to the on-site Willowview Restaurant. RTownShopper.com will post the winner on our Facebook page on Sunday, February 14^th, Valentine’s Day. Pucker up and WIN a great vacation stay.

The Quality Inn, Green Bay WIsconsin

Vacation in Green Bay at the Quality Inn & Suites

It’s time to pack your bags and take a break.  Plan a vacation in your own backyard; escape to Green Bay Wisconsin.

Take in Green Bay’s annual Artis Gras held the weekend of February 6th at the Shopko Mall. View works from hundreds of artists and craftsman throughout the Midwest.  You’ll also enjoy live classical music, jazz and dance.  Next stop, Packer’s Hall of Fame where you’ll take in more than 80 years of football history.  Enjoy interactive displays paying tribute to 130 players.  Afterwards relax at the Quality Inn & Suites. You’re looking good with your discount gift certificate saving your family half off at the Quality Inn & Suites on a two-night stay.  It’s a travel deal that can’t be beat. Your stay includes $20 in funny money good at the arcade and a complementary hot deluxe breakfast. Your family will love the indoor pool and fitness center. In the evening have dinner out 50% off Green Bay restaurant gift certificates.

For the next evening be sure to take in Frosty Family Fun Night at Bay Beach Wildlife Sanctuary.  The kids will love the campfire, treats and night animals.  You’re sure to come home feeling refreshed, ready to tackle another week, after your weekend retreat in Green Bay.

The winning blogger is Julie, who wrote the blog below:

Julie says:

I currenlty live in De Pere and like to try new restaurants as they open. Keeping the business local helps the economy and maintains a good balance of options available in the area. But beyond that I would love to celebrated Valentines Day with my husband at The Cellar on the Fox. The menu looks wonderful, and the extras included in the Valentines day package are exceptional. A romantic evening out and away from my day to day routine would be awesome!

Congrats Julie! Thank you to everyone who entered. Julie please contact rtownshopper.com, we will also contact you via email. Thank you.

RTownShopper members have donated a total of $220 to the American Red Cross. Today, we donated an additional $500 for Haiti Earthquake relief, for a total donation of $720.  Thank you!

Haiti Earthquake Update

The American Red Cross is responding to the tragic earthquake in Haiti by providing first aid, food and water, emotional support and emergency relief supplies. The American Red Cross is providing blood and blood products this week at the request of the Pan American Health Organization (PAHO) and will coordinate future requests for blood among its blood collector partners.

Red Cross Blood Services continues to meet the needs of this tragedy from our existing blood supply. At this time, we do not anticipate the need for a general donor appeal, but there is an urgent need for eligible donors with Type O negative blood to schedule a blood donation appointment as soon as possible. Type O negative blood is universal and can be given to anyone, regardless of their blood type and is often used in emergency situations. Blood donors are encouraged to call 1-800-RED CROSS

RTownShopper.com will match your Red Cross Donation, up to a donation total of $1000.

What to do

1. Click on this link to the Red Cross to make your secure donation.
   The Red Cross has recommended donations be made to the International Response Fund.
2. Contact Us to let us know the amount you donated after your donation has been made.
   You must complete this step in order for us to match your donation!
3. RTownShopper will match donations to the Red Cross up to a total amount of $1000.
   We’ll announce the amount here, on twitter, and on our facebook page.

Thank you for donating. Together we can make a difference!

In this tough economy, a week-long vacation just isn’t an option for many. Some can’t afford to take time off of work. Others are too busy to get away for an entire week. Airlines can be a hassle, or too expensive. For those with young children, finding someone to watch the kids for a week is impossible, and some just don’t want to leave the children that long. There is a lot of planning for a trip, and some don’t even have the time to do that.

For all of these reasons, consider taking a mini vacation. Take a long weekend, or plan a mid-week break. These Wisconsin travel coupons are for destinations within just a few hours of Appleton, Green Bay, and Oshkosh. Even better, break your vacation time into several small trips, and spread them out throughout the year. Even on a limited budget, you can get away from it all.

Door County Getaway

This discount travel coupon for Door County is in the heart of Ephraim, Wisconsin. The Edgewater Resort offers waterfront views of scenic Eagle Harbor, whirlpool baths, fireplaces, and your own living room and full kitchen, all decorated in casual cottage style.

Bed & Breakfast in Waupaca, Wisconsin

Be pampered with this travel deal for the historic Green Fountain Inn in Waupaca. This elegantly furnished bed & breakfast features a charming fireplace in the sitting room, perfect for curling up next to with a loved one.

Resort luxury

Relax in resort luxury with our travel discount to the Fox Hills Resort in Mishicot with two indoor pools, on-site spa and fitness center and weekend entertainment at the Benchwarmers Sports Bar. The Willowview Restaurant, located on-site with a view of the golf course, is also available to treat you in style.

Madison shopping and dining

Discount lodging in Madison is available just steps from the capitol building and vibrant State Street shopping and dining when you stay at the Hotel Ruby Marie. Enjoy luxurious accommodations decorated in beautiful historic style after a night out on the town.

Nearby North Woods

Head for the “North woods” with our travel coupon for the Rustic Wolf Inn in Shiocton, where every one bedroom suite is decorated with handmade log beds and tables and beautiful pine slab counters. A large deck overlooks the scenic Wolf River.

Gateway to Milwaukee

You get a great travel deal for Milwaukee with our discount lodging coupons for the AmericInn Lodge & Suites in Germantown, just minutes from Milwaukee. Enjoy a peaceful stay and relax by the indoor pool and hot tub after a day of sightseeing in the city.

Christmas is a time for gratitude, so we’d like to take the opportunity to thank you, our customers, for shopping RTownShopper.com.

We’re more than a discount gift certificate site. We’re striving to bring benefits to local communities, you and your families in other ways as well.

More time

Have more time for your family. There’s no clipping coupons, we offer immediate delivery right to your printer, and all of your favorite discount offers for Appleton, Oshkosh, Green Bay, and the Fox Cities can be found here in one place.

More money

More money in your pocket. Our discount gift certificates are at least 50% off on the value every day, and we offer loyal customer rewards with our points system for even more value to you.

Strong community

We hope you’ll discover your local merchants on our site, so you can shop local. We’ll help you find things to do in your local community by posting information on travel ideas and events in your town.

And speaking of community, we want to hear from you! What would you like to see on our site? Are there upcoming events in Wisconsin that we missed? What can we do better? And of course, we always love to hear back from you when you’re happy with us.

Even better coupon deals to come

What’s on our Christmas wish list? Simply help us spread the word. You can find us on Facebook – click on Suggest to friends to pass us along to your friends who like to save money. You can also follow us on Twitter. The more happy customers we have, the better coupon deals we can offer for you in the coming year.

Merry Christmas!