My last CL&P bill literally made me gasp, and I fill my car up every time it's down a quarter tank because I'm afraid gas prices will climb even higher in the next few months. If you're feeling the pinch, too, these frugal tips are for you. Whether you live in the Hartford area or are just planning a visit, I'll help you save money on everything from dining out to entertaining your kids.
10 Free Things to Do in Hartford
© 2006 Kim Knox Beckius
Hartford is home to historic and cultural attractions, many of which you can see absolutely free. Whether you're planning your first visit to Connecticut's capital city or you're a resident looking for something fun and affordable to do in your own back yard, here's a quick look at 10 free things to do right in Hartford.
Find Cheap(er) Gas in Connecticut
Want to find cheap gas in Connecticut? A couple of clicks can help you save a few pennies at the pump. I'll tell you how to use AAA's Fuel Price Finder to compare gas prices in your neighborhood.Cheap Eats in Hartford
Are you a college student with limited funds for food? Are you spending too much on lunches out? These Hartford-area restaurants have great food for cheap prices. If you are looking to eat out and have only $10, here are five places to try.Get Free Stuff from Your Neighbors
Need furniture for your new apartment? Clothes for your fast-growing toddler? Pet food? A pickle barrel? You never know what might show up on your local Freecycle message group. If your budget is tight, subscribe and monitor the postings in your area. You just might save big on something you need, and you'll help the environment, too, by keeping unwanted items out of landfills.Ride Hartford's Free Star Shuttle
© 2005 Kim Knox Beckius
Getting around in downtown Hartford is easy--and free--thanks to the Star Shuttle, a free shuttle bus service that connects the Connecticut Convention Center and the riverfront with downtown hotels, restaurants, shops and attractions. You don't have to be a conventioneer, however, to use this free transportation service, which makes it possible to get around in the city without a car. Hartford residents and those who work downtown are also welcome to use the free Hartford Star Shuttle. If you're tired of the same old lunch and after-work spots, think about taking the shuttle to another part of the city for a change, rather than getting in your car.
Free Things To Do with the Kids
© 2006 Kim Knox Beckius, licensed to About.com
When your kids moan that they're bored, that doesn't necessarily mean you need to open your wallet. Consider one of these free Hartford-area attractions that appeal to little ones:
- Jonathan's Dream: A Playground for All Kids
- West Hartford's Westmoor Park
- The First Company Governor's Horse Guards
The Best Hartford Bars with No Cover Charge
On a tight budget? Still want to go out and have fun in downtown Hartford? Here's your guide to the best Hartford bars with no cover charge.Shop at Consignment Stores
Consignment stores are a great place to find bargains on second-hand clothing and accessories. They also offer an opportunity to make some money by selling fashions you no longer wear or that your kids have outgrown. Here is your guide to consignment stores in and around Hartford, Connecticut.A Day Spa Where Even the Prices Are Comfortable
© 2007 Kim Knox Beckius
Have you ever wished you could transform your home into a spa-like oasis of calm, complete with a massage therapist, esthetician and nail technician at your beck and call? You likely don't have the means to make this dream a reality, but you can afford to pamper yourself at Scruples Boutique & Day Spa. With competitive prices for everything from manicures to massages and a cozy, homey atmosphere that will put you immediately at ease, you may soon count yourself among the repeat customers who have discovered the charms of this salon and day spa, located 25 minutes north of Hartford in Enfield, Connecticut.
