Vincent Van Gogh is without question one of the top 5 most well known artists to ever have lived. A failure during his short lifetime, only to be celebrated the world over in death. That celebration has now culminated in a multi media experience called “Immersive Van Gogh”. This exhibit is currently in numerous major cities in The U.S. and opening in even more this fall.
Per their website”, You will be immersed in Van Gogh’s works – from his sunny landscapes and night scenes to his portraits and still life paintings. The installation includes the Mangeurs de pommes de terre (The Potato Eaters, 1885), the Nuit étoilée (Starry Night, 1889), Les Tournesols (Sunflowers, 1888), and La Chambre à coucher (The Bedroom, 1889), and so much more.“
We had the pleasure of experiencing this unique creation of a event at their Charlotte location in the Camp North End section of the city. This location, which is a fast growing creative artist hub was the perfect fit for Immersive Van Gogh.
The setting was actually a former Ford Model T factory! It was expansive with high ceilings and never seemed crowded.
It opened on June 17,2021 and is slated to run at least until September 12. Think giant digital installations projecting some of Van Gogh’s most famous paintings. My soon to be 10 year old remembered some of his works from her art class in kindergarten and first grade. She was so excited to see of his works literally come to life and like all guests become “immersed” in the art.
Some folks sat on the floor, while others opted for a bench or chair seat. Since we had VIP tickets, a cute Van Gogh seat pad was included with our ticket. My daughter commented that Dad seems to be meditating on the floor while enjoying the experience. The music was curated with each scene/painting and went together perfectly.
What we loved is that the whole shows ran on a loop, since we came in mid-show we ended up not missing a thing. Guests can stay as long or as short as they please.
Afterwards we browsed their rather large gift shop area that had everything Van Gogh you could imagine. Selfie and picture opportunities were everywhere. So much though went into all the art pieces sprinkled throughout the venue. From giant sunflowers to an oversized faux paint bucket and brush!
They also have a coffee and snack shop on premise. From the moment we entered until we left, we were truly immersed in Van Gogh. Get your tickets now as they are timed and are filling up quickly.
Disclaimer: Although complimentary tickets were provided to facilitate this review, the opinions are 100% my own.
Family Fun Visit to SEA LIFE | SobeSavvy.com
SEA LIFE is the international aquarium chain that has over 50 locations throughout America, Europe, Australia and Asia. It is literally the world’s biggest aquarium brand. Lucky for us they have one right here in North Carolina. We recently enjoyed a Sunday Funday visit to their Charlotte/Concord, NC location and had a blast! Planning to go to this must see attraction soon?
Here are my 5 Family Fun Tips For Your Visit To SEA LIFE Charlotte – Concord Aquarium:
1. It’s GREAT LOCATION allows you to plan a day at SEA LIFE and surrounding activities. SEA LIFE is located at the popular Concord Mills shopping complex. This makes it very easy to start or end your day here prior or post seeing a movie at AMC theatres, dining or shopping at this huge mall! The best entrance is at entry 7 next to The Speedpark at Concord Mills. 2. SEA LIFE is FUN-SIZED and perfectfor kids. Some aquariums are so vast that it is impossible to actually see or do everything in one visit. The layout of this aquarium allows parents to enjoy it without feeling overwhelmed. Kids can explore the entire place in one visit and stay excited for the entire time. There are cool spaces for kids to crawl under to get a closer look at the marine life. The whole family can walk thru the 180 degree Ocean Tunnel for an even closer look. It’s a great way to feel like you are underwater without getting wet! 3. Everyone will LEARN MORE when they explore SEA LIFE. Conservation & Education is important and SEA LIFE’s mission is to Breed, Rescue and Protect. This attraction wants visitors to be amazed at the natural marine world and protect it for future generations to enjoy! There are fun facts and reminders all around the aquarium to teach us more about the sea animals and the many ways we can help. 4. There is plenty of HANDS-ON FUN! SEA LIFE has all sorts of interactive things for kids to participate in. Every child gets a free explorer book to log stamps in for a chance to win a “fin-tastic” prize! Our daughter had fun hunting for the dive stations to find her stamps and she really enjoyed seeing what a real starfish feels like at the Touchpool. 5. Ever wondered how they keep the sharks from eating the other fish in the tank? Want to know how they get an aquarium to fit in a mall? Find that out and more when you take the SEA LIFE’s Behind The Scenes tour. We had a chance to see what it takes to maintain the animals health and keep the water clean and purified at all times. We got to admire the beauty of the marine life by looking at the tanks from up above with exclusive access to another level inside SEA LIFE. There is just something mesmorizing about how these sea creatures effortlessly glide in the water. Our tour guide Stacy did a fantasric job at sharing his knowledge with us during the tour.
So many of my Mom friends did not know that there was an aquarium so close to Charlotte. From Raleigh,NC it was aprox 2+ hours away. It is directly off of 85, so it’s easily accessible coming or going from the Queen City. Be sure to add SEA LIFE on your family fun itinerary during your next visit! WATCH my video for an inside look at SEA LIFE and more from our fun-filled experience. Enjoy!
Thanksgiving Weekend 2018 has ended but not without making memories in Charlotte,NC. Me and my #HeighPartyof3 drove 2.5 hours tokick off our holiday season in the Queen City and had such a great time! I wanted to share some of the highlights from our visit to inspire other families who may be traveling there soon. Check out my Family Travel Guide|Where to Play,Eat,Stay for the Holidays in Charlotte,NC.
