tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22959653864686183842024-03-14T02:23:29.857-07:00The Stir Crazy Moms' Guide to DurhamStir Crazy Moms' Guide to Durham is a guide to all things for families in Durham, NC and beyond, with reviews on parks, restaurants, museums, festivals, day trips, and more in the Bull City.The Stir Crazy Momshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09287210188836755488noreply@blogger.comBlogger889125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2295965386468618384.post-15809777257049937102019-01-10T18:42:00.002-08:002019-01-10T18:43:18.423-08:00Boxcar Bar + Arcade <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;">It's open! The long anticipated Boxcar Bar + Arcade on Foster Street downtown</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">is ready for business, and a lot of fun is to be had. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><br /></span> <span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Parking is on the street, which in downtown Durham means paid parking so take note. </span><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">When you walk in you'll notice the long row of pinball machines to your right and arcade games in front of you, dozens. Everyone needs to check in with ID but kids are welcome with an adult until 9pm. Then you can buy one token for a quarter, with each game ranging from 1 to 4 tokens to play. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><br /></span> <span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Behind the arcade machine row is a place to order fresh pizzas (whole, no single slices). Prices are pretty reasonable and they looked really tasty!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Behind the front desk is a private event space which looks like a great opportunity for a unique get together for a group.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Farther down you'll see skeeball, foosball, and basketball games, framed all around by tall windows, giving it a lot of natural light. To the right and outside will be space for outdoor lounging. Dogs are welcome inside and outside (but no bearded dragons, birds or cats please haha - believe me, people have tried at other locations according to one Boxcar employee). The outdoors gravel picnic table area is not complete yet but I can imagine it will be fantastic in the spring. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Turn around and there's a long bar with plenty of friendly bartenders. Lots of drink options abound, with mixed drink specials around $8-10 and beers from $3-7.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><br /></span> <span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">To the right of the bar are more games, including air hockey, dance dance revolution, racing simulators and even a couple nintendo consoles set up where you can play such games as Super Mario Bros 3 for free!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><br /></span> <span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">I love the view from the main part of the bar, overlooking the old Bulls stadium. Today a college team was warming up while we watched, a great scene.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Hanging out at Boxcar was really fun. We spent about an hour there, spending $20 in tokens and drinks. Good time had by all!</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><br /></span> <span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><b>What we liked:</b> Lots of options with games, and people were ready to help when we had questions or when a machine went down unexpectedly and they gave us our coins back. Drinks were tasty and the place was clean, welcoming and fun.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><br /></span> <span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><b>What we would change: </b>The music was a bit... cheesy and poppy. We heard Smashmouth's AllStar and personally, I could go a lifetime without hearing it again. Maybe all 80's music would be better? But that's a wee complaint, all in all a great time. ;)</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><b>The details:</b> </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Boxcar Bar + Arcade</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">621 Foster St, Durham, NC 27701<br />(984) 377-2791</span></div>
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<cite class="iUh30" style="color: #006621; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; padding-top: 1px;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><a href="https://theboxcarbar.com/">https://theboxcarbar.com/</a></span></cite></div>
