Savvy Traveling

This is national park week until April 29, and entrances to all national parks are free.  Now is a good time to visit the Indiana Dunes National Lake Shore, at the southern tip of Lake Michigan in Porter County.  Along with the adjacent Indiana Dunes State Park, it offers visitors a picturesque and unique experience in northern Indiana.

The park is composed of over 15,000 acres of dunes, oak savannas, swamps, bogs, marshes, prairies, rivers, and forests.  It contains 15 miles of Lake Michigan shoreline spanning the distance from Gary to Michigan City. Lake Michigan is part of the largest complex of freshwater lakes in the world. The national lake shore’s beaches are the park’s most significant recreational resource.

Enjoy the national lake shore every season of the year.  You can:

• Walk along the beach.
• Hike up Mount Baldy on marked trails.
• Explore the moraines left behind by the Wisconsin glacier.
• Discover the wonders of Pinhook Bog with a ranger.
• Learn about the Chellberg Family, an early 20th century immigrant family.
• Stroll along the Little Calumet River.
• See the Heron Rookery wildflowers. There are more than 1,135 native plant species distributed over six plant communities. Among all the national parks in the United States, it ranks seventh in plant diversity. This is an amazing feat for 15,000+ acres.
• Walk through the tall grasses of Mnoké Prairie.

Hikers will enjoy 45 miles of trails over rugged dunes, mysterious wetlands, sunny prairies, meandering rivers, and peaceful forests.  Immediately inland from the beaches, sand dunes rise to almost 200 feet in a series of ridges, blowouts, and valleys. Extensive wetlands fill many depressions between the dune ridges.

The national lake shore preserves an important remnant of a once vast and unique environment, resulting from the retreat of the last great continental glacier some 14,000 years ago. The park landscape represents at least four major successive stages of historic Lake Michigan shorelines, making it one of the most extensive geologic records of one of the world’s largest bodies of fresh water.

At 126 feet high and moving inward at an average rate of four feet per year, Mt. Baldy is the largest “living” or moving dune within Indiana Dunes National Lake shore.   Mt. Baldy consists of about a half mile trail straight up to the summit. The trail is steep at times, but due to the short length it is manageable even for those not in superior condition. The lookout from the summit is spectacular and the Chicago skyline can be viewed on clear days as well as the beach, and the surrounding dunes and forest.

From there it is an easy hike straight down to the beach for a well-deserved swim after sunning in the hot sun. Entry to the beach here is free in contrast to the West Beach and the beach inside the Indiana dunes state park, which runs $6.00 and $10.00 respectively, so the Mt. Baldy beach is the best bargain along the lake shore.

However, it is one of the most picturesque areas of natural beauty found in the Midwest and a must visit in the summer for a swim to escape the relentless 90 degree temps and high humidity experienced so far this summer.  There are no lifeguards here, so swim at your own risk.

Indiana Dunes National Lake Shore West Beach offers a great view of the Chicago skyline. Visitors come in droves to Chicago to see its spectacular skyline and many of these visitors flock to areas like Grant Park and areas along Lake Michigan to view one of the best skylines in the world.

It is also only 65 miles from downtown Chicago.  Take I-94 East past Gary and exit Indiana 49 at exit 26B.  A trip from Indianapolis is about 165 along I-65.  Stop at the Dorothy Buell Visitor’s Center just north of the interstate on 49 for maps and more info.  Turn east on U.S. 12 and at the far end of the park is the Mt. Baldy Trail.  It is approximately 8-10 miles east of Indiana 49.

Think outside the heart-shaped box.  Don’t let the lack of funds keep you from planning a romantic Valentine’s Day for your sweetie.  You and your wallet are friends – and you want to keep it that way. Try these free, romantic ideas.  Here’s to love!

• 

  "Love" sculpture at the Indiana Museum of Art.

  The famous LOVE sculpture at the Indianapolis Museum of Art was ranked by USA Today as one of the top ten locations for marriage proposals. Meander through the beautiful outdoor gardens situated on 152 acres of land.  Adjacent to the Museum and located on 100 acres that includes woodlands, wetlands, meadows and a 35-acre lake, 100 Acres: The Virginia B. Fairbanks Art & Nature Park is one of the largest museum art parks in the country, and the only one to feature the ongoing commission of site-specific artworks. Admission to the Museum, Lilly House and 100 acres is FREE. Check out www.imamuseum.org for more information or call 923.1331.

• Visit Easley Winery Downtown and receive a FREE guided winery tour on Saturdays and Sundays. More than 2,000 wine and grape-related gadgets, home accessories, glasses, wine racks and more are available. You can also enjoy a glass of fine wine and great jazz at the Easley Winery.  Visit www.easleywine.com for more information or call 636.4516.

• Did you know that the Soldiers & Sailors Monument located on the Circle is just 15 feet shorter than the Statue of Liberty? Visit the top of the Soldiers & Sailors Monument and get a top-notch view of the city. There is a $2 fee to use the elevator or walk the stairs for FREE. Visit www.in.gov/iwm/ for more details or call 232.761

• If it’s outdoor public art you enjoy, take a stroll along Massachusetts Avenue and admire talent of many different artists. The Mass Ave Arts & Theater Cultural District boasts unique, one-of-a-kind art in various locations that can’t be found anywhere else in Indianapolis. Find out more at www.discovermassave.com.

• Downtown Indianapolis displays the second largest number of war memorials in the U.S. next to Washington, D.C. Explore them all and learn about Indiana history at www.in.gov/iwm/.

