Stone Mountain Park Spring FUN Break! April 2-10, 2016

It is finally Spring Break in Atlanta! If you are like us, you look forward to this one more than the other "breaks" we have during the school year. Mostly because the weather is always nicer and the pollen storm is mostly behind us. Its the perfect opportunity to head out into Atlanta and check out some of the wonderful things in our city. On of our favorite spring break Atlanta passtimes is Stone Mountain Park.

This spring, Georgia’s most visited attraction Stone Mountain Park will open its annual kids festival Spring FUN Break filled with family-friendly shows and entertaining attractions to accommodate metro Atlanta school Spring Break calendars April 2 through April 10.

All new for Spring FUN Break, kids will be amazed by Magic Mark and Einstein the Rabbit. Einstein the Rabbit isn’t the average bunny, as he is a magical rabbit performing card tricks and reading minds. Also new: The Great American Duck Race, at which families select a mallard duck to compete for glory on a pond with built-in racing lanes. Duck interaction is also open throughout the day.

The April Fool's Indoor Laser Tag is another new activity giving guests the opportunity to play against each other in five minute sessions. Visitors may also say hello to Bernard the Bunny, Penelope the Parrot and Splash the Duck at the Character Meet and Greet in the park’s Character Circle.

Stone Mountain Park’s Adventure Pass guarantees a full day for families with access to all Spring Fun Break activities plus Stone Mountain Park’s many other attractions such as Yogi Bear 4-D Adventure, Geyser Towers®, SkyHike®, Summit Skyride, the Great Locomotive Chase Adventure Golf, The Great Barn, Scenic Railroad, Historic Square & Farmyard and Memorial Hall Museum. A special sneak peek of the Lasershow Spectacular™ in Mountainvision® can be seen April 2-9 during Spring Fun Break. 

Our family favorites are the Summit Skyride, The Great Barn, and of course Geyser Towers! I am really looking forward to the Lasershow though. 

(Photo credit: Stone Mountain Park)

When: 

April 2 through April 10 from 10:30 a.m. to 7 p.m.

Where:

Pick up your passes at the Crossroads® at Stone Mountain Park. The park is located at 1000 Robert E. Lee Blvd, Stone Mountain, GA 30083

Cost:

For the best deal, pick up your Adventure Pass online and you will receive a FREE meal and unlimited drink refills! (Online Only) Or you can grab your tickets at the Crossroads when you get there.

Adventure Passes are $31.95 (+tax) for adults, and $25.95 (+tax) for children ages 3-11. A $15 parking permit or $40 annual parking permit required for Park entry.

Spring Break Junior Knight Training at Medieval Times!

Its almost here! Spring break is just around the corner and families all over Georgia are looking for fun things to do to keep the kids occupied. Medieval Times is one of our all time favorite places to visit in Atlanta and they have a super exciting event coming up! With all the amazing food, showmanship, and, of course, competition, what is not to love? I know at least two little boys that could not be more excited!

This Spring Break, bring your kids to train to become Knights of the Realm at Medieval Times. Kids between the ages of 4-12 will have the opportunity to get down in the sand before the show and train with the knights.  Children will enjoy watching an exclusive weapons demonstrations and learn about the grueling training it takes to become a Knight. Upon completion of their training, your children will be knighted by His Majesty King Carlos in a group knighting ceremony. 

Kids and students are just $29.95 and adults are $36.95, and Junior Knight Training is free with a paid admission to the show. (Offer code SBWEB16)

Be sure and get your little Knight signed up for one the Junior Knight Training sessions soon to guarantee your spot!!

Show dates:
o Friday, March 25 – Show starts at 6:30pm and Junior Knight Training begins at 7:15pm

o March 30 & 31 – Show starts at 7:30pm and Junior Knight Training begins at 6:45pm

o April 1 - Show starts at 6:30pm and Junior Knight Training begins at 7:15pm

o April 4-7 - Show starts at 7:30pm and Junior Knight Training begins at 6:45pm

o April 8 – Show starts at 5:00pm and Junior Knight Training begins at 5:45pm

Buy tickets:

Order your tickets online at the new Medieval Times Website  and be sure to sign up for the Junior Knight Training using the offer code SBWEB16 and using this form: Junior Knight Training

Its Georgia Renaissance Festival time!

Hear ye! Hear ye! Its time again for the Georgia Renaissance Festival to return for its 31st glorious year! This has been one of my favorite Atlanta area traditions since I moved to Georgia 19 years ago. Its the one festival that never gets "old" and now that I have kids, its even better. The boys love to go and watch the shows, see the costumes, and of course grab a turkey leg to fill their bellies!

