French Quarter-Inspired Inn with Onsite Restaurant

Though it's in the heart of Texas Hill Country, Crescent Quarters channels New Orleans, the Crescent City, in both name and design. The hotel exudes French Quarter charm, from its wrought-iron balconies to the hanging planters and gas lanterns. N'awlins also inspired some of the guest rooms, including one decorated with the famous Blue Dog paintings of Cajun artist George Rodrigue and another furnished in festive Mardi Gras purples and golds.

The rest of the rooms and suites carry out much different motifs. The Far East room features Buddhist images against bamboo-covered walls, and the French room channels continental elegance with a fireplace, French boudoir, and life-size cardboard cutout of Napoleon Bonaparte. Some rooms come with other chic touches such as granite vanities and polished hardwood floors, and the two suites come furnished with hot tubs.

Complimentary breakfast is served every morning in the common room. For lunch and dinner, head to the in-house restaurant, Cypress Grille and Wine Bar, run by chefs who trained at the Culinary Institute of America and Le Cordon Bleu. The casual eatery serves comfort-food favorites with creative twists, such as dried-fruit ravioli and smoked barbecue pork sandwiches with grilled pineapple. As a bonus, Cypress Grille and Wine Bar will give Groupon customers a complimentary dessert with the purchase of an entree.

Boerne, Texas: Historic German Town in Texas Hill Country

A popular summer escape for Austinites and San Antonians, the Hill Country of west-central Texas usually enjoys cooler temperatures than surrounding areas thanks to its higher elevation. Among the region's towns, Boerne stands out for its unique history as an early 19th-century German settlement. Some vestiges of the old days are still around, including the bilingual, German-style street signs. Crescent Quarters overlooks Boerne's Main Street-or Hauptstrasse-which features a smattering of shops and restaurants that cater to the influx of out-of-towners that use the town as a convenient home base for exploring the Hill Country.

Boerne is also home to a few limestone caves that have been paved through with walkways and lights for public tours. Cascade Caverns, 4 miles from the inn, features a half-mile stretch of stalactite and stalagmite formations and plunging caves inhabited by a rare and endangered salamander. Tours of the caverns lead through narrow passageways and end with a view of a 100-foot waterfall cascading into a pitch-black pool.

Read the Fine Print for important info on travel dates and other restrictions.

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Family-Friendly Resort with Comfortable Suites

Lined with water parks, dinner theaters, and quirky museums, the Strip in downtown Branson is one of America's most decorated streets. Officially known as Highway 76, the family-friendly road became a tourist spot in the early 1960s, when several country-music concerts and comedy shows turned it into an entertainment destination. With more than 100 venues added since, Branson has earned its "live-entertainment capital of the world" moniker by hosting shows ranging from Chinese circuses to the comedy of Yakov Smirnoff to country jubilees. Located a few miles south, The Suites at Fall Creek makes for a convenient home base to explore the town, offering a family-friendly environment with indoor and outdoor pools and a bustling activities center.

The resort's guest rooms have been decorated in traditional country style with wood furnishings and cozy carpets. At 900 square feet, the one-bedroom suites add full kitchens and screened-in porches. Guests can also fix meals in the studio rooms' partial kitchens. Take a stroll along the property's narrow walking paths for glimpses of manmade ponds and manicured gardens.

Branson: Waterfront Entertainment District with Country-Music History

Located in the heart of the Ozarks and nestled next to Table Rock Lake, Branson is just as famous for its entertainment attractions as its picturesque setting. On any given night, you can find country-music tribute shows and live dinner performances lighting up Highway 76. The six-brother musical troupe known simply as Six performs its award-winning a cappella concert most days from March through November.

Fishing remains one of Branson's most popular activities. Perched at the foot of old Main Street, Lake Taneycomo's clear, cold waters make it an ideal habitat for trout. Ten minutes from the hotel, Table Rock Lake offers some of the country's best bass fishing among forests of oak and hickory trees.

Read the Fine Print for important info on travel dates and other restrictions.

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Talking about sports, like winning the lotto and undergoing surgery, goes better with a cold beer. Make every hour happy hour with this Groupon.