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The Stir Crazy Momshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09287210188836755488noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2295965386468618384.post-75913728726977770142018-08-22T06:06:00.004-07:002018-08-22T06:13:08.464-07:00Sprouts<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: medium;"><b>After years of wondering and waiting, Sprouts has finally arrived! Sprouts calls themselves a Farmers Market instead of a grocery store, specializing in natural and organic foods and goods.</b> They have over 300 stores in 12 states, this is the 4th in NC with the closest being in North Raleigh. I attended a blogger tour and cooking class yesterday and must say I was very impressed. </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Sprou</span><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">ts prides i</span><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">tself on being an <b>alternative to higher priced natural food stores and grocery stores</b>, saying that 1/3rd of their store is on sale at any given time. They have Deals of month located in their magazine available in the store, and when the new </span>ad<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"> is released each week you can take advantage of Double </span>ad<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"> Wednesdays, where both circular prices are good. In addition in the mobile </span>app<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"> there is up to $100 worth of savings just for August alone. There are lots of other ways to save money, like Sprouts brand items. I bought </span>Sprouts<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"> aloe vera water for half as much as the name brand for example. At their ready-made sandwich counter if you buy 6 you get the 7th free, </span><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">and if you use your own reusable bag you get a 5 cent discount. </span><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">That's a lot more options to save than I expected!</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: medium;">I was impressed by their <b>goods section, from makeup to essential oils and vitamins.</b> Their employees in that area are also really well versed and available to answer any questions. The kids alternative medicine and vitamin area was big and the prices comparable to anywhere I've looked. And if you spend over $100 on vitamins you get a 10% discount on your next order, in addition to constant sales in that department.</span></div>
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The <b>bakery and fresh foods section</b> are pretty extensive. All baked goods are baked in store. I took some raspberry cream cheese coffee cake home and it's really fresh. The ready to eat section has sushi, sandwiches, salad bar, Fresh juice bar, sides, and more. Lots to enjoy there. </div>
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: medium;">The <b>bulk section</b> is huge and compared to packaged items you can save a lot. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: medium;">I got both rolled oats and sunflower seeds for a great price. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: medium;">There are over 100 bulk spices for example!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><b>I loved the produce available.</b> It was all in really good condition. The produce prices range from 20-25% below supermarket prices. They carry specialty items too like lemon drop melons and cotton candy grapes - which, if you've never had before you can sample, just like anything in produce - just ask a team member!</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: medium;">All areas of the store were impressive from top to bottom. I noticed in the coolers that there is a huge selection of dairy alternatives as well as vegetarian options and gluten-free choices. In dry goods, items are stacked and arranged by health attributes versus marketing purposes as in normal stores. Be sure to check out Sprouts on the web as online they even offer educational articles, product stories, food tips under the healthy living section and you can even pre-order food. </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: medium;">Every employee I encountered was really friendly and helpful. </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: medium;">Plus they have a lot of checkout lanes!</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: medium;">I highly recommend Sprouts as an all in one stop for regular groceries as well as more specialty items. It's a great addition to south durham food stores!</span></div>
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<b><span style="font-size: medium;">The details:</span></b></div>
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<b><span style="font-size: medium;">Sprouts</span></b></div>
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<b><span style="font-size: medium;">105 W North Carolina 54, Durham, NC 27713</span></b></div>
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<b><span style="font-size: medium;">919-768-4055</span></b></div>
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<a href="https://www.sprouts.com/store/nc/durham/durham/"><b><span style="font-size: medium;">https://www.sprouts.com/store/nc/durham/durham/</span></b></a></div>
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<b><span style="font-size: medium;">Open daily: 7am - 10pm</span></b></div>