• In an Old World atmosphere, the Indianapolis City Market hosts several shops and restaurants offering fresh produce, meats, baked goods, flowers and imported foods and coffees.  A variety of food stands offer traditional, ethnic and specialty cuisines.  Indianapolis City Market is home to the Indy Winter Farmers Market Nov. – April (Saturdays 9 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.).  Check out http://www.indycm.com for more details.

• Bundle up and stroll along the Indianapolis Cultural Trail. The world-class trail links all six Indianapolis Cultural Districts. Discover art and natural beauty any hour of the day on this fully lit, safe path through Downtown. Stop for a bite anywhere along the way at one of Downtown’s over 200 restaurants. For a map of the route, visit http://www.indyculturaltrail.org/map.html

• Located above the busy intersection of Washington and Illinois streets is the Indianapolis Artsgarden, a unique glass-domed structure suspended 17 feet over street level and rising to 95 feet above the ground.  Owned and operated by the Arts Council of Indianapolis, the Artsgarden provides residents and visitors with more than 300 free arts performances and exhibits each year. Visit www.indyarts.org for more details or call 624.2563.

• The Colonel Eli Lilly Civil War Museum, located in the Indiana Soldiers & Sailors Monument, tells the story of the Civil War through the experiences of Hoosiers who lived during that time.  The exhibits look at both the soldier’s experiences while away at war and the homefront activities that supported the war effort. Visit www.in.gov/iwm/ for more details.

Log on to www.indydt.com for more information on where to eat, play, park and stay.

Despite the push to start Black Friday sales on Thanksgiving, midnight Friday is about the earliest most shoppers are willing to hit the stores, according to Andrea Woroch, a nationally-recognized consumer and money-saving expert. Even midnight is pushing it for many of us, though Gap and Old Navy are doing their best to get people shopping on Thanksgiving Day.

If you’re the type who can’t resist a “doorbuster” bargain, you’re more likely to get true deals if you heed Woroch’s advice and avoid the following seven Black Friday pitfalls.
1. Just Because It Says “Sale”…
…doesn’t mean it’s really a sale. For example, many stores are advertising blockbuster prices on the Kindle e-reader, but check with Amazon and you’ll find there’s no difference between the regular and so-called “sale” prices. Do a bit of research before you leave home by comparing the prices between clicks and bricks.
2. Overbuying
Do you fall into the frenzy of Black Friday? Everyone is grabbing and it’s so easy to feel you might miss out on a good thing. Remember that list people always tell you to make before heading out? Well stick to it!
3. Not Checking for Quality
Many sale items are of substandard quality. Clothes are a particular example this season, as the increased cost of cotton drove manufacturers to use less of the popular raw material. Many hems aren’t properly finished, sleeves are shorter than normal, and manufacturers are using gathered seams to save on fabric. Consumer electronics also are subject to this syndrome. Look carefully before you buy.
4. Ignoring Coupons
There’s a reason the Thanksgiving newspaper is the fattest of the year. All those fliers contain some really juicy coupons. If you don’t receive a paper or are looking for extra deals, check the Black Friday page of CouponSherpa.com for offers from your merchants.
5. Comparing Apples to Oranges
Naming no names, but some big-box stores order electronics and appliances with a slightly different model name or number, so you can’t comparison shop properly. If you want to price check an item, compare features, and not model numbers.
6. Forgetting About Extras
One of the best examples here is the computer printer. Manufacturers like to offer printers at what look like blazingly great prices. Unfortunately, the printer ink or toner will cost the gift recipient more than the printer cost you. The same goes with batteries for larger toys and electronics.
7. Setting Your Sites on Freebies
Babies R Us is offering a free $10 gift card on toy purchases of $75, leading you to add enough items to your basket until you’ve hit the magic $75 mark. Express gives you $25 in Express Cash when you spend $50, which means you’ll likely spend more than the $25 on other purchases. Sometimes free isn’t really free.

$178 RT           Akron, OH (CAK)        330 day travel period (Delta, United)

$354 RT           Albany, NY (ALB)       (Continental, United, US Airways)

$214 RT           Albuquerque, NM (ABQ)          No min. stay (American, US Airways, Frontier)

$346 RT           Asheville, NC (AVL)    330 day travel period. No min. stay  (Continental, Delta, US Airways)

$118 RT           Atlanta, GA (ATL)       Nonstop flights. No min. stay. Fare can be bought one-way for half the lowest roundtrip fare. (Delta, AirTran)

$306 RT           Atlantic City, NJ (ACY)           No min. stay. Fare can be bought one-way for half the lowest roundtrip fare. (AirTran)

$118 RT           Augusta, GA (AGS)      No min. stay (United, US Airways)

$268 RT               Austin, TX (AUS)      No min. stay (Continental, American, Delta, United, US Airways, Frontier)

$268 RT               Austin, TX (AUS)      No min. stay. Fare can be bought one-way for half the lowest roundtrip fare. (Southwest)

$188 RT               Baltimore, MD (BWI) No min. stay. Fare can be bought one-way for half the lowest roundtrip fare. (AirTran)

$220 RT               Baltimore, MD (BWI) Nonstop flights. No min. stay. Fare can be bought one-way for half the lowest roundtrip fare. (Southwest)

$304 RT               Boise, ID (BOI)          No min. stay. Fare can be bought one-way for half the lowest roundtrip fare. (Southwest)

$226 RT               Boston, MA (BOS)     No min. stay. Fare can be bought one-way for half the lowest roundtrip fare. (Southwest)

$226 RT               Boston, MA (BOS)     No min. stay. Fare can be bought one-way for half the lowest roundtrip fare. (AirTran)

$274 RT               Boston, MA (BOS)     No min. stay. Fare can be bought one-way for half the lowest roundtrip fare. (Southwest)

$258 RT               Buffalo, NY (BUF)     No min. stay. Fare can be bought one-way for half the lowest roundtrip fare. (AirTran)