Choose Between Two Options $6 for $12 worth of pub fare and non-alcoholic beverages
$12 for $25 worth of pub fare and non-alcoholic beverages

Appetizers ($4.99+) include southwestern egg rolls and beer-battered jalapeño slices, sandwiches ($6.29+) include spicy italian beef, and entrees ($6.29+) include fish 'n' chips and chicken tenders.

Elm Street Pub

Like a beloved T-shirt or a broken-in couch, Elm Street Pub is in the business comfort, welcoming visitors with hearty sandwiches, traditional pub fare, and sudsy libations served in a low-key taproom. Digits descend on finger foods including chicken tenders or beer-battered french fries, and tall draft pours fuel all-night games of eight ball on the pool table. Modern and old-school hits pump out of the pub's jukebox, providing an aural backdrop for friendly dance-offs or attempts to help a percolator kick its caffeine habit.

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It seems like whatever you do, your kids just can't wait to grow up. Yesterday, they were running around Stuart Park in their sneakers, and tomorrow they'll be cruising Memorial in your sedan. Today, pamper your princess while still celebrating her childhood at Diva Girlz Studio in Midtown. Get her an hour of open free play that includes a hair updo, glitter makeup, and use of the party room -- complete with costumes, a stage, and all the splashy extras little girls love to accessorize with. A wall-length mirror shows off the pink zebra-trimmed stage below a ceiling festooned with mirrored balls, where your tot can don cheetah prints, feather boas, neon hair extensions, and bedazzled pink shades. Get a diva fantasyland with today's deal, while keeping your child's playful streak center stage. Want more? Visit Diva Girlz Studio on Facebook.

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Family-Friendly Lodgings in Downtown Jefferson City

Just steps from Capitol Plaza Hotel, the Missouri State Capitol Building resembles an ancient Roman basilica. Ornately carved 40-foot columns mark its entrance, and a statue of Ceres, the Roman goddess of grain and agriculture, tops its massive white dome. Ceres is a fitting figure to overlook Jefferson City, which began as several gristmills along the Missouri River. A stay at Capitol Plaza Hotel puts visitors in the heart of historical downtown Jefferson City and a stone's throw from the area's nature trails, prime fishing locales, and rolling prairies.

The guest rooms and executive suites offer wireless Internet and cable TV amid warm hues and simple decor. In the two-room executive suite, there's an additional sleeper sofa. For dinner, feel free to lounge in your room and enjoy an artisan pizza from the onsite Plaza Pizzeria, or head down for a light meal and a cocktail at the Fountain Court Lounge before unwinding in the hotel's indoor heated pool and hot tub.

Jefferson City, Missouri: Rich History and German Heritage on the Missouri River

Many postcards of downtown Jefferson City spotlight its domed Capitol Building and the Missouri River, the two landmarks that reflect the Missouri capital's historical and natural spirit. Perched on a bluff that Lewis and Clark crossed under during their historical afternoon beer run, the Capitol Building embraces Missouri's history through its three-wall mural, Thomas Hart Benton's A Social History of Missouri. Located on the third floor of the Capitol, the mural tells the story of Missouri's pioneer days up to the rise of St. Louis and Kansas City.

On Jefferson City's south side, the neighborhood of Old Munichburg conveys a distinctly German feel through its historical churches, Bavarian-style brick buildings, and pubs that serve schnitzel and other traditional dishes. Steps from Old Munichburg, the Missouri River draws visitors looking to canoe or catch catfish. Near the boat-access point, signs indicate how far other cities are down the river, from Rocheport (43 miles) to Three Forks, Montana (2,197 miles). Another popular spot for fishing is nearby Binder Lake, which is filled with bass and bluegill.

Read the Fine Print for important info on travel dates and other restrictions.

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Massage helps relieve aches caused by old sports injuries or a habit of entering buildings by motorcycling through the window. Rev up the relaxation with this Groupon.

Choose from Four Options $29 for one 60-minute full-body massage (a $60 value) $44 for one 90-minute full-body massage (a $90 value) $79 for three 60-minute full-body massages (a $180 value) $119 for three 90-minute full-body massages (a $270 value)

V.I.P TANZ

V.I.P TANZ brings sunshine indoors, allowing patrons to control their UV exposure and minimize the risk of sunburn by stepping into tanning beds. The business' summertime theme carries to its other services, as full-body and chair massages create a sense of relaxation akin to what you experience in a tropical-vacation-simulation machine. Within the salon, a mini boutique outfits patrons with colorful T-shirts, sundresses, and handbags while Stress Free Massage performs full-body and chair massages.

