Deals & Steals
Just because the economy is in a slump, doesn’t mean your lifestyle has to be. We’ve rounded up a lengthy list of steals and deals around San Joaquin that will get you out and about without breaking the bank. For those of you who have never bargain-shopped for vintage designer labels or had a picnic while listening to a festive outdoor concert, you’re in for more fun than you’d ever guess. We’re willing to bet that your new-found thrifty ways will stick around long after your finances get back up to snuff. In the meantime, get out there and enjoy.
Shopping
Second-Hand
This shop in quaint downtown Tracy sells vintage designer labels along with hand-selected shoes, accessories, and home furnishings. Stop by with plenty of time to shop around, and you’re sure to find something to fit your budget and your style. 2nd Avenue, Tracy, (209) 833-3455
Delta College Flea Market
Finding deals at a flea market is like find leaves in a forest; it’s pretty much a given. What makes this flea market special is that it is run entirely by the Associated Student Body Government of the college, and is their primary source of income. Markets are held every Saturday and Sunday throughout the year, excluding select holidays. Delta College, Stockton, www.deltacollege.edu
Live! at Lincoln Center
This Stockton shopping center block-party-style event is not only an evening of entertainment and chances to win prizes, it is also a time to grab a deal. Happening four times throughout the summer, individual shops and restaurants often offer unique sales for that night only. Lincoln Center, Stockton, www.lincolncentershops.com
Used Music
This Northern California record store chain is all about getting music to the people. They stock both new and used items, so you can choose the appropriate time to spend or save. Printable coupons are available on their website, and they give store credit and 20 percent less in cash back for used cds, dvds, games, vinyl, and more. Rasputin Music, Stockton, (800) 350-8700
Stockton Open Air Market
This twenty acre flea market on Wilson Way, housing over four hundred vendors, is a Mecca for Stockton bargain hunters. Selling almost anything from Ethnic cuisine to clothing to electronics to fresh fruits and vegetables, the market is by far the busiest in town, filling the one thousand parking spaces every Friday, Saturday, and Sunday with ease. Booths are available for just $20 each, so making cash out of your treasures is cheap and easy. Stockton Open Air Market, Stockton, (209) 465-1544
Gently Used Books
Tom’s Used Books is a haven for any book lover in San Joaquin. Not only do they have a wide selection of books, movies, and audiobooks in great condition, but they also give store credit or ¼ of the value of the credit in cash back for your gently used items. While you’re spending hours pouring over their selection, which also includes new tombs, take care not to step on the cats that call the store their home. Tom’s Used Books, Lodi, (209) 369-1453
Dollar Used Books
If your reading habit is quickly chipping away at your bank account, the Saturday-only dollar book sale just off of Waterloo Road is worth checking out. Every one of their over 30,000 titles is priced at just one dollar. The program sends free books to troops overseas and donates 50 percent of all of the profits to support local school libraries and literacy programs. Dollar Book Sale, www.fatcitybooks.com
House Wares
Second-hand Rose, has over forty dealers that add their wares to this shop’s eclectic selection. The two-level store sells a variety of items such as art, clothing, vintage cameras, and pretty much anything you could imagine for the home. When you go, remember to take along any old gold that you no longer want, because they’ll happily buy it from you. Lodi, (209) 339-1166
Fashion and Beauty
Beauty School Salon
The best deal in beauty is available only for those willing to gamble a little. The odds for customers looking for a full line of salon services such as hair styling, nail treatments, facials, body wraps, and more all for very low prices (haircuts run around $7) are very good, however, as the students who perform the services are watched over by professionals in the industry every step of the way. Adrian’s Beauty College, Tracy, (209) 835-3550
Designer Discounts
Fashionistas on a budget need look no further than Crossroads Trading Co. The Stockton location is their only outlet store out of the twenty-two locations, so we get deals on top of deals on designer consignment garments that never go out of style. Men’s and Women’s clothes, shoes, and accessories are available at $3-$40 in a range of sizes, proving that anyone can still look fabulous whatever the condition of their wallet. Crossroads Trading Co., Stockton, www.crossroadstrading.com
Cosmetics
Standing for Eyes, Lips, Face, E.L.F. cosmetics is a steal. They offer the majority of their products for a mere dollar, which is unheard of in a multi-billion dollar beauty industry. The brand can be found at local Big Lots stores or online, where the company is constantly offering even further discounts. www.eyeslipsface.com
Second-hand Jewelry
If you’re not the superstitious type, used engagement rings and other jewelry can be bought here for approximately 70 percent less than at a regular retail store. The store will also give cash for any unwanted baubles you are willing to part with. They also deal in items such as electronics, tools, and more. Stockton Loan and Jewelry, (209) 954-0128
Hand-made Jewelry
Paying top dollar for jewelry that is almost perfect doesn’t make sense, when you can make your own to match your look for less. Costs vary by materials, but the creative process and ending up with something totally unique is priceless. They also offer a frequent bead buyer program offering discounts to jewelry making enthusiasts. Ria Mia Bead Store, Tracy, www.riamiabeads.com
Arts and Entertainment
Concerts in the Park
As soon as the weather gets warm, free concerts in our local parks start up again, creating the perfect way to spend a summer evening—with a picnic and the people you love.