$226 RT               Buffalo, NY (BUF)     No min. stay. Fare can be bought one-way for half the lowest roundtrip fare. (Southwest)

$226 RT               Buffalo, NY (BUF)     No min. stay (Continental, Delta, AirTran, United, US Airways)

$340 RT               Charleston, SC (CHS) 330 day travel period. No min. stay (Delta)

$198 RT               Charlotte, NC (CLT)   330 day travel period. No min. stay (Delta, AirTran)

$156 RT               Chicago, IL (MDW)    Nonstop flights. No min. stay. Fare can be bought one-way for half the lowest roundtrip fare. (Southwest)

$118 RT               Chicago, IL (ORD)     Nonstop flights (Continental, American, United)

$118 RT               Chicago, IL (MDW)    (Delta) 

$301 RT               Cincinnati, OH (CVG)                      330 day travel period (Continental)

$138 RT               Cleveland, OH (CLE)  No min. stay. Fare can be bought one-way for half the lowest roundtrip fare. (Southwest)

$268 RT               Columbus, OH (CMH)          No min. stay. Fare can be bought one-way for half the lowest roundtrip fare. (Southwest)

$250 RT               Columbus, OH (CMH)          330 day travel period. No min. stay (Delta, Frontier)

$280 RT               Dallas, TX (DAL)       No min. stay. Fare can be bought one-way for half the lowest roundtrip fare. (Southwest)

$218 RT               Daytona Beach, FL (DAB)    330 day travel period. No min. stay (Delta)

$164 RT               Denver, CO (DEN)     Nonstop flights. No min. stay. Fare can be bought one-way for half the lowest roundtrip fare. (Frontier)

$164 RT               Denver, CO (DEN)     Nonstop flights. No min. stay. Fare can be bought one-way for half the lowest roundtrip fare. (Southwest)

$224 RT               Detroit, MI (DTW)     No min. stay. Fare can be bought one-way for half the lowest roundtrip fare. (Southwest)

$236 RT               Detroit, MI (DTW)     No min. stay (US Airways)

$284 RT               Detroit, MI (DTW)     Nonstop flights (Delta)

$338 RT               El Paso, TX (ELP)      No min. stay. Fare can be bought one-way for half the lowest roundtrip fare. (Southwest)

$198 RT               Ft. Lauderdale, FL (FLL)      Nonstop flights. No min. stay. Fare can be bought one-way for half the lowest roundtrip fare. (AirTran)

$174 RT               Ft. Lauderdale, FL (FLL)      No min. stay. Fare can be bought one-way for half the lowest roundtrip fare. (Southwest)

$228 RT               Ft. Myers, FL (RSW)  No min. stay. Fare can be bought one-way for half the lowest roundtrip fare. (Southwest)

$194 RT               Ft. Myers, FL (RSW)  Nonstop flights. No min. stay. Fare can be bought one-way for half the lowest roundtrip fare. (AirTran)

$204 RT               Harrisburg, PA (MDT)          330 day travel period. No min. stay (Continental, American, Delta, US Airways)

$240 RT               Hartford, CT (BDL)    330 day travel period. No min. stay (American, Delta, US Airways)

$240 RT               Hartford, CT (BDL)    No min. stay. Fare can be bought one-way for half the lowest roundtrip fare. (Southwest)

$178 RT               Houston, TX (HOU)   No min. stay. Fare can be bought one-way for half the lowest roundtrip fare. (Frontier)

$178 RT               Houston, TX (HOU)   No min. stay. Fare can be bought one-way for half the lowest roundtrip fare. (Southwest)

$178 RT               Houston, TX (IAH)    No min. stay (US Airways)

$322 RT               Jackson, MS (JAN)     No min. stay. Fare can be bought one-way for half the lowest roundtrip fare. (Southwest)

$244 RT               Jacksonville, FL (JAX)          No min. stay. Fare can be bought one-way for half the lowest roundtrip fare. (AirTran)

$118 RT               Kansas City, MO (MCI)        No min. stay. Travel between Dec. 13, 2011 – Jan. 5, 2012 (Continental, American, Delta, AirTran, United)

$178 RT               Kansas City, MO (MCI)        No min. stay. Fare can be bought one-way for half the lowest roundtrip fare. (Southwest)

$198 RT               Kansas City, MO (MCI)        Nonstop flights. No min. stay. Fare can be bought one-way for half the lowest roundtrip fare. (Southwest)

$236 RT               Las Vegas, NV (LAS) No min. stay (Delta)

$276 RT               Las Vegas, NV (LAS) Includes all taxes. No min. stay. Fare can be bought one-way for half t… (Southwest)

$793 RT               London, England (LHR)       Includes all taxes (Delta)

$256 RT               Los Angeles, CA (LAX)        No min. stay. Fare can be bought one-way for half the lowest roundtrip fare. (Frontier)

$288 RT               Los Angeles, CA (LAX)        No min. stay. Fare can be bought one-way for half the lowest roundtrip fare. (Southwest)

$256 RT               Los Angeles, CA (LAX)        No min. stay. Fare can be bought one-way for half the lowest roundtrip fare. (Southwest)

$354 RT               Lubbock, TX (LBB)    No min. stay. Fare can be bought one-way for half the lowest roundtrip fare. (Southwest)

$196 RT               Miami, FL (MIA)       Nonstop flights. No min. stay (American)

$258 RT               Miami, FL (MIA)       330 day travel period. Nonstop flights. No min. stay (American)

$178 RT               Milwaukee, WI (MKE)          Nonstop flights. No min. stay. Fare can be bought one-way for half the lowest roundtrip fare. (Frontier)

