There are lots of ways to get a great deal while you’re out and about in Columbus. Being a self proclaimed “coupon queen,” I have compiled a list of three Columbus organizations that not only help you save money, but also support local businesses:

Columbus Insiders Club - monthly deals you can use to explore the city and still keep some money in the bank.

The Columbus Insider’s Club, brought to you by the team here at Experience Columbus, highlights Columbus’ finest places to play, dine and shop.  Insiders receive a monthly e-newsletter with exclusive discounts and special offers.  Click here to register - there is no cost to join and the only information needed is your email and zip code. Past Insiders Club offers have included free tickets to COSI’s newest exhibit Titanic, a Broadway Across America Wicked pre-sale opportunity and discounts to great restaurants like Pistacia Vera and Donatos pizza.

Dine Originals Columbus – quarterly discounted certificates you can use to experience unique dining in Columbus.

Dine Originals Columbus is a community of independently owned and operated restaurants. Comprised of over 40 of Central Ohio’s favorite eateries, this group’s mission is to celebrate and support local restaurants. Each quarter Dine Originals Columbus releases a certain amount of discounted certificates that equal 30% off. The certificates range from $7 for a $10 certificate to $17.50 for a $25 certificate. The catch: When they are gone, they are gone! By signing up for their mailing list, you will receive a reminder email each quarter of when the next batch of certificates will be posted. Click here to sign up. At the time I write this, there are still a few certificates available from last quarter including Cotters, Spinelli’s Deli, The Refectory and more - click here to check them out.

Small Business Beanstalk (SBB) – money saving offers you can use 365 days a year.

The  SBB connects local businesses to neighbors in the community. Much like one of those grocery cards you have on your key chain, the SBB has their own version.  Using this card will get you fabulous discounts at independent retailers, restaurants and bars all throughout Central Ohio.  Participating neighborhoods include the Short North, Worthington, Grandview Heights, Downtown, Clintonville, Dublin and Gahanna.  To sign up for your very own free SBB card, click here .  Current offers include 20% off to The Candle Lab, 15% off food at The Worthington Inn and 10% off Sugardaddy’s Sumptuous Sweeties.

Happy saving!

If you’re on Twitter and you’re going to be in Columbus on Jan. 27, there are two tweetups scheduled and they both feature great Columbus experiences.

Meet your fellow tweeters while you play, dine and shop in Columbus. Details below.

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COSI Columbus Tweetup
Jan. 27, 5:30 p.m.-7:30 p.m.

• No admission fee (parking for $3, just outside the building)
• Enjoy hors d’oeuvres and cash bar
• Ride the High Wire Unicycle
• Explore the new Innovation Showcase
• See a special showing of Wild Ocean

RSVP with a tweet to @COSICols .

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UPDATE: Lounge at the Lab has been CANCELLED due to weather.

Lounge at the Lab Tweetup at The Candle Lab and House Wine
Jan. 27, 7 p.m.-10 p.m.

• $16
• Pour your own candle at The Candle Lab (Worthington location )
• Enjoy a glass of wine next door at House Wine

You can check out a blog post about this Columbus experience here.

Note: The Candle Lab lost their Grandview location to a fire on Jan. 17. This tweetup has been organized by Columbus local Ryan Morgan to help support them. He’s taking RSVPs here .

Mixing at The Candle Lab

When I moved from Cleveland to Columbus this past August I decided I would explore my new city like a tourist. A recent coupon available through the Columbus Insiders Club featured two stops in  Olde Worthington . For $12, my coupon would let me pour my own soy candle at The Candle Lab , then go enjoy a glass of wine next door at House Wine . Since I am not one to pass up a great deal or a nice glass of wine, I found my next date night activity.

The Candle Lab was our first stop. Because I am indecisive by nature, I knew I’d need a full half hour to narrow 120 scents down to just two to mix together. While sampling no less than half of them, I discovered a few favorites: whipped cream, graham cracker, toasted marshmallow and merlot. However, once I realized these aromas might lead to “inexplicable” cravings for s’mores and wine, I decided a combination of sweet grass and white ginger tea was a more figure-friendly option. From there it was easy - mix the scents, stir the wax, go drink wine.

House Wine

At House Wine I ordered a glass of the house white wine (seemed appropriate), sat in one of the retro neon green chairs and wondered how I had never heard about this place before. On every new adventure I discover at least one new thing I must try. In this case, I discovered that every Thursday evening House Wine hosts wine tastings for only $15. Now I just need to find out which week they’ll showcase Riesling.