#OutandAboutAva/Family Fun

Family Friendly events with my daughter

Where to Play: #Atlanta Must Do Family Fun Attractions #puppetryATL @CTRPuppetryArts & @LDCatlanta  

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Disclaimer: We received complimentary passes to visit these 2 attractions in order to facilitate review, however the opinions are 100% my own.

This past Friday may have been ‘Good Friday’ but we turned it into a Great Friday by visiting two of Atlanta’s family fun attractions: Center for Puppetry Arts and LEGOLAND Discovery Center Atlanta! Both of these attractions are kid friendly, educational, full of family fun and a must do when visiting Atlanta, GA.

Center for Puppetry Arts

The Center for Puppetry Arts has alot to explore and a whole lot to admire. I learned so much about the craftmanship and the passion behind making a puppet. Everyone’s childhood history involves being entertained by a puppet. Whether its Sesame Street….

…the Muppets,with our favorite couple Miss Piggy & Kermit…

..or any of the projects Jim Henson was involved in, we all learned at an early age that puppetry like love is universal. 

Edit
Now thru May 28, Pete the Cat will be playing at the Center. Be sure to request all-inclusive tickets which will provide admission to the show, access to the Worlds of Puppetry Museum and ability to attend the Create-A-Puppet Workshop to craft your own Pete the Cat hand puppet! It was nice to be able to see the interactive show based on the books my daughter loves as well as create a keepsake afterwards to take home. 

Our favorite thing that we did was create our own puppet show. My family and I pretended to go live on tv with the hand puppet of our choice and let our imagination wonder! Hmm, I wonder if PBS is hiring?

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Located in Midtown, the Center for Puppetry Arts should be a part of your family vacation memories your next visit to Atlanta.

Center for Puppetry Arts

  • 1404 Spring St. NW at 18th
  • Atlanta, GA 30309-2820 USA


LEGOLAND Discovery Center Atlanta

A family visit to the LEGOLAND Discovery Center was recommended as a family fun attraction during our stay at the Mandarin Oriental because it is conveniently located nearby in the fashionable Phipps Plaza shopping mall.

Legos are those little plastic, colorful, play things that are beloved all over the world. We knew a visit to this attraction would definitely appeal to our 5 year old!

While legos and building opportunities are everywhere here, they have different areas dedicated to specific themes. Their “miniland” area had lego mock ups of construction projects and the space program. They also have 2 rides; Merlin’s Apprentice and Kingdom Quest laser ride. We also took turns getting on a specially calibrated scale that converts your weight to how many lego bricks it would take to weigh that much! However Daddy and daughter mostly enjoyed connecting and discovering what they could build together.

When it was time for a break we took in a show at their incredible Lego 4D Cinema where you are immersed {literally} into the story of the screen. You may get snowed or rained on in the theatre! 

My daughter also had great fun using the karaoke machine. If you get hungry they have a neat little Cafe where you can get snacks and Icee’s. LEGOLAND Discovery Center Atlanta is truly fun for the whole family! It brought out the little Big Kid in us all. 

LEGOLAND Discovery Center 

Phipps Plaza, 3500 Peachtree Rd.

Atlanta, GA 30326

Where to Enjoy a Luxury Family Getaway ~Mandarin Oriental Atlanta @MO_Atlanta #FanofMO 

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Disclaimer: We received a media rate during our stay,however the opinions are 100% my own.

I have been fortunate enough to have had quite a few experiences traveling the globe and staying in some of the world’s premier hotels. Whether for business or pleasure, most were renowned for their “luxury” and grandeur. However, my most recent stay at the Mandarin Oriental Atlanta was the first luxury family travel experience shared with our daughter. As a kindergartner celebrating her first Spring Break, I thought we’d stay at this 5 star hotel known for its beautiful rooms, superb restaurant and elegant spa. We were quite pleased with how this property combined luxury with great service while keeping the littlest guests in mind.

CHECK IN

The moment we arrived at this 580 ft tall skyscraper in Buckhead, we immediately felt part of the #MOfamily. When we pulled up to their valet service, no one asked us did we need help with our luggage, they simply just took over the task. I found that predicting needs is what sets them apart from the rest. The intimate check in area was friendly and efficient. Upon arriving, a special welcome awaited our daughter along with a ‘Passport’ that had a fun scavenger hunt inside. This allowed us to tour the hotel to find clues as well as admire the ppst modern architecture and beautiful decor, such as the white and black marble floors throughout the lobby area!

A warm welcome always makes a great first impression. Our little one received a MiniMO stuffed Panda and slippers along with some bath products to make her stay more comfortable. Also awaiting for us was a beautiful array of delicious sweets to enjoy. These special children’s amenities and treats were a pleasant surprise!

OUR ROOM

Our first room located on the 6th Floor had an issue with the Air Conditioning unit. Maintenance arrived in a few minutes. After a quick assessment they determined it may take a bit of time to repair. The room phone rang. It was the front desk. They apologized profusely for the situation and advised we would be immediately moved and upgraded to one of their Mandarin Terrace Rooms on the 15th floor. This room had a private balcony which overlooked the Buckhead skyline. The staff took control of what could have been a negative experience and not only solved it but enhanced the positive. Take a look at our video tour of this elegant and spacious room.