$178 RT               Milwaukee, WI (MKE)          No min. stay. Fare can be bought one-way for half the lowest roundtrip fare. (Southwest)

$238 RT               Minneapolis, MN (MSP)       No min. stay. Fare can be bought one-way for half the lowest roundtrip fare. (Southwest)

$278 RT               Minneapolis, MN (MSP)       Nonstop flights (Delta)

$138 RT               Nashville, TN (BNA)  No min. stay. Fare can be bought one-way for half the lowest roundtrip fare. (Southwest)

$118 RT               Nashville, TN (BNA)  No min. stay. Fare can be bought one-way for half the lowest roundtrip fare. (Southwest)

$264 RT               New Orleans, LA (MSY)       No min. stay. Fare can be bought one-way for half the lowest roundtrip fare. (AirTran)

$258 RT               New York City, NY (LGA)   No min. stay. Fare can be bought one-way for half the lowest roundtrip fare. (Southwest)

$264 RT               New York City, NY (JFK)     Nonstop flights (American, Delta)

$238 RT               Newark, NJ (EWR)     No min. stay. Fare can be bought one-way for half the lowest roundtrip fare. (Southwest)

$268 RT               Newport News, VA (PHF)     (Delta, United, US Airways)

$268 RT               Norfolk, VA (ORF)     No min. stay. Fare can be bought one-way for half the lowest roundtrip fare. (Southwest)

$298 RT               Oakland, CA (OAK)   No min. stay (Delta)

$298 RT               Oakland, CA (OAK)   No min. stay. Fare can be bought one-way for half the lowest roundtrip fare. (Southwest)

$224 RT               Omaha, NE (OMA)    No min. stay. Fare can be bought one-way for half the lowest roundtrip fare. (Southwest)

$168 RT               Orlando, FL (MCO)    Nonstop flights. No min. stay. Fare can be bought one-way for half the lowest roundtrip fare. (AirTran)

$198 RT               Orlando, FL (MCO)    No min. stay. Fare can be bought one-way for half the lowest roundtrip fare. (Southwest)

$212 RT               Pensacola, FL (PNS)   No min. stay. Fare can be bought one-way for half the lowest roundtrip fare. (AirTran)

$200 RT               Philadelphia, PA (PHL)         330 day travel period (Delta, AirTran)

$238 RT               Philadelphia, PA (PHL)         No min. stay. Fare can be bought one-way for half the lowest roundtrip fare. (Southwest)

$278 RT               Phoenix, AZ (PHX)    Nonstop flights. No min. stay. Fare can be bought one-way for half the lowest roundtrip fare. (Southwest)

$208 RT               Phoenix, AZ (PHX)    Nonstop flights. No min. stay (US Airways)

$162 RT               Pittsburgh, PA (PIT)   No min. stay. Fare can be bought one-way for half the lowest roundtrip fare. (Southwest)

$162 RT               Pittsburgh, PA (PIT)   330 day travel period. No min. stay (Continental, Delta, Frontier)

$292 RT               Portland, OR (PDX)    330 day travel period. No min. stay (Continental, Delta, United)

$292 RT               Portland, OR (PDX)    No min. stay. Fare can be bought one-way for half the lowest roundtrip fare. (Southwest)

$286 RT               Providence, RI (PVD) No min. stay. Fare can be bought one-way for half the lowest roundtrip fare. (Southwest)

$220 RT               Raleigh, NC (RDU)    No min. stay. Fare can be bought one-way for half the lowest roundtrip fare. (AirTran)

$220 RT               Raleigh, NC (RDU)    No min. stay. Fare can be bought one-way for half the lowest roundtrip fare. (Southwest)

$260 RT               Raleigh, NC (RDU)    No min. stay. Fare can be bought one-way for half the lowest roundtrip fare. (Southwest)

$366 RT               Reno, NV (RNO)        No min. stay. Fare can be bought one-way for half the lowest roundtrip fare. (Southwest)

$308 RT               Rochester, MN (RST) (Delta)

$288 RT               Sacramento, CA (SMF)         No min. stay (American, Delta)

$288 RT               Sacramento, CA (SMF)         No min. stay. Fare can be bought one-way for half the lowest roundtrip fare. (Southwest)

$248 RT               Salt Lake City, UT (SLC)      No min. stay. Fare can be bought one-way for half the lowest roundtrip fare. (Southwest)

$248 RT               Salt Lake City, UT (SLC)      No min. stay. Fare can be bought one-way for half the lowest roundtrip fare. (Frontier)

$124 RT               San Antonio, TX (SAT)        No min. stay (Continental, United, Frontier)

$148 RT               San Diego, CA (SAN) No min. stay (Continental, American)

$148 RT               San Diego, CA (SAN) No min. stay. Fare can be bought one-way for half the lowest roundtrip fare. (Southwest)

$274 RT               San Francisco, CA (SFO)      No min. stay. Fare can be bought one-way for half the lowest roundtrip fare. (Southwest)

$274 RT               San Francisco, CA (SFO)      No min. stay. Fare can be bought one-way for half the lowest roundtrip fare. (AirTran, Frontier)

$298 RT               San Jose, CA (SJC)     No min. stay. Fare can be bought one-way for half the lowest roundtrip fare. (Southwest)

$258 RT               Santa Ana, CA (SNA) 330 day travel period. No min. stay (Continental, American, Delta)

$258 RT               Santa Ana, CA (SNA) No min. stay. Fare can be bought one-way for half the lowest roundtrip fare. (Southwest)

$170 RT               Sarasota, FL (SRQ)     No min. stay. Fare can be bought one-way for half the lowest roundtrip fare. (AirTran)