Every weekend this year and Memorial Day, April 16 thru June 5, 2016 The 31st Annual Georgia Renaissance Festival is a different kind of theme park. A family-friendly event, Inside this 32-acre recreation of a 16th Century English Village you'll find hundreds of costumed characters, the Queen and her Court, endless circus-style entertainment on 10 stages, shopping in over 130 artisan shoppes, food fit for Royalty, games and rides for kids of all ages, and the spectacular Jousting Knights on horseback. Patrons are invited to wear costumes and join in the fun too. It's a whole lotta' fun, and a little bit of History!

This year save a little money and get $6 off Adult and $3 off Child (6-12) tickets by using promo code "castle" when purchasing discount tickets on our secure website at www.garenfest.com. Tickets good any day of the 2016 Season. (Online discount only. Not good with any other offers.)

Have you ever been to the GaRenFest? What is your favorite part?

Alive! Expo 2015 (With Promo Code!)

*I am being provided passes to attend this years Expo and a portion of my ticket sales inexchange for this announcement. All opinions are my own. 

Alive! Expo is back at the Georgia World Congress Center and is poised to be the best one yet! Alive! Expo is a one weekend, two day event that is packed with interactive demos, live health lectures from industry leaders, workshops, and kids activities that the whole family can enjoy! 

Each year thousands of consumers attend Alive! Expo events to learn how to integrate health and wellness into environmentally responsible, green living and to create a positive impact on the world as a whole. Attendees get a chance to experience all the newest and best natural, organic, green and eco products for your home and their entire family, even the pets! 

The Low Down:
Drawing over 200 national and local companies representing many industries including: Natural & Organic Foods; Natural & Organic Personal Care/Natural Beauty; Vitamins & Supplements; Alternative & Herbal Medicines; Natural & Eco Pet Products; Green Home & Eco Household Products; Eco Fashion & Accessories; Books/Videos; Sportswear; Health/Fitness/Gyms and Yoga/Pilates Studios; Natural Spa Products & Services; Recycled Products & Environmentally Friendly Products; Hybrid & Electric Cars; and much, much more!

When & Where:

May 2 & 3, 2015
Saturday: 11:00am - 7:00pm
Sunday: 11:00am - 6:00pm

Georgia World Congress Center
Hall C4
Corner of Northside Drive & Ivan Allen Jr. Blvd.
235 Northside Drive
Atlanta, Georgia 30313

Ticket Info:

General admission for Saturday or Sunday is $10.00. General Admission ticket includes admission to the Expo Show floor, Exhibiting Companies, Educational Lectures from Industry Experts plus Demonstrations.

VIP admission for either Saturday or Sunday is $35.00 and includes admission to the Expo Show floor, Exhibiting Companies, Educational Lectures from Industry Experts, Demonstrations PLUS a VIP Gift Bag filled with full size natural & organic products from companies present and not present at the Alive! Expo — VIP Gift Bag valued at $100+.

Children 12 and under — FREE general admission
Military with a Valid ID — FREE general admission

My Favorite Part:

Being able to check out so many of the eco friendly companies and products in one place is huge for me! I love being able to talk to the reps and find out more about their philosophies and business practices as well as the products. Plus, proceeds from Alive! Expo benefit various local non-profits in Atlanta, GA including Project Green.

Discounts:

As a reader of RMM, you are lucky enough to be able to take advantage of a special discount offer! Use promo code: render to get $5 off your admission price! Thats half off a general admission ticket! You can purchase tickets HERE!

Our Adventure at the Georgia Renaissance Festival

*I was provided passes to visit and review the Georgia Renaissance Festival but all opinions are my own. Photo credit goes to Ga RenFest.

This past weekend we took a little trip down to Fairburn, Georgia to attend opening weekend of the Georgia Renaissance Festival! Of course we had not seen the sun in a little over a week, so it was a little soggy but it was business as usual around the festival


The first show we decided to check out was the Hypnotist show on the Half Wit Harbor stage. The certified hypnotherapist, stage hypnotist, and comedian, Rick Stratton has been traveling the United States for 15 years making people laugh while performing his comedy hypnosis show and this show was no exception! It was a little slow for the kids but was a lot of fun for all the adults in the audience. After that we were entertained by the infamous Ded Bob, The Washing Well Wenches, and of course the highlight of the day, the Jousting Tournament!


After that we wandered around checking out all of the artists booths and oogling the beautiful jewelry, glass blowing, leather crafting, and so much more. There is a little something for everyone in the artist market including the kids! The boys had a blast trying out all the soft, foam swords and I loved looking through the names at the Ancestors Family Name Histories booth.