My favorite feature in the room was the smooth white marble bathroom with deep soaking tub, walk in shower and vanity area with flat screen tv. Our daughter really enjoyed bath time watching her favorite cartoons and I enjoyed winding down each day by turning bath time into my own city sanctuary!

DINING

After a great night’s sleep, which included turn down service-another sign of the high caliber property that the Mandarin Oriental is, we woke up just in time for room service to deliver our breakfast. It was delightful. The American Breakfast offered a variety of delicious breakfast favorites. The Brioche French Toast with chocolate chips is definitely a 5 yr old’s dream! We enjoyed the meal and it was a great way to start off the day.

We also dined in their sophisticated restaurant and enjoyed breakfast there on our final day. I laughed when I was about to ask my waiter for more cream but he magically appeared before I could ask…he was holding more cream..There is that predicting needs thing again! The Cafe & Bar and its inviting surroundings not only offers a tasty breakfast menu but dinner, lunch and Sunday brunch. French Press Coffee, Freshly Squeezed Juice, Belgium Waffles, and Shrimp & Grits are just some of the modern American cuisine menu items you can find on their menu. High quality, locally and flavorful ingredients were used to prepare our meal and without a doubt turned us into #MOfoodies!

THE SPA at Mandarin Oriental Atlanta

Winner of the Best of Atlanta Awards by Atlanta Magazine, Dec 2016 for Best Spa Package (Splurge) , The Spa at Mandarin Oriental Atlanta is a wellness oasis and a great treat for anyone needing some relaxation. I had a spa appointment for an Oriental Essence massage on our final day but prior to my indulgent treatment, we enjoyed their 60 foot lap indoor pool.

The Spa at Mandarin Oriental offers a range of treatments, sauna, steam room, vitality pool access, a spa boutique, fitness center and more. The minimum age requirement for Spa and Fitness center access is 18 yrs old, however the pool is available to all guests. With Mother’s Day and Father’s Day around the corner, I highly recommend treating someone to the gift of luxury & wellness by gifting them a Mandarin Oriental gift card! They won’t be disappointed.

AMENITIES & OFFERS

While I received my massage, hubby and daughter wanted to check out Lenox Mall & Phipps Plaza nearby. While he was going to retrieve the car, the doorman advised them for such a close drive they should take the Mandarin Oriental’s house car. Ahmad the driver pulled up in their Tesla sedan and off they went. They simply called him when they were ready to return and he promptly picked them back up and delivered them back to the property. Very nice indeed.

The Mandarin Oriental Atlanta has a variety of offers for those planning a luxury retreat. From May 1-October 31, 2017 check out their Family Field Trip package which encourages family travelers to explore Atlanta’s great outdoors. We checked out some indoor family fun attractions: Center for Puppetry Arts & Legoland Discover Center (which is conveniently close to the hotel and a must do). Stay tuned as I share my review of these Atlanta kid friendly places this week.

I hope you enjoyed reading about some of our favorite moments staying at The Mandarin Oriental Atlanta and are inspired to ‘Experience MO’ yourself with family. At check out, #outandaboutAva received a concierge gift for completing her scanvenger hunt and answering correctly. Luxury they do very well. Service they do even better. We are definitely #MoFans aka Fans of Mo and hope you will consider becoming one too!

The Mandarin Oriental Atlanta

3376 Peachtree Road NE

Atlanta GA 30326

Website: http://www.mandarinoriental.com/atlanta

Where to Dine in #Atlanta 3 #FamilyFriendly Restaurants: #TheCowfish #BoneFishGrill #Brio

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We are in Atlanta for #outandaboutAva’s first spring break. Epic eats are essential when on vacation, so we sought out some of our favorite family friendly restaurants while here in Atlanta, Georgia. When we eat out as a family, we require any restaurant we choose to have at least the following criteria:

  • Booths. Only parents know the true value of being able to keep a child sequestered on the inside seat of a booth !
  • Kids Menus. A restaurant must make a special effort to cater to kids. Some adult menu items do not translate easily to the palettes of a 5 yr old
  • Activity Booklets. Although we live in the tech world, old fashioned coloring books and puzzles with crayons still do the trick of occupying them until the food comes.
  • Variety. We need choices suitable for all of our tastes AND a bar menu featuring a cocktail and wine list for Mom/Dad because we deserve it!

Our Top 3 restaurants that made our ‘Where to Dine in Atlanta’ list has all the above and more. Check out out thoughts below.

The Cowfish Sushi Burger Bar Atlanta 

From the moment we walked up to the The Cowfish Sushi Burger Bar Atlanta, you could tell we were going to have a fun dining experience! Located at Atlanta’s Perimeter Mall, This is the first and only Georgia outpost of this North Carolina based restaurant. Their unique take on food has made The Cowfish stand out from the crowd.