$254 RT               Seattle, WA (SEA)     No min. stay. Fare can be bought one-way for half the lowest roundtrip fare. (Frontier)

$254 RT               Seattle, WA (SEA)     No min. stay. Fare can be bought one-way for half the lowest roundtrip fare. (Southwest)

$288 RT               Spokane, WA (GEG)  No min. stay. Fare can be bought one-way for half the lowest roundtrip fare. (Southwest)

$138 RT               St. Louis, MO (STL)   No min. stay. Fare can be bought one-way for half the lowest roundtrip fare. (Southwest)

$138 RT               St. Louis, MO (STL)   No min. stay (Delta, AirTran)

$158 RT               Tampa, FL (TPA)       Nonstop flights. No min. stay. Fare can be bought one-way for half the lowest roundtrip fare. (AirTran)

$176 RT               Tampa, FL (TPA)       No min. stay. Fare can be bought one-way for half the lowest roundtrip fare. (Southwest)

$198 RT               Tampa, FL (TPA)       Nonstop flights. No min. stay. Fare can be bought one-way for half the lowest roundtrip fare. (Southwest)

$196 RT               Tucson, AZ (TUS)      No min. stay (Continental, United, Frontier)

$232 RT               Tulsa, OK (TUL)        No min. stay. Fare can be bought one-way for half the lowest roundtrip fare. (Southwest)

$118 RT               Washington, D.C. (IAD)       No min. stay. Fare can be bought one-way for half the lowest roundtrip fare. (AirTran)

$118 RT               Washington, D.C. (DCA)      No min. stay. Fare can be bought one-way for half the lowest roundtrip fare. (AirTran)

$138 RT               Washington, D.C. (IAD)       No min. stay. Fare can be bought one-way for half the lowest roundtrip fare. (Southwest)

$236 RT               White Plains, NY (HPN)       No min. stay. Fare can be bought one-way for half the lowest roundtrip fare. (AirTran)

$346 RT               Wichita, KS (ICT)      No min. stay. Fare can be bought one-way for half the lowest roundtrip fare. (AirTran)

On this palindrome Veterans Day – 11/11/11 — there’s a thrice-fold reason to thank active military and veterans for their service. Many merchants, restaurants and entertainment facilities have stepped up to the plate with freebies that show their appreciation. To show his gratitude, Coupon Sherpa compiled a comprehensive list of 35 Veterans Day Freebies.

Here are 11 of the best, some of which you may not have found elsewhere. Keep in mind you’ll usually need to show some form of military identification and should call ahead to make sure your local franchise is participating.

1. Cabela’s Outdoor Store
Employee discount of 5% to 50% – Nov. 11 to 12
Applies to: Veterans, active-duty military and reserves, law enforcement, fire and EMS personnel

2. Chili’s
Free meal – Nov. 11
Applies to: Active duty and veterans
Chili’s is offering a choice of one of six meals on a dine-in-only basis. Beverages and gratuity not included.

3. Denny’s
Free Grand Slam breakfast – Nov. 11
Applies to: Active military or veterans
Available only at participating locations.

4. McCormick & Schmick’s Seafood Restaurants
Free lunch or dinner entrée – Nov 13
Applies to: Veterans
This is the 13th Annual Veteran’s Appreciation Event at McCormick & Schmick’s.

5. Grace For Vets
Free car wash – Nov. 11
Applies to: Active duty, veterans and service personnel
Since 2004, thousands of car-wash businesses have participated in this national event, sponsored by Grace For Vets.

6. Hy-Vee
Free breakfast buffet – Nov. 11
Applies to: Active military and veterans
Available at participating Hy-Vee grocery store with in-store dining.

7. Macy’s
Use promo code VET15 and receive 10% to 15% off – through Nov. 13
Applies to: Everyone

8. Spaghetti Warehouse
11-cents meal with coupon – Nov. 11
Applies to: Everyone
Like Spaghetti Warehouse on Facebook and get a serving of lasagna, spaghetti and meatballs, or any original recipe spaghetti entree for just 11 cents.

9. SUBWAY
Free six-inch sub – Nov. 11
Applies to: Veterans
SUBWAY restaurants are franchises, so this offer may not be available everywhere.

10. Bed & Breakfasts
Free night’s stay – Nov. 11.
Applies to: Active military and veterans and one guest
B&B for Vets is offering veterans a free night’s stay at more than 485 participating bed and breakfasts across the US and Canada.

11. Texas Roadhouse
Free lunch – 11 a.m. to 2 p.m., Nov. 11
Applies to: Veterans and active duty military
Dine-in only

B&B’s FOR VETS Innkeepers want to say thank you to those who’ve served their country by inviting veterans to wake up on 11-11-11 in a B&B. Inns and B&B’s throughout North America will open their doors to active and retired military and vets and one guest by offering a free room to those who’ve served in the military on Thursday, November 10, 2011.

While hundreds of inns and B&B’s have signed on to provide rooms, they will be reserved quickly, so review the list below from innkeepers in the U.S. and reserve your room while space is available.

For a complete list of Canadian inns and B&B’s participating in the B&B’s for Vets program, visit BBCanada.com’s B&B’s for Vets page and search by province.

From the entire B&B industry, thank you to all those who are presently serving or have served to protect our freedom.

Instructions for Vets:

1. Vets – please contact the inns and B&Bs directly to reserve your room.
2. Rooms are complimentary for Thursday, November 10, 2011 for vets and one guest; most rooms accommodate two guests only.
3. Proof of veteran status may be requested.
4. Vets – please note no fees will be charged for a reserved one-night veteran’s stay but a credit card may be required to book your stay. Credit card or cash may be accepted for add-ons and additional nights. While policies vary from inn to inn, the full rate may be charged if the complimentary room night is not occupied or not canceled in a timely manner according to the inn’s standard reservation practices or cancellation period set for this special event. Please be considerate if your plans change; most inns will have a waiting list for their complimentary rooms, and a proper cancellation will always be filled with a fellow deserving vet.

