Lowell Folk Festival - A Great $10 Date

Nothing like a good cheap date or a bargain to give this girl a thrill. Here's this week's perfect summer weekend pick for a great date for $10 or less.

Lowell Folk Festival. Doesn't matter how your musical tastes run, there is something for everyone at this festival - the largest of its kind in the country. Polka, Bluegrass, Jazz, Gospel, Zydeco. Quebecois, Western Swing, honky-tonk, brass bands, and many more. Definitely, a fun time and the potential for dancin' in the streets. Music is free at one of 6 outdoor venues across the City. Ethnic foods and arts/crafts also available. It must be good - New York Times just identified it as one its top picks for a summer getaway!

And while you're in Lowell, check out these other great things to do...

Visit the Lowell National Historic Park. Take a canal boat tour and explore the Merrimack River. $10

Boott Cotton Mill Museum. Visit the weaving room. Learn about the Industrial Revolution, the labor movement, and the rise, fall, and rebirth of Lowell. $6

American Textile History Museum. Learn all about the history of textile manufacturing revolution in America. Current exhibits are quite good. $8 -but save yourself some money and use a $2 off coupon available.

The Best of the Beach at Low Prices

Raining today. Sunshine on Friday. This weather report reminds me that its time to pull together my summer beach survival kit. Here are my recommendations on getting the best of the beach at low prices. Save yourself time , money and effort by stocking up on these fun in the sun summer essentials:


Mass Park Pass. Unlimited day use parking pass at Mass state beaches and parks. Great fun to be had at Salisbury State Beach Reservation. Available for purchase at all state parks, the annual pass runs for $35.

Beach Towel. Old Navy's lush and plush beach towel in a nice leopard print is made for sun in the fun. Purrrfect!($12)


Sunglasses (polarized). Get in touch with your inner Jackie O, and protect your eyes from the sun with a great pair of polarized sunglasses from Chili's. Your eyes will never look so good($19)


Sunhat. Yup. Time to invest is a big ole wide brimmed hat from Target so that you age ever so gracefully. ($26)


Patchwork Plaid Beach Bag. Great carry all tote bag from LL Bean for the beach and beyond. Can't tell you the number of people who comment on its cute factor. ($19).


Waterproof Sports Watch. It's good looking. It's waterproof. It's inexpensive. And it's a Timex! Who could ask for anything more? ($15)


Water Bottle. These on the go water bottles from Rubbermaid can't be beat. Great leakproof top. $3.99 for a 20 0z bottle at your local CVS. $9.99 for a 6-pack of the bottles at your local BJs.


Coppertone Nutrashield Sunscreen. Get great skin protection and antioxidants to help reverse those little signs of aging on your face. Great broad spectrum of protection from SPF30 - SPF 70! $9.99 at most mass retailers like CVS, Target, and Wal-Mart . $3 coupon offered by Coppertone attached.