They have a huge cowfish statue named Nugget and fun games out front. Between the bean bag toss and the plinko game, my daughter was having so much fun outside she didn’t want to come in! But once inside she was fascinated by the REAL cowfish they have in the aquarium and the wonderful kids activities menu with crayons at the table.

The Cowfish aims to offer something for the entire family. Scrumptious appetizers for sharing, entree-sized salads, homemade desserts and a fun kid’s menu are joined by their signature creations such “Burgushi”! A cutting edge fusion of burger and sushi, burgushi items include sushi rolls created using burger components, and pick-up style sandwiches created using sushi components. Since we loves sushi +burgers+bar(for the parents), The CowFish ended up being the perfect choice for our lunch date. They have such a pretty extensive menu, but thankfully it is broken down and explained by the helpful wait staff.

For  an appetizer it was recommended we try the Lobster & Crab Spring Rolls. It was 4 towers of goodness filled with lobster meat. It came with a trifecta of sauces: cilantro pesto, thai chili sauce, spicy honey marmalade The sauces were so good, I ordered extra! Uber fresh, uber delicious! Simply amazing! 

For our entrees, we all got the bento box lunches as a way to try a little of everything they had to offer. The Cowfish Bento Box and Fusion Specialty Bento Box are a great way to go to sample a mini-burger along with your choice of sushi roll and tasty side items! My little girl enjoyed her lunch too. Their kids menu is unlike any other I have ever seen. Sophisticated choices, yet very kid simple palette friendly. She had their California Roll Bento box. It came with edamame, which she loves and even a rice crispy treat with a candy cowfish gummy bear on top..plus a fun tattoo!

We split a very BIG slice of their Chef Dave’s Not Factory Made Cheesecake delicious, creamy almond coconut cheescake! We put a dent in it but can you say “a to go box please” !

The Cowfish satisfies both kids and adults alike. If you enjoy a creative handcrafted cocktail, don’t miss a chance to try any from their list. The Moscow Muleshine for Him and the Itsy Bitsy Tini-Weenie Fresh and Berry Great Martini for me has now made it our favorite libations list! 

SobeSavvy Tip:  Great news for you Birmingham foodies! The Cowfish Sushi Burger Bar is coming to The Summit near Saks Fifth Avenue and slated to open summer 2017!  Now you can see what Charlotte, Raleigh, Orlando and Atlanta fans love about this restaurant

For more information visit http://www.thecowfish.com Twitter@The_Cowfish                     Instagram: thecowfishsbb              Facebook: @thecowfishatl

Bonefish Grill -Akers Mill Square/ATL

My family loves fresh seafood which makes dining at Bonefish Grill a great idea always! They have a newly opened restaurant in Akers Mill Square in Atlanta, where we enjoyed their new items on their spring menu.  Bonefish Grill, known as the fresh fish experts, are off to a healthy spring start by adding Sea Scallops to the menu. We shared the delicious Applewood Bacon Wrapped Scallops starter, featuring four tender scallops wrapped in Applewood bacon and topped with a tasty mango salsa.Lucky for us parents, Bonefish Grill just launched their Hand-Crafted Happy Hour served 4-6:30 p.m. every day, including weekends, starting April 3*.  We dined while their redefined happy hour was in full swing. Unlike some restaurants, Bonefish Grill allows any diner to order from their special hand crafted happy hour menu no matter if seated at the bar or dining at a table in the main room. We had two of their handcrafted cocktails off of their happy hour menu ($5). The Tropical Tiki Martini and a Fresh Margarita were both superb!Although this is a casual yet sophisticated restaurant, it is also really kid friendly. Kids get their own menu and activity book and crayons to go with it. Her beverage of choice..a shirley temple customized with extra cherries~thanks Bonefish Grill! Her fave from the kids menu is their popcorn shrimp, so that was what she ordered.

Our #HeighPartyof3 believes 3 is the magic number and so does Bonefish Grill with their new Hooked on Tuesday menu special. Starting at $14.90, you get a 3-course meal that includes a fresh salad, entree and decadent dessert.

If you love Salmon, it served many ways at Bonefish Grill.  I choose to have it grilled with pesto and mango salsa (it’s so addictive)  on the side. From the seasonal menu try Cedar Plank Norwegian Salmon – Roasted on a cedar plank, topped with a seasonal glaze of sweet honey and savory Dijon, served with jasmine rice and a vegetable medley of fresh asparagus, button mushrooms, pearl onions, and peas.

For a sweet ending to your meal, I highly recommend the Jen’s jamaican coconut pie. Warning.. this is the one dessert that is not kid friendly because they use a Meyer’s Rum sauce that compliments the dessert well.

And, for dessert from the seasonal menu, try the perennial favorite Strawberry Shortcake! Our daughter loved the made in house whipped cream and fresh strawberries. 

For more information, visit http://www.bonefishgrill.com.   

*Hand-Crafted Happy Hour is available at participating Bonefish Grill restaurants.