There are also a lot of kid friendly activities for the kids to enjoy. Be sure to bring some extra cash for all the games and rides they have available. They all cost between $2 and $5 apiece. There is also a playground that is free in the King's Highland area for the kids to blow off a little steam between shows.

The part I was most looking forward to though was the food! Oh, the food! Michael enjoyed one of the legendary turkey legs and I had one of the sausage and pepperoni meat pies I remembered from the last time I went. You can get all kinds of foods "on a stick" also which makes exploring and eating at the same time a little easier. Then you can wash it down with a soda or beer! There are a couple of sit down type places to eat too but I've always found them to be too crowded.

If you are looking for something to do as a family this weekend (or any weekend between now and June 7th), you need to check out the Georgia Renaissance Festival. You can save a little money by purchasing a ticket combo pack online or at the gate and if you are a student, check out the student days activities for a little extra enrichment! Of course you can always buy your tickets at the gate the day of the festival too!

Blue Man Group Takes Over the Fox Theater

*I was provided two tickets to opening night in order to facilitate my review. All opinions are my own.

Last night D and I headed down to the Fox Theater to check out opening night of the Blue Man Group! I had seen them once before and I just knew that D was going to absolutely love it. They did not disappoint! He was laughing so hard that the people around us started laughing at him laughing at the show. It was that infectious cackle that you only hear when someone is truly enjoying something.

The Low Down:

Its a show that is difficult to describe to someone that has never had the pleasure of seeing it live. Its part rock show, part sitcom, part dance party and never fails to have everyone in the audience moving in their seat and shaking their "sit-biscuit". The show is officially 3 and up but D is 7 and I would say he is probably the perfect age for his first Blue Man Group show. The show runs 90 minutes and there is no intermission. Of course its more than enjoyable for "kids" of all ages and I would highly recommend it to anyone looking to let loose and have some fun!

When & Where:
Blue Man Group is in Atlanta April 7th - April 12th at the fabulous Fox Theater. Show times are generally 7:30pm but be sure to check the schedule and find the time and date that works best for you!

My Favorite Part:
Its hard to pick just one part that sticks out. I guess I would say the parts where they pull an audience member onstage for a little good hearted fun is pretty high up there though. The crowd favorite always seems to be the crazy dance party at the end. The whole show ramps up and gets you in gear to have some fun and rock out!

Famous Footwear Opens Two New Atlanta Locations!

*I was provided a gift card to facilitate my review of the new Kennesaw location. All opinions are, as always, my own. 

If you are a parent, you know how quickly kids go through shoes. It seems like we are constantly buying the boys new sneakers for school and with warmer weather coming at us full speed its time to start stocking up on summer sandals! Right now, I am gearing up for summer. The boys are pretty much set for summer this year but that doesn't mean Mama doesn't have to look her best too! 

The good news is that Famous Footwear has two new stores in the Atlanta area, Kennesaw and Alpharetta, marking its 13th and 14th locations in the Atlanta market, meaning we now have more options, closer to home. Famous Footwear has a huge selection of shoes for Men, Women and Kids of all ages and has become my go to for stylish, reasonably priced shoes for our whole family.

I stopped in yesterday and browsed all the new spring styles. So much cute stuff to choose from! I finally settled on these for a casual, everyday option and I am so excited to show them off.

(Don't mind my giant man feet)

The Low Down:

The Kennesaw location:

• Opened on March 18 and will host eight Free Shoe Saturdays beginning March 28
• Located in Town Center at Cobb Mall at 400 Ernest Barrett Pkwy. (Its downstairs in the Sears wing.)
• Celebrating grand opening event on March 28 from noon to 5 p.m. with drawings every hour and an appearance from popular local radio station, WWPW-FM, 96.1, from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m.
• Invites customers to come back weekly for Free Shoe Saturdays, every Saturday from noon to 5 p.m. until May 16

The Alpharetta location:

• Will open April 8 and will host eight Free Shoe Saturdays beginning April 18
• Located in North Point Mall at 1000 North Point Circle
• Celebrating grand opening event on April 18 from noon to 5 p.m. with drawings every hour and appearance from popular local radio station, WSB-FM 98.5, from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m.
• Invites customers to come back weekly for Free Shoe Saturdays, every Saturday from noon to 5 p.m. until June 6 

My Favorite Part:

Both locations will host Free Shoe Saturdays for eight weeks. Meaning you have a shot at winning a free pair of shoes every hour, all day long!

