Welcome to Winter Bingo (a.k.a. “Get Out of the Apartment Without Overspending”)
January in NJ/NY can turn even the boldest social butterfly into a professional blanket burrito. And honestly? Respect. But if you want a reason to get out, support local spots, and make winter feel a little less like a gray loading screen, this is it.
Support Local Bingo is simple:
- It’s budget-friendly
- It’s parking-friendly
- It’s date-friendly and friend-friendly
- It supports businesses that keep your town interesting (and well-fed)
How to play
- Screenshot the bingo card ideas below (or copy into your Notes app).
- Try to complete one row, one column, or go full chaos and aim for blackout.
- Keep it realistic: many squares can be done for $5–$20.
- Tag us when you hit 5 squares, we’ll repost wins and shout out local spots.
The Bingo Card (25 Squares)
Pick a square, pick a spot, and go collect tiny joys like they’re Pokémon.
- Grab a hot drink from a local café
- Buy one bakery treat “just because”
- Try a takeout spot you’ve never tried
- Leave a kind review for a local business
- Tip a little extra (even a couple bucks counts)
- Visit a local bookstore or gift shop
- Do a dessert stop date (split something sweet)
- Buy a small $10 gift for someone (or yourself, we’re not the boss of you)
- Order a local lunch special
- Attend one local event (free if possible)
- Try a new breakfast spot
- Buy something “useful” locally (pharmacy, hardware, etc.)
- Stop into a market/specialty food shop
- Take a scenic walk nearby (even a “nice loop” counts)
- Bring a friend to a local spot
- Try a local fitness class (or a free intro)
- Visit an art space or gallery
- Find the coziest corner table in town
- Order the “house favorite” item
- Take a photo of your favorite storefront
- Go to a comedy or live music night
- Get a haircut or self-care service locally
- Try a non-chain pizza slice
- Donate to a local drive or organization
- Complete 5 squares in one weekend
Easy “Bingo Routes” (So You Don’t Overthink It)
Because winter plans should not require a spreadsheet.
Route A: The Cozy Crawl (2 hours)
- Hot drink (Square 1)
- Bakery treat (2)
- Cozy corner table (18)
- Photo of storefront (20)
Route B: The Weekend Errand Upgrade
- Buy something useful locally (12)
- Market stop (13)
- Lunch special (9)
- Leave a review (4)
Route C: Date Night That’s Not Dinner-Only
- Dessert stop date (7)
- House favorite item (19)
- Comedy/live music (21)
Route D: Friend Hang Without the Big Spend
- Takeout you’ve never tried (3)
- Scenic walk (14)
- Tip extra (5)
- Tag your stop + share progress
Local Spots:
Coffee/Cafés: Hot Stuff Coffee Shop
Bakery/Dessert: The Cakery, Bert’s Hideout
Takeout Favorites: La Sorella, Tomato Cafe
Shops + Gifts: Fishkill Farms Farm Store (local goods + gifts)
Live Events / Entertainment: Fishkill Farms / Treasury Cider (seasonal happenings)
Comment your #1 local spot that everyone should try this winter.
Bonus: tell us which square you’re starting with, and tag a friend who needs to leave the house (lovingly).