Bonefish Grill (Akers Mill Sq.)
2997 Cobb Pkwy SE
Atlanta, GA 30339

BRIO Buckhead-Atlanta


BRIO Tuscan Grille is a favorite of my family because of the variety of tasty dishes on their menu. When I learned that BRIO Tuscan Grille has two locations in Atlanta at Buckhead and Perimeter Mall, I knew they should be added to our “Where to Dine” list during our visit. They say variety is the spice of life and BRIO is  embracing this philosophy with an array of new dishes on the “A Variety of Flavors” lunch and dinner menus. Available Tuesday, Feb. 28–Saturday, April 15, the menus present two exciting new appetizers, three entrées (including two mouthwatering seafood dishes), a divine dessert, and delightful wine options. Here is what we tried from the menu:

 Appetizers

·         Calamari Fritto Misto: Peperoncini, aioli, Pomodoro; $10.75 at lunch, $11.75 at dinner

*This was enough for my family of 3 to share and it we had fun dipping the calamari into the two sauces. 

Entrées

·         Peroni Beer-Battered Fish & Chips: North Atlantic cod, fries, Brussels sprout slaw; $17.95

·         Braised Beef Pappardelle: Rosemary pappardelle, crimini mushrooms, roasted carrots, red onions,  tomato porcini sauce; $21.95

* Fish for him, Beef for me. We both loved our dishes so much, we didn’t share..lol I’m looking at the picture wondering what the brussels sprout slaw tasted like? He said it was all very good and he hopes they keep it on the menu. The braised beef was very tender and full of flavor. The portion was very much family style anf meant for sharing..but I didn’t. It was that good!


Dessert

·         Butterscotch Budino: Italian for “pudding,” Marcona almonds, caramel, vanilla whipped cream; $3.95   

*The perfect sweet ending to a great meal. 

Serving as perfect complements to these special dishes are BRIO’s exquisite wine selections, which this Mom and Dad appreciates! Suggested wines are the light, fruity and elegant Sketchbook Pinot Noir (Mendocino, California); and the lush and silky Benziger Family Winery Chardonnay (Sonoma, California).

We enjoyed their unique flavors with a Tuscan twist, and #outandaboutAva liked their special Children’s Menu.

For a Family Date Night out consider dining at BRIO. Guests can now make reservations online for all BRIO restaurants by visiting http://www.BrioItalian.com or call (404) 601-5555. For a list of locations, please visit http://www.BrioItalian.com and follow the restaurant on Twitter (@brioitalian) and Facebook (facebook.com/brioitalian)

BRIO Buckhead – Atlanta

2964 Peachtree Road N.W.

Atlanta, GA 30305,

*south of Pharr Rd.
Open Sunday 11 a.m.–9 p.m., Monday–Thursday 11 a.m.–10 p.m. and Friday and Saturday 11 a.m.–11 p.m.

What To Do in #Atlanta for #FamilyDate Night Fun ? @MedievalTimes for Everyone !

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My family and I are visiting Atlanta during our daughters very first official spring break and decided to step back in time for a family fun filled Sunday dinner.

All the way back to Medieval Times! This spectacular dinner theatre in Gwinett County features Jousting, horsemanship & falconry plus a 4-course utensil-free meal served in a castle-like ancient arena.

Upon entry their expansive lobby area is bustling with all sorts of activities. You can take pictures with characters who are straight out of King Arthur ! There is a crackling fire and a huge bar where you can grab a drink prior to the show. We ended up with a cocktail called the “Dragon Slayer”. It came served in a specialty cup that we can keep for years as a conversation piece.

Once we entered the competition arena things really got interesting. It was a surreal atmosphere. The “stage” is a custom made sunken equestrian course with sand. The knights performed all sorts of competitions and games like pluck the ring and horse relay racing !

While enjoying the show we were served a set menu of roasted chicken ,corn, potatoes and corn on the cobb. No forks or knives allowed. Eat like the knights of old.WITH YOUR HANDS !!

The show culminated with a hollywood worthy showdown of what can only be called a “knight fight”. Swords and swinging hammers were everywhere while the actors played stuntmen with flips and falls. The audience went wild and cheered. The King and his daughter ruled the show from their royal perch. 
In addition to general admission, they also offer knighting ceremonies, upgrade packages such as king’s royalty (additional $22 per person), royalty (additional $18 per person) and celebration (additional $12 per person).
SobeSavvy Tip : Go anytime during the months of March and April and take advantage of their special spring break rates by following this link and use discount code ” SB17″.

If you ever want to do something unique to do on your next visit to Atlanta make sure you take the whole family to have dinner and a show at medieval Times.

#outandaboutAva celebrates #NationalCrayonDay @SkyZone #SkyZoneRaleigh + @usfg coupon 

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*Disclaimer:  SobeSavvy.com was hosted by  US Family Guide and Sky Zone Raleigh, however the opinions are my own.

Hey Moms, Dads, Girls and Boys are you ready to JUMP for Joy ?! That’s what we did with invited friends and family at Sky Zone.  Our event- “Celebrate #NationalCrayonDay the #SobeSavvy Way” – was a theme party held for our little artist, #outandaboutAva, who loves to color!  