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The Stir Crazy Momshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09287210188836755488noreply@blogger.com0105 W North Carolina 54, Durham, NC 27713, USA35.9096355 -78.940645710.040946000000002 -120.2492397 61.778324999999995 -37.632051700000005tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2295965386468618384.post-8958686359997020612018-07-12T15:55:00.003-07:002018-07-12T15:55:46.929-07:00NCMA: You are Here exhibition <br />
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<a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-fxzHmy3NsB0/WvBhpH-ya_I/AAAAAAAAGgY/QEVduEmtMcYtST6JSN2oYQausxK9BEaugCHMYCw/s1600/%255BUNSET%255D" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><img alt="" border="0" id="id_421f_a34b_b4_c913" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-fxzHmy3NsB0/WvBhpH-ya_I/AAAAAAAAGgY/QEVduEmtMcYtST6JSN2oYQausxK9BEaugCHMYCw/s5000/%255BUNSET%255D" style="height: auto; width: 392px;" title="" tooltip="" /></span></a><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><b>North Carolina Museum of </b><b>Arts "You Are Here" exhibit is maybe the coolest thing I've seen there in years, and it's only around for another week or so, so you need to take the kids.</b> This is truly one of the reasons I feel so lucky to live in the triangle. YOH is filled with immersive exhibits over a whole floor of NCMA, many centering around the topic of light. My kids and I went on the free weekend and really enjoyed ourselves, so it's definitely kid friendly with some interactive installations. Since it's almost over the museum will be especially crowded on weekends so I recommend going on a weeknight and allotting a good amount of time. You should also buy tickets ahead of time online here: <a href="https://www.etix.com/ticket/e/1006672/you-are-herelightcolorand-sound-experiences-raleigh-north-carolina-museum-of-artexhibitions">https://www.etix.com/ticket/e/1006672/you-are-herelightcolorand-sound-experiences-raleigh-north-carolina-museum-of-artexhibitions</a></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">One of the installations in particular typically has a wait to visit since only a few people at a time can "witness" it so that part might be more challenging for younger visitors. Next weekend, the final weekend of You Are Here, the exhibition will be open extended hours, Friday and Saturday, July 20 and 21, from 10 am to 2 am with food and adult beverages for sale from 5 pm to 1:30 am. More on the exhibit from their website (<a href="https://ncartmuseum.org/exhibition/you_are_here_light_color_and_sound_experiences">https://ncartmuseum.org/exhibition/you_are_here_light_color_and_sound_experiences</a>) below:</span></div>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br />"<i>Become part of the art. You Are Here: Light, Color, and Sound Experiences, open April 7 through July 22, 2018.<br /><br />You Are Here features immersive art installations by 15 contemporary artists, including large-scale light works, sound installations, video works, mixed-media room-size environments, and site-specific projects. Some are delightfully low-tech, transforming ordinary materials into awe-inspiring visuals, while others make use of experimental new media, fusing art and technology in interactive works that change in response to the viewer. The artists in this exhibition employ a diversity of media to create intriguing experiences that engage the senses, activate the imagination, and provide connections between the viewer and the work of art.</i></span><div>
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<b><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">PRICES:<br />Adults $15</span></b><br />
<b><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Children 7-18 $9</span></b><br />
<b><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Children 6 and under FREE</span></b><br />
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<b><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">North Carolina Museum of Art</span></b><br />
<b><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">2110 Blue Ridge Road </span></b><br />
<b><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Raleigh, NC 27607-6494 </span></b><br />
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<b><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Tuesday–Thursday 10 am–5 pm</span></b><br />
<b><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Friday 10 am–9 pm</span></b><br />
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The Stir Crazy Momshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09287210188836755488noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2295965386468618384.post-48315172873429158702018-06-26T18:04:00.002-07:002018-06-26T18:04:56.645-07:00The Fate of the Frog book tour<div style="text-align: center;">
