5 Ways to Enjoy Summer Without Spending a Fortune

Welcome my sweet and cozy world. The only steamy thing in here is the coffee.

Everything’s getting more expensive. This summer, I’ve made it my mission to stick as close to home as possible while spending the least amount of money.

The hubby and I recently had the chance to attend poetry night at a local lounge with a Venus flytrap theme. I had Liquid Death sparkling water for the first time. The flavor was Cherry Obituary, which was caffeine-free and low sugar without artificial flavors. We had an entertaining date night for under $10 and met talented creatives.

But not all summer fun has a price tag attached. We’re lucky enough to live a short drive from the ocean now, and certain parking areas are free after 5 PM. But before moving to South Carolina, we were much more creative about finding free activities.

• Library Visits – Today's libraries offer much more than books, including programs for all ages, puzzles, DVDs, audiobooks, and educational kits. If your library doesn't provide these resources, ask how you can help start similar programs in your community.

• Free Samples at Costco – When the boys were younger and money was especially tight, we’d have lunch at Costco. The free samples were like appetizer roulette. We'd finish with a hot dog-and-soda combo or a slice of pizza from the food court, giving our family an affordable meal and a cool place to sit for a while.

• Family Movie Night – Whether your town hosts outdoor movies in the park or you're watching from a blanket fort in the living room (because you're never too old for a blanket fort), family movie night is a fun and affordable tradition. Our most recent pick was Hoppers on Disney+, but free streaming services like Pluto and Tubi are great places to discover movies you may have missed in theaters—or revisit old favorites.

  And tomorrow night, some of our family is going to a showing of the original version of The Little Shop of Horrors movie at a local business. Which leads me to our next place to find free activities...

• Local Events & Community Fun – Farmers markets, free concerts, seasonal festivals, and community events are an easy way to get out of the house without spending much. Even just browsing, listening to live music, or wandering through a market can turn an ordinary afternoon into something memorable. You can find events in the events area of Facebook, by visiting sites like Nextdoor and Meetup, or by calling your local Chamber of Commerce.

• Online Games – Crossword puzzles, word searches, sudoku, and simple arcade-style games are an easy way to unwind without spending much (or anything at all). Whether it’s a quick puzzle over morning coffee or a few rounds of a nostalgic game in the evening, online games offer a fun mental break that fits into almost any schedule.

And if all else fails, you can curl up with a good book. Keep reading for a recommendation for The Crossword Puzzle Cozy Mystery series by my pal Louise Foster and a new way that you can get three free books from me!

At the end of the day, you don’t need a big budget to enjoy summer. It just takes a little creativity, a willingness to step outside your comfort zone, and the reminder that some of the best memories come from the most ordinary places.

When Tracy’s co-worker is murdered, can a con man help her find the real killer?

Find out in this prequel to the Crossword Puzzle Cozy Mystery series from Louise Foster.

If you like crossword puzzles, cozy mysteries, and small resort towns, then you'll love escaping into this series. Click the button below to get your FREE copy today!

GIVE ME THAT FREE BOOK

Pack your bags for three unforgettable cozy mystery destinations!

Your Cozy Mystery Passport is officially stamped and ready for adventure. Inside you’ll find three exclusive stories set in some of R. A. Muth’s most beloved worlds, along with charming characters, magical animals, and enough cozy mystery fun to fill your suitcase.

Sip enchanted coffee in Mockingbird Springs, South Carolina, where magical pets and murder seem to go hand in hand. Travel north to Cooper’s Cove, Maine, where a haunted housekeeping business keeps one woman busier than she ever imagined. Then bundle up for a trip to Santa’s Village at the North Pole, where reindeer, holiday cheer, and criminal mischief are always in season.

This collection includes:

• THE MAGICAL MOCHA LATTE, Magickal Beans prequel

• THE UNTIDY TROLL, Haunted Housekeeping prequel

• JUNIPER’S COOKIE CAPER, Ho-Ho-Homicide prequel

So grab your passport, collect your stamps, and get ready for a whirlwind tour of mayhem, mystery, and one tiny murder from the comfort of your favorite reading chair.

And best of all, it’s completely free!

GRAB YOUR COZY MYSTERY PASSPORT NOW

Do you remember summer reading programs when you were a kid? Some of my favorite childhood memories of when Mom took my siblings and I to the library to sign up for the summer reading challenge.

This summer, Cozy Books Corner and Romance Books Corner are bringing that experience back with the 2026 Summer Reading Challenge. And I’m super excited to let you know that one of my books made the list!

So tell me, reader friend, will I see you on this fun summer reading adventure? It’s the best way to find new books by authors in a wide range of genres. I hope you’ll join!

I WANT TO JOIN THE ADVENTURE

That's all for now. I hope your day is filled with books and coffee (or whatever you’ve got in your favorite mug).

Happy reading,
Becky

Cozy mysteries with caffeine, chaos, and charm.
Romantic stories with heart, hope, and absolutely zero heat.
The only thing steamy in here is the coffee.
www.beckymuth.com

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Paranormal cozy mysteries are similar to traditional mysteries, except they have enchanting elements such as talking cats and witchy sleuths.

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