Cheap Checklist
TRUNK SHOW
It may seem a bit early to be thinking about spring, but now’s the time to apply for The Park People’s tree distribution program, Denver Digs
Trees. The annual program adds lots of green to city blocks by offering free and low-cost medium and large shade trees. All Denver residents are eligible to participate, regardless of where they live in the city. The cost is $35 per tree — $10, if you live in one of the 28 targeted neighborhoods. Participants will rake in the savings, as the trees normally sell for $150. For 2021, only yard trees will be available; no street trees will be offered. (Digger crews will still be available for planting assistance.) Applications will be accepted online starting Feb. 1 with a deadline of March 1. Apply early and get your choice of tree variety specially selected for Colorado’s climate. If you have questions about the program, call 303-722-6262. theparkpeople.org/WhatWe-Do/Denver-DigsTrees/Apply-for-Trees
LOVE L A ND
Loveland is synonymous with Valentine’s Day. Romantic heartshaped love notes dot the streets, art and sculptures take new forms, and local craft brews are transformed into love potions. Things will be a bit different in 2021, but no less lovely or romantic. There’s a scavenger hunt to find Dan Cupid, with the chance to win a Loveland getaway. Valentinethemed lights can be found across the town to celebrate the season, as part of the “Something RED” art installations. Plus, Chapungu Sculpture Park in Centerra will be lit up in red and pink lights and sweetheart-themed decor. And, for creative types, “lovers” can help create a community mural on display at the corner of 4th Street and Lincoln Avenue along with artist Scott Freeman and the Loveland Museum. Dates and times vary. visitlovelandco.org
LOVELY LETTERS
More on Loveland, which has been spreading its love for 75 years. There’s no better place from which to send your Valentine’s Day cards and love letters. The Sweetheart City has officially started its 75th annual Valentine season by accepting cards and letters for its popular re-mailing program. The 2021 collector’s envelope artwork was designed by Corry McDowell and includes the following verse written by Judy Rethmeier: “Let’s unite our hearts this Valentine’s Day. Our Sweetheart City will lead the way.” Send your cards in a larger envelope to: Postmaster: Attention Valentines, 446 E. 29th St., Loveland, CO 80538-9998.
You must have proper postage on all of your correspondence, as well as on the larger, outer envelope. The deadline for U.S. destinations is Feb. 7. For those recipients within Colorado, it’s Feb. 10. (The international deadline is Feb. 1.) loveland.org/programs/valentine-re-mailing-program
B O X OF CHOCOLATES
Calling all chocolate lovers! This year, to avoid crowds, Historic Olde Town Arvada celebrates all things chocolate over a two-week period for its annual A Chocolate Affair. The chocolatey fun flows Feb. 1-15, with proceeds benefiting Ralston House. The sweet family event includes chocolate samplings from local merchants and chocolatiers, as well as a Sugarplum Treasure Hunt. Just prepurchase a sampling card at ralstonhouse.org/achocolate-affair. Then, visit participating shops and enjoy your complimentary sample. Each card is valid for one sample per location. Families can also travel through the Peppermint Forest in a quest to answer all the questions on the treasure hunt map. Submit the completed map for a chance to win a grand prize. Plus, lovers can buy a Lamp Post Heart to show the world what warms their heart. The hearts will be displayed throughout Olde Town Arvada during the chocolate celebration. ralstonhouse.org/ a-chocolate-affair
DOG DAYS
This February the city of Golden will have dogs wagging their tails with excitement. Goldens in Golden is typically held on International Golden Retriever Day, but will not be held this year as a result of the pandemic. However, there is plenty of in-person and online fun to celebrate the city’s connection to the beloved dog breed. Golden retrievers and their humans are invited throughout February to enjoy and explore Golden on their own, where a selfie station and various dog-friendly merchant deals, including free treats for the pups and patio dining deals at select restaurants and coffee shops, await. If you prefer to stay at home, check out @VisitGoldenCO on Facebook and Instagram for online activities, including giveaways and virtual hikes. If you bring your well-behaved golden to Golden, keep your pooch leashed and be sure to clean up after him. (Remember, too, to follow all social distancing guidelines and wear a mask.) visitgolden.com/events
SUB SAVINGS
Here’s a deal you can literally toast to with your frugal friends: For a limited time, Quiznos is offering a Toasty Deal of the Day for the famished on a budget. For $5.95, enjoy one of the chain’s toasty 8-inch subs (a different sub is available each day). The discount is not valid with any other offer and not available via any thirdparty delivery. quiznos.com/menu/5-dollardeal
DATE NIGHTS
Movie lovers are anxopen. ious to get back to sitting in a darkened theater and watching a flick on the big screen. Whether family, friends or lovers, one of the best date nights will always be going to the movies. It’s even better when you go on the cheap. Harkins Theatres has again raised the curtain on its popular Tuesday Night Classics. Every Tuesday night, the chain shows a classic or pop-culture favorite film at 7, with tickets just $5 each. Here’s what’s showing this month: Feb. 2. “Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles” (1990); Feb. 9, “The Notebook”; Feb. 16, “The Bucket List”; and Feb. 23, “The Goonies.” With the savings on tickets, you can splurge on snacks or treats at the concession stand. Harkins Theatres has two locations in Colorado: Arvada and Denver. harkins.com/movies/tuesday_night_classics
MUSEUM QU A LITY
Frugal families deeply missed the Free Days for most of 2020 at Denver’s museums and attractions. And one of the first to opens its doors again for complimentary admission is the Denver Museum of Nature & Science. Currently, the museum is operating under a limited capacity and following all safety guidelines. Tickets for Free Days should be reserved in advance, and are required for all guests, ages 3 and up. Tickets are released every Friday for the following two weeks. Here’s the remaining schedule for 2021: Feb. 8 and 28; April 25; May 23; June 30 (free night); Aug. 11 (free night); Sept. 1 (free night) and 20; Oct. 4; and Dec. 6. dmns.org/visit/pricingand-discounts/
KID ’ ST AB LE
Take a bite out of this special from Applebee’s Grill & Bar. Through March 10, every Wednesday, kids (12 and under) can eat for just 99 cents with the purchase of an adult entrée. You must mention the offer to your server. (To access the deal for online orders, select “Pay At Store.”) Kids can choose from a variety of picky-eaterfriendly entrées from the chain’s kids’ menu. There is a limit of two offers per adult entrée purchased. The offer is only valid at participating locations in Colorado. applebees.com