Frugal Family: Foursquare Deals Around Birmingham

Foursquare is no longer just a playground game from your childhood.

If you haven't heard of it, Foursquare is a smartphone application/website that lets you "check in" to venues while you're out on the town. By then connecting with other social media programs, such as Twitter or Facebook, you can instantly broadcast your current location to your followers and friends, along with a short message. Check in enough times, and you may even be crowned "mayor" of your favorite coffee shop, coney restaurant or even .

Businesses can also tap into Foursquare to provide special deals for those who check in often or for the first time. So if you're looking to save money this week, tap into what your smartphone has to offer and check out these Foursquare deals around town:

• 
  Deal: Check in and check out at the Baldwin Public Library. The mayor of BPL will receive a free tote bag. See Josh in the administration office during regular business hours to get your bag.
• 
  Deal: Buy one grande specialty Biggby beverage and get one free, just because you support this Michigan-based, locally owned business.
• 
  Deal: Receive 50 percent off your individual order every 10th check-in.
• 
  Deal: Visit greatclips.com/foursquare and register to win free haircuts for a year.
• 
  Deal: Receive a free dessert with the purchase of an entree every third check-in.
• 
  Deal: Show this message to receive 107 Moosejaw Rewards points on your first visit. Get this same deal every third check-in after that.
• Deal: Show this message to receive 25 percent off your new incoming order.

Foursquare also provides dozens of user reviews of area restaurants, stores and more, from the official recommendation to the quirky: "This sounds weird, but the water here is the best tasting water in the city. Just go with it," says one review of Commonwealth.

Then, while you're on Foursquare, make sure to "friend" us at BirminghamPatch.