As we prepare for the New Year's festivities (which admittedly will be low key with two small children), we thought we'd let you know what you have been reading about this year. Here are your top five most read entries on Stir Crazy Moms in 2010:
Drumroll please...
5. Oval Drive Park
4. Chuck-E-Cheeses
3. The Fun Zone-Drop in Childcare
2. Christmas Festivities at Meadow Lights
1. And the number one, most read post this year is: Meadowmont YMCA
As we hope is true with our site, there's a little something on that list for everyone. And, of course, in the new year, we resolve to have just as many exciting adventures and kid-friendly ideas to report. The posts are ready and waiting for 2011, so stay tuned!
Happy New Year!
Friday, December 31, 2010
Monday, December 20, 2010
Thank you!
Several years ago, I moved back to Durham after a couple of years in Seattle. I had lived here for six years before I had kids. I moved back with a young son, and it was totally different. I knew a lot about Durham, but not a lot about where I could take my son. Then, I met a wonderful group of friends with whom I could hang out and explore the area. We all started talking about how we felt and realized how nice it would have been if we could have some place to go to get information about everything Durham, but from the perspective of a mom. We decided we would try to create something helpful for people like us, so we started the Stir Crazy Moms Guide to Durham.
Over the course of the year, the website has evolved. With help from all of our readers we have seen the site grow and have learned what is really helpful for everyone. So, we would like to thank all of our readers for making Stir Crazy Moms what it is! We're looking forward to our next year and all of the help, support, and community that our readers provide. So, keep it coming with all of the great contributions!
With that huge thank you, we are signing off for the holidays! It's time to enjoy this great season with our families. So, we will see everyone in the new year with more ideas, places, and kid-friendly Durham activities.
Thank You Everyone and Happy Holidays!
Over the course of the year, the website has evolved. With help from all of our readers we have seen the site grow and have learned what is really helpful for everyone. So, we would like to thank all of our readers for making Stir Crazy Moms what it is! We're looking forward to our next year and all of the help, support, and community that our readers provide. So, keep it coming with all of the great contributions!
With that huge thank you, we are signing off for the holidays! It's time to enjoy this great season with our families. So, we will see everyone in the new year with more ideas, places, and kid-friendly Durham activities.
Thank You Everyone and Happy Holidays!
Saturday, December 18, 2010
Etsy
What it is: Since the holiday season is upon us, it's always great to know of places to buy unique gifts. With little ones, shopping out in the retail world can be a bit tricky (as evidenced by our most recent outing with a double stroller in Southern Season). So, online shopping has quickly become one of my favorite things. Etsy is one of my favorite online sites. It's an online marketplace with countless different crafters selling homemade and vintage items only.
If you have a craft business yourself, it can be a great place to get the word out and easily sell your items. In addition, you can purchase countless different types of items. There's even a feature called Alchemy where you can advertise for what you are looking for, name your price, and people will bid to create your specialized item for you. I have purchased several items on Etsy, and I haven't been disappointed yet. I've also known several people who have sold items on Etsy and been very successful including a member of my family who sells beautiful dog collars (www.dabbyanddoodledesign.etsy.com).
What we like: As I said earlier, with kids, it can be hard to get out and shop with young kids especially if you're looking for a unique item and you don't know exactly what you want. Toddlers never seem to have the patience to browse. So, with Etsy you can browse at countless unique items. In addition, it is also a great place to sell your own crafts and items.
What we would change: Since it is online, you can't actually see the product in person or try it on. In addition, there are many different sellers, so quality and personal interactions can vary.
Website and other important information:
Website: www.etsy.com
Some of our favorite sites on Etsy:
*dabbyanddoodledesign-My family member's dog collars
*MyPersonalizedTshirt-We found cute matching little brother and big brother shirts for our sons with their names on them.
*monogrammaker-We bought embroidered personlized aprons for toddlers and children.
*andrewanddelladesigns-We got handpainted personlized step stools and piggy banks, but they also have other items.
*michellechristina-We found rocket ship, moon, and star vinyl wall decals.
