Pedro Alvarez and his sister-in-law Yadira Castillo laugh on a ride in the James H Drew Exposition at the Roanoke Civic Center in 2010. The expo is an annual event held at the civic center that concluded Sunday. Photo by Eric Brady | The Roanoke Times

The Drew Expo opened last night at the Roanoke Civic Center. The event features tons of rides for the family and is free to get in, plus there are a few opportunities to save on ride tickets.

Unlimited rides are $20 per person except for Saturday after 4 p.m. and all day Sunday.  Unlimited rides are only $15 with a coupon from any Stop In Food Store.

Regular tickets are sold in coupon booklets ranging  from $10 to $50. The $10 booklet contains 10 tickets. Since most rides require three to four tickets, if you plan to ride multiple rides the unlimited ride ticket is the way to go — especially if you get your coupon from Stop In.

Attention teachers! Chipotle will have a nice treat for you tomorrow. Here’s the message I got from the company:

“Chipotle is putting teachers at the head of the class this Teacher Appreciation Day with a special “buy-one-get-one-free” promotion. On Tuesday, May 7, 2013, teachers and educators who show a valid school ID identifying them as staff will receive a free burrito, salad, burrito bowl or order of tacos when they purchase another menu item at Chipotle Mexican Grill. This promotion is available from 4:00 p.m. to close in all U.S. Chipotle restaurants.

“We are changing the way people think about and eat fast food,” said Chris Arnold, communications director at Chipotle. “This means going beyond our commitment to better food from more sustainable ingredients and working hard to engrain our restaurants in the communities that they serve. Connecting with educators and other key community groups is part of who we are, and we’re always happy when our work makes an impact upon the communities where we operate.”

 Chipotle is celebrating teachers and educators and the work they do as part of the National Education Association’s Teacher Appreciation Day. This promotion is only open to teachers and educators who show a valid school ID identifying them as staff. This deal will only be honored for dine in or take out and excludes online orders, fax orders, mobile orders, “Burritos by the Box” and catering.

 For more information, please go to any Chipotle restaurant or visit Chipotle.com.”

Spring is here and that means your opportunities to shop are even more plentiful. Yard sales, flea markets, sidewalk sales and open houses are popping up everywhere. Locally, you can count on a few big events year after year and new prospects to explore as well.

Hit the road this weekend or mark your calendars now for these shopping events:

This weekend the J. Crew warehouse in Lynchburg is hosting another sale. The warehouse, at 25 Millrace Drive, will be open today from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. and Sunday from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. You can find more information and read about my experience at this sale on the blog, or contact the warehouse at 434-316-6324.

Another great opportunity to find some bargains this weekend is at the Sam’s Club Open House. This weekend only, the retailer is allowing non-members to shop or try various food samples with no strings attached. Samples will be available from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. each day, and Roanoke store hours are today from 9 a.m. to 8:30 p.m. and Sunday from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Current Sam’s Club members may want to steer clear of the store this weekend if possible — it’s going to get crowded.

The Elizabeth Arden Warehouse will host its next sale May 6-11 and May 13-18. This warehouse is located at 3030 Nicholas Ave. in Roanoke, and sale hours are Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. and Saturday, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Shoppers will find fragrances for men and women, skincare products, makeup and more at this sale. It is important to note that no one under the age of 16 is allowed in or on the premises of this sale. For more information, call 983-6400.

Next Saturday from 7 a.m. to 3 p.m., the Roanoke Civic Center will be hosting the Monster Indoor Flea Market. About 100 vendors will fill the Special Events Center, and seller spaces are still available for $25 if you’re ready to make a few bucks off of your clutter. For more information, call 853-5483.

On May 11, North Cross School will host its annual Big Flea event. At this event you can find donated furniture, large appliances, household items and clothing for sale to benefit the school. Donations for the sale will be accepted through May 9, and if you have large items, pick-up may be arranged by calling Jenn Mitchell at 230-8584. Kids can also have some fun at this sale by participating in field day events like carnival games, a dunking booth and more. Concessions will be available for purchase. The sale will be held from 7 a.m. to 3 p.m. and field day activities will be available from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Another flea event that’s being held for a good cause is the 17th Annual Allstate Flea Market and Craft Event to benefit the March of Dimes. This event is also being held on May 11 between 7 a.m. and 1 p.m. (the rain date is June 8) outside the Salem Civic Center. Shoppers can usually find between 100 and 150 vendors at this event. Interested in selling? Vendors may rent two parking spaces for a $35 donation or four spaces for a $55 donation. For more information, call 776-6163.

Global Partners in Peace and Development is hosting an event called Proceeds for Poverty May 16-18 at the former Kroger location located on Orange Avenue in Roanoke behind the KFC and Denny’s. Sale hours are 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. Thursday and Friday and 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Saturday. Global Partners will donate 100 percent of the proceeds from this sale to one of its four causes: clean water wells, small businesses, orphaned children and food programs. Items in good working condition (excluding clothes, entertainment centers and any TVs that are not flat screen) will be collected for the sale May 13-15 from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. behind the building. If you are moving or have large furniture or appliances ready to donate now, call Roy Carter at 537-2070 to arrange a pickup. For more information about the sale, visit www.gpartners.org.