Discounts:

• If you haven't joined the Famous Footwear Rewards program, you are seriously missing out. Its totally free to join and you earn $5 in rewards for every $100 you spend. Plus, exclusive discounts and free shipping if they don't have your size in store. Spend $200 and get upgraded to Gold Rewards for even better deals!
• Until April 5th, you can print out (or get the online code for) an extra 15% off coupon HERE. Perfect for us late minute Easter shoppers!

What are you waiting for? Get started in store or online at www.Famous.com!

LEGO Star Wars Episode 1 Comes to LEGOLand Discovery Center!

*I recieved complimentary passes to check out this new exhibit from LEGOLand Discover Center but all opinions are, as always, my own.*

Its no secret that my boys love LEGO. Any chance they get they dig into them and their creativity astounds me. They even like playing the LEGO video games. Stands to reason then that LEGOLand Discovery Center here in Atlanta is one of their places to visit. If we ask where they want to go on any given weekend, they generally always say there or the pool. Simple pleasures.

Of course something else they are crazy about is all things Star Wars. So, of course when we heard that LDC has a new Star Wars Episode 1 MiniLand display, they were crazy excited to check it out. This weekend we took a trip down to Lenox and did just that. 

The display was made up of three very detailed scenes like only LEGO can achieve. There was an interactive part of each display and we went from one to the other for a good long while before we moved on to the next area. The level of detail was just crazy cool!

Now for the details!

The Low Down:

Allow at least 2 - 3 hours for your visit, although you are welcome to stay as long as you like. The last admission to the attraction is 2 hours before closing. Last entrance to the admissions is 5 p.m. Sunday-Friday and 7 p.m. on Saturday.

Tickets start at $15/ each and are available on the website or at the front gate.

When:

LEGOLand Discovery Center is open:

Monday-Friday: 10 a.m. - 7 p.m.
Saturday: 10 a.m.- 9 p.m.
Sunday: 10 a.m. - 7 p.m.

May the force be with you!

Georgia Renaissance Festival Returns for its 30th Year!

If you have been in the state of Georgia for long, you've heard of the Georgia Renaissance Festival (RenFest). If you're smart, you've been! I have always loved attending RenFest but I'll admit to not having been since D was little. Which, of course, means this live theater lover is looking forward to joining them for their 30th anniversary this season more than ever!

The Low Down:

Every weekend and Memorial Day, April 18 thru June 7, 2015 The 30th Annual Georgia Renaissance Festival is a family-friendly event, and a different kind of theme park. Inside this 32-acre recreation of a 16th Century English Village you'll find hundreds of costumed characters, the Queen and her Court, endless circus-style entertainment on 10 stages, shopping in over 130 artisan shoppes, food fit for Royalty, games and rides for kids of all ages, and the spectacular Jousting Knights on horseback. Patrons are invited to wear costumes and join in the fun too.

When:

Every weekend (Saturday and Sunday) and Memorial Day, April 18 thru June 7, 2015. The fair is open from 10:30am until 6:00. Rain or Shine!

My Favorite Part:

The jousting is a don't miss but the food is really where its at for me! Come hungry and bring a fat wallet.

Discounts:

Get $4 off Adult and $3 off Child (6-12) tickets by using promo code "castle" when purchasing discount tickets on the secure website at www.garenfest.com. Tickets good any day of the 2015 Season (Weekends and Memorial Day Apr 18-June 7). Online discount only. Not good with any other offers.

Spring Baseball

So proud of my big boy! 3 game balls, season champs, and tournament runner ups! Not bad for his first season of (coach pitch) baseball! He had an absolute blast playing and being a part of his team. He will be seeing one of his coaches for private training this Summer and he is itching to get started already! I love that he has found a sport he loves so much. 

Disney On Ice : 100 Years of Magic is Coming to Gwinnett! (Enter to win!)

Join the celebration as more than 60 of Disney’s unforgettable characters from 18 beloved stories come to life in Disney On Ice celebrates 100 Years of Magic! Coming to Atlanta's Gwinnett Arena May 14th through the 18th, you’ll be captivated by the one and only Mickey Mouse, the irresistible Minnie Mouse, Goofy, Donald Duck, Jiminy Cricket, Pinocchio and many Disney Princesses. Be thrilled by exciting moments from The Lion King; Mulan; and Disney/Pixar’s Finding Nemo, The Incredibles, and Toy Story films; in a skating spectacular filled with magical Disney moments you’ll remember forever as Disney On Ice celebrates 100 Years of Magic!