<b style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 9.5pt;">Seuss, Sustainability, and The Fate of the Frog:</span></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 9.5pt;">Durham Author's Third Children’s Book Supports K-2 Curricula</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 9.5pt;">Durham author Melissa Rooney’s third children’s book, <i>The Fate of the Frog</i>, was released this month with a ‘Books Tour' in Ohio, the home state of illustrator Stacy Fabbre. The Seuss-inspired picture book tells an engaging story, using anapestic tetrameter and playful watercolor illustrations to address the importance of water resources as well as other K-3 curricula topics. Rooney, who is a Durham Arts Council CAPS artist and Associate Supervisor for Durham’s Soil and Water Conservation District, will host two free “hands-on” book readings at The Regulator Bookshop at <span class="aBn" data-term="goog_341269556" style="border-bottom: 1px dashed rgb(204, 204, 204); position: relative; top: -2px; z-index: 0;" tabindex="0"><span class="aQJ" style="position: relative; top: 2px; z-index: -1;">11AM and 1PM</span></span> *this* Saturday, June 30th, including a Family Q&A/discussion, reading of<i> The Fate of the Frog</i>, and make-and-take plush tadpole craft using 100% recycled materials.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 9.5pt;">Rooney, who lived in South Durham for 15 years before moving to the Watts Hospital Hillandale neighborhood in 2017, is a Ph.D. Chemist, scientific editor, and author of the <i>Eddie the Electron</i> children’s book series (Amberjack Publishing). She has conducted hands-on children’s events at The Science Museum of Western Virginia, The Virginia Museum of Natural Sciences, The Virginia Transportation Museum, The Danville Science Center, The UNC Science Expo, and numerous public schools and libraries across NC and VA. She believes that “the sooner we expose our children to ‘complicated’ scientific ideas, the less intimidated they will be by such subject matter in the future. Whether or not they understand everything is beside the point. What’s important is whether or not they are interested.”</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 9.5pt;">It’s more important than ever to support scientific literacy and objectivity in the education of our youth and to introduce them to, engage them in, and prevent them from losing the Magic and Creativity that is Nature and Science. In <i>The Fate of the Frog</i>, Rooney accomplishes all these. Bring your kids to meet her at the Regulator on June 30th! More info at: <a data-saferedirecturl="https://www.google.com/url?hl=en&q=http://www.melissarooneywriting.com/&source=gmail&ust=1530147424938000&usg=AFQjCNHq-C1B8kcfIxyeLe_cNxTsPqbnMQ" href="http://www.melissarooneywriting.com/" style="color: #1155cc;" target="_blank">www.melissarooneywriting.com</a>; <a data-saferedirecturl="https://www.google.com/url?hl=en&q=https://www.facebook.com/TheFateOfTheFrog/&source=gmail&ust=1530147424938000&usg=AFQjCNG6oD17IBATAgkZ9scPfExyBYJ74A" href="https://www.facebook.com/TheFateOfTheFrog/" style="color: #1155cc;" target="_blank"><wbr></wbr>https://www.facebook.com/<wbr></wbr>TheFateOfTheFrog/</a> and <a data-saferedirecturl="https://www.google.com/url?hl=en&q=https://www.facebook.com/melissarooneywriting/&source=gmail&ust=1530147424938000&usg=AFQjCNFYnyM-SN2sFnxKXquf4-RE1-9d4A" href="https://www.facebook.com/melissarooneywriting/" style="color: #1155cc;" target="_blank">https://<wbr></wbr>www.facebook.com/<wbr></wbr>melissarooneywriting/</a>.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 9.5pt;"><b>Reviews of <i>The Fate of the Frog (available for purchase <a href="https://mascotbooks.com/mascot-marketplace/buy-books/childrens/picture-books/the-fate-of-the-frog/" target="_blank">here</a>)</i>:</b></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHOl7bMz6mT-aXUynKMfR-HbNLOvVhhUFLZWoUA2Bg4AAyOY1hZNSO4UCEfBGi87BXk7YgWd7O3pnVxN4UIxFUvOYFY_l9BZWWLiA23vzxuL0HbR6XFkx-Gt9cpZVQrURf-m8NSMpa_QvA/s1600/rooney2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12.8px; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1166" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHOl7bMz6mT-aXUynKMfR-HbNLOvVhhUFLZWoUA2Bg4AAyOY1hZNSO4UCEfBGi87BXk7YgWd7O3pnVxN4UIxFUvOYFY_l9BZWWLiA23vzxuL0HbR6XFkx-Gt9cpZVQrURf-m8NSMpa_QvA/s320/rooney2.jpg" width="233" /></a><span style="font-size: 11pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 9.5pt;"><i>"The Fate of the Frog</i></span></span><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 9.5pt;"><i> is an entertaining and meaningful tale of the plight of a frog whose water puddle dries up during a summer drought. The story is told from the perspective of an eight-year-old boy who follows the frog and the status of its puddle through a rainy spring, when the puddle is regularly replenished and hot dry summer during which the puddle eventually dries up. The story engaged each of my three preschool and kindergarten age children from beginning to end. On the surface, the colorful illustrations and lyrical writing captured everyone’s attention and made for an enjoyable story time for the entire family. On a deeper level the frog’s struggle produced an age appropriate segue to a discussion of the importance of water and the issue of water conservation."