And, of course, there will be plenty of celebrities. Among those racing (er…not racing) include David Hasselhoff, Tony Hawk, former Formula One driver Mika Salo, pro skater Jesse Fritsch — and who knows who else!

The tentative plans are to display the autos around the plaza and up Lincoln Street. The rally will be departing the next day toward its ultimate destination of Miami.

We’re especially interested in seeing the “cultural trendmakers” referenced in the press release. Paris? Perez? Oooh, the anticipation!

–Elizabeth Hanes

You can pick up dining certificates (like a gift certificate, only you don’t have to give it to someone else!) for 50% or more off. Here are a few examples:

• $15 certificate to Anapurna costs just $6
• $10 certificate to Bumble Bee’s Cerrillos location costs just $4
• $25 certificate to Mauka Restaurant (Sun through Thurs only) just $7.50 (!!)
• $50 certificate to The Compound Restaurant just $35
• $15 certificate to Tree House Pastry Shop & Cafe costs just $6

And that’s just the tip of the iceberg! There are a total of 16 deals for Santa Fe restaurants on the 999dine.com website. You can eat cheap for a long time with this service, which is easy to use. Just choose your deal, complete checkout with your credit card, and print out the certificate on your home printer.

As with any offer of this type, the 999dine.com certificates come with some restrictions, which vary by restaurant. So be sure to read all the fine print before purchasing.

At any rate, enjoy your cheap chow!

–Elizabeth Hanes

These three retailers have teamed up to hold a mega tent sale at the Railyard Friday and Saturday, May 1 and 2 (2009), from 10:00am to 6:00pm, and Sunday, May 3, from 10:00am to 2:00pm. Expect huge savings as these establishments clear out inventory!

Casa Nova carries a wide variety of furnishings and decor, including African antiquities, art, ceramics, textiles, and more. Moss Outdoor features the coolest, handwoven sculptural outdoor furniture you’ve ever seen. And Antiques at the Railyard carries…um, antiques! Nuff said.

As always, the earlybirds get the best selection at these types of event, so we recommend arriving promptly at 10:00. The tent sale will be held at the Railyard, 530 S. Guadalupe, Santa Fe.

–Elizabeth Hanes

New Mexico residents receive a discount at Paseo Pottery

It’s always nice when businesses give us locals a break. Such is the case with Paseo Pottery’s new deal.

Simply put, head over to Paseo Pottery at 1424 Paseo del Peralta and receive 20% off any purchase over $50. Just ask for the New Mexico resident discount.

These pieces are works of art, for sure, but they’re also functional. You can assemble your own, unique dinnerware set by choosing pieces crafted by 5 local artists. These pieces all make great wedding gifts!

The New Mexico resident special runs through May. Paseo Pottery is open Monday through Saturday, 10:00am to 5:00pm.

–Elizabeth Hanes

Kids ages 8-16 can participate in an 8-week, 16-lesson fundamentals of golf program for just $112. That’s $6.25 per lesson plus $12 for AAU insurance. This program starts June 8, but you can pre-register before May 1 to secure your spot! Just fill out the registration form, enclose a check for $112, and mail to:

Marty Sanchez Golf Course
ATTN:  Levy Scott, Beginner Golf Program
3 Lauro Road
Santa Fe NM 87508

Remember: get that letter postmarked before Friday! And…fore!

–Elizabeth Hanes

Well, you can get FREE admission to the Santa Fe Area Home Builders Association 2009 Home & Remodeling Show! Talk to vendors about installing granite countertops, landscaping your yard in Santa Fe style, how to build a great deck to enjoy those Santa Fe sunrises and sunsets, the benefits of artificial lawns, and much, much more. All events are free and open to the public.

The SFAHBA Home & Remodeling Show will be held Saturday, April 25, from 10:00am to 5:00pm, and Sunday, April 26, from 10:00am to 4:00pm, at the Santa Fe Community Convention Center, 201 W. Marcy St, Santa Fe, New Mexico.

–Elizabeth Hanes

To get the prix fixe pricing, you must be seated before 7:30pm. Choices include:

• Choice of soup or mixed green salad for starter
• Choice of top sirloin, chef’s catch of the day, vegetarian ravioli, chicken breast, duck breast, or pork tenderloin
• Choice of any dessert

Plus, with the prix fixe menu, you can upgrade your entree to a buffalo tenderloin for just $8 more, add a glass of house wine for just $3, or add a bottle of any wine for half price!

Amaya is located in the Hotel Santa Fe (Santa Fe’s only Native American owned hotel), 1501 Paseo del Peralta, and accepts reservations online or by calling 1-800-825-9876.

–Elizabeth Hanes

If you love plants or cooking, this is the event for you! At 12:30, noted chef and author Deborah Madison will speak about “The Garden – A Cook’s Treasure,” with a special emphasis on herbs. She’ll also be available to sign copies of her books.

In addition, you can hear presentations on a variety of other topics, including:

• Heirloom tomatoes
• Rose gardening
• Home water harvesting
• Medicinal uses of native plants
• and more!

Plus, you can browse over 40 exhibitor booths, buy plants, ask a Master Gardener questions, watch Master Gardener demonstrations, get your kids involved in gardening activities (with a take-home souvenir they made themselves), get your garden tools sharpened, and more things too numerous to list! Food and beverage vendors will be on hand to meet your noshing needs.

Did we mention ALL of this — every last bit (except the food and drink) — is FREE?

So celebrate spring and Earth day by coming out for this fabulous event!

–Elizabeth Hanes

The historic El Rey Inn, built in 1936, is offering an internet special that gives you 20% off room rates through April 30 (2009). Simply mention the internet special when you call to book your reservation.

The El Rey Inn boasts 86 rooms and suites on five gorgeously landscaped acres. In fact, the beautiful grounds won Backyard Wildlife Habitat status from the National Wildlife Federation. Located on the original Route 66, El Rey Inn is centrally located and just minutes from the Santa Fe plaza.

Call 1-800-521-1349 to make reservations. Be sure to ask about restrictions before booking.

The El Rey Inn is located at 1862 Cerrillos Rd, Santa Fe, NM.

–Elizabeth Hanes

• Spring Fling: 20% off lodging at any of the three properties mentioned above (must mention “Spring Fling” at time of booking!)
• 20% off Last-Minute Specials: 20% off one or two nights’ lodging when booked within 48 hours of your stay
• 25% off Last-Minute Special: 25% off three or more nights’ lodging when booked within 48 hours of your stay
• 15% off all massages, facials, and spa treatments at Absolute Nirvana (the website says this offer ends 4/15, but Santa Fe on the Cheap readers know it actually runs through the end of April!)

Each of these offers has restrictions; for example, the Last-Minute specials cannot be used in conjunction with the Indian Market. Your best bet is to call ahead and ask about restrictions before booking.

Contact Hacienda Nicholas at 1-888-284-3170. Contact The Madeleine at 1-888-877-7622. Contact Alexander’s Inn at 1-888-321-5123. You can reach Absolute Nirvana Spa and Gardens at 866-585-7942.

–Elizabeth Hanes