I know my boys are crazy excited about this year's Disney On Ice! Ever since they saw the first commercial for it they have been asking to go. Who can blame them? Its their chance to see some of their favorite movie moments reenacted on ice!

Know a certain little (or big!) someone that wants in on the 100 year celebration? Good news! I've two easy ways to save on tickets for the whole family!

• For $5 Off, click THIS purchasing link. Under Promotions & Special Offers click "Buy Offer" and enter code M100. Good for the following performances: Wednesday at 7:30pm, Thursday at 7:30pm, Friday at 10:30am, Sunday at 5:00pm. Savings will apply to the $30 and $25 price levels.
• Enter below to WIN 4 tickets to opening night!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

*I was provided tickets for my post/ time but all opinions are mine.

Its Island Adventure Day @FernbankMuseum on May 31st!

Fernbank Museum of Natural History will host Island Adventure Day, a fun-filled day appropriate for the whole family, on Saturday May 31, from 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Featuring games, a DJ, crafts and activities, the event kicks off a summer-long celebration of science and fun as part of the 97 Days to Play series of events, activities, celebrations, giveaways and more.

Island Adventure Day is inspired by Fernbank’s current special exhibits and IMAX® films, including Whales: Giants of the Deep, Journey to the South Pacific, and Island of Lemurs: Madagascar.

This special event day will provide guests with the chance to come face-to-face with live lemurs, as well as some other creatures that are native to the mysterious island of Madagascar. In addition to live animals, the day will feature DJ Trey Caples, who will ensure that all guests are entertained with island music, limbo and hula hooping contests. Guests can also get inspired by the traditions of the South Pacific at a lei-making station and take part in a fish scale craft that will allow guests to create their own colorful fish using tissue-paper “scales.”

The fun doesn’t stop there, as Island Adventure Day will also feature a shell scavenger hunt. The hunt will provide guests with a unique view of the Museum. Children will have the chance to search the Museum for rare shells and unique shell fossils while learning lesser known facts about the artifacts. Guests who complete the hunt in its entirety will be entered to win a prize.

To go along with the scavenger hunt, Fernbank’s educators will have a variety of ocean artifacts available at the Museum’s interactive shell cart, which will provide guests with the chance to get a true hands-on experience as they learn exciting information about the world’s oceans.

As always, Fernbank will supply a variety of games including a simulated fishing experience, pineapple bowling and a temporary tattoo station.

Visitors also are encouraged to take in the films and special exhibitions that inspired the Island Adventure Day, including the new film Island of Lemurs: Madagascar showing at 11 a.m., 1 p.m., 3 p.m. and 5 p.m. (requires the purchase of an IMAX ticket); Journey to the South Pacific, showing at 10 a.m., noon, 2 p.m. and 4 p.m. (requires an IMAX ticket); and the special museum exhibition Whales: Giants of the Deep, on view all day from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. (included with museum admission).

Island Adventure Day activities are included with Museum admission and are free for Fernbank members. Museum tickets are $18 for adults, $17 for students and seniors, $16 for children ages 3-12 and free for children aged 2 and under. Value Pass tickets, which include museum admission and one IMAX film, are $26 for adults, $24 for students and seniors, $22 for children ages 3-12, free for children aged 2 and under and $8 for members. The Museum is located at 767 Clifton Road NE in Atlanta. Parking is free. For tickets, call 404.929.6400or visit www.fernbankmuseum.org.

My Handsome Easter Boys

Center for Puppetry Arts to Celebrate National Day of Puppetry with Lamb Chop April 26

In celebration of National Day of Puppetry on Saturday, April 26, Center for Puppetry Arts guests will be able to enjoy puppeteer Mallory Lewis, and the iconic Lamb Chop, as they return to Atlanta audiences with Lamb Chop 2.0: Everything You Wanted To Know About Shari Lewis and Lamb Chop, But Were Afraid to Ask, hosted by Nicolosi. Along with this special one-night only Lamb Chop show, there will be a host of other activities including performances of E.B. White’s classic tale of unlikely friendship in Charlotte’s Web, exclusive sock puppet making workshops, a Members-Only film and a fun-filled visit from the Center’s own mascot puppet: Sockly.

The day begins with performances of the Center for Puppetry Arts production of E.B. White’s award-winning tale, Charlotte’s Web at 12 p.m. and 2 p.m.Recommended for ages four and older, the show features Charlotte the friendly spider – and her plan to save Wilbur the pig and make him famous using her wits, words and webs! With a colorful cast of barnyard characters including the old sheep and Templeton the gluttonous rat, this heartwarming story of unlikely friendship will have everyone cheering: “Terrific, terrific, terrific!” Each of these performances will be followed by the Center’s signature Create-A-Puppet Workshops, during which children (and adults!) can create their very own Charlotte the Spider Marionette and perform with it on the classroom stage.