</i> </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 9.5pt;">~ Erica DeShong, Durham Parent (3-5yos) and SoDu Parents Posse member</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 9.5pt;"><i>"The Fate of the Frog</i></span><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 9.5pt;"><i> is a wonderful picture book that shows a frog's struggle to survive in his puddle. As a kindergarten teacher, it was magnificent to find a developmentally appropriate book about a life cycle as well as the ability to integrate other key, common core aligned science units into a fun and relatable read aloud. The illustrations brought the rhyming versus alive. The realistic and true to life experiences of the frog and young boy allowed the students to make text-to-self and text-to-world connections. After reading the book to my class, here are some excerpts of the conversation: "It was fun because the frog kept on trying!" "It was fun and amusing." "It was a nice story, can we read it again?!" Post read aloud, the students were observed to recreate various scenes from the book during free, unstructured play time in collaboration with water cycle knowledge. The Fate of the Frog quickly became a must read in my classroom!"</i> </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 9.5pt;">~ Emily Hayes, Durham Kindergarten teacher, The Lerner School and SoDu Parents Posse member</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 9.5pt;"><i>"As a certified K-5 teacher this is truly a remarkable book your school library or home should have. It's engaging, and the writer as well as the illustrator have mastered the gift of bringing it to the child's level of understanding. A joyous read to students! (And adults too.)" </i></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 9.5pt;">~Anonymous Amazon Reviewer of <i>The Fate of A Frog.</i></span></div>
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The Stir Crazy Momshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09287210188836755488noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2295965386468618384.post-21418044040412664222018-05-07T07:20:00.000-07:002018-05-07T07:21:24.428-07:00Blaze Pizza<span style="background-color: rgba(255 , 255 , 255 , 0); font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">SoDu mom </span><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">Devin Grendas </span><span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0); font-family: "trebuchet ms", sans-serif;">tried out the new pizza place - Blaze Pizza. Here's her review!</span><br />
<span style="background-color: rgba(255 , 255 , 255 , 0); font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><br /></span> <span style="background-color: rgba(255 , 255 , 255 , 0); font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">My husband and I were excited to try another of the many fast casual restaurants in Durham. Blaze Pizza offers made to order fast fired pizza in an open-flame oven. There is a window where you can watch the fresh made from scratch pizza dough being made. The first person that greets you behind the counter takes your order and sends you down the assembly line to choose your sauce and toppings. The restaurant is well lit with plenty of seating along with a patio with lots of outdoor seating as well. The staff was very helpful and friendly and this is definitely a place that is welcoming to families. </span><br />
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<span style="background-color: rgba(255 , 255 , 255 , 0); font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Out of the 8 featured signature pizzas available we chose the Green Stripe, <span data-originalcomputedfontsize="18" data-originalfontsize="18px">pesto drizzle over grilled chicken, roasted red peppers, chopped garlic, mozzarella, arugula and the White Top which has </span><span data-originalcomputedfontsize="18" data-originalfontsize="18px">white cream sauce with mozzarella, applewood bacon, chopped garlic, oregano, arugula. They were both delicious with the perfect balance of toppings and sauce. Other menu choices available are: build your own pizza, that is sure to please even the pickiest of eaters, and vegan and gluten free options as well. This is now one of our favorite pizza spots in Durham and we are looking forward to our next visit. </span></span><br />
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<span style="color: black;"><span style="background-color: rgba(255 , 255 , 255 , 0); font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><a data-originalcomputedfontsize="18" data-removefontsize="true" data-saferedirecturl="https://www.google.com/url?q=https://maps.google.com/?q%3D5320%2BMcFarland%2BDr%2BDurham,%2BNC%2B27707%26entry%3Dgmail%26source%3Dg&source=gmail&ust=1519670901759000&usg=AFQjCNGYft28GwGtVVHddaGyAmZjax4mAA" href="https://maps.google.com/?q=5320+McFarland+Dr+Durham,+NC+27707&entry=gmail&source=g">5320 McFarland Dr</a><br style="border: none; margin: 0px; outline: none; padding: 0px;" /><a data-originalcomputedfontsize="18" data-removefontsize="true" data-saferedirecturl="https://www.google.com/url?q=https://maps.google.com/?q%3D5320%2BMcFarland%2BDr%2BDurham,%2BNC%2B27707%26entry%3Dgmail%26source%3Dg&source=gmail&ust=1519670901759000&usg=AFQjCNGYft28GwGtVVHddaGyAmZjax4mAA" href="https://maps.google.com/?q=5320+McFarland+Dr+Durham,+NC+27707&entry=gmail&source=g">Durham, NC 27707</a></span></span></div>
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<a dir="ltr" href="tel:(919)%20251-6095" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);" x-apple-data-detectors-result="1" x-apple-data-detectors-type="telephone" x-apple-data-detectors="true"><span style="color: black; font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">(919) 251-6095</span></a></div>
