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#OutandAboutAva Builds & Plays @LDCatlanta #Legoland #Atlanta #Family fun ~Recap by #SobeSavvy .com

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Legoland Discovery Center in Atlanta

” Leg Godt”…”Leg Godt”..”Led Godt”..Say that Danish phrase {which means to “play well” } quickly 3 times and it sounds like.. LEGO. Since 1949, the Danish company with that name has been producing what they called “Automatic Binding Bricks”. Generations of adults have fond memories of growing up playing and creating all sorts of things with their colorful Lego sets. My favorite was a fort that I built to keep out imaginary invaders. Lego’s force children to tap into that creative side of their frontal lobe and come up with all sorts of fun fantastic things with their Lego’s.

With my 4 year old in tow we headed for LegoLand Discovery Center in Atlanta http://www.legolanddiscoverycenter.com/atlanta/ This is one of only 6 in the United States. It is located inside the upscale Phipps Plaza Shopping Center. It is a mini indoor Lego amusement park. It is a bright colorful space with 2 rides, a 4D cinema and 11 play Zones. There was something new to discover during our almost 2 hour visit. Hundred of thousands of Lego’s to embrace. She built and raced those cars and did karaoke. Slid down slides and experienced real snow in the 4D theatre. It all was so much fun, all due to a little thin plastic block called a Lego !!

Next time you are in Atlanta with your family make sure to make Legoland a must see on your itinerary !

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Hey #Raleigh, Enjoy the Magic of #TheNutcracker @CarolinaBallet @DECRaleigh ~Recap by SobeSavvy.com

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When you think of Christmas time traditions, seeing The Nutcracker is at the top of everyone’s list.

I had the pleasure to attend what has now become annual holiday season event at the Raleigh Memorial Auditorium. The Carolina Ballet, under the artistic direction of Robert Weiss puts on their production of The Nutcracker https://www.carolinaballet.com/program/the-nutcracker15.

It is America’s most popular ballet and for good reasons. Toy soldiers, pirouette of The Sugar Plum Fairy, the Tchaivosky score and beautiful choreography make it such an elegant experience. In it’s 15th years that the Carolina Ballet has presented this show they always make it seen fresh. Four years ago they added some new illusions to the party scene and one more was added last year. You simply felt the energy radiating from the dancers and the audience. It was indeed magical. My daughter is a bit too young now, but I really look forward to sharing this annual experience with her in the future.

Make it a family tradition and buy tickets today !

Please don’t forget to join the Carolina Ballet next year as they salute William Shakespeare throughout their spring season. It kicks off
February 4-21, 2016 with Love Speaks which is choreographed by Carolina Ballet Principal Guest Choreographer Lynne Taylor-Corbett Shakespeare’s love sonnets are interpreted through movement and dance, set to period music of Vivaldi, Corelli and Purcell.

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Before the show, make sure you take the opportunity to take pictures or buy a gift as a keepsake for yourself or a loved one this holiday season!

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Make it a family tradition and buy tickets today !

Photos Courtesy Of @CarolinaBallet

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#StarWarsTheForceAwakens @IMAXRaleigh @MoesTriangle #SWTFA #MarblesStarWars #StarWarsEvent ~#soNCsavvy Recaps

  
We here at SobeSavvy.com can’t help but be excited for the release of Star Wars: The Force Awakens ! We joined Storm troopers and Jedis from galaxies far and near in attending the Moe’s premiere of Star Wars: The Force Awakens 3D at North Carolina’s largest screen Marbles IMAX in downtown Raleigh on December 18, 2015 at 7:00pm!  
Guests were asked to arrive at 6pm for a pre show Star Wars-themed dining experience which included games and prizes courtesy of Moe’s Southwest Grill!  Costumes were welcomed and many movie goers donned their favorite Star Wars themed outfit.
BuyCostumes.comBuyCostumes.Com had this cool Boba Fett costume that I planned to wear but it arrived as I was leaving for the event!
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So plan B was a screen tee from Sears ! I snagged these items for my husband and myself.
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Thanks to Moe’s Southwest Grill® Triangle-Area Locations for giving  Fans a Chance to Win Tickets to Star Wars: The Force Awakens, truly one of the year’s most anticipated movie premieres! We enjoyed the food, fun and games at this private premiere party and appreciated the opportunity to skip the lines and be the first to experience a great movie ! Be sure to visit Facebook.com/MoesTriangle for even more chances to win tix to future premiere movie events. For a full list of Triangle-area Moe’s locations, please visit Moes.com/Find-A-Moes. 
Please enjoy my photos from this fun event and be sure to get tickets to see this amazing film! ( I will not spoil by giving a review…I will just say Bravo and this is a movie not to be missed! Everything from the ensemble cast, to the music, special effects, good vs evil plots..both new fans and true fans will not be dissatisfied!) 