This time of year you can also find flea markets at local churches and businesses. Many are submitted to The Roanoke Times at calendar.roanoke.com. Enter “flea” or “sale” in the search bar to find other events.

If you prefer adventuring around town and hitting yard sales all weekend, consider checking out the yard sale map on Roanoke.com. You can plan your route with this nifty tool at yardsales.roanoke.com.

Yard sale hosts may post the address, hours and a short description of what they offer on this page, and you may also get directions to each location. If you’re interested in posting your own yard sale on the map, you may do so at the web address above or by calling 981-3311.

You can also stay up-to-date with the local yard sale scene by signing up for text alerts from The Roanoke Times. Smartphone users can text “yardsales” to 96362 to sign up. Once you’re on the list you’ll receive up to four texts per month with a weekly update about yard sales on the map and a link to the mobile-friendly page (which is: http://bit.ly/ZeruCj).

What are your favorite local shopping events?

Considering a membership to Sam’s Club? This weekend you can check out what the retailer has to offer during it’s open house Friday through Sunday.

I received this notice from a store representative:

“From Friday, April 26 to Sunday, April 28, Sam’s Club is opening its doors to the public for a three-day spring Open House weekend. Members and non-members across the country will be able to access extraordinary savings on the newest items for spring and summer entertaining including dozens of complimentary warm weather food and beverage items, luxurious patio sets, hybrid grills and accessories for outdoor living from gazebos and pop-up gardens to pool floats and play sets.

During the Open House, Sam’s Club will present a festival of summer-inspired food and beverage samples from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. each day, including but not limited to:

• Patriotic Pound Cake with assorted fresh berries
• Assorted gourmet cheeses including smoked gouda, gruyere and Jarlsburg
• Fresh Enchilada Bake with Brisket and Salsa
• Grilled Steak Salad with Wish-bone® Dressing
• Applewood Smoked Pork Chops
• Garlic and Herb Chicken with Just Add Juice™ Seasoning
• Artichoke Spinach Dip with Pita Chips
• Italian Deli Pasta Salad with Daily Chef Rotini and Castle Wood® Sliced Salami
• Honey BBQ Pork Tenderloin
• Olive Garden Steak with Olive Garden® Italian Dressing
• Fruity Lemonade Cooler with Country Time® Lemonade and fresh watermelon

Several food pairings are sourced from recipes in Fresh, Fast & Fabulous (Version Three), an exclusive Sam’s Club cookbook provided to Open House guests while supplies last. You and your readers can download a digital version of the cookbook with inspiring recipes, cooking tips and brilliant photography at SamsClub.com/meals. “

A new warehouse sale in Lynchburg begins today and runs through April 21.

Some brands available at this sale include: Orvis, New Balance, Wolverine, Castaway Nantucket Island, Patagonia and more. The names of some other brands participating were not allowed to be announced.

This sale includes apparel for men, women, and children, work boots, running shoes and more. The hours are 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. Monday through Saturday and noon to 8 p.m. on Sunday.

Brand Name Liquidations is hosting this sale at 7401 Timberlake Road in Lynchburg. For more information, visit the company’s website or Facebook page.

The sun sets behind storm clouds prior to the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series auto race at Richmond International Raceway in Richmond in September 2012. AP Photo|Jason Hirschfeld

Today through Saturday (April 13) you can earn two free tickets to the Toyota Owners 400 when you make a $200 purchase at Kroger. The $200 must be spent in a single transaction and excludes fuel, pharmacy, gift cards, alcohol and tobacco purchases.

Once you reach $200, the ticket voucher will print on your receipt. To redeem the offer, call 866-455-RACE and mention “Kroger offer.” You’ll then be prompted to enter the nine-digit voucher number on your receipt.

Households are limited to two tickets and there is a limited supply — so call as soon as possible.

The race is being held on April 27 at the Richmond International Raceway.

For more information, call 1-800-576-4377.

Earn two free seats at Martinsville Speedway from Kroger. AP Photo/Autostock|Nigel Kinrade

(Update: I contacted Kroger to clarify that the purchase of gift cards is excluded from this promotion.)

If you purchase $200 in a single transaction at Kroger now through March 16 the grocer will give you a voucher for two free tickets to the STP Gas Booster 500 at Martinsville Speedway on April 7.

Once you hit the $200 goal a ticket voucher will print on your receipt. To redeem the voucher, call 877-RACE-TIX and mention “Kroger Offer.” Make sure you have the 9-digit voucher number from the receipt handy before calling.

Fine print:
*Fuel, pharmacy, alcohol and tobacco purchases are excluded from this promotion.
*There’s a limit a two free tickets per household.
*Limited ticket quantites are available.

Though fuel isn’t an eligible purchase for this promotion, it is worth mentioning that Kroger is giving out four-times the gas points for select gift card purchases now through March 30.