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<a data-originalcomputedfontsize="16" data-removefontsize="true" href="mailto:1145durham@blazepizza.com" style="background-color: rgba(255 , 255 , 255 , 0); border: none; margin: 0px; outline: none; padding: 0px;" target="_blank"><span style="color: black; font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">1145durham@blazepizza.com</span></a></div>
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The Stir Crazy Momshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09287210188836755488noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2295965386468618384.post-66845271443884799312018-03-27T16:12:00.002-07:002018-03-27T16:12:36.391-07:00Cocoa Cinnamon at Lakewood<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Cocoa Cinnamon’s newest location has the most personality of the three,</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">making for a truly colorful coffee experience. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">There are tables outside for fair weather, and when that’s the case, as was last night when I went, they’ll have the garage doors open too. It’s a warm and welcoming place that you walk into, with flowered tablecloths, parasols suspended from the ceiling, and of course the admins of their famous brews. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">I sampled a sipping chocolate and their famous Chloe Kim churro ice cream sandwich. This is the only location with churros - important to note if you’re having a craving!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">There are tables for four and two, and complimentary WiFi on weekdays. They leave it off on weekends so people can connect in real life, which is refreshing. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">I came for a work meeting but it’s definitely kid friendly, as long as they don’t run around like madmen after sugar, then you might need to take off for everyone’s sanity.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">As always CC responsibly sources their food and beverages and pays a living wage. So you know your money is being well spent. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">I’m looking forward to many more balmy nights at Cocoa Cinnamon, </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">hope to see you there!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><b>What we loved: churros!</b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><b>What we’d change: nothing!</b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"><b>Info: Cocoa Cinnamon</b></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">2013 Chapel Hill Road, Durham, NC 27707</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><a href="http://www.cocoacinnamon.com/">www.cocoacinnamon.com</a></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Mon-Fri 7:30am to 10:00pm<br />Sat – Sun 8am to 10:00pm</span>The Stir Crazy Momshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09287210188836755488noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2295965386468618384.post-47638684157758279002018-02-19T13:52:00.001-08:002018-02-19T13:53:42.650-08:00Sushiōki<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">What if your sushi was the size of a burrito? Dream no more, <a class="_64-f" href="https://www.facebook.com/sushiokirtp/" style="background-color: #e9ebee;">Sushiōki</a> is here! <a class="_64-f" href="https://www.facebook.com/sushiokirtp/" style="background-color: #e9ebee;">Sushiōki</a> offers rolls more than twice the size of regular sushi in a variety of flavors, some raw and some cooked, an option for everyone. They pride themselves on making each roll to order, serving "food <i style="box-sizing: border-box;">fast</i>, not fast food!"</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span> <span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">I attended their bloggers night and got to sample all kinds of tasty goodness, including...</span></span><br />
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<li><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Titan Tempur - Tempura shrimp, butter lettuce, pickled cucumber, shredded carrots, sweet Thai chili sauce (This tied for my favorite, crispy and spicy, warm and flavorful)</span></li>
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<li><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">RD Yoo - Poké marinated tuna, butter lettuce, pickled red onion, cucumbers, cucumber wasabi sauce (This was also my fave and was the closest I tried to a "regular" sushi roll, delish)</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Veggie Bender - Exotic mushroom blend, butter lettuce, charred cabbage, shredded carrots, pickled red onion, green onion jam (loved the creamy combination of flavors)</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Southern Sushi - Hickory smoked pork BBQ, creamy slaw, pork rinds, gochujang sauce (just like a BBQ sandwich transformed into sushi!)</span></li>
