Discounts for senior citizens are fairly common but unfortunately rarely advertised. I had to do some major digging to get details for this column. Often the information wasn’t listed online or posted in shops, so what’s the average consumer supposed to do? I recommend you ask — ask everywhere you do business.

Part of the reason some businesses don’t widely post their discounts or offers for seniors is that they change often or vary by location. Restaurants are the best example of this. Many chain restaurants, both fast food and casual dining, offer a percentage off or free beverages to senior diners, but the deal often depends on the management.

For example, the Dunkin’ Donuts/Baskin Robbins location on Franklin Road in Roanoke offers seniors a 10 percent discount, but other locations, such as Dunkin’ Donuts retailers within WilcoHess gas stations, may not honor the same promotion.

The same is true for Hallmark stores. Locally, Jaclyn’s Hallmark stores offer a 10 percent discount on Tuesdays, but some other shops in the area offer none.

Some restaurants may also have a special menu for seniors. IHOP and Denny’s have a menu for diners age 55 and older that includes a limited number of discounted items.

Retailers generally offer special discounts on a certain day. Belk offers seniors a discount on the first Tuesday of each month. The discount is usually 15 percent, but can vary.

Retail locations that offer weekly deals include C.J. Banks (10 percent off on Wednesdays), Hamrick’s (10 percent off on Tuesdays), Ross (10 percent off on Tuesdays) and Kohl’s (15 percent off on Wednesdays).

By stacking coupons, sale prices and a senior discount, it’s possible to save a bundle on groceries. Local retailer Eats Natural Foods in Blacksburg offers senior shoppers a 15 percent discount. Each Tuesday, Kroger locations offer seniors a 5 percent discount on their total shopping bill.

It’s not necessary to be a member of AARP or AAA to save on travel costs as a senior. Most chain hotels offer discounts to seniors that range from 10 percent to 30 percent. These rates change often and can vary by location. Greyhound offers senior travelers a 5 percent discount on bus fare as well.

If you’re traveling to U.S. national parks, seniors can pick up a lifetime pass for only $10 — a huge discount compared to the $80 annual pass available to the general public. Staying in your own back yard? You can get a variety of discounted passes for Virginia state parks, too.

Movie tickets round out the collection of savings.

Valley View Grande 16 offers senior tickets for $8.50 all day, and Carmike 10 at Tanglewood offers tickets for $7.25 on weekdays or $7.75 on weekends. The prices at other Regal and Carmike theaters in Southwest Virginia, though, may vary.

Locally owned theaters have some promotions, too. The Grandin Theatre in Roanoke and Westlake Cinema in Hardy both offer seniors movie tickets for $7.50 all day. Occasionally, the Buchanan Theatre in Botetourt County has special showings with discounted senior prices.

What other senior discounts have you found around town?  Share your favorite deals.

National Coffee Day is this Saturday (Sept. 29). What better way is there to celebrate than grabbing up some bargains?

Check out these locations for free or cheap coffee this weekend.

Select McDonald’s locations across the East Coast (including the Roanoke Valley) have declared it National Coffee Week and are offering customers a free small Premium Roast McCafe coffee all day from now through Saturday.

7-Eleven stores are  have deemed Friday (Sept. 28) CofFree Day. Between 6 and 10 a.m. participating stores will be offering customers a free large coffee, cappuccino, latte or tea. For more information, click here.

Select Kangaroo Express locations are offering 12 oz. cups of Bean Street coffee for one cent on National Coffee Day (Saturday)  from 8 a.m. to noon. For more information, click here.

Participating Krispy Kreme  locations will also be celebrating on Saturday (Sept. 29). Stop by the doughnut shop for a free 12 oz. cup of coffee any time of day. Read up on the details here.

Dunkin’ Donuts  had great timing when they released this printable coupon offering a 10 oz. hot latte or 16 0z. ice latte for 99 cents. This coupon expires on Sunday (Sept. 30).

Happy National Doughnut Day!

Need something to brighten up this dreary Friday?

In honor of the delicious holiday, stop by Krispy Kreme today and pick out your free sweet treat. Or, go by Dunkin’ Donuts, where you can get a free doughnut with the purchase of any beverage.