Sky Zone Raleigh is a trampoline park that is entertaining for the whole family! Got an upcoming birthday to plan for your little one and want to save time & money but splurge on FUN!? Then look no further than Sky Zone Raleigh where they offer several out-of-this-world birthday (and special event) party packages to make your party soar, literally!

Here is what we got with their Jump Around Package

1 Hour of Open Jump Time; includes SkySocks of all sizes!

Access to the Foam Zone and Sky Slam

2 large deep dish one-topping pizzas
1 bottle of water per guest

Party plates, napkins, cups and utensils

40 minutes in a private party room after your jump time 
Party room set up and clean up
Sky Zone party host available throughout your entire experience

Sky Zone Raleigh T-Shirt for ☆Ava 

Prior to the party, I sent out Evite invitations courtesy of Sky Zone and encouraged guests to fill out waivers prior to the event. This made check in go smooth and quick. The staff was well organized, friendly and welcoming when we arrived 30 mins before jump time. We used that time to learn the rules and to pre-game! Once we got our Sky Zone socks, we were ready to soar…. but first, a Sky Zone selfie! 

YOU SHOULD KNOW: 
– Sky Zone Raleigh does not allow outside food or beverages, with the exception of cake or cupcakes.

– Sky Zone separates by size and age.  Any jumper age 4 and under is considered a toddler. For safety purposes toddlers are permitted to jump on Toddler Court and Foam Zone only. Only toddlers are permitted to jump on Toddler Court. 

Our party’s theme was just in time for National Crayon Day, which is celebrated today on 3/31. Everyone young and old loves to color, so we thought this would be a great idea. Since this was not a birthday party but a theme party, I asked that no one bring gifts for our daughter. Instead, each child brought 1 wrapped coloring book/1 box of crayons for a gift exchange. Check out one mom’s creative gift wrapping skills:

These days parties are not just for birthdays..you can celebrate anything, anytime at Sky Zone! Here is what my mom friends had to say when asked to share their thoughts on Sky Zone Raleigh

  • SkyZone does an awesome job keeping the kids active and involved. There is something for every age group!
  • The facility is really clean and well kept.

  • My son and I really enjoyed SkyZone. I enjoy that they keep the toddlers seperate from the big kids.
  • The party attendant (Jessica) was attentive and friendly. I felt great letting my child go free to jump and play.
  • SkyZone was amazing! My 2 yr old daughter had lots of fun and I enjoyed watching her play. The staff was very sweet and attentive.
  • Lots of fun, very clean, friendly staff

  • SkyZone is lots of fun! I like that kids and adults are separate for safety. 
  • Great party place for kids to run and play around. I liked separation by age and that parents can play with kids. Will definitely come back and consider having child’s birthday party here as well!

Everyone had an awesome time bouncing across their patented, all-trampoline, walled playing courts. As a mom who worked a 9 to 5 today, I enjoyed being able to let Skyzone Raleigh do the planning, set up (and cleaning up) for the party. For me saving time is priceless! I appreciated not having to do everything. This party was stress free, which made me jump for joy !

Thanks Sky Zone! 

Click here to see my fun video recap of our good times at Sky Zone! Find all the exciting details to schedule your party at http://www.skyzone.com/raleigh/Birthday-Parties! My SobeSavvy readers get to save with this coupon >>>>! Best Birthday Ever! – 15% off Jump Around Birthday Package

Ever been to Sky Zone before?  Tell me your experience below in the comments! Thanks for reading and feel free to share.

Top 5 Reasons to see The Wolf in #Raleigh ! Thru 4/2 @TheatreRaleigh #FamilyFun

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Looking for some family fun or somewhere different than the playground to go with your little one? Then head to the Kennedy Theatre at Duke Center For Performing Arts to see  “The Wolf” presented by Theatre Raleigh. 

This kid friendly production, directed and choregraphed by Lauren Kennedy Brady, combines elements from well known stories as Little Red Riding Hood, The Boy Who Cried Wolf, The Three Little Pigs and Peter and the Wolf. Follow those characters and see what they have in store for The Wolf.
SobeSavvy.com shared a review of the play in 2016, so we were excited to be invited again to experience this fantastic play with #outandaboutAva, now 5 yrs old. To see her reaction to this play a year later, now that she is a year older was wonderful!

Savvy Tip: Make sure to stop by the fun “Capture the Wolf” photo booth and hang around after the show to meet the cast!

Top 5 Reasons you should see The Wolf 

  1. Whether you are age 3 or 93, this play is for everyone. Both young and adults audiences will find the production to be entertaining and delightful!
  2. We loved how the characters perform in close physical proximity to the audience. The show is so engaging and approachable, we felt like we were part of the play!  
  3. Kennedy Theatre is uniquely intimate, which is one of the main reasons The Wolf is perfectly suited for this venue.Kids can even sit on floor pillows stage side to help capture The Wolf!
  4. For 1 hour (no intermission), you can feast your eyes on dance, theatre and imagination all in one room. 
  5. You don’t want to miss your chance to finally see The Wolf get outsmarted! Take that, take that..we’re not afraid of the Big Bad Wolf!