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<img alt="" id="id_73c3_8a56_9316_33e9" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-fhx986ONZ_c/WotG2CiNETI/AAAAAAAAGbo/gi8VmfGod2E77BdXO6l3iEkl7LLz_swEwCHMYCw/s5000/%255BUNSET%255D" style="display: block; height: auto; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; width: 262px;" title="" tooltip="" /><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">I didn't get a chance to sample their other rolls including the most popular Bull City Bulgolgi (with korean BBQ beef), the Reel Alaskan (with sriracha salmon) or the Oh My Gahshi (with fried chicken and kimchi) but I can't wait to try them on my next trip. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Can't forget their rice chips - handmade, paper thin and super crispy in four flavors: original, wasabi, BBQ, and cinnamon sugar. Some chips were as big as my hand! It was hard not to inhale them!</span></div>
<img alt="" id="id_383f_247d_e4f0_727" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-Uv84UAlmMp4/WotG1jaCpUI/AAAAAAAAGbg/1vzPukdayF0pcZSSMv6F9zDBuCfghLhUQCHMYCw/s5000/%255BUNSET%255D" style="display: block; height: auto; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; width: 233px;" title="" tooltip="" /><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">The atmosphere itself is clean, bright, and welcoming, and everyone that works there couldn't have been cheerier. They also have a mission at <a href="https://www.facebook.com/sushiokirtp/">Sushiōki</a>, to partner with agencies like "World Relief, to hire area refugees in need of an employer who offers all of its employees dignity, respect, and livable wages." It's pretty powerful stuff. I certainly left feeling like dining there is not only a yummy choice but a healthy and responsible one too. I can't wait to go back!</span><div>
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<img alt="" id="id_14e8_d1c_7237_2dad" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-mSSN2xftyWM/WotG3HkrSQI/AAAAAAAAGbs/FLoSgANHNKg0u_4cIM7ZUdRG0VVRvAsswCHMYCw/s5000/%255BUNSET%255D" style="display: block; height: auto; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; width: 392px;" title="" tooltip="" /><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><b>What we loved:</b> For sushi lovers like me, there is nothing better than more sushi! Having a kids menu is super inclusive too. And the prices were right. Did I mention the chips?</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><b>What we would change:</b> I would love the addition of some specialty Asian sodas, like the kind you pop open with a marble, and maybe down the future sake and beer choices. When the weather is nice, outdoor tables would be a huge plus too!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><b>More Info: </b></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #1d2129; font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Located in the SoDu Food Lion shopping center near Brigs </span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #1d2129; font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">at 4900 NC Highway 55, Suite 510, </span><span style="background-color: white; color: #1d2129; font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Durham</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #1d2129;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><a dir="ltr" href="tel:(919)%20405-7121" x-apple-data-detectors-result="0" x-apple-data-detectors-type="telephone" x-apple-data-detectors="true">(919) 405-7121</a></span></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white;"><span style="color: #1d2129; font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">http://www.sushiokirtp.com/</span></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #1d2129; font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Hours: 11am-8pm, Mon-Sat</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Southern Sushi</span></h3>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Hickory smoked pork BBQ, creamy slaw, pork rinds, gochujang sauce</span></div>
The Stir Crazy Momshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09287210188836755488noreply@blogger.com04900 NC-55, Durham, NC 27713, USA35.8992247 -78.898581610.045923199999997 -120.2071756 61.7525262 -37.5899876tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2295965386468618384.post-37685366646518765242017-12-15T08:24:00.003-08:002017-12-15T08:24:49.606-08:00Halgo European Deli and Groceries<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><b>Sometimes you discover a special little corner of Durham when you least expect it. Local mom and <a href="http://www.melissarooneywriting.com/" target="_blank">author Melissa Rooney</a> was lucky enough to experience this at Halgo European Deli and Grocery in SoDu and shares it with us here. </b></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><span style="color: #1d2129; font-size: 10.5pt; letter-spacing: -0.1pt;">I have driven to <a href="https://durhamcountylibrary.org/calendar/south/" target="_blank">Durham’s South Regional library</a> </span><span style="color: #1d2129; font-size: 10.5pt; letter-spacing: -0.1pt;">for seven years now, each time passing the cute little house across the street advertising Polish Kielbasa and Pierogis and thinking “I should really check that place out.” After a months-long hiatus, I visited the library this week and, upon exiting, stared once again at the familiar house and signs. I’d nearly turned left onto South Alston Avenue when I made the split decision that today was the day and drove straight across the street into the tiny parking lot in front of the now sprightly green house. As I opened the door to the <i><a href="http://www.halgo-durham.com/" target="_blank">Halgo European Deli and Grocery</a></i> </span><span style="color: #1d2129; font-size: 10.5pt; letter-spacing: -0.1pt;">and entered the store, I couldn’t escape the feeling that I’d been transported to a little store in Poland or Polish New Jersey, at least.