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Community Corner

Frugal Family: Scouting the Deals in Our Area

With gas prices skyrocketing, stay closer to home.

With gas prices skyrocketing, there's no need to head down to the big city this week. Stick close to home, where I've found some free and cheap activities and entertainment, as well as some nearby shopping deals that save a little green.

VENTURE CINEMA

3750 Venture Drive, Duluth 678-957-9545

Find out what's happening in Lilburn-Mountain Parkwith free, real-time updates from Patch.

The Deal: It seems that “dollar theaters” are getting harder to find, but Venture Cinemas, just minutes from Lilburn, still has $2 seats (all shows, all times).  With 12 screens, there’s something for everyone.  Current family flicks include: Tangled, Yogi Bear, and The Chronicles of Narnia.  Older kids might enjoy The Green Hornet and Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows (Part 1).

Good Through: All movie tickets are $2, always. Click here for current showtimes.

Find out what's happening in Lilburn-Mountain Parkwith free, real-time updates from Patch.

4915 Lawrenceville Highway, Lilburn 770-923-2968

The Deal: Whether you’re looking to buy or sell, this consignment shop is the place to go.  Stocking Juniors, Misses, and Plus Sizes, plus young men’s and home décor items, Back By Popular Demand has gently used, designer fashions for reasonable prices.  They also will sell your items for you – consigners receive 45 percent off the listed price.  They buy and sell prom dresses year-round, so this may be the perfect spot to find that perfect dress…that will only be worn once this spring.

Good Through: Ongoing; constantly taking in new items, so check back often.  For details on hours and how to sell through them, click here.

PARK’NERSHIP at YELLOW RIVER PARK

3232 Juhan Road, Stone Mountain 770-978-5271

The Deal: Spend the morning with your family, helping your community and the environment, all for free.  REI is sponsoring “Park’nership” at Yellow River Park, to bring the community together to revitalize the trails and repair flood damage.  It’s a volunteer opportunity, so it won’t necessarily pad your wallet, but it doesn’t cost a dime and the park will benefit.

Good Through: Saturday, March 19, 9 a.m.-Noon.

2485 Main Street East, Snellville 770-559-1484

The Deal: Take your date or your family out for a quality theater production at an affordable price.  The current show is A Midsummer Night’s Western, in which “Bill Shakespeare saddles up and rides west for this rough-and-tumble iambic adaptation of A Midsummer Night’s Dream.”  Suitable for all ages.  Tickets are just $12.50, so it’s almost cheaper than taking the family to the movies.

Good Through: This weekend, March 18-20.  Friday and Saturday evenings at 7 p.m, Saturday and Sunday matinees at 2 p.m.  Click here for tickets.

LEARNING EXPRESS TOYS

1350 Scenic Highway, Suite 624, Snellville 770-736-4799

The Deal: Click here to visit their Facebook page for a $5 off coupon on any $25 purchase.  They also have weekly story time on Monday mornings at 10:15, so it’s the perfect time to come in, enjoy a little free entertainment, and walk away with a good deal on some nice toys.

Good Through: Story time is every Monday indefinitely; $5 off coupon expires March 31.

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