Discovery Place, located in Charlotte’s Uptown area, is a wonderful hands on learning complex about technology, nature and science. Spread out over 3 floors, families can spend the day here exploring and having fun. Watch an IMAX feature, Touch a Starfish, Create Art with a hot glue gun, and Dance while learning how the muscles move in your body! There is plenty to see and do like looking at our skin cells under a microscope, crossing a rope bridge in the rainforest, playing the secret scents game and so much more! Discovery Place lets kids of all ages experience learning thru play. It is a great way to spend a fun day! To see more, watch youtube video>>here.
Speedway Christmas at Charlotte Motor Speedway | website
Charlotte Speedway is the annual home to “Speedway Christmas”. Every year thousands and thousands of lights takeover the infield and stands at this iconic racing venue. We got a chance to actually drive on the racetrack which my husband loved! Tune in to their own radio station and listen to Christmas tunes as you take a slow drive for a few miles. We enjoyed partaking in the tradition of seeing the unique sights and creativity used for the dozens of displays. Guests can stop at their Christmas Village for snacks, rides and shopping. Speedway Christmas is a seasonal, holiday event held at Charlotte Speedway. So pack the family up in the car and have your chance to drive on the speedway to see holiday lights! Pay one price per vehicle and sit back, sing Christmas Carols and Enjoy! Take a look at my youtube video and enjoy some of light displays at Speedway Christmas!
SobeSavvy Tip: It is recommended that visitors come in early in the season as the lines tend to get longer the closer they get to Christmas. Also going on a Thursday or Sunday night is best as the Village is open and movies are shown on the Speedway TV. On Dec.9 bring 5 Food Lion brand non-perishable food items and get $10 off admission!
Looking for a place that has great food, a tap room, games and a 12 lane bowling alley? Then head to Piedmont Social House, located in the popular Ayrsley neighborhood of Charlotte. It is a one stop destination for an afternoon or evening of food,drinks and fun! The atmosphere here is energetic and lively. It is a great spot for groups or a fun date night. There is something for everyone in the family. The service was good and so were their Chicken and Waffles! Just feast your eyes on it here:
SobeSavvy Tip: Now through December 31 they have a special Gift Card Promotion. Buy a $50 Gift Card and receive a $10 Bonus Card! Just ake a look at my photos featuring good food and good vibes from our dining experience at Piedmont Social House >>here and you’ll want to give or get a gift card to this restaurant!
With so many restaurant choices around Southpark Mall in Charlotte, it can be hard to find something that is actually different. One in particular that stands out from the rest is The Cowfish Sushi Burger Bar. Creative cocktails, innovative sushi rolls and awesome burgers is what ypu can find here. My daughter loves their kids menu choices, which comes with a Cowfish tattoo! Service is excellent and if you can, save room for dessert. See more drool worthy photos from our visit >>here and be sure to dine at The Cowfish when visiting Charlotte.
SPECIAL..MAGICAL..MEMORABLE, Those are three words I would use to describe our visit to the American Girl Store/ Bistro. On Sunday, my #Heighpartyof3 enjoyed ‘Holiday Tea’ and each other during this event. Our #outandaboutAva and Luciana got all dolled up in their matching red velvet dresses for the special occasion! It was so darling! Girls got to visit the hot chocolate bar, play with a paper doll craft and we all had a chance to eat savory bites/sweet treats. Check out more photos from the Holiday Tea event>>here to see some of the holiday memories we made at this special in-store experience. With all the attention to the little details for girls and their dolls, it was a visit our daughter will never forget!
SobeSavvy Tip: Save 25% on matching dresses for girls and dolls thru 12/24/18! Find something special to make their season memorable and magical at americangirl.com
STAY
Hampton Inn & Suites Charlotte/SouthPark at Phillips Place| website
The Hampton Inn & Suites was a wonderful place to stay during our Charlotte visit. It is located at The Phillips Place Shops area and is within walking distance to many restaurants and even has a Whole Foods next door. The immense Southpark mall is right down the street. It has a stately lobby and public areas. Large modern and stylish suites awaits visitors. I loved the built in TV vanity mirror feature of our suite. There is complimentary Valet Parking and of course the Hampton Inn breakfast gets you ready for another day tackling the Queen City. Make this your property of choice on your next visit to Charlotte!
Here is an inside look at the Hampton Inn & Suites Charlotte/ SouthPark at Phillips Place:
As you can see, Charlotte is one of those cities in North Carolina that no matter the length or purpose of your visit, there are so many options for families. You can play, eat, stay and have fun along the way!
Planning to visit Charlotte this season? Which one of these places would be on your list?
Per their website”, You will be immersed in Van Gogh’s works – from his sunny landscapes and night scenes to his portraits and still life paintings. The installation includes the Mangeurs de pommes de terre (The Potato Eaters, 1885), the Nuit étoilée (Starry Night, 1889), Les Tournesols (Sunflowers, 1888), and La Chambre à coucher (The Bedroom, 1889), and so much more.“
They also have a coffee and snack shop on premise. From the moment we entered until we left, we were truly immersed in Van Gogh. Get your tickets now as they are timed and are filling up quickly.
Purchase Tickets for Charlotte, NC exhibit >>>https://vangoghclt.com/
👀Watch my YOUTUBE video recap of our family fun experiencing at Immersive Van Gogh Exhbit Charlotte!
SobeSavvy 