Music in the Park
Thursdays in June and July at 7 p.m., Tracy’s Lincoln Park sets the scene for the community to come together and enjoy live music, from country and blues to Latin, ‘70s, ‘80s, rock and roll, and more.
Price: Free
Lincoln Park, Tracy, www.ci.tracy.ca.us
Evenings on the Plaza
Fridays and Saturdays through September (Friday evening entertainment continues into October), 7-9 p.m., enjoy live entertainment in Janet Leigh Cinema Plaza. The last Friday of each month, May through September, the show moves across the street to DeCarli Square for larger-scale Final Fridays concerts.
Price: Free
Janet Leigh Cinema Plaza and DeCarli Square, Stockton, www.downtownstockton.org
Classic Cinema Series
As prices for movie theatre tickets continue to soar, the charm of seeing a classic flick revived on the big screen is becoming more and more appealing. Once a month, the Bob Hope Theatre offers up a movie from days past, and each evening kicks off with a performance on the theatre’s antique organ, the Mighty Morton.
Price: $8 adults, $4 kids 12 and under
Bob Hope Theatre, Stockton, www.bobhopetheatre.com
Jessie’s Grove Concert Series
Each summer, Jessie’s Grove Winery puts some great music on the stage, designed to bring the community together. All concerts are Saturdays, 6-9 p.m., and concert-goers are more than welcome to bring a picnic dinner to enjoy, but no outside alcohol is allowed. The first concert of the season is May 30.
Price: $20 per person, if you buy a week before the show
Jessie’s Grove Winery, Lodi, www.jessiesgrovewinery.com
Arts at the Library
Head to the Stockton-San Joaquin County public libraries for free arts programs like family-appropriate movie showings, arts and crafts classes, and featured speakers. Check for your local library’s programs, listed on the website each month.
Price: Free
Stockton-San Joaquin County libraries, www.stockton.lib.ca.us/events
Open Mic Night
In addition to serving up coffee, pastries, bagels, and more, Blackwater Café in Stockton has long been known as a good spot to see live music, with most local entertainment only $5 to $8. Wednesdays, the Blackwater hosts Open Mic Night, and entrance to see some of San Joaquin’s best up-and-coming artists is absolutely free.
Price: Free
Blackwater Café, Stockton, www.blackwatercafestockton.com
Stockton Civic Theatre
Each season at the Stockton Civic Theatre consists of six shows featuring our local acting talents (auditions are open to the community). The holiday show is always family appropriate, and the rest of the shows range from boisterous (The Full Monty), to humorous (I Love You, You’re Perfect, Now Change), to musical (Annie Get Your Gun). Come to the preview nights for a reduced rate.
Price: Preview tickets $13. Regular showing $23 adults, $12 kids 12 and under
Stockton Civic Theatre, Stockton, www.sctlivetheatre.org
Boardrock
At the Great Plate in Tracy, head upstairs to the newly renovated bar space, Boardrock. Entrance to the venue is $10, but Rockstar Fridays invite local and East Bay bands into the space for live music entertainment, and Flashback Saturdays have DJs spinning ‘70s, ‘80s, and ‘90s tunes.
Price: $10
The Great Plate, Tracy, www.thegreatplate.com
Art Gallery Openings
Wandering through art galleries is a relaxing and free way to view local and regional art. Our local galleries also offer opening receptions, when art lovers are invited to celebrate the newest exhibitions. Opening events can include Meet and Greets with the artist(s), wine and culinary treats, live entertainment, artist demonstrations, and more. Check websites for dates and times.