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Tinting your windows is an easier way to maintain anonymity than stuffing your car into a ski mask. Cultivate mystique with this Groupon.

Choose from Three Options $49 for window tinting on the driver and passenger side of any size vehicle (a $125 value)
$109 for window tinting for all side and rear windows of a car or truck (a $235 value)
$129 for window tinting for all side and rear windows of an SUV (a $285 value)

Tinting by Rita

Since 1982, expert technicians at Tinting by Rita have protected and beautified automobiles with precise, machine-cut films of UV-blocking tint. The fully insured shop outfits the windows of cars, trucks, big rigs, and SUVs with darkened hues that reduce solar heat by up to 74% and stops up to 99% of ultraviolet damage. With windows decked out in sleek, shady tinting, AC systems conserve precious energy in the summer, and interior upholstery won't fade, damage, or peel after getting a sunburn.

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Wearing trendy clothes is the best way to get inside a swanky club, ranking ahead of flirting with the bouncer or hiding inside a bottle of Cristal. Dress for access with this Groupon.

$25 for $50 Worth of Women's Clothing and Accessories

The boutique's inventory includes fashion jewelry ($8+), handbags, belts, and scarves ($25-$50), and denim ($89+).

Bella Dames

JoAnn Cardwell and Amanda Stone first collaborated on a trunk show in 2005. Their western-inspired clothing, shoes, and jewelry garnered a lot of attention and nudged the duo to start their own boutique. After seven tumultuous years, the ladies still focus on the basics: stocking quirky and fun clothing by brands such as Big Star denim, Kensie, and Level 99 denim. They also pepper their show room with fashion and fine jewelry, handbags, and an extensive collection of cowboy boots, which are ideal for wearing to rodeos or substituting for an American passport on transatlantic flights.

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Like building a deck or removing a squirrel taped to the upper back, a haircut is rarely a successful do-it-yourself project. Get a helping hand with this Groupon.

Choose Between Two Options $19 for a haircut, shampoo, and style (a $40 value)
$69 for a haircut, deep-conditioning treatment, partial highlights, and style (a $140 value)

Salon Senoj

Though it hangs outside a cozy cottage, the fleur-de-lis that dangles over Salon Senoj's entryway hints at the ritzy decor inside. Dark, lacquered hardwoods shine as clients explore the waiting area in front of a brick fireplace or head to a styling chair hidden in the secluded back room. There, staffers soothe strands with Redken, MoroccanOil, and Pureology products before they hand them symbolic pink slips and cut them off. The stylists also specialize in accenting beautiful fringes with nail services and eyelash-extension applications.

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Horses require human guidance to keep from brushing against barbed wire, eating poisonous rocks, and galloping triumphantly into the ocean. Take the reins with this Groupon.

Choose from Three Options $35 for two group horseback-riding lessons (a $70 value) $56 for four group horseback-riding lessons (a $140 value) $55 for two private horseback-riding lessons (a $110 value)

Instructors wrangle solo riders or groups of up to five for one hour, spending 20 minutes on saddling and mounting and 40 minutes on riding. Riding methods range from English or Western to jumping, trail trotting, and flying, but each lesson focuses on building a strong seat that serves as the foundation for equestrians of all levels.

West Equestrian Ranch

At age 13, a few years after relocating to the United States from her native Australia, Cheryl West unearthed a passion for horseback riding. Since then, she has become accomplished in both the competitive and educational arenas, including snagging a master certification in equestrian instruction, being asked to mold a program for special-needs riders at the American Therapeutic Riding Center, and ghostwriting a memoir for Mister Ed. At West Equestrian Ranch, Cheryl and her team of seasoned instructors bestow their expertise upon pupils during camps and group and private lessons. Both are anchored in the philosophy that building a sturdy seat lays the foundation for adept trotting-the lessons gravitate toward English, Western, jumping, dressage, or trail methods, while summer camps fold similar techniques into days of riding, games, and horse care.

Cheryl and her staff also serve the equine community, rescuing one or two horses each year, rebuilding their strength and confidence, and giving them spots on the ranch's competitive team. Meanwhile, they allow kids free rein of a playground and picnic tables for birthday parties, where the stables' gentlest steed whinnies happily as kids finger-paint him with rainbows or complex mathematical equations.