Beginning at 4 p.m., the Atlanta Puppetry Guild, Atlanta’s chapter of Puppeteers of America, will be on hand performing with walk-around puppets and demonstrating different puppetry styles. There will be lots of extra puppets on hand for patrons to try!

As part of the celebration, all guests will be invited to become puppet makers and puppeteers, too, when they visit the third floor to build their own one-of-a-kind sock puppet. For Charlotte’s Web guests only, these sock puppets (and their human companions) will then become a part of living history as they assemble for a photo that will commemorate the largest gathering of sock puppets in the world; an unofficial record that is currently held by the Center for Puppetry Arts after 88 sock puppets were captured in the 2013 National Day of Puppetry photograph.

As one of the many highlights of the National Day of Puppetry, patrons will be able to meet the loveable Lamb Chop and her ‘kid sister’ Mallory Lewis, daughter of the late Shari Lewis, whose performances never fail to rekindle cherished memories in those who grew up enjoying the charismatic duo her mother created. The performance, hosted by world-renowned artist Nicolosi, salutes over 70 years of Shari Lewis and Lamb Chop. Everyone’s favorite lamb will be further honored by the launch of a new commemorative United States Postal Service stamp, featuring Shari Lewis and Lamb Chop and painted by Nicolosi, to be on display in the Center’s museum during the celebration.

To conclude the day’s festivities, Center for Puppetry Arts Members are invited to attend a free screening of The Muppet Musicians of Bremen film at 7p.m.Directed by Jim Henson, this 50 minute film, narrated by Kermit the Frog, showcases a group of gallant, jazz-playing animals as they work to escape from an oppressive farm in hopes to make it to freedom and fame. This viewing of the charming and music-filled modern fable is only available for Members of the Center for Puppetry Arts.

Event times are as follows:
· American Puppetry Tour: 12:00 p.m.

· Charlotte’s Web performance: 12:00 p.m. and 2:00 p.m.

· Behind the Scenes Tour: 2:00 p.m.

· Charlotte’s Web performance: 2:00 p.m.

· Make Your Own Sock Puppet: 2:30p p.m. to 4:30 p.m.

· Lamb Chop 2.0 performance: 3:00 p.m.

· Presentations by the Atlanta Puppetry Guild: 4:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m.

· ‘World-Record-Breaking Sock Puppet Photo’: 5:00 p.m.

· Muppets Musicians of Bremen film: 7:00 p.m.


TICKETS FOR CHARLOTTES WEB ARE $9.25 (MEMBERS) / $16.50 (NONMEMBERS) AND CAN BE PURCHASED ONLINE ATWWW.PUPPET.ORG OR BY CALLING THE TICKET SALES OFFICE AT 404-873-3391.

TICKETS FOR LAMB CHOP 2.0 ARE $13.25 (MEMBERS) / $20.50 (NONMEMBERS) AND CAN BE PURCHASED ONLINE ATWWW.PUPPET.ORG OR BY CALLING THE TICKET SALES OFFICE AT 404-873-3391.

Tickets for Lamb Chop 2.0 and Charlotte’s Web include Museum admission, as well as the opportunity for children to make their own sock puppet.

Label Daddy: Getting You Ready for Camp Season!

Its that time of year when we are all getting geared up for a summer full of fun! We are looking through and picking camps and vacations for our families so we are ready to hit the ground running once school is out!

Something every family needs to remember to add to the to do list this time of year is figure out how to keep everything organized and keep the kids from losing everything they leave the house

with! Remember to label all the clothing, sports equipment and other personal belongings your kids bring to school, camp, sports leagues, day care, and other places.

Label Daddy labels keep your belongings from getting lost or mixed up with others. These labels are super durable peel-and-stick washable labels -- they're washer/dryer safe, microwave safe, dishwasher safe and UV resistant! Label Daddy labels are also fun and attractive. You design your own labels!

Pick from many colors, sizes and logos, including Disney and Marvel characters, MLB, NBA, and NHL team logos, other sport and fun logos, and more. There really is something for everyone! Kid or adult! Their exclusive laminated coating gives labels an extra layer of protection and is a must for camp! These labels are made in the USA and shipped directly to you worldwide.

Save 10% on Label Daddy labels! - Save 10% on your entire Label Daddy order. Just be sure to use code USFAMILY10 at checkout: http://www.usfamily10.labeldaddy.com.

