You choose: Fun or a Fill-up?
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With the cost of filling up the tank running about $50 these days -- give or take a five spot or so depending on the size of your tank and the grade of gas -- we were wondering: What else can you get for $50 if you wanted to have a little fun? And if gas prices remain high, which would or could you do without -- the gas or the fun? Maybe it's some combination -- a little less gas, and a little less fun (walking a golf course, for example, instead of using a cart or having water with your meal instead of a pop or beer). Let us know what you think by sending us an e-mail at business@post-gazette.com
ALL WET
The county pools are a bargain. With adult admission at $4 and children at $3, a family of four could have $36 left for snacks and sunscreen.
SWIMMING AND A MOVIE
Admission for family of five to Sandcastle drive-In movie night ($25), plus snacks (5 popcorn, $7.50; 5 large drinks, $10; one cotton candy, $2.25; one soft pretzel, $1.75; one nachos and cheese, $3.50, subtotal, $25) total $50.
JUST A MOVIE
Catch a summer blockbuster at AMC Waterfront for four adults, one child and one senior citizen -- with a few dollars left over for popcorn.
GRAB A BITE
Cheeseburgers (6 ounce) for two at Max & Erma's with two 16 ounce draft Rolling Rock beers (while they're still brewed in Latrobe), BBQ Chicken Quesadilla for an appetizer and two pieces of chocolate cake for desert. Includes tax and tip.
SWEET REWARDS
Treating your daughter's softball team (15 players) to a two-scoop sugar or cake cone at Bruster's after the game (approximately $3.25 per cone; prices vary by location)
PLAY BALL
A group of four can buy cheap seats to a Pirates game ($9 apiece). The remaining $14 won't go far once you pay for parking, so you'd better buy your bottled water and peanuts before you go into PNC Park.
THRILL SEEKERS
Grandma (over 55) could take two children (under 46 inches tall) to Kennywood for the day -- provided they pack their lunch and don't buy anything at the park.
BLINDED WITH SCIENCE
Two adults and two children (3-12) can visit the Carnegie Science Center, including the UPMC SportsWorks, Buhl Planetarium and USS Requin and still have $2 to spare.
GREEN FOR THE GREENS
Weekend greens fees, including $14 cart (you weren't thinking of actually walking were you?) at Deer Run Golf Club in West Deer.
THE DARK SIDE
Get two tickets to the Pink Floyd Laser Spectacular tomorrow at the Chevrolet Amphitheatre at Station Square. A real concert costs WAY too much.
PAMPER YOURSELF
A wash and blow-dry at Ulta Salon at the Waterfront in Homestead. You'll have to skip the trim and deep conditioning.
PAMPER YOUR CAR
Since you're putting so much money into your car when you buy gas, you may have to skip a wash or two. But at Mr. Clean Car Wash in North Versailles, you can get at least six regular car washes at $6.75 and still have money for tips and one of those car freshener trees.
First Published June 2, 2006 12:00 am