The Wolf is an original show written by Joe Calarco and Andre Catrini and is part of The 2017 Family Series sponsored in part by Duke Health and plays until April 2,2017. For showtimes and ticket information, check here.

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Family Travel Guide #ArlingtonVA | @StayArlington Where to Stay, Eat, Play

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Arlington, Va has long been known mainly just for it’s proximity to the nation’s capital. Well I am here to share that Arlington is a awesome destination all on it’s own. With a population of 1/4 million people, Arlington is a gem well worth exploring because it packs a lot of excitement,charm accessibility and affordability into one small area. My family and I, aka #HeighPartyof3, went on a roadtrip to Arlington,VA and here is our weekend family travel guide!

Where to Stay

Hyatt Place Arlington/Courthouse Plaza

Savvy Tip: Arlington is home to more than 40 hotels offering rates up to 20 percent less than those in downtown Washington,D.C

Arlington has many options when it comes to accomodations. At the suggestion of Stay Arlington, we stayed at the brand new Hyatt Place in the Courthouse district. [ read my 2019 update >>here ] In my opinion this eight-story hotel property is located in an awesome area for walking and exploring Arlington on foot or the metro 2 blocks away. Hyatt Place Arlington is perfect for families as well as business and leisure travelers as it has everything one needs for a comfortable stay. The guestrooms are spacious and allowed us to rest easy after driving up for 4 hrs from Raleigh.

With inviting spaces to connect, meet, socialize, eat and drink, this innovative hotel is truly designed around the modern traveler.Speaking of eats and drinks, this hotel offers a Grand and Go case in the lobby where you can get sandwiches and salads 24/7 as well as order from a gallery menu.So whether getting in late or early you will never go hungry here. Be sure to check out the drink menu if you are in the mood for ‘satisfying sips’ for a night cap.Since it was St.Patricks Day (well evening) when we arrived, I decided to drink green and ordered me an apple martini. CHEERS~It was great!

During our stay, we enjoyed their complimentary A.M.Skillet breakfast which has a build your own yogurt station and hot egg and waffle options presented in what else but a skillet ! My little girl enjoyed putting almonds and granola in her oatmeal. For some of our visit, #outandaboutAva got a lil stomach bug. Thanks to the kind and helpful staff at Hyatt Place Arlington for making some customized chamomile/mint tea to help her feel better! We all loved the Hyatt Place as our home away from home.

What to Do

Explore~ We stayed in the vibrant Courthouse district which is within walking distance to a variety of shopping, entertainment and restaurant options. Just across the river from nation’s Capital, Arlington boasts the neighborly, small-town community vibe with all the amenities and conveniences of major urban centers.In addition to its many historical attractions, Arlington is just minutes to the National Mall and other regional attractions. Here are some of the places we explored:

Arlington Farmers Market

Since 1979, residents and visitors alike have enjoyed the weekend Arlington Farmers Market. All things produce and much more can be found in this local gem of a market.

Rocky Run Park

We actually happened upon Rocky Run Park. Set in a quiet residential street, this park has something for everyone. Extensive kids jungle gym activities and basketball courts and multi use turf fields. Great spot for letting the little {and big} kids burn off some steam and have fun.

Arlington National Cemetery

We decided to visit the hollowed grounds of Arlington National Cemetery, our nation’s shrine to honor those who have served our country. Both beautiful and peaceful, the cemetery is a place to pay homage anf remember those who sacrificed. We enjoyed exploring the impressive landscape and saw many moving experiences like: the Eternal Flame, President Kennedy and Family and Medgar W.Evers grave. If you are looking for a particular place of interest, use the ANC Explorer app available on the cemetery’s website, on-site kiosks or through online app stores. To see more of my photos from our visit to Arlington National Cemetery, see here.

National Mall

One of the perks of staying in Arlington is that you can visit The National Mall, the Smithsonian museums and other places in our Nation’s Capital because they are all just minutes away on Metro. Since we drive up, we just crossed the Potomac River in less than 10 mins to see the Lincoln Memorial, Washington Monument, Albert Einstein Memorial and the new Smithsonian National Museum of African American History and Culture. A must see!

#PhotoswithAlbert

National Harbor Capital Wheel

If you happen to visit Arlington by car like we did, you will learn that its location ‘inside the Beltway’ (I-495 and I-95) makes it easily accessible from many routes. There is plenty of on-street and private parking options. About 20 mins away is the National Harbor , where we were invited to visit their family fun regional attraction, the Capital Wheel. If you have a sense of adventure, take this ride up to the sky to see the DMV (DC, Maryland, Virginia) landscape for miles around!

Where to Eat

Bayou Bakery

In the mood for Louisiana-style favorites, coffees and desserts? Stop by Bayou Bakery. Owned by New Orleans-born chef David Guas who hosts The Travel Channel’s “American Grilled”, Bayou has brought authentic cajun cuisine to Northern Virginia.

We had some delicious beignets and coffee as a mid morning snack. The place was bustling with families and couples alike. Their living room atmosphere, full of casual charm and vintage Southern character, makes this place a welcoming eatery for breakfast or lunch.