* I was given a promo code to get some labels for my own boys in exchange for this post! All opinions are still all mine!

LEGO® KidsFest Atlanta

If you have a child, grandchild, or have ever been a child yourself, odds are you are familiar with LEGO®. The ultimate in sparking a child's imagination, LEGO has been around since 1932. LEGO bricks are one of the most recognizable toys and of course one of the most beloved. Especially in my house!


D discovered LEGO bricks a couple of years ago and has been fascinated ever since. K has just gotten into them lately but is still just as enamored. They can spend endless hours in the floor of the living room building and rebuilding entire cities, characters, dinosaurs, and cars. The possibilities are completely endless.

For all the Atlanta area LEGO fans, LEGO KidsFest is coming to Cobb Galleria Centre in Atlanta, June 27 - 29, 2014!

LEGO KidsFest brings all of the creative hands-on, minds-on fun of LEGO building and experiences together in one activity- and entertainment-packed family event for children of all ages and builders of all skills and interests.

The LEGO KidsFest is comprised of a variety of fun activities. There is something for every member of the family. All activities are included in the price of admission. Each of the sessions offers the same interactive activities and play areas. No session is better than another to attend.

This event has been selling out in other cities so be sure to get your tickets soon!

Limited OFFER! Everyone pays Kids prices! For a limited time, my followers can save $2 off each adult ticket purchased in April. Click HERE to get your coupon before they disappear!

One of MY followers will win (2) tickets to for the opening night session on Friday, June 27, 2014 (4-8:30pm). I encourage you to LIKE and Follow LEGOKidsFest on Facebook, Twitter and/or Instagram for all the latest ticketing updates as this event has been selling out in prior cities. Must be 18 to enter, 1 entry per day allowed, random drawing by USFG on Wednesday !

CLICK HERE TO ENTER!

Atlanta Baby and Child Expo Returns to the Fox!

Atlanta's party for expectants, new parents, grandparents and their family and friends, Atlanta Baby and Child Expo is considered THE premier event for expecting and new parents in the Southeast. Bringing in the ultimate in parenting and baby products and professionals, it’s an elite experience in an intimate setting. Geared to be informative and fun, not overwhelming!  

This event features a Maternity Fashion Show, Red Carpet Photos of attendees as they enter, awesome baby gear to buy and try, thousands of dollars in giveaways and so much more! With companies like Graco, Babies R Us, and PediPed in attendance this is definitely the kind of event you can't afford to miss!

When: April 26th, 11am-2:30pm (VIP ticket holders get early entry,
starting at 10:30am)
Where: Fox Theatre Ballrooms, 660 Peachtree Street, NE, Atlanta, GA 30308
Tickets: http://www.atlantababyandchildexpo.com/ OR enter to win two tickets using the form below!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

*I was provided tickets to attend this year's Expo in exchange for promotion. If you plan on attending, let me know! I'd love to say hi!

Medieval Times Atlanta Hosts Knight Training for Spring Break! (Enter to Win!)

Its almost here! Spring break is just around the corner and families all over Georgia are looking for fun things to do to keep the kids occupied. Medieval Times is one of our all time favorite places to visit in Atlanta and they have a super exciting event coming up! With all the amazing food, showmanship, and of course competition, what is not to love? I know at least two little boys that could not be more excited!

This Spring Break, bring your kids to train to become Knights of the Realm at Medieval Times. Children will enjoy watching an exclusive weapons demonstration by our Knights and the Weapons Master. They will learn about the grueling training it takes to become a Knight. Upon completion of their training, your children will be knighted by His Majesty King Carlos in a group knighting ceremony.

This special knight training class is only available for certain show times:
March 24th and 31st: Doors open at 4:15PM with training at 5:00PM
March 25th: Doors open at 5:30PM with training at 6:30PM
April 7th thru 10th: Doors open at 5:30PM with training at 6:30PM

Children must be between the ages of 5 and 12 to participate. Space is limited and training is available on a first-come, first-served basis for the first 100 kids. Training is open to both boys and girls. Closed-toe shoes are required to participate. All Seats for these shows are just $29.95 with code SBGR. Book online at bit.ly/buymedieval or over the phone by calling 1-888-WE-JOUST.

Want to WIN 4 tickets to attend one of the shows from April 7th through the 10th? Check out the form below and enter to win!