Now go forth (and use the Force).
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*As the song goes…”After the show is the after party” featuring my belated Boba Fett outfit. Lol, How Fun !
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Goodnight and May the Force Be With You!

#OutandAboutAva celebrates @DisneyOnIce #100yearsofMagic #DisneyonIce @PNCArena ~#FamilyFun #soNCsavvy Recap by SobeSavvy.com

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Last night, we headed to the opening night in Raleigh of DISNEY ON ICE CELEBRATES 100 YEARS OF MAGIC
PRESENTED BY STONYFIELD YOKIDS ORGANIC YOGURT

The celebration of the century comes alive in Disney On Ice celebrates 100 Years of Magic Presented by Stonyfield YoKids Organic Yogurt. You can catch this monumental ice skating spectacular at the PNC Arena in Raleigh, NC
from December 9 to 13, 2015. Tickets on sale now.

My daughter as well as everyone in the audience was thrilled to be a part of the magic of Disney as Mouse-ter of Ceremonies Mickey Mouse led a parade of more than 50 beloved characters starring Minnie Mouse, Donald Duck and Goofy. They had an ensemble of Disney Princesses including Cinderella, Rapunzel, Ariel, Snow White and Tiana.

The wintry wonderland of Disney’s Frozen also came to life with Anna, Elsa and the hilarious Olaf, as they discovered that true love is the greatest magic of all. The “LET IT GO” performance came complete with snow flurries and frozen fractals all around !
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More exciting moments from Disney•Pixar’s Finding Nemo, Disney’s Aladdin and Beauty and the Beast displayed the legacy of Disney through 14 classic and modern stories. We were all impressed by the epic production that featured an international team of award-winning figure skaters, high-energy choreography and a breathtaking set.  With over 30 melodious masterpieces such as “Let It Go!,” “You’ve Got A Friend in Me” and “Hakuna Matata,” Disney On Ice celebrates 100 Years of Magic is the ultimate Disney fan experience!
https://www.instagram.com/p/_F2AZZCXFh/

Tickets for Disney On Ice celebrates 100 Years of Magic start at $20. All seats are reserved, and tickets are available by calling Ticketmaster at (800) 745-3000 or buy online here : http://m.ticketmaster.com/venueartist/115097/2104113?camefrom=CFC_RBC For group rates and information call Group Tickets Plus at (919) 510-0641.

To learn more about Disney On Ice visit DisneyOnIce.com, or visit us on Facebook and YouTube.

This is definitely a family event that is filled with excitement and fun for all ages. #OutandAboutAva will cherish these memories that will last a lifetime ! Enjoy these pics from Disney on Ice Celebrates 100 Years of Magic Presented by Stonyfield YoKids Organic Yogurt opening night at PNC Arena !

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SobeSavvy.Com says “Sip and Stay” @AloftDurhamDTN #WXYZBAR @DowntownDurham @AloftHotels @SPG #soNCsavvy #Travel #Durham

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Downtown Durham, NC is currently in the midst of a renaissance. Construction is everywhere. From new streetscapes to food truck meetups, the “Bull City” is buzzing with activity. New dining, entertainment and lodging choices abound. The excitement is palpable. A big part of that excitement is a new hotel named Aloft http://www.aloftdurhamdowntown.com/ It is adjacent to the American Tobacco campus/Durham ballpark.

It’s a unique boutique concept hotel owned by the Starwood Group {Sheraton, W Hotels are two of their major brands}.It’s basically connected to the much acclaimed DPAC venue. It’s proximity to that venue was the reason for my overnight stay there recently. I was in Durham to see the premier of The Sound Of Music http://atomic-temporary-51558291.wpcomstaging.com/2015/12/02/sobesavvy-com-recaps-opening-night-dpac-soundofmusic-onlyatdpac-suntrustbroadway-thesoundofmusictour/and didn’t want to drive back to Raleigh after the show let out. So I checked into Aloft that afternoon a few hrs before showtime.

Their lobby already had a gorgeous Christmas tree up. Their public spaces are meant to be fun and functional. High speed WiFi is throughout the property including all guestrooms. Aloft hotels have a unique name for each amenity. “Splash” is the pool. “Recharge” is the gym and “Refuel” is their lobby snack bar area. My room was spacious and did I mention very stylish. High ceilings gave the space a very open feeling {like an actual loft} and being environmentally conscious, Aloft hotels eschews individual shampoo/conditioner bottles for bulk containers attached to the shower wall. This is a part of their” Make A Green Choice (MAGC) program. According to their website..”Starwood’s guest-facing sustainability program in which our guests can choose to help reduce our environmental footprint. Any guest at a participating Starwood property can Make A Green Choice by foregoing full housekeeping for up to three days in a row (excluding their check-out day). For each night a guest opts into MAGC, they receive 250-500 Starpoints or a $5″.