Friend me on Facebook or follow me on Twitter for more updates.

Have you ever attended an LFA event? Courtesy photo.

The popular LFA Kids Consignment event is being held this Saturday, March 2, through March 10.

There will be over 450 consignors at this event, so if you’re in need of some new gear for the kiddos be sure to stop by.

The biggest savings will be found March 8-10, when the prices are discounted even more.
*March 8: merchandise will be discounted 40%
*March 9: merchandise will be discounted 50%
*March 10 merchandise will be discounted 75%

Of course, if you’re looking for something specific I would recommend visiting the sale early — things will get scooped up pretty fast.

Here are the specifics:

What:
LFA Kids Consignment Event
When:
*March 2 – 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.
*March 3 – 11 a.m. to 6 p.m.
*March 4-9 – 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.
*March 10 – 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. 
Where:
3419 Orange Ave., Roanoke (former Kroger location)
Contact:
www.lfakids.com

Have you been to this sale? Tell me about your experience in the comments section below.

The As They Grow Consignment Sale is being held Saturday and Sunday at the NRV Fairgrounds in Dublin.

Items for sale include: Clothing (baby to small adult sizes), baby gear, furniture for kids, toys, board games, books, movies and more.

In addition to the consignment items, some vendors, like Tupperware and Amway, will also have booths.

Sale hours are 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Saturday and 1 to 5 p.m. Sunday.

For more information, visit www.astheygrowconsignment.com.

**Don’t forget to enter the Valentine’s Day-themed MAC giveaway. Enter by Monday here**

The Super Bowl is this Sunday, and whether you’ll be watching for the commercials, the half-time show or the actual game there’s a good chance you’ll be doing so with friends and family.

 Here are some money saving party tips for hosts and guests:

*Don’t stress over what to bring the host or prepare for guests, there are some great party foods that don’t require many ingredients (we’re talking 5 or less). Such as: these simple lemon bars, avocado hummus, pumpkin brownies, caramel apple grapes, Snicker salad, beer-cheese fondue , honey mustard chicken bites and pimiento cheese rolls (just to name a few).

*Skipping the prepared food in the grocery store will definitely save you some bucks, but if you’re really short on time (like, on your way out the door as you read this) check out these Hormel coupons on Coupons.com. There are coupons for Hormel chili, pepperoni, party trays, deli meats and more — tons of products that can be transformed into tasty game day treats in a hurry. There are also some great offers from other brands. If you can find any of this stuff on sale and use a coupon you should get a Super Bowl ring of your own.

*I’m usually not a big fan of “buy more, save more” sales because they can trick shoppers into spending more than they should, but that’s not always the case with beer or wine.
Kroger will give you 20% off wine when you purchase six bottles that are 250 mL or larger. Similarly, you can get 20% off beer when you buy four six-packs. If you’re stocking up for a party or would like to give the host(ess) a treat, this is a great deal.
It’s also possible save by purchasing larger cases, or buying your beverages at Sam’s Club. As always, be sure to drink responsibly.

*Invest wisely in your party. Let the TV be the main event and go minimal on the decor. What’s most important for a Super Bowl party? Plenty of seating, cups, ice, plates and napkins. Don’t be shy about asking guests to bring a little extra of a specific item or BYOB if necessary.

*If you do feel the need to dress up your home a little for the event check out the clearance section at Walmart, the dollar store or the grocery store. I’ve seen football-themed items on sale already and they’ll keep getting cheaper as we inch closer to Sunday.

 *Outside of Black Friday, the best time to buy a TV is around before the Super Bowl, and it’s no coincidence. If you’re dying for a new big screen or a fancy smart TV take this opportunity to pick one up and show it off during the big game.  For more details, check out this article from The Wall Street Journal.

Graphic courtesy of Downtown Roanoke, Inc.

The inaugural Downtown Roanoke Restaurant Week begins today. This is a great opportunity to try various restaurants downtown for a set price. You can pick lunch or dinner from 25 restaurants organized into three price categories: $10, $20 or $30.

Supporting the local food scene while getting a good deal? That’s fantastic.

For more detailed information, including a restaurant list and contact info, read this post on Lindsey Nair’s Fridge Magnet blog.

Lauren Ellerman has a vivid childhood memory of singing in a choir with her brother during Christmastime at a men’s clothing shop. She recalls her parents browsing for gifts while local families did their own holiday shopping, and everyone seeming so happy and spirited.

This is exactly the scene Ellerman, 33, is trying to recreate during the inaugural South Roanoke Holiday Open House from 6 to 9 p.m. on Monday.

During the event, locally owned shops and restaurants on Crystal Spring Avenue in Roanoke will offer discounts on food, beverages, clothing, jewelry and housewares. Ellerman herself is one of the owners of The River & Rail Restaurant, so she has a direct interest in inspiring folks to shop local this season.

Ellerman explained, “One of the major focuses of our restaurant is supporting local farmers. Supporting local [business] is one of the cornerstones of our own business, so it made sense to have our neighborhood support all of its local shops.”