*sweettoothstationery and captureyourmemory-We bought two different types of personalized address labels
*tinderdesigns-We bought a great shopping cart cover
I'm sure there are many other great sellers on Etsy, and we would love to know if any of our fabulous readers sell any items there. Please tell us about your items if you do! In addition, we'd love to hear about any other local crafty moms so we can get the word out and find out about all the great, talented moms in the area!
If you have a craft business yourself, it can be a great place to get the word out and easily sell your items. In addition, you can purchase countless different types of items. There's even a feature called Alchemy where you can advertise for what you are looking for, name your price, and people will bid to create your specialized item for you. I have purchased several items on Etsy, and I haven't been disappointed yet. I've also known several people who have sold items on Etsy and been very successful including a member of my family who sells beautiful dog collars (www.dabbyanddoodledesign.etsy.com).
What we like: As I said earlier, with kids, it can be hard to get out and shop with young kids especially if you're looking for a unique item and you don't know exactly what you want. Toddlers never seem to have the patience to browse. So, with Etsy you can browse at countless unique items. In addition, it is also a great place to sell your own crafts and items.
What we would change: Since it is online, you can't actually see the product in person or try it on. In addition, there are many different sellers, so quality and personal interactions can vary.
Website and other important information:
Website: www.etsy.com
Some of our favorite sites on Etsy:
*dabbyanddoodledesign-My family member's dog collars
*MyPersonalizedTshirt-We found cute matching little brother and big brother shirts for our sons with their names on them.
*monogrammaker-We bought embroidered personlized aprons for toddlers and children.
*andrewanddelladesigns-We got handpainted personlized step stools and piggy banks, but they also have other items.
*michellechristina-We found rocket ship, moon, and star vinyl wall decals.
*sweettoothstationery and captureyourmemory-We bought two different types of personalized address labels
*tinderdesigns-We bought a great shopping cart cover
I'm sure there are many other great sellers on Etsy, and we would love to know if any of our fabulous readers sell any items there. Please tell us about your items if you do! In addition, we'd love to hear about any other local crafty moms so we can get the word out and find out about all the great, talented moms in the area!
Friday, December 17, 2010
At Home Jump Zone
After heading to Jump Zone, my child was very in to jumping. However, since it's been so cold, we haven't been able to get out to the park and jump till our heart's content like we usually do. So, we've had to be creative. A few days ago, I remembered a great idea that another Stir Crazy Mom had tried out at her house. It was so much fun that I just had to share it with everyone.
We had an air mattress just stuffed in a closet waiting until we had more guests than guest beds. However, turns out, it's not just a spare bed, it is your own personal jump zone! We took it out, blew it up, and put it in a nice open space in our house. Then, I just let my sons jump. Oh yeah, and I joined in a little bit. It was great, my son felt like he could get some energy out, jump up and down, and just have fun.
While this may not technically be an outing, activity, or place to explore in Durham, it is a way to enjoy the day when everyone is going a little stir crazy at home which is what our blog is all about. What unique ways have you found to get the wiggles out at home when you can't get outside?
We had an air mattress just stuffed in a closet waiting until we had more guests than guest beds. However, turns out, it's not just a spare bed, it is your own personal jump zone! We took it out, blew it up, and put it in a nice open space in our house. Then, I just let my sons jump. Oh yeah, and I joined in a little bit. It was great, my son felt like he could get some energy out, jump up and down, and just have fun.
While this may not technically be an outing, activity, or place to explore in Durham, it is a way to enjoy the day when everyone is going a little stir crazy at home which is what our blog is all about. What unique ways have you found to get the wiggles out at home when you can't get outside?
Wednesday, December 15, 2010
Jump Zone
What it is: With all of this cold winter weather, we've been dying to check out some new indoor places where the kids can get some energy out. We found another great one not too far away in Cary, The Jump Zone. I was a bit concerned about the fact that it was in Cary, but turns out it's just about a 15 minute drive down Hwy 55 from our location in South Durham. It is an indoor play area filled with large inflatable slides, bouncy castles, etc. They also have a small toddler area with some slides and soft cushions to play on, air hockey tables, a concession stand, and a place to eat-not a bad way to spend a cold afternoon. They are also available for birthday and other parties with separate rooms for the celebrations.