Price: Free
Tidewater Art Gallery, Stockton, www.tidewaterartgallery.com
Knowlton Gallery, Lodi, www.knowltongallery.com
Grand Galleries, Tracy, www.atthegrand.org
LH Horton Jr Gallery, San Joaquin Delta College, www.deltacollege.edu/div/finearts
Kids
Water Play Areas
Interactive water play areas installed in our San Joaquin parks are sure to splash life into any listless summer afternoon, and kids love getting wet when it’s warm outside. Bonus: All these spots are free and open to the public.
Stockton
Children of all ages stay entertained running around in this square of large, round, stone balls that shoot sprays of water in different directions and patterns. Grassy areas surrounding the square are ideal for adults to relax with the kids still in plain view.
Weber Point, Stockton, www.stocktongov.com
Ripon
Another refreshing water feature, set in Ripon, gets residents wet and wild from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. at Mistlin Sports Park. You don’t have to go home when the sun goes down, either; the feature’s lighting display dazzles after dark.
Mistlin Sports Park, Ripon, www.cityofripon.org
Manteca
The latest city to build one of these fun, interactive water features, Manteca’s go-to spot opened at Library Park last year, and has a historic railroad theme, proving once again that learning can be fun.
Library Park, Manteca, www.ci.manteca.ca.us
Storytime at the Library
Our local Stockton-San Joaquin County libraries offer a host of kids’ storytimes for all ages. All About Baby, Preschool, Family storytime, Spanish, Family Bedtime storytime, and even Easy Readers storytimes for kids starting to read on their own are all offered at libraries around the county. Teen and elementary school book clubs are available also.
Price: Free
Stockton-San Joaquin County libraries, www.stockton.lib.ca.us/events
Pixie Woods
Stockton’s own fairyland is a magical place for all ages. Attractions include the Pixie Train and Pixie Queen Steamboat, Grand Carousel, Dragon Fountain, Pirate Ship, Toadstool Theatre, Teepee Village, Peter Rabbit’s home, and more.
Price: Admission free-$4. Rides (train, steamboat, carousel) $2 each, 3 rides for $5, or unlimited for $8
Pixie Woods, Stockton, www.stocktongov.com/pixiewoods
Micke Grove
In Micke Grove Park, find activities galore for kids, all without breaking the bank. The Micke Grove Zoo houses five acres of animals, including sea lions, mountain lions, alligators, and lemurs. Bring the kids to the San Joaquin Historical Museum for all sorts of items from days past in San Joaquin. Fun Town Amusement Park has carnival rides and treats for kids of all ages.
Price: Zoo free-$2. Museum $2-$5. Fun Town single tickets $1.75, book of 10 tickets $15
Micke Grove Park, Lodi, www.mgzoo.com
Wackford Aquatic Complex
Although this pool oasis is out in Elk Grove, we think it’s worth the drive for a fun day in the sun. The complex includes a competition-size lap pool with diving boards, a recreation pool with a 146-foot waterslide and fun water features, and a spray pool with water activities for kids 6 and under. Note: Pool complex opens May 23 for the summer.
Price: $3-$5
Wackford Aquatic Complex, Elk Grove, www.yourcsd.com
Wow Museum
Lodi’s newest addition for kids, the World of Wonders (WOW) museum was designed with the hands-on science exhibits of San Francisco’s Exploratorium in mind. Experimenting with anything from how sound travels to the ear, to how to make mini working robots and other science experiments are all fair game here.
Price: $4-$6
Wow Museum, Lodi, www.wowsciencemuseum.org
Children’s Museum of Stockton
Entirely hands-on, this museum is meant to give kids a fun glimpse at the mysterious world we adults live in. Each part of the museum’s “town” is a different grown-up business, like the fire station, the grocery store, the bank, and the post office, and kids get to experiment with activities at each.
Price: Free-$4.75
Children’s Museum, Stockton, www.stocktongov.com/childrensmuseum
The Afternaps
Local band The Afternaps do it all for the kids, each Wednesday from 4-5 p.m. at Stockton’s Blackwater Cafe. Playing songs of their own creation alongside favorites like the “Hokey Pokey,” this mix of banjo, mandolin, kazoo, guitar, and other fun instruments keeps children’s attention, and kids are encouraged to play the many hand-held musical instruments that travel with the band to each show.