There are 10 participants in the open house, all offering a variety of deals. Shoppers can get these special offers by purchasing a coupon book for $15 at any participating location now through the evening of the event.

The deals include:

* Garland’s on Crystal Spring: 10 percent off total purchase (except for Barbour brand) during the event.

* The River & Rail Restaurant: $50 gift certificates for $40 during the event.

* Fork in the Alley: Free s’more with the purchase of an entrée during the event, and $5 off a $20 purchase until Jan. 15.

* Tinnell’s Finer Foods: Half-off a pound of Benton’s Bacon until Jan. 1.

* The Second Yard: 10 percent off framed art and lamps during the event.

* Goldsmith’s Jewelers: Free cleaning and inspection of jewelry during the event and a $50 gift certificate for $25 (must be redeemed by Dec. 31).

* 7-Eleven: $10 off a case of wine and a free small Slurpee during the event.

* Bubblecake: Cupcake cards offering five cupcakes for $10 during the event.

* Stedman House Interior Design: 10 percent off during the event.

* Eric Fitzpatrick: The artist will be selling paintings in the Stedman House Building during the event.

It’s not all about the shopping, though. Ticket proceeds will benefit Family Promise of Greater Roanoke, of which Ellerman is a board member. The organization provides shelter to homeless families.

“The basis of Christmas is ‘there’s no room at the inn,’ and here we are providing shelter to people who need it,” Ellerman said.

If the event is held in the future another charity may be chosen, but the partnership seemed fitting and the selection was supported by other participants of the event this year.

So far, the response from participating businesses and neighborhood residents has been positive.

“Grandin has a wonderful holiday parade, Old Southwest has the parlor tour, downtown has Dickens — I thought it was about time for South Roanoke to do something neat for our neighborhood. I hope folks from all neighborhoods will come,” Ellerman said.

If the event is successful, she plans to hold it again next year.

For now, Ellerman is just hoping the finished product resembles that memory from her childhood.

“Next year I really need to get some cute kids singing I guess, to really make it complete.

For more information about the South Roanoke Holiday Open House, visit the event’s Facebook page at www.facebook.com/SouthRoanokeHolidayOpenHouse.

South Roanoke Holiday Open House
When: 6 to 9 p.m., Monday
Where: Crystal Spring Avenue, Roanoke
Cost: $15
Contact: 400-6830 or www.facebook.com/SouthRoanokeHolidayOpenHouse

This weekend marks the 24th annual Stocked Market hosted by the Junior League of the Roanoke Valley.

The event, held at the Roanoke Civic Center’s Special Events Center, is a yearly gathering of local and national vendors that unofficially kicks off the holiday shopping season in the Roanoke area.

I attended the Stocked Market for the first time last year. To be honest, I went in with pretty low expectations. What made this vendor show different from the others? But I walked out impressed and with a few shopping bags.

So, what does make this show different? The local vendors.

Of the 125 participants this year, about 30 are locally owned and operated. Popular businesses, such as Anne Vaughan Designs, Christy’s Apparel and Accessories, and Chocolatepaper, have booths full of products.

“Some shops even get new merchandise and save it to be debuted at the Stocked Market,” said Ginger Poole Avis, a Junior League member and co-chairwoman of the event with Ashley Feuerstein.

Add to that the fact that some shops offer special discounts or bargains during the three-day event.

On one of the days I attended last year, my mother purchased a rarely discounted Hobo wallet on sale at the Gone Coco booth. Other vendors offer discounts and incentives for buying multiple products.

If you’re looking to get pampered, the event has that covered, too. This year Polished by Claire V., Pure Spa and Spa La La will be offering select services on site.

Feuerstein explained that the show often gives the retailers a boost in their holiday sales. It has been so successful for The Gift Niche, for example, that the business has upsized its booth to the largest available.

Of course, there are also plenty of nationally recognized vendors with their own deals at the show, including Thirty-One Gifts, Tastefully Simple and Miche Bag.

“Our show is a different class of vendors. The booths are very holiday inspired and these merchants really put a lot of effort into the show,” said Feuerstein.

Santa will be making a stop again this year, landing by helicopter at 10 this morning. He will also be available for photos throughout the event.

“There’s something for everyone, we really get the family involved,” Avis said. “We’ve got generations of girls who come together. It’s really got a following.”

Though the event does cost more to get into than some other craft or vendor shows ($9 at the door, good all weekend, though children 12 and under are free), the proceeds benefit multiple local community organizations, including Ronald McDonald House, the Rescue Mission of Roanoke, CHIP of the Roanoke Valley, Roanoke Area Ministries, DePaul Community Resources and more.

Avis said that over its history, the Stocked Market has raised and given back more than $2 million to the community.

If you’re interested in attending, the remaining hours for this year’s event are 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. today and 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sunday. For more information, visit www.jlrv.org.