What we liked: It was large enough that there was plenty of space for our kids to run. My son wanted to spend some time simply running around in circles and there was enough room for that. The inflatables were great for all different ages and bravery levels. While my 2.5 year old son went in a few of the bouncy castles, went up the slides with me, and hung out at the entrances of all of the structures, there were kids as old as 10 that were completely entertained and ran around on their own. In addition, while there were some older kids there, when we went it wasn't crowded and our small kids weren't overwhelmed.
This could be a great activity to pair with Paint Your Pot which is located in the same shopping center. Since Paint Your Pot is a short activity for most toddlers, you can head over to Jump Zone afterward to get out some energy.
What we would change: If your child won't go in the bouncy structures, then there's not much for them to do there. In addition, with a cautious child like mine, I had to go in a lot of the inflatables with him. This can be problematic if you have a second child with you or you can't climb yourself for some reason. The price is also a little high at $8 per child over two. **However, if you join their club for free online they do give you a two for one admission pass that you can use to check it out--that's what we did.
Website and other important information:
Website: http://www.jumpzoneparty.com/JumpZone_Home.php?jzpcity=Cary&jzpid=013
Address: 2723 NC Hwy 55, Cary, NC 27519
Phone Number: (919) 249-7320
Hours: (Check their calendar for exact open play hours, but typically they are: Monday-Saturday 10am-6pm, Sunday 11am-6pm, Friday Family Fun Night 6pm-8:30pm, Special Needs Tuesday 6:30pm-8:30pm
Photos:
What we liked: It was large enough that there was plenty of space for our kids to run. My son wanted to spend some time simply running around in circles and there was enough room for that. The inflatables were great for all different ages and bravery levels. While my 2.5 year old son went in a few of the bouncy castles, went up the slides with me, and hung out at the entrances of all of the structures, there were kids as old as 10 that were completely entertained and ran around on their own. In addition, while there were some older kids there, when we went it wasn't crowded and our small kids weren't overwhelmed.
This could be a great activity to pair with Paint Your Pot which is located in the same shopping center. Since Paint Your Pot is a short activity for most toddlers, you can head over to Jump Zone afterward to get out some energy.
What we would change: If your child won't go in the bouncy structures, then there's not much for them to do there. In addition, with a cautious child like mine, I had to go in a lot of the inflatables with him. This can be problematic if you have a second child with you or you can't climb yourself for some reason. The price is also a little high at $8 per child over two. **However, if you join their club for free online they do give you a two for one admission pass that you can use to check it out--that's what we did.
Website and other important information:
Website: http://www.jumpzoneparty.com/JumpZone_Home.php?jzpcity=Cary&jzpid=013
Address: 2723 NC Hwy 55, Cary, NC 27519
Phone Number: (919) 249-7320
Hours: (Check their calendar for exact open play hours, but typically they are: Monday-Saturday 10am-6pm, Sunday 11am-6pm, Friday Family Fun Night 6pm-8:30pm, Special Needs Tuesday 6:30pm-8:30pm
Photos:
1. A view of all of the inflatables
2. The concession stand
3. The small child play area
Monday, December 13, 2010
Pandora
What it is: Since the weather outside has been frightful recently, we haven't been able to head out and explore much. But since the holidays are around the corner, we've been staying in and enjoying some holiday activities. One of our favorite holiday activities has been listening to and dancing around to some holiday music, and we've found a fun, easy way to do it.
My husband told me about a website called Pandora. Pandora is a free internet radio where you can simply type in a type of music that you like, and Pandora will create a personal radio station for you based on songs of that type. For example, this Christmas season I typed in Christmas songs, and Pandora started playing me and my son a radio station full of Christmas music to listen and dance to. The other time I tried it, I typed in one of my favorite bands, and they played all songs in their genre, including some that I really liked but hadn't even remembered.
What we liked: We love that we can choose what we want to listen to, but not have to chose every song. Pandora does a very good job in choosing songs that are unexpected but that we will like. This is apparently based on their song attribute analysis method known as the Music Genome Project. One of the other features that allows them to be even more accurate is selecting songs that you like is that you can like or dislike each song and they will choose their next song for you based on that information.
As a mom, I feel like I'm limited in my time to listen to what I want to (we are always listening to Kindermusik CD's in the car), and watch what I want to on TV (only Thomas videos for us), so having a way to easily put on music that I like while the boys are napping or make song selections based on music that I know the kids will enjoy (like Christmas music) is nice. You can create multiple "stations" for yourself based on what music you would like to listen to at a given time.
