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Mary Lou Cruz

Mary Lou worked for the South Florida Sun Sentinel for 21 years. She was a special sections writer in the advertising department for 7 years and worked in the newsroom for 14 years. Before her newspaper career, she worked in the airline and travel industry and has lived in Brazil, Puerto Rico and vacationed in more than 25 countries. Motto: "Learning to live a frugal lifestyle is both an art and a science." She can be reached at marylou@miamionthecheap.com.

Where can you find hundreds of exhibitors and thousands of products in one place? Check this out: West Palm Beach Spring Home Show When: Friday to Monday, May 22-25, 2026 Times: Friday, Saturday & Sunday 11 a.m. to 7 p.m.; Monday 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Location: Palm Beach County Convention Center, 650 Okeechobee Blvd., West Palm …

Read More about Get buy-one-get-one entry to Palm Beach Spring Home Show, May 22-25

Delray’s winter GreenMarket is open every Saturday (except April 11) to mid-May, 2026, with farm-to-fork produce, organic meats, juices and flowers, plus live music and more. Delray GreenMarket When: Saturdays through May 16, from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Where: Old School Square, Delray Beach Cost: Free admission; vendor prices vary Features the following: Fruits, …

Read More about Delray GreenMarket open Saturdays to mid-May

You just get home from work and the kids are hungry and you’re tired. If it’s Tuesday and you’re near West Boca, you’re in luck. Here’s a seasonal event for the whole family but it varies between weekly and monthly (on the 4th Tuesday) depending on the season.  Tasty Tuesday When: Tuesday, weather permitting, from …

Read More about If it’s Tasty Tuesday, we must be in West Boca

Jupiter Inlet Lighthouse is a 108-foot historical landmark on a riverfront site with historical displays and natural features. Occasional discounts and free entry opportunities are offered. The attraction includes: Opportunity to walk on a spiral staircase with 105 steps to top of the red structure for a panoramic vantage point of South Florida’s waterways and …

Read More about Jupiter Lighthouse offers historical and nature displays

Weather update, check; pumped up tires, check; water and energy bar, check. Then, put on your bike shorts, grab your wheels and helmet and go explore and discover something new in The Palm Beaches – for free! You don’t have to be a snowbird or visitor to enjoy the Florida outdoors. If you’re not up …

Read More about Free bike trails also good for walking in Palm Beach

The Schmidt Boca Raton History Museum is continuing to waive general admission fees and opening its doors to the public for Free Fun Saturdays on the first weekend of the month, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Families can peruse the exhibits, but also enjoy a fun craft-based activity. General admission at other times is …

Read More about Free Fun Saturday at Boca History Museum, May 2

If you’re looking for a way to kick off your weekend in Palm Beach County, this weekly Food Truck and Music Series at the Wellington Amphitheater has you covered. Thursday, April 30: Lakeside Market & “At the Hop” Saturday, May 2: “Best of Rod” tribute concert Wellington events calendar Weekly, through May, 2026: Food Truck …

Read More about Free concert in Wellington, May 2

Manatee Lagoon counted 230 manatees on a chilly morning recently – the highest number in the site’s history. Those unable to visit in person can also watch the manatees via Manatee Lagoon’s 24-hour underwater manatee cam or above water manatee cam. If you haven’t been to Manatee Lagoon in a while, here’s the perfect time to …

Read More about Florida’s protected sea cows gather at Manatee Lagoon

Visit the Norton Museum of Art for a free accessible art workshop for the entire family every month. This program will feature interactive time in the gallery and art-making in the classroom, plus all participating staff members are trained to lead programs for people with autism. When: Third Sunday of each month, from 3 to …

Read More about Free: Family Autism Art Workshop, third Sunday, West Palm Beach

If you’re on a quest to discover a place where you can take the kids and enjoy the day for next to nothing, then the Gumbo Limbo Nature Center in Boca Raton is definitely a place for the whole family to enjoy an authentic outdoor Florida adventure. NOTE: Normally, general admission is free, however special …

Read More about Free entry: Daily feedings at Gumbo Limbo Nature Center, Boca Raton

Here’s something you can do any time of year, but while the weather is pleasant, why not put on your walking shoes, grab your phone and maybe a friend and head out on a self-guided tour to discover the roots of Black culture hiding in plain site. This local sightseeing tour is something you can …

Read More about Discover Palm Beach’s Black Cultural Heritage Trail for free

Living on the CheapSouth Florida on the Cheap is a member of Living on the Cheap, a network of websites published by frugalistas, journalists and consumer advocates. Find practical advice on saving money on groceries, travel and shopping, plus tips from our experts on how to live the good life for less at Living on the Cheap.

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