Earl’s Sandwiches

I first learned about Earl’s when looking up what restaurants were close to the hotel. With great reviews on their Facebook page, I knew the location at 2605 Wilson Blvd would be a wonderful place to feature as a must go to lunch spot. There are 2 locations (Clarendon,Ballston) in Arlington where you can get you one of Earl’s delicious sandwiches.

Owner Stephen Dugan(as seen in photo above) was there making sandwiches and taking orders himself! He shared that after being in business for 11 years, his customers love their homemade sandwiches, salads and soups made without the hassle. Looking for a Gluten Free meal? No worries. Any sandwich can be made into a salad for no additional cost. Breakfast sandwiches are served all day and they offer a catering menu too. We ordered 2 items from their monthly Fab Four menu: lump crab cake sandwich (deliciously grilled and served on a sesame seed bun), fish and fries (all served together on one sandwich-yum!) and we all drooled over my daughter’s grilled chicken breast sandwich, shown here. My daughter said it was not good..it was FANTASTIC! Everything was delicious, fresh and tasty.

Kona Grill

Located in Rosslyn, one of Arlington’s urban villages, Kona Grill is one of the 500 restaurant options available in Arlington that offers diverse cuisine and a delightful epicurean experience. Known for their variety of amazing appetizers, mouthwatering entrees, fresh sushi and creative cocktail creations, I knew Kona Grill would be the perfect dinner option for us as a family. They also offer a kids menu and there’s a beautiful aquarium in the center of the restaurant that my daughter loved. This place is popular so make reservations and go early if have a little one. I will be sharing my full review as my #FoodieFriday feature. Stay tuned!

With plenty of “National History.Local Flavor”, our stay in Arlington was indeed memorable. We look forward to returning when it’s warmer as there is some shopping I did not get to do at their infamous Fashion Centre at Pentagon City and more fun to be had!

We did do some online shopping prior to our trip with SunglassWarehouse.com and partnered with them to show you how we travel in style.I’ll be sharing more about this brand that offers classic sunglass styles at affordable prices in a future Fashion Friday post. Since our roadtrip took us to Arlington, VA & Washington DC, I thought it would be fun to style their (from left to right) Canoe driving sunglasses for me, Arlington for Him (very apropo don’t ya think) and Lincoln (for my lil one and Mr. President himself..lol)

Until next time..Happy Travels!

Save Money & Plan the Best Birthday Ever! – 15% off @SkyZone Jump Around Birthday Package @usfg

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Hey Moms, Dads, Party People! Got an upcoming birthday to plan for your little one and want to save time & money but splurge on FUN!? Then look no further than Sky Zone Raleigh. Sky Zone offers several out-of-this-world birthday (and special event) party packages to make your party soar, literally!

If you’ve never heard of Sky Zone, it’s an innovative indoor trampoline park that offers a variety of activites. Let me share some of what they have to offer:

  • wall-to-wall trampoline courts that are designed as a fun and fit outing for all ages, shapes and sizes. 
  • Open Jump, allowing guests to leap, bound and soar 
  • Ultimate Dodgeball, a friendly and healthy dodgeball competition. 
  • Sky Zone’s original SkyRobics class, which combines advanced calisthenics with a three-dimensional cardio and strength training program

 This park is the ideal venue for groups seeking unforgettable events such as theme parties, corporate team building, field trips and much more! For a unique and memorable birthday party, or for the end-of-the-year team celebration, bring your group to Sky Zone Indoor Trampoline Park. Get ready to soar higher than ever before as you bounce across our patented, all-trampoline, walled playing courts. 

Ready to take your next birthday to the SKY? Save time and money and let Skyzone Raleigh do all the planning, set up (and cleaning up) for you. Find all the exciting details to schedule your party Here: http://www.skyzone.com/raleigh/Birthday-Parties!

And guess what…My SobeSavvy readers get to save with this coupon >>>>! Best Birthday Ever! – 15% off Jump Around Birthday Package
http://usfamilyguide.com/coupons.php?bid=12680&dealid=2648 .@usfg
Have you ever been to Sky Zone before? Let me know below. I plan to treat #outandaboutAva and her friends soon for a special themed party. Stay tuned as I will share my full review and pics here!

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#ArtThursday Spotlight on #NasherMuseum | Things to Do in #Durham #NC #yonasher 

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This past Sunday, I planned a Family Funday at The Nasher Museum of Art. Set on Duke University’s West Campus, this museum is known for leading-edge exhibitions that travel to institutions worldwide. On display now are the works of Nina Chanel Abney , which was one of the main reasons for my visit.

The exhibition Nina Chanel Abney: Royal Flush is on display until July 16, 2017 and features art from a 34-year-old African American woman from Chicago who was identified by Vanity Fair magazine as one of the many artists championing the Black Lives Matter movement.  Be sure to mark your calendar for April 11, 7pm for Artist Talk with Nina Chanel Abney where you will get a chance to meet the artist and celebrate her first solo show at the Nasher Museum.