Here are this week’s best flight deals from Indianapolis International Airport:
• $346 RT Asheville, NC (AVL) 330 day travel period. No min. stay (Continental, Delta, US Airways)
• $118 RT Atlanta, GA (ATL) Nonstop flights. No min. stay. Fare can be bought one-way for half the … (AirTran)
• $306 RT Atlantic City, NJ (ACY) No min. stay. Fare can be bought one-way for half the lowest roundtrip … (AirTran)
• $264 RT Austin, TX (AUS) No min. stay (Continental, American, Delta)
• $264 RT Austin, TX (AUS) No min. stay. Fare can be bought one-way for half the lowest roundtrip … (Southwest)
• $212 RT Baltimore, MD (BWI) 330 day travel period. No min. stay (Delta, US Airways)
• $226 RT Baltimore, MD (BWI) No min. stay. Fare can be bought one-way for half the lowest roundtrip … (Southwest)
• $314 RT Boise, ID (BOI) No min. stay. Fare can be bought one-way for half the lowest roundtrip … (Southwest)
• $318 RT Boston, MA (BOS) Nonstop flights. No min. stay (Delta)
• $278 RT Boston, MA (BOS) No min. stay. Fare can be bought one-way for half the lowest roundtrip … (Southwest)
• $346 RT Charleston, SC (CHS) 330 day travel period. No min. stay (Delta)
• $198 RT Charlotte, NC (CLT) 330 day travel period (Delta)
• $178 RT Chicago, IL (MDW) No min. stay (Delta)
• $118 RT Chicago, IL (MDW) No min. stay. Fare can be bought one-way for half the lowest roundtrip … (Southwest)
• $118 RT Chicago, IL (ORD) Nonstop flights (Continental, American, United)
• $296 RT Cincinnati, OH (CVG) 330 day travel period (Continental, Delta, United)
• $118 RT Cleveland, OH (CLE) No min. stay. Fare can be bought one-way for half the lowest roundtrip … (Southwest)
• $254 RT Columbus, OH (CMH) 330 day travel period. No min. stay (Delta, Frontier)
• $278 RT Dallas, TX (DFW) 330 day travel period. Nonstop flights (American)
• $286 RT Dallas, TX (DAL) No min. stay. Fare can be bought one-way for half the lowest roundtrip … (Southwest)
• $224 RT Daytona Beach, FL (DAB) 330 day travel period. No min. stay (US Airways)
• $178 RT Denver, CO (DEN) Nonstop flights. No min. stay. Fare can be bought one-way for half the … (Southwest)
• $178 RT Denver, CO (DEN) Nonstop flights. No min. stay (Continental, United, Frontier)
• $118 RT Detroit, MI (DTW) No min. stay. Fare can be bought one-way for half the lowest roundtrip … (Southwest)
• $178 RT Detroit, MI (DTW) (Delta)
• $643 RT Dublin, Ireland (DUB) Winter travel including tax (Continental, United)
• $348 RT El Paso, TX (ELP) No min. stay. Fare can be bought one-way for half the lowest roundtrip … (Southwest)
• $208 RT Ft. Lauderdale, FL (FLL) Nonstop flights. No min. stay. Fare can be bought one-way for half the … (AirTran)
• $192 RT Ft. Lauderdale, FL (FLL) No min. stay. Fare can be bought one-way for half the lowest roundtrip … (Southwest)
• $208 RT Harrisburg, PA (MDT) 330 day travel period. No min. stay (Delta, US Airways)
• $274 RT Houston, TX (IAH) Nonstop flights (Continental)
• $234 RT Houston, TX (HOU) No min. stay. Fare can be bought one-way for half the lowest roundtrip … (AirTran, Frontier)
• $234 RT Houston, TX (HOU) No min. stay. Fare can be bought one-way for half the lowest roundtrip … (Southwest)
• $258 RT Jacksonville, FL (JAX) No min. stay. Fare can be bought one-way for half the lowest roundtrip … (Southwest)
• $158 RT Kansas City, MO (MCI) No min. stay. Fare can be bought one-way for half the lowest roundtrip … (AirTran)
• $158 RT Kansas City, MO (MCI) No min. stay. Fare can be bought one-way for half the lowest roundtrip … (Southwest)
• $308 RT Las Vegas, NV (LAS) Nonstop flights. No min. stay. Fare can be bought one-way for half the … (Southwest)
• $268 RT Las Vegas, NV (LAS) No min. stay (Continental, American, Delta, US Airways, Frontier)
• $284 RT Los Angeles, CA (LAX) No min. stay. Fare can be bought one-way for half the lowest roundtrip … (Southwest)
• $264 RT Manchester, NH (MHT) No min. stay. Fare can be bought one-way for half the lowest roundtrip … (Southwest)
• $268 RT Miami, FL (MIA) 330 day travel period. Nonstop flights. No min. stay (American)
• $234 RT Minneapolis, MN (MSP) No min. stay. Fare can be bought one-way for half the lowest roundtrip … (AirTran)
• $268 RT Nashville, TN (BNA) No min. stay (Delta)
• $118 RT Nashville, TN (BNA) No min. stay (Delta)