So style and conservation are not mutually exclusive ! I had a few drinks at the WXYZ Bar. They have a great cocktail and bites menu. I also managed to sink a few balls on their cool pool table. Live local bands also play there sometimes. The lobby ended up being a hangout and play area. I loved it ! So if ever in downtown Durham and looking for a very nice spot to hang your stylish hat for a night or two, Aloft is your home away from home.

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SobeSavvy.Com Recaps Opening Night @DPAC @SoundofMusic #OnlyatDPAC #SunTrustBroadway #TheSoundofMusicTour

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The Sound of Music opened at DPAC on December 1 and runs through December 6.SobeSavvy.Com was there opening night to kick off the Holiday Season and sang along to all of the favorite tunes!

THE WORLD’S MOST BELOVED MUSICAL IS CELEBRATED IN A LAVISH NEW STAGE PRODUCTION

The Hills Are Alive! A brand new production of Rodgers & Hammerstein’s THE SOUND OF MUSIC, directed by three-time Tony Award® winning Director Jack O’Brien, is currently playing at Durham’s DPAC. The spirited romantic and beloved musical story of Maria and the Von Trapp Family will once again thrill audiences with its Tony®, Grammy® and Academy Award® winning Best Score, including “My Favorite Things,” “Do- Re-Mi,” “Climb Ev’ry Mountain,” “Edelweiss” and the title song.

THE SOUND OF MUSIC enjoyed extraordinary success as the first live television production of a musical in over 50 years when “THE SOUND OF MUSIC Live!” aired on NBC in December,2013 (seen by over 44 million people); 2015 marks the 50th anniversary of the film version, which continues to be the most successful movie musical in history.

Tickets are going fast and are now on sale with seats starting at $30 via online at http://www.DPACNC.COM http://www.Ticketmaster.com or call the box office directly at 919-680-2787

Watch the cast of The Sound of Music describe the show in one word here :

Art should be enjoyed with all of your senses undivided attention,thus no cameras are allowed. However, I was able to capture these fun pics during intermission. Don’t miss your chance to see this awesome production !

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To view more on the red carpet photos (courtesy of DPAC) from tonight’s event go to www.flickr.com/photos/dpacnc !

Remember to connect with DPAC and stay informed !
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/DPACNC

Twitter: @DPAC https://twitter.com/dpac

Instagram: @DPACnc https://instagram.com/dpacnc

Enter The #GivingTuesday #SobeSavvyGiveaway ! With @CarefreeOrg #MoniBcosmetics #ThePrettyThingsConsultant

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Seasons Greetings Everyone! December 1 is “Giving Tuesday” and in the true spirit of the holidays, SobeSavvy.Com has collaborated with 3 amazing female entrepreneurs who want to add some sparkle, shine and cheer to your holiday season! We all know it’s better to give than receive but let’s not forget to support small businesses all year long !

The GiveAway
One lucky reader will win the following 3 prizes:

* $25 Gift Certificate from The Pretty Things Consultant        

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Nothing makes an outfit pop like beautiful accessories ! Whether its jewelry, scarves, gloves or handbags The Pretty Things Consultant has affordable quality pieces for you! She will even help you find a specific accessory even if it’s not featured in her online store. Now that’s great customer service! Be sure to follow Facebook.com/wendivah for the latest and hottest accessories !

* <a href=”http://carefreeorganics.com/”>Carefree Organics ‘s Damage Defy Oil
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Be smooth & youthful with… #damagedefy ! Damage Defy is a powerful blend of anti-aging luxurious essential & carrier oils including but not limited to argan, marula, rose hips, and lemon. These oils are known for their high concentration of natural protective vitamin e and for their brightening and restorative properties. Suitable for dry and mature skin to just those who want a head start on their anti-aging routine! Be sure to check back here for my review of this product.

ingredients*: argania spinosa (argan) nut oil, sclerocarya birrea (marula) kernel oil, rosa moschata (rose hips) seed oil, hippophae rhamnoides (sea buckthorn) fruit oil, boswellia carterii (frankincense) oil, lavandula officinalis (lavender) oil, citrus limon (lemon) oil
*all ingredients are organic , never worry about your product ingredients again…