The full list of vendors includes:

Junior League / Information
JLRV Information and Cookbook – 100
Community Partner – 309
Community Partner – 409
Community Partner – 509
Community Partner – 709
Community Partner – 806
Children’s Clothing / Gifts
LindseyBoo Creations – 512
Simply Fun – 617
Southwest VA Ballet – 705
The Princess Place – 102
Food
Auntie Faye Spratt – 314
Bethany Hall – 302
Buckeye Chocolate Company – 411
Cherchies Specialty Foods – 101
Frontier Soups – 215
Herb works Oil and Vinegar – 205
Mama Lee’s Gourmet Foods – 808
Nectar of the Vine – 1009
Oil and Vinegar – 413
Rand Hill Inc/Darby Creek – 508
Snookie Snookerwitz – 201
Sweet Memories – 312
Tastefully Simple – 612
Why Not Indulge – 1005
Holiday / Seasonal
Print Marks – 604
The Gift Niche – 212
Home Interiors / Gifts
Artist – Sandra K Brunk – 207
Bath Fitter – 108
Clever Container – 612
Colonial Home Products – 606
Colonial Home Products – 206
Creative Solutions – 311
High Noon Textiles – 603
My Pillow Inc – 304
Occasionally Made – 707
Sassy Pads – 103
Scentsy Wickless Candles – 708
Silver Monkey – 308
Smith Mountain Promotional Designs – 809
Southern Distributors – 714
Stripes & Polka Dots – 1008
The Cottage Gate – 514
Two and a Half Sisters – 510
Whispering Willow Soap Co – 701
Willow Grove Gifts – 306
Wind Designs/The Flag Shop – 106
Jewelry
Accent Silver – 315
Ambage Jewelry Selections by Susan – 109
Anne Vaughan Designs – 605
B Cool Shop – 105
Button Jewelry – 602
Crystals of Hope – 609
Deco Jewelry – 1004
Dizzy Blondes Jewelry – 805
Etchings Inc – 711
Hofmann Designs – 313
J&K Enterprises – 209
Jewelry with Charm – 610
Juliette’s Jewelry – 503
Origami Owl Custom Jewelry – 612
Paparazzi By Brooke – 702
Rainbow Collections – 1001
Shiny Stuff – 704
Silpada Designs Jewelry – 310
Simply Silver of Virginia – 407
Turkam – Silver Joy – 1002
Upcycled Gifts – 801
Men’s Clothing / Gifts
OrigAudio – 402
Specialty
A little bit Hippy – 807
B. Invited – 208
Beco Ball – 1003
By Appointment Only – 608
C & S Enterprises – 405
Ceramica De Espana – 712
Chocolate Paper – 501
Clear Channel – 811
Cox – 810
Cruise One – 611
Cutco Cutlery – 618
Duncan – 812
Elite Cosmetics – 406
Ferguson – 1007
Gi Gi Enterprises – 507
It Works Global – 511
Kids Stop – 802
Lip Sense – 1006
Massaging Insoles – 305
Nerium International – 408
Ovations – 607
Pacabella – 403
Paw Paws – 703
Phoenix Trading – 804
Polished by Claire V – 303
Pure Spa & Spa La La- 513
Pursonal Hangups – 211
Roanoke Times – 301
Roanoke Valley SPCA – 710
Sock Drawer and More – 210
The Pampered Chef – 505
The Salvation Army – 104
The Woodrow Instrument Co – 615
Third Stone – 713
Thirty-One Gifts – 803
Tomboy Tools – 203
Touch of Purple – 601
Usborne Books – 404
WDBJ 7 – 1010
WOW Organizing Service – 612
Yoga Matty – 614
Your Imagination is the Only Limit – 307
Women’s Clothing / Gifts
Amore dei Cani – 616
Buckled to Go – 504
Cashmere Elegance – 502
Christine Collections – 316
Christy’s Apparel & Assessories – 213
Gone Coco – 706
Grace Adele – 202
Handbags & Accessories – 613
Just a Little Bling – 506
Miche Bag – 412
My French Boutique – 401
Ocean Threads – 214
Planet Wear – 107
She’s International – 410
Sole Creationz – 204

Match the number beside each vendor’s name to the map below and plan your trip!

Today through Monday shoppers can enjoy the popular Grand Home Furnishings Warehouse Sale, where you can find discounts up to 87% on all kinds of furniture.

The hours are today through Saturday, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.; Sunday, noon to 5 p.m.; Monday, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.

Here’s a breakdown on some of the deals:
* Sofas start at $198
* Recliners start at $277
* Leather sofas start at $298
* Master bedrooms start at $366
* Futons start at $199
* Dinette furniture starts at $158
* Children’s bedroom pieces start at $178
* Outdoor furniture starts at $98
* Mattress sets start att $99

A few notes about the sale: everything sold is in “as-is” condition, all sales are final, financing is available, there are no layaways (you must pick up your purchase at the time of sale or within one week of purchase) and delivery is available.

The warehouse is located at 1221 Rhodes Avenue, Roanoke. For more information, call 777-4971 or click here.

Click on the map below for directions.