• $118 RT Nashville, TN (BNA) No min. stay. Fare can be bought one-way for half the lowest roundtrip … (Southwest)
• $278 RT New Orleans, LA (MSY) No min. stay. Fare can be bought one-way for half the lowest roundtrip … (Southwest)
• $264 RT New York City, NY (LGA) No min. stay. Fare can be bought one-way for half the lowest roundtrip … (Southwest)
• $238 RT Newark, NJ (EWR) No min. stay. Fare can be bought one-way for half the lowest roundtrip … (Southwest)
• $284 RT Newark, NJ (EWR) Nonstop flights (Continental)
• $274 RT Norfolk, VA (ORF) No min. stay. Fare can be bought one-way for half the lowest roundtrip … (Southwest)
• $264 RT Oakland, CA (OAK) No min. stay. Fare can be bought one-way for half the lowest roundtrip … (Southwest)
• $278 RT Ontario, CA (ONT) No min. stay. Fare can be bought one-way for half the lowest roundtrip … (Southwest)
• $264 RT Orlando, FL (MCO) Nonstop flights. No min. stay. Fare can be bought one-way for half the … (AirTran)
• $248 RT Orlando, FL (MCO) No min. stay. Fare can be bought one-way for half the lowest roundtrip … (AirTran)
• $240 RT Pensacola, FL (PNS) No min. stay. Fare can be bought one-way for half the lowest roundtrip … (AirTran)
• $178 RT Phoenix, AZ (PHX) No min. stay. Fare can be bought one-way for half the lowest roundtrip … (AirTran)
• $178 RT Phoenix, AZ (PHX) Nonstop flights. No min. stay. Fare can be bought one-way for half the … (Southwest)
• $166 RT Pittsburgh, PA (PIT) 330 day travel period. No min. stay (Continental)
• $166 RT Pittsburgh, PA (PIT) No min. stay. Fare can be bought one-way for half the lowest roundtrip … (Southwest)
• $264 RT Providence, RI (PVD) No min. stay. Fare can be bought one-way for half the lowest roundtrip … (Southwest)
• $224 RT Raleigh, NC (RDU) No min. stay. Fare can be bought one-way for half the lowest roundtrip … (Southwest)
• $224 RT Raleigh, NC (RDU) No min. stay (AirTran)
• $376 RT Reno, NV (RNO) No min. stay. Fare can be bought one-way for half the lowest roundtrip … (Southwest)
• $376 RT Sacramento, CA (SMF) No min. stay. Fare can be bought one-way for half the lowest roundtrip … (Southwest)
• $238 RT Salt Lake City, UT (SLC) No min. stay. Fare can be bought one-way for half the lowest roundtrip … (Frontier)
• $248 RT Salt Lake City, UT (SLC) No min. stay. Fare can be bought one-way for half the lowest roundtrip … (Southwest)
• $258 RT San Diego, CA (SAN) No min. stay. Fare can be bought one-way for half the lowest roundtrip … (Southwest)
• $264 RT San Francisco, CA (SFO) No min. stay. Fare can be bought one-way for half the lowest roundtrip … (Southwest)
• $264 RT San Jose, CA (SJC) No min. stay. Fare can be bought one-way for half the lowest roundtrip … (Southwest)
• $258 RT Santa Ana, CA (SNA) No min. stay. Fare can be bought one-way for half the lowest roundtrip … (Southwest)
• $216 RT Sarasota, FL (SRQ) No min. stay. Fare can be bought one-way for half the lowest roundtrip … (AirTran)
• $262 RT Seattle, WA (SEA) No min. stay. Fare can be bought one-way for half the lowest roundtrip … (Southwest)
• $278 RT Spokane, WA (GEG) No min. stay. Fare can be bought one-way for half the lowest roundtrip … (Southwest)
• $206 RT St. Louis, MO (STL) No min. stay (AirTran)
• $234 RT St. Louis, MO (STL) No min. stay. Fare can be bought one-way for half the lowest roundtrip … (Southwest)
• $212 RT Tampa, FL (TPA) No min. stay. Fare can be bought one-way for half the lowest roundtrip … (AirTran)
• $212 RT Tampa, FL (TPA) Nonstop flights. No min. stay. Fare can be bought one-way for half the … (Southwest)
• $238 RT Tulsa, OK (TUL) No min. stay. Fare can be bought one-way for half the lowest roundtrip … (Southwest)
• $284 RT Washington, D.C. (IAD) No min. stay. Fare can be bought one-way for half the lowest roundtrip … (Southwest)
• $198 RT Washington, D.C. (DCA) Nonstop flights. No min. stay (Delta, US Airways)
• $198 RT Washington, D.C. (IAD) No min. stay (Delta)
• $164 RT West Palm Beach, FL (PBI) No min. stay. Fare can be bought one-way for half the lowest roundtrip … (AirTran)
• $300 RT White Plains, NY (HPN) No min. stay. Fare can be bought one-way for half the lowest roundtrip … (AirTran)
• $378 RT Wichita, KS (ICT) 330 day travel period. No min. stay (Continental, American, Delta, AirTran, United)