Carefree organics has clean,affordable,effective products for the entire family!
Be sure to Like Carefree Organics on Facebook for sales and special announcements! You can use the following code for 10% off your next order: HOLIDAY15 *offer expires 1/1/2016

 * 1 lipstick or lip gloss of your choice from Moni B Cosmetics

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Moni B Cosmetics is all about encouraging women to be empowered, make a change, and put some gloss on! With 20 exciting lip gloss colors and 22 bold lipstick colors, there are many awesome choices for you!
The new Holiday Collection features 3 of their new lipsticks and a lip balm. It’s available at Hairizon at Northgate Mall in Durham or via the website http://www.monibcosmetics.com (as of 11/25). Available while supplies last! Follow on Facebook at https://m.facebook.com/MoniBCosmetics/

Holidays can be stressful so I will keep this giveaway simple…just leave a comment below to enter!
A winner will be randomly selected on Dec 7th ! Good Luck and Happy Holidays!

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#SobeSavvy .Com shares a #HiltonStory @Homewoodsuites @HiltonHotels #Charlotte #NC #Travel~#soNCsavvy #soTravelsavvy Recap

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My family and I just spent some time during the Thanksgiving weekend in the Queen City” of Charlotte, NC. Some good friends of ours recommended the Ballantyne area of Charlotte, known for its location to attractions, shopping and peacefulness. After looking at a few choices we decided that we would stay at the Homewood Suites
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This new all suite property is located within the fabulous Toringdon Circle and Ballantyne Village Shopping area. The hotel is within easy walking distance of various restaurants and wine bars. Upon pulling up I could tell this was not a “normal” Homewood Suites experience {although the normal experience is usually very nice also !}. A scenic water display was adjacent to the driveway.
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Upon entering, the modern huge public lobby/dining areas reminded me of a luxurious mountain lodge. Replete with fireplace and woodsy accents. I loved the little private alcoves in the lobby where you could relax with your own flat screen and enot a cup of coffee, hot tea or my lil girl’s favorite, hot cocoa! The business center has full size Apple Macs for their guests to utilize.
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Check in was friendly with a dash of that famous southern charm that Charlotte is known for. Our suite was very modern and of a trendy design aesthetic. Big and roomy for us 3. Full kitchen with beautiful granite counters. The bed was very comfortable and so were the pillows. All the furnishings had a very high end feel to them. The shower reminded me of a spa alcove. I wanted to just cocoon in the suite all day but I had to get a work out in. The gym was perfect. New Precor machines and plenty of free weights. I could have also chosen to take advantage of a free pass the hotel has arranged with the LA Fitness gym within walking distance of the hotel in the shopping center. Maybe next time.
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Due to it being late November we couldn’t take advantage of their attractive outdoor pool and grilling area.
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We had to get an early start the next morning, but not before indulging in the awesome free breakfast buffet. Make your own waffle station. Various eggs and meat choices. The oatmeal was great. My little one gives the waffles a big thumbs up!
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Great stay at a great property. It’s near the Ballyntyne corporate center. So whether in this part of Charlotte for work or play this Homewood Suites IS my base camp on every trip to the Queen City. Make it yours too !
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#VisitBaltimore & #GetARoom @HI_InnerHarbor @BaltimoreMd & Dine at #EdenWest #DottiesCafe

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I recently shared with you all the family fun things to do in Baltimore but did not mention where we stayed.This was not an oversight. I intentionally wanted to dedicate a post specifically to accommodations and let you know when looking for a budget friendly place to stay that is within walking distance to all Inner Harbor attractions, choose Holiday Inn Inner Harbor-Baltimore!

It has 365 rooms, including 12 suites and a pillow menu option. The Holiday Inn Inner Harbor makes comfort and hospitality their priority. At the front desk, lollipops and smiles await from the friendly and helpful staff. It was lunchtime, so we were advised to dine at the hotel’s restaurant, Eden West.

Featuring classic Maryland Cuisine, Eden West Restaurant pleasantly surprised and satisfied our appetites! Delicious, fresh and innovative, this place is a hidden treasure to tastebuds everywhere! Oh and kids eat free! An extra plus for budget friendly family travelers.

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Mac & cheese, fruit and milk includes a sweet treat at the end! Crayons and coloring sheet provided by the restaurant kept my Li’l one entertained.

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Our waiter advised us of some recently new items on the menu. For starters I tried the Sweet & Tangy St Louis styled Applewood smoked BBQ Ribs. They are made with homemade lemonade BBQ sauce. So good, tender and I really enjoyed the flavors. It was the first time my 4 yr old tried BBQ ribs because she normally doesn’t like sauce on anything. She is now a fan!

