Deals of the week

Taste of the Nation is a week away and I've got a special deal for my dear readers. From now until 5 p.m. Monday you can mention Paid to Party and get your tickets for $40 (regular price is $60). You can either buy and pick up your tickets directly from Second Harvest Food Bank Metrolina at 500-B Spratt St. (to eliminate mail time/or will-call pickup) or you can call 704-376-1785. (This offer is not available online.)

And, if you factor in the 14 gift certificates (average price $10) to area restaurants that you get in the event's program, you've already made your money back (and then some). All proceeds benefit Second Harvest Food Bank, Community Food Rescue and Community Culinary School of Charlotte.

The best deals this week come courtesy of the Charlotte Knights, who open their 2009 season tomorrow.

• All-You-Can-Eat Mondays: At every Monday night game there will be an all-you-can-eat-section. Cost is $19 for adults and $14 for children (3-12). Promotion includes a general admission ticket along with all-you-can-eat hot dogs, popcorn, nachos, peanuts and small sodas.
  
• Bi-Lo Two-for Tuesday: Buy one ticket and get another free for any Tuesday game when you present your Bi-Lo Bonus Card to the Knights ticket office.
  
• Harris Teeter VIC Card Wednesdays and Ball Park Franks Dollar Hot Dog Nights: Fans can buy one ticket and receive another ticket free with their Harris Teeter VIC card at the Knights ticket office. Once inside the stadium, hot dogs are just $1.
  
• Friday Fun Pass: Print out a Friday Fun Pass and receive: two general admission tickets, two hot dogs and two Blue Bunny Ice Cream Cones for $10.
  

This week's hot tip:

Several area clubs offer free entry via text message. For Tempo's Flirtatious Fridays hosted by CharlotteVibe.com, you can text TEMPO to 95495. Forum offers a similar text promotion for its popular college night on Wednesdays. Check your favorite venues' websites for similar offers.