What we would change: Being on my computer, the music is not as portable as I would like, and I can't listen in my car. However, it is possible to get Pandora on your mobile phone if you have that option. In addition, if you choose "like" or "dislike" too many times, they will want you to pay for a subscription to the site, so you have to limit your choices if you want the service to stay free.
Website: http://www.pandora.com/
My husband told me about a website called Pandora. Pandora is a free internet radio where you can simply type in a type of music that you like, and Pandora will create a personal radio station for you based on songs of that type. For example, this Christmas season I typed in Christmas songs, and Pandora started playing me and my son a radio station full of Christmas music to listen and dance to. The other time I tried it, I typed in one of my favorite bands, and they played all songs in their genre, including some that I really liked but hadn't even remembered.
What we liked: We love that we can choose what we want to listen to, but not have to chose every song. Pandora does a very good job in choosing songs that are unexpected but that we will like. This is apparently based on their song attribute analysis method known as the Music Genome Project. One of the other features that allows them to be even more accurate is selecting songs that you like is that you can like or dislike each song and they will choose their next song for you based on that information.
As a mom, I feel like I'm limited in my time to listen to what I want to (we are always listening to Kindermusik CD's in the car), and watch what I want to on TV (only Thomas videos for us), so having a way to easily put on music that I like while the boys are napping or make song selections based on music that I know the kids will enjoy (like Christmas music) is nice. You can create multiple "stations" for yourself based on what music you would like to listen to at a given time.
What we would change: Being on my computer, the music is not as portable as I would like, and I can't listen in my car. However, it is possible to get Pandora on your mobile phone if you have that option. In addition, if you choose "like" or "dislike" too many times, they will want you to pay for a subscription to the site, so you have to limit your choices if you want the service to stay free.
Website: http://www.pandora.com/
Sunday, December 12, 2010
And the winner is...
The winner of our fabulous December giveaway from The Fun Zone is Christie! So, if you are Christie and you commented,
"We LOVED going on the Santa train at the Museum of Life and Science."
Then you are our big winner! Just contact us at: scmomsgroup@gmail.com to claim your prize. If you didn't win, don't despair, looks like we'll have our biggest giveaway yet in January. Until then, keep reading for more great Durham activities, and let us know of any that we haven't mentioned yet.
"We LOVED going on the Santa train at the Museum of Life and Science."
Then you are our big winner! Just contact us at: scmomsgroup@gmail.com to claim your prize. If you didn't win, don't despair, looks like we'll have our biggest giveaway yet in January. Until then, keep reading for more great Durham activities, and let us know of any that we haven't mentioned yet.
Saturday, December 11, 2010
Chocolaterie Stam
What it is: As we drive down Hwy. 54 into Chapel Hill from our part of Durham, we've been curious about a new development we pass by just before 15-501 called East 54. Last time we drove by we noticed a new shop called Chocolaterie Stam. A new dessert shop that we hadn't tried yet? We had to stop by.
When you walk in you're immediately in a chocolate wonderland with cases upon cases of beautiful chocolates. My son was mesmerized! Much to my son's delight, we noticed that they had a gelato case at the front of the store. So, we were able to grab some delicious gelato, which we could sit and eat at their assortment of tables or couches, and then shop for some delicious chocolates! The also make milkshakes, floats, and a variety of hot drinks which we can't wait to come back to try.
What we liked: The atmosphere is great! It's perfect for a special treat for kids because they will really feel special when they get to pick out a candy from one of those cases. The employee that we met was very friendly and helpful and made our small children feel welcome. In addition, the shopping center looks like it might be a fun place to stop for dinner and dessert at Stam with several restaurants including Thai and Indian cuisine.
What we would change: There isn't much parking, so I can see how that would be a problem on busy days.