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The Tennessee Theater #WW

Knoxville, Tennessee: Posh Family Fun Meets the Smokies

Last week I had the pleasure of heading North to Tennessee and checking out the beautiful city of Knoxville, Tennessee. Knoxville is just under 3 hours from the Atlanta area and is a nice, relaxing country side drive North. I'll admit that when I got the invitation from Visit Knoxville, I wondered a little about what all Knoxville could offer a jaded family travel writer like me. Turns out, there is a lot in Knoxville to do and enrich your mind with. Our tour of the city was fast and furious at just about 24 hours but we got to get peeks at a lot of what the city has to offer.

First I will tell you about all the wonderful sites I was able to visit and take a peek at, then I will tell you about our culinary adventures in Knoxville later in the week.

The first stop on our tour was our hosting hotel, the Oliver. After I got checked in and went up to check out my room, I was immediately impressed with how well they had preserved the history of the old hotel but added those ever so nice modern day touches that we all seem to need so badly these days. Thinks like large, flat screen tvs and enough electrical outlets to power a house mixed with lush period furniture and a well appointed mini bar. Not to mention the plush king sized bed with plenty of soft, squishy pillows to surround myself with after a day of touring.

As soon as we got settled into our rooms, we had cocktails at the Peter Kern Library inside the Oliver and were treated to lunch by the adjoining Tupelo Honey Cafe. More on that later.


After we had stuffed ourselves silly, we took off on a caravan tour of downtown Knoxville. We passed the historic courthouses and theaters. Took a ride up into the Sunsphere and surveyed the beautiful spread of Worlds Fair Park. The Sunsphere itself is an attraction that warrants a good look over. Built in 1987 for the World's Fair, it is 266' of shiny, 24 karat plated glass that offers gorgeous views of the city with the Tennessee river winding through it. From the observation deck, you can see the smokies or your can see the bustling downtown area. Every where you look is a sight to be seen.

After that, we got a tour of the South's Finest Chocolate Factory. It was cool to see the inner workings of the chocolate factory that supplies caramels to Biltmore house. For 30 years this manufacturing facility and retail store, located in downtown Knoxville, has been open to the public and on any given day you can see a variety of candy making techniques in action. We got to sample some of the most amazing chocolate covered cherries I have ever tasted. This little hideaway of a candy kitchen is a must see for all those chocolate lovers out there.


Then it was a short walk up to the Knoxville Museum of Art. Free to the public, the museum celebrates the art and artists of East Tennessee, "presents new art and new ideas, educates and serves a diverse community, and enhances Knoxville’s quality of life". I can definitely agree with all of that. We witnessed the art of Knoxville's past and present in the upstairs galleries but the downstairs galleries were in transition. Guess I'll have to make a trip back up!




Of course after dinner at Knox Mason, it was time to waddle back to the hotel and prepare ourselves for a treat at the Tennessee Theatre. We were lucky enough to get to attend the opening night of the Broadway musical Mary Poppins. Now, if you have never seen the show, you need to. Seriously the most energetic show I have ever seen. The real treat though was the Tennessee Theatre. I shared a little last week about its history and similarities to the Fox here in Atlanta but I have to say the Tennessee's grandeur, although on a very different scale, could give the Fabulous Fox a run for its money. The Tennessee is easily half the size of the Fox, if not smaller but the attention to detail during the renovations is astounding. The colors are bright, the ambiance endearing, and the acoustics right on par.

The next morning we woke bright and early to a snow covered Knoxville. It was a beautiful and relaxing surprise but it did put a hamper on our plans for the day. We did get to do our tour of the Tennessee Theatre, which was still hauntingly gorgeous the next day. We got to hear about the renovations and how they came up with color schemes and how they had the carpet rewoven new to match the exact same pattern as it was before. It was a real treat to me considering history and theatre are two of my biggies.

We were supposed take a tour of the Knoxville Zoo after the theater but considering the snow, it got cut out. I have heard it is a definite must see if you are in the area though. Along with several other of Knoxville's little hidden treasures like the World's Largest Rubiks Cube or taking a tour on the river boat, the Star of Knoxville, down the grand Tennessee river.

Truth is, what ever you are looking for in a family vacation, you are likely to find it in Knoxville. They have a little of everything and it is in a central location that lends itself to a perfect weekend trip from just about anywhere. Honestly, I think it might be better for families with more of a middle to high school range aged children. The age that would appreciate the arts and history of Knoxville. Something they place great pride in and something that is well worth seeing. With a lack of younger children's attractions like a children's museum (which they say is coming soon), the little ones just might get lost in the mix.

To learn more check out Visit Knoxville online or down load the app to your smartphone. To learn more about each venue, simply click the highlighted link through out! Be sure to check back later this week for all about my culinary tour of Knoxville!