Royal Flush is a 10-year survey of approximately 30 of the artist’s paintings, watercolors and collages. It is her take on various current and historic observations and comparisons to societal attitudes and norms toward everything from race relations to sexuality. It was colorful and insightful. Since my daughter is 5, I opted to take her into the exhibit and focus on the colors, shapes seen in the artwork. I explained how Abney uses spray paint and stencils to create her art and talked about the materials used such as acrylic on canvas.

* Savvy Tip:  You can ask staff  to show you a preview of Nina Chanel Abney’s work regarding the mature content so you can make the call of whether or not to bring your child into that pavilion. 

In the other pavilion, you will find their permanent collection with objects ranging
from Medieval art to African art to Central American to European. They have a scavenger hunt that goes along with that pavilion in particular, so my child really enjoyed that activity! You get a minibooklet where the little ones are to find various artworks depicted throughout the museum. They even are to make a sketch of their favorite piece. Needless to say, #outandaboutAva loved playing detective in the Nasher Museum !

Savvy Tip: Admission is always free every Thursday , 5-9pm . Go to nasher.duke.edu/calendar to see when you can catch other free events like their Free Highlights Tour and Free Family Day !

The Nasher Museum of Art at Duke University is a stylish modern museum that always has interesting exhibits, tours and guest speakers. In addition, they have a wonderful restaurant in the museum where we had the pleasure of dining at their popular Sunday brunch. Check back here tomorrow for my #FoodieFriday review of the Nasher Cafe !

 If you are looking to make Sunday Funday plans with your family while visiting Durham, NC, I highly recommend a visit to the Nasher Museum !

 


 
 

 

 

My Family Visit to @ncartmuseum in Black & White ~ an ode to the must see ANSEL ADAMS exhibition

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Ansel Adams is one of my favorite artist and America’s most renowned photographers. His black and white photographs reveal the importance Adams placed on the awe-inspiring power and beauty of the natural world. When I heard that his Masterworks were on display thru May 7, 2017 at NCMA/North Carolina Museum of Art, I knew I wanted to plan a day for my family (fondly referred to as #HeighPartyof3) to visit Raleigh’s beloved art museum. All hands in, let’s get ready to explore!

I have been to the NCMA before to catch a special theater performance presented by Theatre Raleigh , but have never been during the day or with my husband and daughter. We moved here in 2015 and still are discovering places we love to go to as a family. This art museum along with its park is now one of our favorite places. Admission is always free (there is a charge for programs and special exhibitions), there are Weekend Family-Friendly tours and Free Public Tours, a restaurant on the premise, and an amazing museum park ! Before you even step inside of the buildings, there is art and the beauty of nature to behold.

The North Carolina Museum of Art is the crown jewel of the Southeast U.S. art world .It is comprised of two buildings, East and West and a Museum Park. This complex has an impressive collection of art and artifacts comparable to other first tier museums. Be sure to ask for special kids art exercisize booklets that the little ones can use while touring the museum. From ancient Egyptian artifacts to Monet watercolor paintings to Rodin sculptures, this museum is world class. We started in the WEST BUILDING ,which is home of NCMA’s permanent collection, it houses Iris Restaurant  and Iris Sip, the Museum store and the Southeast’s largest collection of sculpture by Auguste Rodin in the Rodin Court and Garden. As impressive as their permanent collections are, their special exhibits are just as amazing.

*Savvy Tip: if you are seeing the museum with your child/children ages 2-5, be sure to pick up a What’s in the Box? Activity Cards. We had fun exploring art through themes provided on the cards.

We needed a food break and lucky for us we scored a coveted reservation at the renowned Iris restaurant inside of the West Building. Most museum restaurants are known for high quality food and Iris did not disappoint. Their brunch menu was available and we took advantage of it. Uur 5 yr old enjoyed their all the fixins waffle. While I had their chicken salad and hubby ate the Huevos Rancheros. All inventive and filling without being too heavy.The airy atmosphere and all of the smartly dressed guests made it a pleasant lunch to remember.

*Here is where I take my break from getting my Ansel Adams black and white photography on to show you their delicious food in color! *

After Brunch, we headed over to the EAST BUILDING , which is where the exhibitions are, the North Carolina Gallery, the seasonal film series is held, contemporary galleries, the Art Reference Library, and the Membership and Box Office is located. Here is where we picked up our tickets for our time slot to see Ansel Adams Masterworks. No photography is allowed in the gallery and they do have family friendly guided tour times. 

As one of the most famous American photographers, Ansel Adams captured the natural wonders of the American west like no other. This exhibit had a plethora of original Adam prints taken over the course of his 5 decades behind the lens. The framed black and whites are placed at even eye level with the perfect overhead lighting. It was crowded but you could still freely gawk and ponder at all of his wonderful work.

I hope my family’s visit to the North Carolina Museum of Art (and my personal black and white photo tribute to Ansel Adams) has inspired you to plan to go with your family. There is something for all ages to enjoy! Follow on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter @ncartmuseum or Check out ncartmuseum.org for tickets and more information !

North Carolina Museum of Art
2110 Blue Ridge Road  

Raleigh, NC 27607

919-839-NCMA     ncartmuseum.org