Website and other important information:
Website: http://www.stamchocolate.com
Address: 1115 Environ Way, Chapel Hill, NC 27517
Phone: 919-967-9373
Hours: Monday-Thursday: 6am-9:30pm, Satuday 6am-10:30pm, Sunday 12pm-9:30pm
Photos:
When you walk in you're immediately in a chocolate wonderland with cases upon cases of beautiful chocolates. My son was mesmerized! Much to my son's delight, we noticed that they had a gelato case at the front of the store. So, we were able to grab some delicious gelato, which we could sit and eat at their assortment of tables or couches, and then shop for some delicious chocolates! The also make milkshakes, floats, and a variety of hot drinks which we can't wait to come back to try.
What we liked: The atmosphere is great! It's perfect for a special treat for kids because they will really feel special when they get to pick out a candy from one of those cases. The employee that we met was very friendly and helpful and made our small children feel welcome. In addition, the shopping center looks like it might be a fun place to stop for dinner and dessert at Stam with several restaurants including Thai and Indian cuisine.
What we would change: There isn't much parking, so I can see how that would be a problem on busy days.
Website and other important information:
Website: http://www.stamchocolate.com
Address: 1115 Environ Way, Chapel Hill, NC 27517
Phone: 919-967-9373
Hours: Monday-Thursday: 6am-9:30pm, Satuday 6am-10:30pm, Sunday 12pm-9:30pm
Photos:
1. A view from the parking lot
2. The beautifully decorated interior
3. mmmm, gelato
3. The case of beautiful chocolates
4. Up Close
5. Their window
Wednesday, December 8, 2010
December Giveaway-The Fun Zone!
Just in time for the holidays, our December giveaway is here! This giveaway is from one of our most popular blog features, The Fun Zone in Durham. The Fun Zone is a drop-off child care option in Downtown Durham. You can check out all the details in our previous post or on their website: www.TheFunZoneForKids.com.
For our giveaway, they are giving a free birthday party time slot for up to 10 children for 2.5 hours for kids from 1 to 6 years of age!! For this time slot, they will decorate the playroom, have the Bouncy house inflated, and the kids can have lots and lots of free play! What a great opportunity to have a fun party for your kids! (The party needs to be redeemed within three months and would need to be during the day on a Saturday or Sunday.)
To enter the giveaway simply leave a comment on this post either on the blog or on facebook by Saturday, December 11 at midnight. For this giveaway, you can gain one entry for simply commenting. Since this is for our December giveaway, for an extra entry in the giveaway mention your favorite area holiday activity.
Happy December Giveaway, and Happy Holidays!
For our giveaway, they are giving a free birthday party time slot for up to 10 children for 2.5 hours for kids from 1 to 6 years of age!! For this time slot, they will decorate the playroom, have the Bouncy house inflated, and the kids can have lots and lots of free play! What a great opportunity to have a fun party for your kids! (The party needs to be redeemed within three months and would need to be during the day on a Saturday or Sunday.)
To enter the giveaway simply leave a comment on this post either on the blog or on facebook by Saturday, December 11 at midnight. For this giveaway, you can gain one entry for simply commenting. Since this is for our December giveaway, for an extra entry in the giveaway mention your favorite area holiday activity.
Happy December Giveaway, and Happy Holidays!
Tuesday, December 7, 2010
Papa Murphy's
What it is: This take-and-bake pizza chain is popular across the country, but has made its debut in South Durham only in the past year. We love it. There aren't many food choices more family friendly than take-and-bake pizza (as long as you're not looking for health food, of course!), and Papa Murphy's never disappoints. Pizzas are made right before your eyes, or if you're really in a hurry, you can call ahead for pickup at any time you choose, including "I'm in the car and on my way." The price is right, too--a large one-topping goes for $5.99, which means you can have a family feast with leftovers for less than $15.00. They also offer take-and-bake cookie dough (which I've only had raw--perfectly okay since the eggs are pasteurized) and other side items. It's all delicious.
What we like: The best part of this is convenience. It's quick and easy to get a pizza, and you can bake it at your leisure. Another huge plus: if you call from the parking lot when you arrive, they're happy to run the pizza out to you. No unbuckling and rebuckling carseats! They also occasionally create special pizzas--for instance a jack-o-lantern pizza for Halloween. And Wednesday night is kids' night--kids get a free 5" pizza free (but they must appear in person).
What we'd change: Personally, I'd love to see whole-wheat crust as an option so I didn't feel quite so guilty serving the pizza!