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People celebrate special occasions by decorating things with baubles, as evidenced by hanging ornaments on Christmas trees and emptying drums of diamonds over winning coaches. Be a gem with this Groupon.

Choose from Three Options $500 for your choice of a diamond anniversary ring (up to a $1,200 value). Three styles available. $50 for $100 worth of jewelry and gifts. $150 for $300 worth of jewelry and gifts.

Each diamond anniversary ring (pictured above) is cast and made in-house with 11 all-white, all-black, or alternating black-and-white diamonds weighing approximately .25 carats total. J. David Jewelry's inventory includes engraved photo key chains ($60), gold-dipped roses ($80), freshwater-pearl bracelets ($90), and stainless-steel jewelry for men ($100+).

J. David Jewelry

In 1987, Joel David Wiland learned the delicate task of cleaning and polishing fine jewelry while doing janitorial work at a local jewelry store. After filling his resume with more bauble-related experience, Joel and his wife, Kendra, opened the doors of the first J. David Jewelry in 1997. Their shop's 4,000-square-foot interior houses a collection of exclusive jewelry as well as bridal and fashion lines that glitter enough to elicit jealous stares from flashlights. As members of the Independent Jewelers Organization and Jewelers of America, Joel and his staff can confidently attest to the quality of their gems, craft custom jewelry using advanced software and equipment, and fix damaged pieces in their full-service repair shop.

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Human beings instinctively put their own likenesses everywhere: pumpkins, mountainsides, and text messages to Kevin. Illuminate the original emoticon with this Groupon.

Choose from Four Options $40 for one microdermabrasion or one chemical peel (an $80 value) $65 for two microdermabrasions or chemical peels (a $160 value) $89 for three microdermabrasions or chemical peels (a $240 value) $119 for six microdermabrasions or chemical peels (a $480 value)

Microdermabrasion sessions and chemical peels both diminish signs of aging and acne by thoroughly exfoliating the complexion. Each 30-minute treatment begins with the same ritual of cleansing. Facialist and owner, Lori Bougetz, wipes away makeup with warm towels and preps the face and neck with toner and a Clinical Care cleanser. During microdermabrasions, she draws a wand over the skin's surface that dislodges dead cells with a fine spray of aluminum oxide crystals. Alternatively, she loosens damaged skin tissues with a Clinical Care glycolic acid chemical peel. Both treatments are followed by a soothing gel mask, a pH-balancing toner, and a moisturizer.

Lori @ Hideaway Salon

Owner Lori Bougetz and the staff at Lori @ Hideaway Salon, also known as A Loving Touch Spa, bring their aesthetic A-game while fine-tuning human hides during relaxing spa visits, and educate guests on how to continue their beauty regimens at home with the proper cosmetic products. Their repertoire of beauty-boosting services embellishes outer appearances with a variety of facials that combine steam, exfoliation, and massage strokes to leave faces glowing like a five-star restaurant review studded with actual stars. Chemical peels safely slough away expired, complexion-dulling skin cells, and eyelash extensions augment peepers with long-lasting allure.

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Eating a hearty steak makes you feel like a king, much like wearing a crown or banishing the dog to a small island in the South Atlantic. Rule with a silver fork with this Groupon.

Choose Between Two Options $10 for $20 worth of steakhouse fare $20 for $40 worth of steakhouse fare

The menu includes shish kebab ($16.95), barbecue ribs and bologna ($22), and steak and lobster ($24.95). Every entree comes with a spread of tabouli, hummus, a relish tray, cabbage roll, a dinner salad, and a choice of baked potato, vegetable, or fries, which can be washed down with wine ($6+/glass, $19+/bottle).

The Silver Flame

Inside a geometric, castle-like building, The Silver Flame melds disparate cultures by combining traditional steak-house fare with a full cast of Middle Eastern flavors. The dinner menu brims with charred meats such as hickory-grilled rib eyes and kebabs, which compete with lobster and crab legs for the best moonwalk performance. With every hearty entree comes a mighty platter of sides, including domestic favorites such as salad and fries and Mediterranean staples of hummus and tabouli. From a fully stocked bar, drink slingers fill glasses with fine wines and domestic or imported beers, balancing flavors and sating parched tongues. A variety of live entertainment Tuesday-Saturday nights sates the non-eating senses, including musical performances from guitar, trumpet, and piano players. Climate-separated smoking and non-smoking sections comfortably keeps smokeless diners separate from hot charcoal jugglers.