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Next I had the signature Eden’s Salad: mixed greens, tomatoes, onions, cucmbers, mushrooms topped with salmon. As you can see in the picture it’s a big portion so you get alot for a reasonable price! You also get the option of chicken or beef to top your salad if you like. It was super fresh and fulfilling!

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No visit to Baltimore is complete without trying a crab cake sandwich, so I was happy to see this option on the menu. A nice mix of broiled lump crab meat and old bay. Served on a pretzel roll with lettuce and tomato. It came with a side of fries. This was good to the last bite! We ended our meal with a dessert at the recommendation of our waiter. His favorite was the hot apple crisp and it’s now my favorite too!

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After a long travel day, it was time to get comfortable in our ‘home’ away from home during our stay. This hotel has complimentary WiFi throughout the hotel and a 24 hr fitness center. There’s also an indoor pool with sauna but they also have suites complete with whirlpool baths! Here are some pictures of our contemporary stylish suite :

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Remember…Kids Stay Free, a Holiday Inn North America program expectation!

The next day before we set out to explore the Baltimore area   we stopped at Dottie’s Cafe. It’s a coffee shop located in the lobby and has plenty of nibble and nosh options! Souvenirs, newspapers and sundries are available too as well as local and regional goods.
“Dottie Kmoch opened our hotel in 1964 as a switchboard operator (when they actually used plug-in wires) and was most recently our Director of Human Resources until she passed away last year.  She was a feisty redhead and loved by all – this is her Holiday Inn legacy!”, says Judy Wilbur Director of Sales & Marketing at Holiday Inn Inner Harbor – Baltimore.

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Be sure to sign up for the IHG Rewards Club to earn points when you stay or make any purchases !

After a fun filled day, we had a sweet dreams treat waiting for us. Who doesn’t love tasty surprises?! Thanks Holiday Inn! We ❤  you and Baltimore too!

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#FamilyFun in @BaltimoreMD with #OutandAboutAva! @PortDiscovery @BmoreWaterTaxi @prattlibrary #USSCONSTELLATION @GeppisMuseum #FamilyTravel #VisitBaltimore

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Baltimore is a city rich in history and heritage. My heritage started in Baltimore City where I was born and where I lived until 1996. So much has changed but so much remains the same. Charm City never loses its charm to me, so it is with great pleasure to explore with my 4 yr old daughter some of the things that make Baltimore special! Recently we paid a short but sweet 24 hr visit to “My Bmore” and here are the places we checked out:

1. Enoch Pratt Free Library Central Location
We took a walk through the monumental Enoch Pratt Free library located in the city’s cultural heart, Mount Vernon area just north of downtown. This library has a charming Children’s department that includes learning toys to play with, computers, a day/night room and live fish to feed!
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2. Historic Ships in Baltimore
Historic Ships in Baltimore includes five national historic landmarks. We toured the 1854 Sloop-of-War USS Constellation and while on board we could see the Lightship Chesapeake glistening red on the Inner Harbor. My daughter loved pressing the numbers in the handheld tour guide and listening to the facts given about the ship, it’s sailors and Captain!
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3. Geppi’s Museum
Geppi’s Entertainment Museum is a memorable trip thru American pop culture. We got to experience a time line of nostalgic toys, comics, and other collectibles highlighting familiar characters for both her and I. I was very impressed by the museum’s collection and decided to make my own entertainment by way of photo slideshow as seen here:
https://instagram.com/p/-P1I3riXK-/

4. Baltimore Water Taxi
Ride all day on an on-off ticket when you board any of the blue and white water taxi boats. Get a free map and guide to over 35 attractions and neighborhoods. We boarded at the Inner Harbor and got off at Fell’s Point. From there we headed to the Broadway Market for a slice of cheese pizza, every child’s favorite!
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5. Port Discovery Children’s Museum
About a year ago, my daughter Ava had a chance to visit Port Discovery Children’s Museum ( http://atomic-temporary-51558291.wpcomstaging.com/2014/08/14/outandaboutava-visits-portdiscovery-childrens-museum-baltimore-maryland-recap-by-sobesavvy/) with her Nana. A year is a long time in a child’s growth and development and this museum offers ever-changing programs for kids ages birth through 10. Voted one of the top 5 children’s museum in the USA by Child Magazine, this was the perfect attraction to visit during our short stay. We even got to see the new “Here We Grow! ” Exhibit which introduces children to farm processes, products and people. It was some much fun trying to beat the machine in milking the cow the fastest! I also enjoyed having the opportunity to read her one of the many books about farm animals, etc. while there. This museum is a great way for a child to learn and play during a Baltimore stay!
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