67% Off White Water Rafting (and $595 teeth whitening for $195)

Today’s Groupon is an exhilarating one: for $49, you get a half-day whitewater-rafting trip from California River Adventures, Inc. (up to a $97 value, including river fees and taxes). You’ll explore the South Fork Gorge along the South Fork of the American River in this 4 hour adventure.

Trips are offered Mon-Fri, Memorial Day through Labor Day; Sat & Sun, before Memorial Day & after Labor Day. Be sure and read any other fine print as well.

The side deal is $195 for an In-Office Zoom! Teeth Whitening Plus Take-Home Kit at Sutter Dental ($599 Value).

Not familiar with Groupon?  Here’s how it works: Every day there is a new deal available, but it’s only good for a day. (On Fridays, you have extra time to take advantage of the deal: most of those deals are available through Sunday at midnight.)

Though you’re essentially buying coupons at a discount, they’re called Groupons because a minimum number of people need to buy them in order for everyone to get the deal. If the deal doesn’t “tip,” then you don’t get the deal; your credit card won’t be charged. Sadly, the nearest “Groupon City” is San Francisco, although they  occasionally post Wine Country deals.  You’ll find Groupons for restaurants, health & beauty treatments, entertainment venues,  etc., though I usually only mention them if they’re in our neck of the woods or are unusual enough to make it worth the trip (or if they amuse me in some way). If you frequently eat out or get mani-pedi’s in the city, you might want to click over and subscribe directly. Oh, and there’s often a side deal, so if the main deal doesn’t interest you, scan the right side of the page for “Today’s Side Deal” to see what else is available.

FYI–I’ve linked you to my Groupon affliate page. Translation: If you buy a Groupon within 72 hours of clicking on the link, and it’s the first time you’ve bought a Groupon, I’ll receive a small credit toward a future Groupon. If you’re going to buy your first Groupon ever and feel like sending a little love my way, use the link. Otherwise, just go to Groupon.com. Thanks!