View Larger Map

An overhead view of the ice skating at the Roanoke Civic Center. ERIC BRADY | The Roanoke Times

Ok, summer is officially over — it’s time for ice skating.

If you’re looking for a cheap family outing this weekend, check out the free ice skating available at the Roanoke Civic Center Saturday from noon to 3 p.m.

If you don’t have your own skates no worries, skate rentals will be free, as well!

For more information and the full list of ice skating dates at the civic center, click here or call 853-5483.

I love J.Crew sample sales (aka warehouse sales). I really, really do. So, I was jumping for joy when I finally got word of the next sale, which is THIS weekend.

The warehouse in Lynchurg (25 Millrace Drive) will be open on Saturday from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. and Sunday from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.

Click “Directions” in the map below to get directions from your house to the sale.

View Larger Map

I’ve written about these sales in the past (check it out here and here) and have gotten some amazing deals — we’re talking over $1000 worth of clothes and accessories for around $100.

After going a couple times, I’ve abandoned the idea that you have to be there early unless you’re looking for an extremely rare item, like a wedding dress. Our local warehouse is constantly replenishing their stock during the sale, so you may not really benefit from getting there early and waiting in line. Last time I went after lunch and walked right in with no trouble. I still managed to find a giant bag full of clothes, too!

The J.Crew discount store next door is also open during sale hours, so you may find some deals in there, as well.

For more information about the sale, call the Lynchburg store at (434) 316-6324. If you’d like to be notified about future sales, ask them to add you to their email list.

Have you ever attended a J.Crew sample sale? What was your experience like?

Belk‘s Semi-Annual Girls’ Night Out Fashion Event is slated for 5 to 8:30 p.m. Wednesday, Sept. 12 at stores across the Southeastern U.S. including both Roanoke locations.

Shoppers will receive 20 percent off regular and sale priced women’s clothing, shoes and accessories. Limited exclusions may apply.

According to a news release from Belk:

“Shoppers also have a chance to win an incredible  trip for two to Los Angeles, including $1,000 spending money and lunch with Adrienne Maloof, from The Real Housewives of Beverly Hills,  while enjoying food, drink, fun and more giveaways. See store for official contest rules and complete details.”

The Christiansburg Belk store will hold a girls’ night out event next month. NRV shoppers, mark your calendars for October 9.

Valley View Mall will be extending its hours this weekend in honor of Virginia tax holiday.

Stores will be open on Friday and Saturday from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m., and on Sunday from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m.

For more information about the tax free weekend, click here.

To contact the mall, click here or call 563-4440.

Sam’s Club will be hosting an open house this weekend, August 3 – 5, coinciding with Virginia’s tax holiday.

Friday through Sunday, non-members can make purchases at the store without the customary 10 percent service fee, according to an email from Mark Scott, Manager of Public Relations for Sam’s Club.

Sam’s Club has plenty of merchandise that qualifies as tax exempt, both clothes and school supplies, so this is a great opportunity to try out the Club if you’ve been considering a membership.

The retailer will also have special packages for college-bound students, like the Wake-Up Bundle, which includes a Keurig Signature Brewer, Donut House Coffee, Caribou Blend Coffee and an iHome alarm clock radio for iPad/iPhone/iPod for $276, or the Supplies Bundle, which includes a Visio Tablet, SwissGear laptop daypack, a 40-piece set of writing instruments from Bic, Post-It Notes and writing pads for $249.

Additionally, if your student signs up for a Collegiate Membership for $40, they’ll receive a $15 gift card, discounts on textbooks.com and an extra card for a lucky roommate or study partner.

For more information, visit Sam’s Club online.

To brush up on what’s included in this weekend’s tax holiday, click here.

It’s shaping up to be a beautiful Monday, so try to get out and enjoy the weather.

If you’re a baseball fan, it’s a great day to visit the ballpark.

The Salem Red Sox play at 7 p.m. tonight, and with this printable coupon (or the coupon on page 3 of the sports section) you can get into the game for just $1. Additionally, reserved seats are only $2 or box seats are only $3 with the coupon.

UPDATE

This workshop has been postponed. Look for further information this coming fall. If you have already signed up, you will receive more information via email.

END UPDATE

On Saturday, June 16 at 10 a.m. we’re holding another free couponing workshop: Everyday Couponing for Everyday People.

This workshop will be hosted by Chris Carter (who you might recognize from my local couponer story a couple months ago) at the Christiansburg Aquatic Center and will concentrate on how to save in the New River area.

Participation in this workshop is not limited to New River Valley residents, but the content will be specifically related to stores in that area.

If you’re a NRV resident who couldn’t make it to our other workshops, I hope you can make it to this one. Chris is full of great tips, and she really loves couponing!

To sign up, click the banner in the top right corner of the page or click here.

Watching movies together is a great family-friendly activity, but catching new releases at the theater each week gets expensive fast — multiple tickets, popcorn, drinks and candy, and you’re probably spending at least $50.

Luckily, during the summer throughout the Roanoke Valley you have a lot of ways to get the family into a flick without the hefty price tag.