Price: $2 donation requested
Blackwater Café, Stockton, www.blackwatercafestockton.com
Kids Night Out
The last Saturday of each month at Classic Gymnastics in Tracy, give the kids an opportunity to enjoy a fun night with kids their own age, while you get the night off to do whatever your little heart desires. Kids Night Out is 6-9:30 p.m., ages 4 and up are welcome, and playtime on the gym’s kid-appropriate equipment, games, dinner, and snacks are all included.
Price: $20
Classic Gymnastics, Tracy, www.classicgymnastics.net
Skate Parks
For the older kids, skate parks a great way to keep active, while also providing the opportunity to socialize with peers in a casual environment. In San Joaquin, we’ve gained quite a few skate parks, and parents, you’ll be surprised what kinds of tricks your kids can pull off.
Price: Free
Stockton Skate Park, Anderson Park, Stockton, www.stocktongov.com/parks
Lodi Skate Park, Kofu Park, Lodi, www.lodi.gov/parks_rec
Sports, Fitness, and Outdoor
Delta Loop
A ten mile drive along the Mokelumne and San Joaquin Rivers, this scenic journey is fun and quirky, with all sorts of unique gift shops, bars, restaurants, boat and fishing areas, historic spots, and U-pick fruit farms along the way.
Price: Free
Delta Loop, San Joaquin Delta,
www.deltaloop.com
Boating on Lodi Lake
Nothing like enjoying Lodi Lake on a sunny day, once it’s been filled with water for the season. Starting Memorial Day weekend, and open until Labor Day weekend, Lodi Lake rents pedal boats, kayaks, and tandem kayaks for use on the scenic lake, surrounded by green trees and grass everywhere you turn.
Price: Pedal boats, $5/half hour. Kayaks, $4/half hour. Tandem kayaks, $5/half hour
Lodi Lake Park, Lodi, www.lodi.gov/parks_rec
Stockton Ports Baseball
Minor League Baseball at its best, many of the players on the Stockton Ports have gone on to play for the Oakland Athletics and other Major League Baseball teams. Not only can you say you saw them back when, who doesn’t like a baseball game in the summertime? Look on the website for special promotions, like discounted tickets and drinks, and giveaway days.
Price: $5-$10
Banner Island Ballpark, Stockton, www.stocktonports.com
Twilight Golf
Many golf courses offer reduced rates to golfers willing to start a little later in the day. Rates are even lower for weekday “twilight hours,” and even less expensive if your party is willing to walk and not rent a golf cart. Bonus: Micke Grove Golf Links in Lodi offers a full day green fee and golf cart for an $18 special on Wednesdays.
Price: Varies bases on course
Old River Golf Course, Tracy, www.oldrivergolf.com
Micke Grove Golf Links, Lodi, www.mickegrove.com
Sunset Paddles on Mokelumne River
Thanks to Sierra Adventure Outfitters in Lodi, our favorite locally-owned outdoor experts, kayak the Mokelumne River and view the beautiful sunsets and wildlife, without any of the hassle of getting a kayak and gear to the river. Monday and Thursdays, meet at Lodi Lake Boat Launch Area at 6 p.m. (you must pre-register), and Sierra Adventure Outfitters will bring the boats, paddles, and life jackets. All you have to do is show up.
Price: $25, must pay before the event
Sierra Adventure Outfitters, Lodi, www.sierraadventureoutfitters.com
Dog Parks
We are quite lucky to have some lush, grassy dog parks in San Joaquin, and many locals take advantage of these spots to safely let their dogs run free, while also enjoying amenities like benches to mingle with other dog owners and doggie water bowls and water fountains. The Lodi dog park is one large space (almost four soccer fields length), while the Stockton dog park is split into different sections by dog size.
Price: Free
Vinewood Dog Park, Virginia and Tokay Avenues, Lodi
Barkleyville Dog Park, 5505 Feather River Drive, Stockton
Stockton Bicycle Club
Join in one of the many bike rides the club organizes in San Joaquin and beyond throughout the year for free, or become a member and enjoy in club events, like guest speakers, and get a 10 percent discount at Lodi’s City Bicycles.
Price: Free to participate in rides, $15 to join
www.sbclub.org
Fleet Feet Group Runs
Tuesday and Thursday nights, at 5:30 pm., meet up at Fleet Feet in Stockton with others that enjoy running, and run San Joaquin together. Runners are encouraged to keep track of the amount of running miles they accumulate each week, and Fleet Feet will gift you a technical runner’s shirt at 75 miles, and a runner’s jacket at 150 miles.