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Before cameras, people seeking to leave a legacy could only hope to secure their place in future textbooks by poisoning the emperor. Avoid being a mere footnote with this Groupon.

$99 for Kids' Photography Summer Camp ($200 Value)

During two-day camps, kids work in small groups and individually absorb the finer points of professional camera settings, composition, and exposure. Instructors introduce the elements of genre photography-including outdoor and fine art-supplying hands-on opportunities to practice shooting and lighting techniques. Campers then edit their own projects, employing the postproduction tools of Adobe Photoshop to create their own take-home portfolio. Camps are held June 18-19 and July 23-24 from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Each camper should bring his or her own camera and laptop computer.

Andy's Fine Portraits

A group of bridesmaids surrounds the bride for a postceremony photo. As the flashbulb goes off, the photographer, Andy Leithner, is smiling along with them. This is just one of the more than 1,500 weddings he has shot in his 30-year career, a kind of longevity attributed to his enthusiasm for capturing his subjects' energy. Having developed a photojournalistic, bride-focused approach to the big day has made him a seven-time winner of Oklahoma State's Best Custom Wedding Album award. Since training at both the Texas School of Photography and the Delta School of Photography, the award-winning portrait photographer has also documented innumerable graduations, births, and clouds shaped like Ansel Adams. In addition to owning Andy's Fine Portraits, he has been invited to serve as a visiting photography lecturer for the Professional Photographers of America and at Tulsa Junior College.

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Biologists estimate that water makes up 65% of the human body, 71% of the planet's surface, and 0% of the R&B group Earth, Wind & Fire. Conquer the planet's most prevalent liquid with this Groupon.

$49 for an Illinois River Rafting Trip for Up to Four ($101.40 Value)

Participants can opt to take either the up to four-hour Leisure or up to seven-hour Adventure Trip, each beginning as Eagle Bluff Resort's team transports guest upriver to the launch point. Rafters then shove off into the Illinois River's Class I to II waters, which average a depth of 3-5 feet and rarely throw waves larger than 1 foot. Guests spy wildlife such as fish and turtles as they float back to the resort at their own pace. Check Eagle Bluff's recommendations for what to bring.

Eagle Bluff Resort

Since 1969, the nature enthusiasts of Eagle Bluff Resort have supplied visitors with watercraft for floats down the Illinois River's gentle Class I to II waters. Taking over the resort in 1985, the Bennett family has continued renting a fleet of vessels that encompasses two- to eight-person rafts, sit-on-top kayaks, two- and three-man 17-foot Osagian canoes, and tubes for both daytime and overnight trips. After crews take guests to the launch points, the river's steady channel lets parties float back to the resort at their own pace. Along the way, wildlife such as turtles and fish may appear for photo opportunities and autograph signings. Upon returning to the resort, onsite facilities, including a snack bar, showers, and sand volleyball court, reacclimatize visitors back to civilization. Lodging options include campgrounds and six air-conditioned cabins.

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Smooth skin is regarded as a barometer of beauty, revered almost as much as a perfectly symmetrical face or a dewy, robust uvula. Polish your pores with this Groupon.

Choose Between Two Options $25 for one 60-minute spa facial (a $50 value) $59 for three 60-minute spa facials (a $150 value)

A skincare analysis paves the way for the aesthetician to exfoliate the skin and perform extractions with a mask before massaging the upper body and face.

Aesthetic Services by Kimberly at Solutions Salon

In a tranquil corner of Solutions Salon, Kim's suite employs ambient lighting, soft music, and aromatic oils to create a calming skincare retreat. For Kim, the suite represents liberation from the corporate world in which she toiled for years. It was her own stylist that suggested she study aesthetics--a suggestion that stuck with Kim when she moved to the Tulsa area and began job hunting. It was no surprise that aesthetics was a natural fit. Years earlier, Kim had worked for Mary Kay cosmetics and been awarded a car for her success slinging blushes, lipsticks, and hitchhiking thumbs at passing motorists. Now, Kim channels her years of beauty experience into facials and sugaring procedures with Clinical Care Skin Solutions and Alexandria Professional products.

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