Movies at the Tower

Movies at the Tower is a series of free outdoor movie showings at Wells Fargo Plaza in downtown Roanoke.

A family-friendly movie is shown once a month May through October, and concessions are available for purchase. The remaining dates this season are June 8 (“Cars 2”), July 13 (“Footloose”),
Aug. 10 (“The Muppets”),
Sept. 14 (“The Lorax”) and
Oct. 12 (“Zookeeper”).

Attendees are asked to bring a blanket or chair. Movies begin at dusk. For more information, visit www.downtownroanoke.org/events/movies-at-the-tower-2012.

Movies on the Lawn

This series of family-friendly movies is shown on the lawn of the Alexander Black House on Draper Road in Blacksburg.

The next showing will be on June 8 and feature “The Muppets.” Movies begin at dark and free popcorn is available. This event is free, but attendees are asked to bring a blanket or chair. For more information call 231-5200.

Movies at Longwood

Presented by Salem throughout the summer. The next showing will be May 27 and features “The Smurfs.”

The first 50 families will receive a free bag of popcorn, and additional food will be available for purchase. Additional movie dates include
June 23, Aug. 18 and Sept. 8. Movies begin at 9 p.m. and admission is free. Chairs and blankets are welcome. For more information call 375-3057.

Summer Movie Express

This is a nine-week festival at participating Regal Cinemas (the Christiansburg and Roanoke locations are participating) with select G and PG rated movies shown for $1 on Tuesday and Wednesday mornings at 10. This program begins June 12.

A portion of proceeds will be donated to the Will Rogers Institute. For more information, including the movie schedule, visit www.regmovies.com/summermovieexpress/.

Summer Kid Series

Carmike Cinemas presents 10 weeks of family-friendly movies shown every Thursday at 10 a.m. for $2. The $2 Movie Combo includes a drink, popcorn and movie admission. Showings begin on June 21 with “Puss in Boots.” The Roanoke Carmike location is participating. For more information, call 725-9800 or visit www.carmike.com/Promotions/119.

Looney Tunes Summer

The Grandin Theatre presents Looney Tunes Cartoon Summer on Fridays and Saturdays from June through August. These cartoons are free and begin at 10 a.m. each day, and the Friday show will be repeated Saturday. This series begins June 15.

Do you know of any other ways to save on family movies? Which of these events is your favorite?

The Salem Red Sox have a special deal for VWCC students, faculty and staff on Saturday (April 14).

Simply show up and show your ID and you’ll get into the 6 p.m. game for free.

Additionally, Virginia Western will have informational booths set up throughout the stadium providing information on registration and enrollment and summer camps.

If you can’t make the game this Saturday, all season long anyone with a VWCC ID will receive $1 off single-game tickets purchased at walk-up.

For more information about the VWCC and Red Sox connection, you can contact Tara Nepper at 857-6492 or tnepper@virginiawestern.edu.

Graphic by Back on the Rack.

The Back on the Rack consignment sale is happening now in Tanglewood Mall (the former Stein Mart space), and tomorrow through March 14 you can get even deeper savings.

Starting Saturday, the consignor will have 50% Off Days — everything included in the sale will be an additionial 50% off.

The sale includes seasonal and upscale items for newborns through teens. Some things you’ll find:

• Newborn through Teen Clothing, Shoes & Accessories
• Maternity Clothing
• Toys, Games & Puzzles
• Children’s Books
• Videos
• DVDs, CDs & Video Games
• Baby Equipment
• Bedding
• Furniture
• Indoor & Outdoor Play

The hours are:
Today – 10 a.m. to 8 p.m.
Saturday – 9 a.m.  to 8 p.m.
Sunday – 1 to 6 p.m.
Monday – 10 a.m. to 8 p.m.
Tuesday – 10 a.m. to 8 p.m.
Wednesday – 10 a.m. to 8 p.m.

Cash, check, VISA and Mastercard are all accepted.

Cinderella’s Closet events are a great way to clear your closet of formal items you no longer need, and an even better place to shop for them.

My colleague Miranda Beck has all the info on her So Salem blog about an upcoming event to benefit the Glenvar and Northside High School After Prom committees.

Here are the basics:

* 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday, March 17 at Melrose Baptist Church at 3520 Peters Creek Road in Roanoke

* Dress Drop off: 12 to 8 p.m. Friday, March 16, and from 8 to 9 a.m. Saturday, March 17.

* Registration is $5 per dress. Dresses must be clean and on hangers.

Big time events can be big time expenses, but the folks from the Piccadilly Circus are giving your wallet a break.

The circus will be in town for 3 shows (1, 3:30 and 6 p.m.) on March 11 at the Salem Civic Center. Pick up your tickets now from the circus’ website and you can take advantage of a buy 1 ticket, get 1 free offer.

Enter the code CIRCUS when purchasing your tickets to get the offer. These tickets are printable and will be available until 10 a.m. on March 11 (the day of the show). At that point, you’ll have to buy your tickets from the box office.