Price: Free
Fleet Feet, Stockton,
www.fleetfeetstockton.com
Food and Drink
Alder Bistro
We know that there is no such thing as a free lunch, so imagine our surprise when we discovered the half-price dinner special at Alder Bistro on Tuesday nights. It covers almost all of their tappas-style entrees. We recommend the lamb meatballs and the balsamic portabella mushroom. At 50 percent off, there’s little risk in sampling it all. Stockton, www.aldermarket.com
Cellar Door
This downtown Lodi tasting room acts as the School Street face of three local wineries; Michael David, Jessie’s Grove, and Van Ruiten. The tasting room website offers printable coupons that vary by season. So keep checking back, because who knows when your favorite offering will go on sale.
Lodi, www.lodicellardoor.com
Chitiva’s Salsa and Sports Bar and Grill
This ethnic bar and grill specializes in Salsa dancing on the Stockton waterfront. To help you work up the nerve to join the fun, Chitiva’s serves strong margaritas starting at just $5. A couple of these will have you in the spirit, and you’ll be even cheerier knowing that you haven’t broken the bank. Stockton, www.chitiva.net
Delights Café and Deli
If you were paying for the waterfront view, an entree here would be in the $20-30 range. Instead, this accessible eatery has a wide array of espresso drinks, breakfast options, ice cream, sides, and freshly made sandwiches, the majority of which are under $5, available at the walk-up counter.
Stockton, www.delightsdeli.com
Delta College Student Chef Restaurant
This restaurant teaches students all about food service from preparing meals to waiting tables. It’s a win win, because the public is encouraged to come in and enjoy an extremely inexpensive gourmet lunch menu in Danner Hall from 11 a.m. to 1:30 p.m., Tuesday through Friday during the fall and spring semesters. Stockton, www.deltacollege.edu
Fabio’s
The owners of Fabio’s Italian restaurant know that times are tight for their faithful patrons. That’s why the restaurant, which was formerly open exclusively for dinner, will now open for lunch on Wednesday through Friday with entrees beginning at just $6. Tracy, (209) 836-2012
Farmers Markets
While you can find deals at any farmers market, most are more focused on being fresh than being necessarily cheap. However, if you aren’t afraid of a little haggling, many vendors will slash prices toward the end of the day to avoid bringing their goods back home. Markets can be found in every city in San Joaquin, check out city websites for days and times.
Ghirardelli
Lathrop recently welcomed the Ghirardelli factory and outlet store where top-of-the-line chocolate in cases, individually-wrapped, or in festive seasonal packaging can be purchased at discounted rates. While you’re shopping, treat yourself to one of their famous sundaes which are priced much lower than those at the San Francisco location. Lathrop, (209) 982-9304
Hippo Bar and Lounge
Located in the Lexington Plaza Waterfront Hotel, this bar and lounge is one of the swankiest spots in Stockton. The Hippo happy hour consists of appetizers like calamari, crab spring rolls, mac n’ cheese bites, and more for $5. Beers fall in the $2-3 range, and house wine and well cocktails are also available for $5.
Stockton, www.lexingtonhotels.com
Paragary’s
You can find a complete menu of this waterfront restaurant’s happy hour (which runs from 3-6 p.m. Monday through Friday) on their website, but we’ll leave you with thoughts of ham and cheese paninis, BBQ pork sliders, mojitos, and lemondrops all for under $4. By far the happiest happy hour we’ve come across.
Stockton, www.paragarys.com
Stockton Joe’s
With the restaurant’s costra nostra card, guests receive a card punch and ten percent off their entrée each visit. On the sixth punch, they receive 50 percent off, and on their twelfth punch, they get a free entrée of $15 value. Sign up for the “Its your special day” discount, and on the month of your birthday and/or anniversary, receive a coupon for 50 percent off an entrée and a free dessert.
Stockton, www.stocktonjoes.com
Wine Clubs
Joining your favorite winery’s wine club gives you 10 to 30 percent discounts on specialty wines, wine country events, and winery merchandise. Plus, being a VIP at a boutique winery gives you just the right kind of clout. Lodi, Various Locations
Wine Tasting
Touring around Lodi, and sampling all of its delicious wine selections, sounds like it would be a day only the wealthy could afford. Surprisingly, however, most wineries still open their doors to tasters for free. Enjoy the lavish variety, but do try to find one or two that you’d like to purchase. At around $16 per bottle, it’s a cheap way to spend an elegant afternoon. Lodi, www.lodiwine.com