Website and other important information:
Website: http://www.papamurphys.com/
Address: 1125 W Nc Highway 54, Durham, NC 27707-5715
Phone Number: (919) 402-1050
Hours: Monday-Saturday: 11am-9pm, Sunday: 11am-8pm
Sunday, December 5, 2010
Brig's Restaurant
What it is: I have been looking for some good places to have breakfast in Durham and have recently come across several great finds! Another Stir Crazy Mom has been telling us to check out Brig's for months. She said that it had great food and was kid-friendly, so we had to check it out.
This Saturday we headed down to it's location at the intersection of Hwy 54 and Hwy 55 in a nondescript strip center. We really didn't know what to expect other than the recommendation we had been given. We walked in, and it was a bustling brunch restaurant. The patrons were a diverse crowd from young families to young couples to senior citizens. We were quickly seated and given the expansive menu. They have an extensive breakfast menu which they serve all day and a fairly good selection of lunch options. My husband was thrilled by all of their breakfast skillet entrees while I am more of a french toast breakfast platter kind of person. My son, on the other hand, was in the mood for lunch, and they could please all of our varied tastes. The food was delicious, the service was great, and we've found a new breakfast spot that we'll definitely come back to!
What we liked: The cost was incredibly reasonable with all three of us getting drinks and entrees for $27. The kids' meal was under $4 and included a grilled cheese, french fries, fruit, and a milk! They also had both breakfast and lunch choices on the kids' meal which was a bit unique and a nice touch. Brig's seemed to have more of a personal touch with their service. The manager, maybe the owner, had our table all set up with a high chair for our two year old and a sling for our six month old's car seat, and we didn't even have to specifically ask for them!
What we would change: The one slight negative was the lack of a changing table in the bathroom when I went in to change my son.
Website and other important information:
Website: http://www.brigs.com/
Address: Apparently there are 5 Brig's locations, but the one that we went to was on the corner of Hwy 54 and Hwy 55.
4900 NC Hwy 55
Durham, NC 27713
Phone Number: (919) 544-7473
Hours: Open Daily 7am-2:30pm
Photos:
This Saturday we headed down to it's location at the intersection of Hwy 54 and Hwy 55 in a nondescript strip center. We really didn't know what to expect other than the recommendation we had been given. We walked in, and it was a bustling brunch restaurant. The patrons were a diverse crowd from young families to young couples to senior citizens. We were quickly seated and given the expansive menu. They have an extensive breakfast menu which they serve all day and a fairly good selection of lunch options. My husband was thrilled by all of their breakfast skillet entrees while I am more of a french toast breakfast platter kind of person. My son, on the other hand, was in the mood for lunch, and they could please all of our varied tastes. The food was delicious, the service was great, and we've found a new breakfast spot that we'll definitely come back to!
What we liked: The cost was incredibly reasonable with all three of us getting drinks and entrees for $27. The kids' meal was under $4 and included a grilled cheese, french fries, fruit, and a milk! They also had both breakfast and lunch choices on the kids' meal which was a bit unique and a nice touch. Brig's seemed to have more of a personal touch with their service. The manager, maybe the owner, had our table all set up with a high chair for our two year old and a sling for our six month old's car seat, and we didn't even have to specifically ask for them!
What we would change: The one slight negative was the lack of a changing table in the bathroom when I went in to change my son.
Website and other important information:
Website: http://www.brigs.com/
Address: Apparently there are 5 Brig's locations, but the one that we went to was on the corner of Hwy 54 and Hwy 55.
4900 NC Hwy 55
Durham, NC 27713
Phone Number: (919) 544-7473
Hours: Open Daily 7am-2:30pm
Photos:
2. My husband's fancier fare with smoked salmon and hollandaise sauce
3. My french toast, eggs, and sausage
4. The kids' meal: gilled cheese, fruit, and french fries
Friday, December 3, 2010
The Santa Train at the Museum of Life and Science
Last year, as Christmas rolled around, everyone in town seemed to be talking about the Santa Train at The North Carolina Museum of Life and Science. Tickets were sold out before I even knew what it was. So, this year we had to check it out.