Southwest and AirTran have rolled fare sales for customers pay based on how far they fly.

Flights of 450 miles or less are on sale for $35 each way – or less than $95 round-trip, including taxes and fees.  For flights between 451 and 1,000 miles, sale fares are $65 each way (plus taxes and fees).

That jumps to $95 each way for flights of 1,001 to 1,500 miles and tops out at $125 each way for flights of more than 1,500 miles.

AirTran Sale fares between Indianapolis and:

Atlanta                                                 $35

Atlantic City                                        $95

Baltimore                                             $65

Boston                                                   $65

Branson                                                $65

Buffalo/Niagara                                 $65

Charlotte                                              $65

Denver                                                  $65

Ft. Lauderdale                                    $95

Ft. Myers                                              $65

Houston (Hobby)                               $65

Jacksonville                                         $65

Kansas City                                          $65

Key West                                               $95

Las Vegas                                             $125

Los Angeles (LAX)                             $125

Memphis                                               $65

Minneapolis/St. Paul                         $65

New Orleans                                         $65

New York (LaGuardia)                       $65

Newport News/Williamsburg          $65

Orlando                                                  $65

Pensacola/Gulf Coast                          $65

Philadelphia                                          $65

Phoenix                                                   $95

Pittsburgh                                               $35

Raleigh/Durham                                  $65

Richmond                                               $65

Rochester                                                $95

San Antonio                                            $65

San Francisco                                       $125

San Juan                                                $125

Sarasota/Bradenton                             $65

Seattle                                                     $125

St. Louis                                                   $35

Tampa                                                      $65

Washington, D.C. (Dulles)                  $65

Washington, D.C. (Reagan Nat’l)      $65

West Palm Beach                                   $65

White Plains                                            $95

Wichita                                                     $95

Airtran Terms & Conditions

• Fares shown do not include Airport Passenger Facility Charges of up to $18 round trip.
• The September 11th security fee of up to $10 round trip is not included.
• Fares do not include segment taxes of $3.70 per segment. A segment is defined as a takeoff and a landing.
• Fares to/from Puerto Rico do not include additional government taxes of up to $32.60 round trip.
• All fares are non-refundable and a $75 fee per person applies to any change made after purchase, plus any applicable increase in airfare.
• Purchase by October 20, 2011, 11:59 pm Eastern Time.
• Domestic and San Juan, Puerto Rico travel from November 30 through December 14, 2011 and January 4 through February 15, 2012.
• If you are unable to locate a particular fare, try searching on different travel dates or times, as fares are subject to availability and sell out quickly.

Southwest flights from Indianapolis:

• To Albany for as low as $65 one-way
• To Albuquerque for as low as $95 one-way
• To Amarillo for as low as $65 one-way
• To Austin for as low as $65 one-way
• To Baltimore for as low as $65 one-way
• To Birmingham for as low as $35 one-way
• To Boise for as low as $125 one-way
• To Boston for as low as $65 one-way
• To Buffalo for as low as $65 one-way
• To Burbank for as low as $125 one-way
• To Charleston for as low as $65 one-way
• To Chicago for as low as $35 one-way
• To Cleveland for as low as $35 one-way
• To Dallas for as low as $65 one-way
• To Denver for as low as $65 one-way
• To Detroit for as low as $35 one-way
• To Ft. Lauderdale for as low as $95 one-way
• To Greenville/Spartanburg for as low as $35 one-way
• To Hartford for as low as $65 one-way
• To Jackson for as low as $65 one-way
• To Jacksonville for as low as $65 one-way
• To Kansas City for as low as $65 one-way
• To Las Vegas for as low as $125 one-way
• To Little Rock for as low as $65 one-way
• To Long Island for as low as $65 one-way
• To Los Angeles for as low as $125 one-way
• To Manchester for as low as $65 one-way
• To Milwaukee for as low as $35 one-way
• To Minneapolis/St. Paul for as low as $65 one-way
• To Nashville for as low as $35 one-way
• To New Orleans for as low as $65 one-way
• To New York for as low as $65 one-way
• To Newark for as low as $65 one-way
• To Norfolk for as low as $65 one-way
• To Oakland for as low as $125 one-way
• To Oklahoma City for as low as $65 one-way
• To Omaha for as low as $65 one-way
• To Ontario/LA for as low as $125 one-way
• To Orange County for as low as $125 one-way
• To Orlando for as low as $65 one-way
• To Panama City Beach for as low as $65 one-way
• To Philadelphia for as low as $65 one-way
• To Phoenix for as low as $95 one-way
• To Pittsburgh for as low as $35 one-way
• To Providence for as low as $65 one-way
• To Raleigh/Durham for as low as $65 one-way
• To Reno/Tahoe for as low as $125 one-way
• To San Antonio for as low as $65 one-way
• To San Diego for as low as $125 one-way
• To San Francisco for as low as $125 one-way
• To Spokane for as low as $125 one-way
• To St. Louis for as low as $35 one-way
• To Tampa Bay for as low as $65 one-way
• To Tulsa for as low as $65 one-way
• To Washington for as low as $65 one-way

Southwest Terms & Conditions

• Fares do not include federal excise tax of $3.70 for each flight segment. A flight segment is defined as a takeoff and a landing.
• Fares do not include airport-assessed passenger facility charges (PFC) of up to $9.00 and government-imposed September 11th Security Fee of up to $5.00 one-way.
• Available only on southwest.com or swabiz.com.
• Purchase from October 18 through October 20, 2011, 11:59 pm Pacific Standard Time.
• Travel November 30 through December 14, 2011 and January 4 through February 15, 2012.
• Travel is valid every day except Sundays.
• Seats are limited. Fares may vary by destinations, flight, and day of week and won’t be available on some flights that operate during very busy travel times and holiday periods.
• Fares are available for one-way travel.
• Fares may be combined with other fares.
• Fares are not combinable with Senior Fares.
• When combining fares, all rules and restrictions apply.
• Fares are nonrefundable but may be applied toward future travel on Southwest Airlines.
• Fares are not available through Group Desk.
• Any change in itinerary may result in an increase in fare. Standby travel requires an upgrade to the Anytime fare.
• Fares are subject to change until ticketed.
• Offer applies to published, scheduled service only.
• Rapid Rewards Point redemption requires payment of the government-imposed September 11th Security Fee of up to $10 per roundtrip.  All Rapid Rewards rules and regulations apply.
• View sale FAQs

The sale fares are available on all days of the week except Sundays.

Source:  www.airfarewatchdog.com