Manchester, NH (USA)

After missing out on the Veterans Day deals last year (I was in South America), I tried to maximize the success of my search for "free stuff" this year by researching extensively.  This morning, I left home early (0645) and rove (via I-89 and I-93N) to Concord (listened to audiobooks on the way).  I arrived at a Mall east of the Capitol (Fort Eddy Road) by 0745.  My first stop in this area was at Panera, which purported to offer a free bagel.  However, the staff members said they were not a "corporate store" and were not participating.  As a consolation prize, I ordered a discounted cinnamon roll from my account online and it was ready by 0755.  I next went to the Hannaford and got some free stuff, make bonus rewards purchases and get a 10% discount (done at 0805).  Leaving Concord, I took I-93S and got off the highway at NH-3A.  I tried to call Erin but she was busy.  Just before passing the end of I-89, I got a free donut at a Dunkin in Hooksett (0800).  I also got a gas fillup (with rewards discount) at the Irving next door (0815) .  Continuing towards Manchester, I picked up a free breakfast meal at the Wendy's drive through in Hooksett (near I-93 merge) at about 0845.  Back on the road, I drove south on NH-3A until I could access I-293; used that road to reach US-3 and then stopped at IHOP (0845).  Sat down in the restaurant and got free breakfast (RW&B pancakes) and a large OJ.  I was finished eating at 0930 and next drove (via US-3 and I-293) to the Mall of New Hampshire in Manchester (arrived at 0945). I walked around to get some steps and plan for my next series of free items (I had to wait for things to open).  Just after 1000, I got a free Classic Roast Beef sandwich at Arby's.  I also tried to get free fries at O'Charley's but they said they weren't participating.  Walking through Dick's Sporting Goods, I made my way over to Dave and Busters, which I'd heard had a lunch deal and $10 of free game play.  They were just as generous as advertised and I sat down to eat a delicious meal of chicken (seasoned with a mushroom gravy), green beans and mashed potatoes.  While I was eating, the bartender and I talked for a bit (I was the only customer) and the manager took three old D&B cards I'd kept for several years and merged them into a brand new (fully charged) Power Card (1030).  After I was done eating, I thought about playing some games but, instead, decided to try to get some more stuff.  At the nearby Red Robin, there was a free burger but I would have had to sit down inside the restaurant (they allowed takeout two years ago).  I decided to go to Buffalo Wild Wings instead.  While there, I ate a second lunch (10 free wings and a large mug of root beer) and stayed until 1150.  By this point, I was stuffed and no longer in the mood for food.  Rather than trying to find more free stuff in the Mall of New Hampshire, I drove across NH-28 to pick up Texas Roadhouse voucher - there was no line and I was back on my way by 1200.  Driving further down the long parking lot there, I stopped at the Staples and, using some gift cards and a Veterans Day 25% discount, picked up some more office items (1225).  Focusing completely on "to go" or non-food items, I then drove (via NH-28 and I-293) to where I'd seen a Little Caesar's on the map in Manchester (on the west side of the river).  They were offering a free pizza but were swamped by lots of other Vets like me - ha!  I stood in a line while they made more pizza and talked to the other guys.  Each had a suggestion for where the others should go and I learned about a few other good deals very close to where I was.  After getting my pizza (1245), I drove down the street to the Infinity Car Wash and got my car cleaned for free (done at 1300).  Next, I drove to the nearby McDonalds and got a free combo meal to go (done at 1315).  Pretty tired (and still feeling full) after my successful expedition, I called Erin and talked to her for over an hour as I made my way (via side streets and US-3) back to Hooksett.  I then used NH-3A and I-89 to locate the New Hampshire Audubon McLane Center (Silk Road, Concord).  Arriving at around 1425, I took a walk on the grounds.  They had an amazing Raptor Mews area - I’ve never been so close to Eagles, Hawks or Owls!  The trail system wasn't too extensive so I decided to look for somewhere else to walk.  My Google Maps showed that a trail I'd seen along the side of I-89 was only a short distance away so I drove over there.  However, I arrived to find a parking area with a gated road that allowed pedestrian traffic.  Even though I didn't know where the road went, I took advantage of the good weather and just started walking. As often happens, I “pulled a thread” by not making plans and (with help from some locals) ended up on the grounds of the swanky private school: Saint Paul's.  Beautiful campus!  It looked like there was lots of history and the architecture was impressive - what a nice way to wrap up my Veterans Day excursion!  It was getting close to 1600 by the time I reached my car again.  I thought about going back into the city and getting some more free food but, since I was still feeling quite full and didn't want to waste time after a successful day, I made my way back to I-89.  Heading home, I made good time (very little traffic) and arrived at my condo by 1700.  Feeling pretty good about all the loot I got today.  One of the vets I met at Little Caesar's told me: "I feel like I'm finally getting rewarded for my service."  After all the businesses I patronized today, I can't disagree!