What it is: The museum has a train that visitors can ride. It makes a short loop passing through a tunnel and by part of the dinosaur trail. My two year old has always loved it. During Christmastime, kids can take the train ride to the "North Pole" to see Santa. You can purchase tickets in advance for a specific time to ride the train in the evening because it doesn't run during normal museum hours.
When we arrived for our 6pm train, we headed in the special entrance that they had set up for the Santa Train. We were there a little early to check out what else was there before our ride. They had a booth set up where you could buy various Santa Train souvenirs. Fortunately, our two year old was too young to know about souvenirs yet so we didn't stop. We also didn't stop at the station selling hot dogs and hamburgers from the museum's restaurant Graysons. But it was nice that they had the option.
In front of the train station, there was a large tent covering a tables manned with volunteers and filled with a variety of crafts. The volunteers were friendly and helped our son to make "reindeer food" and a construction paper tree topper. He could have also done some coloring or even gotten his face painted.
After our stop at the crafts we got in line for the actual train. They had decorated the whole museum with lights and other decorations, so my son had a ball looking at everything. Then, the train, also aglow with lights pulled up. We hopped on and took the several minute ride down to the train's turnaround point where they had created a small "North Pole". There were several "elves" and Santa Claus himself. The train stopped and Santa came to each car in the train and asked the kids what they wanted for Christmas and had a little conversation with everyone. While Santa was mingling an elf passed out candy canes.
We returned from the North Pole and immediately headed over to the complimentary hot chocolate table and enjoyed our beverage under the heat lamps. My son was so excited about the whole experience and it still talking about it. It got our whole family in the Christmas spirit and was a great way to start the season.
What we liked: It was the perfect sized outing for young children. We were there for about an hour, so it was short and sweet. At first, I was a bit disappointed that the kids didn't get out of the train at the North Pole, but after the experience I think it was for the best. We were able to ride the train, take in all the activities, and head out while everyone was still in a good mood. That's hard to do in the evening with a six month old and a two year old! All the helpers were also very friendly and seemed to be in good moods.
What we would change: It is pretty challenging to get the tickets that you want for the train. Tickets opened up for the museum members on the November 15th and for the general public on the 17th at midnight. The prime train times are quickly sold out. In addition, tickets are $15 which is pretty pricey. However, children under 3 are free.
Website and other important information: The Santa Train is located at the North Carolina Museum of Life and Science in Northern Durham.
Website: http://www.ncmls.org/visit/events/santatrain
Tickets: As of the time of posting, tickets for this year's Santa Train are sold out.
Photos:
1. A few of the crafts
2. The train station
3. The North Pole
4. Santa Claus himself
Wednesday, December 1, 2010
Area Christmas Lights
One of our favorite past times during the holidays has been to drive around and check out all of the area Christmas lights. Last year, we came across this map from the Durham Mothers Club. Someone created this map listing all the best places to check out area Christmas lists within local neighborhoods. What a great idea! They even left the map public so that people could add on their favorites. Please let us know if you were the ones who created this wonderful map. We'd love to give you credit for this great idea!
The only bad part is the map is that it is from 2008. So, I don't know how many of the sites are still accurate. Plus, the icons they selected are no longer available. The maps needs a little work, but it was a great start and a great idea. I'm so glad someone thought of it.
So, readers, take a look at the map. Let us know if you can confirm any of the locations or if you know any of the locations that are no longer decorated. Tell us about any other Christmas light locations that you love to check out. Then, hopefully we'll have a collection of great area Christmas decorations that we can all investigate!
Here's the link to the map:
http://maps.google.com/maps/ms?ie=UTF8&hl=en&msa=0&msid=114627938125740058858.00045da0916e19abd3c4a&z=9
The only bad part is the map is that it is from 2008. So, I don't know how many of the sites are still accurate. Plus, the icons they selected are no longer available. The maps needs a little work, but it was a great start and a great idea. I'm so glad someone thought of it.
So, readers, take a look at the map. Let us know if you can confirm any of the locations or if you know any of the locations that are no longer decorated. Tell us about any other Christmas light locations that you love to check out. Then, hopefully we'll have a collection of great area Christmas decorations that we can all investigate!
Here's the link to the map:
http://maps.google.com/maps/ms?ie=UTF8&hl=en&msa=0&msid=114627938125740058858.00045da0916e19abd3c4a&z=9
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)