Children under 13 can also get in free by using one of the coupons available at various schools, pre-schools, day care centers and churches. Select businesses sponsoring the show also have these coupons available. Once I find out more about who has these coupons, I’ll be sure to update this post. The folks at the civic center are telling me the circus has distributed the coupons to most local convenience stores and gas stations. The civic center box office also has some available.

The William Byrd High School Booster Club is sponsoring an event called Cinderella’s Closet this Saturday and Sunday (March 3 and 4) at Tanglewood Mall.

If you’re in need of a prom dress or accessories, this would be a great place to start your shopping. Gently worn prom, homecoming and special occasion dresses and accessories will be for sale.

If you have some of these goods you’re ready to get rid of (I still haven’t parted with some of my formals from high school, it’s probably time), then you can also register to sell your dresses and accessories.

The registration to sell a dress costs $5, while the registration to sell accessories is only $2. If your dress sells, an additional $5 will be deducted, with $2 to be donated to the Battered Women’s Shelter. The remaining $3 and money taken at registration will benefit the Booster Club.

Registration is Friday (March 2) from 6 to 8 p.m., and unsold items can be picked up Sunday (March 4) from 4 to 6 p.m.

The sale hours are Saturday from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. and Sunday from 1 to 4 p.m.

For more information, email wbcheerboosters@gmail.com.

Warehouse sales are great opportunities to score some major bargains. You may have read a bit about them from me in the past, and now’s the time to put that knowledge to work.

The Grand Home Furnishings Warehouse Sale is happening this Saturday and Sunday at Grand’s Warehouse Outlet (1221 Rhodes Ave., Roanoke).

The hours are 8 a.m. to 7 p.m. on Saturday and noon to 5 p.m. on Sunday.

You’ll find discontinued styles, scratch and dent merchandise and overstock items up to 80% off.

Additionally, there will be free hot dogs, a free moonwalk and balloons for the kids and displays of the General Lee Dodge Charger and Ghostbusters car.

I would recommend coming prepared with a truck, but if that’s not an option Grand will have delivery arranged with a local delivery service. All merchandise must be picked up by March 11.

**Cash, check, Grand credit card, VISA, MasterCard and Discover will all be accepted.**

All sales are final and all merchandise is sold as-is.

Now that all the gory details are out of the way…have you ever been to this sale? Did you have any luck? I have, and I’ve been able to walk out with a few cheap odds and ends.

If you check it out, be sure to let me know what you find!

The Elizabeth Arden Warehouse (at 3030 Nicholas Ave., Roanoke) will be opening it’s doors Feb. 8 – 11, just in time for you to pick up any Valentine’s Day goodies you might need.

This is a great spot to pick up makeup, fragrances, travel bags and more. I usually end up walking out with at least one great deal when I visit.

The hours are Wednesday through Friday, 9 a.m. to 6 p.m., and Saturday from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.

For more information, call 983-6594.

This weekend, due to the Martin Luther King Jr. holiday, National Parks will have free entry.

Where can you take advantage of this deal in Virginia?
* Appomattox Court House National Historical Park 
* Assateague Island National Seashore
* Colonial National Historical Park 
* George Washington Memorial Parkway’s Great Falls Park
* Manassas National Battlefield Park
* Petersburg National Battlefield
* Prince William Forest Park
* Shenandoah National Park

Other free entry holidays include National Park Week (April 21-29), Get Outdoors Day (June 9), National Public Lands Day (Sept. 29) and Veterans Day weekend (Nov. 10-12).

For more information, click here.

[Update: The Roanoke Zaxby's will be offering veterans a free meal with a drink on Friday. Read more on the Fridge Magnet blog here.]

Friday, November 11, is Veterans Day. And while these special people deserve much more than some freebies and deals, here are some small ways some retailers and restaurants are showing their appreciation:

*7-Eleven stores will be giving away free small Slurpees to active, retired and veteran members of the military, and their immediate family, on Friday. Just show proof of current or former U.S. military service and you’re set.

*Applebees will be rewarding veterans and active duty military with a free entree from a select menu on Friday. All you need to do is show proof of your military service to redeem this deal. Check out more information here.

*This deal is not only good for veterans, but anyone who enjoys patriotic music. Now through Friday you can download a 12-song MP3 for free from Amazon, full of music from the bands and ensembles of the US military.
Just remember, Amazon’s prices can change at any time, so make sure it says “FREE” or “$0.00″ where the price is listed.

Show up in costume, get free stuff! Photo by CVS Pharmacy.

On Sunday (Oct. 23), CVS is having a Halloween party and customer event, and you’ve got a chance to earn some freebies by showing up.

Any child who shows up in costume will receive a free gift pack . The pack includes $5 in candy, toys, trick or treat safety items, $10 in coupons for additional Halloween products, and a free 5X7 photo, supported by an in-store costume photo shoot.

Sunday is a big day for CVS shopping, so get there early before they run out! Your kids will appreciate the treat, and you’ll appreciate the free coupons.