</span><span style="color: #1d2129; font-size: 10.5pt; letter-spacing: -0.1pt;"> </span></span></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"> <span style="color: #1d2129; font-size: 10.5pt; letter-spacing: -0.1pt;">I’d expected a deli counter with funky sandwiches, meats and cheese for sale, but I did not expect the immense stock of edible goods that clearly came from Poland. “I have to bring my mother here,” I announced to no one in particular; then, catching the eye of the woman behind the counter, I explained, “She’s 100% Polish.”</span></span></b><br />
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<span style="color: #1d2129; font-size: 10.5pt; letter-spacing: -0.1pt;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">The sandwich menu was sparse, but the smells emanating from the room behind the register took me back to the times I visited my grandparents in New Jersey when I was a child. I ordered the Traditional sandwich and looked around as I waited.</span></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhosO9tX0Sc9piHIpSo9hh0PLkU8Z1B8x3xd9A5_hFbbcIZ2C2S0O_E_8KH5UAXJx45IdbYDfS2uNnAw0e7OFmgVc08R84RDOGBQAIzkdNeK_JGhuid5VV4mcJrSo59qmV6Kt09ENjJ5_Al/s1600/halgo8signs.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><img border="0" data-original-height="320" data-original-width="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhosO9tX0Sc9piHIpSo9hh0PLkU8Z1B8x3xd9A5_hFbbcIZ2C2S0O_E_8KH5UAXJx45IdbYDfS2uNnAw0e7OFmgVc08R84RDOGBQAIzkdNeK_JGhuid5VV4mcJrSo59qmV6Kt09ENjJ5_Al/s1600/halgo8signs.jpg" /></span></a></div>
<span style="color: #1d2129; font-size: 10.5pt; letter-spacing: -0.1pt;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">There were rows and rows of European chocolates and cookies, only a few of which I recognized, all bearing Polish business names and addresses.</span></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimz5YUHMD1EJlZfpwe4ZVzJCq2lWjkFBXx40cBjgDVOWRJGI5w_b_XLKtVRKPoT99y2U4F7OFRac_i7GJ_nyiYlrVuUVCAkmqc-jhP-pUwEMl9rNbEiZgJXfjQ9cZR4yscMua6glMYvvpF/s1600/Halgo3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><img border="0" data-original-height="240" data-original-width="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimz5YUHMD1EJlZfpwe4ZVzJCq2lWjkFBXx40cBjgDVOWRJGI5w_b_XLKtVRKPoT99y2U4F7OFRac_i7GJ_nyiYlrVuUVCAkmqc-jhP-pUwEMl9rNbEiZgJXfjQ9cZR4yscMua6glMYvvpF/s1600/Halgo3.jpg" style="cursor: move;" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><span style="color: #1d2129; font-size: 10.5pt; letter-spacing: -0.1pt;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">On one shelf nearer the cash register were bags of what appeared to be Polish cheese puffs. </span></span><b style="font-size: 12.8px;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"></span></b></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGKBy3fAC__4uCDAEXTjDEAYP5rnI6fW8IWoqPmLSjzIyYmXLSkxBHAPZvuBLs9WPXvWhSN9gT-T1f5L9cy0t9gA3-uW2oK1cwi1pTWyjo_drKKytH16PS4Ww0Sp7cox4syPX02Dm4WAMA/s1600/Halgo4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><img border="0" data-original-height="240" data-original-width="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGKBy3fAC__4uCDAEXTjDEAYP5rnI6fW8IWoqPmLSjzIyYmXLSkxBHAPZvuBLs9WPXvWhSN9gT-T1f5L9cy0t9gA3-uW2oK1cwi1pTWyjo_drKKytH16PS4Ww0Sp7cox4syPX02Dm4WAMA/s1600/Halgo4.jpg" /></span></a></div>
<span style="color: #1d2129; font-size: 10.5pt; letter-spacing: -0.1pt;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"> “I know where I’m getting my uncle’s Christmas present,” I said aloud, when I saw the Polish baseball caps and other paraphernalia by the door. The woman behind the counter appeared to pay no attention to me - typical Polish.</span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #1d2129; font-size: 10.5pt; letter-spacing: -0.1pt;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Near the baseball caps was an area reserved for Community advertisements, such as Polish-English language lessons and Polish Mass times.</span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #1d2129; font-size: 10.5pt; letter-spacing: -0.1pt;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">As I was paying for my lunch, I saw several plastic containers of sugar-powdered pastry strips that looked somewhat like Mexican churros; but I knew their consistency was more like thin pie crust. “I had these at my grandmother’s house at Thanksgiving and Christmas growing up,” I said, enjoying that magical sense of destiny we all get from time to time. “I haven’t had one of these in 30 years.” I put an $8.50 box of faworki on the counter beside my sandwich.</span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #1d2129; font-size: 10.5pt; letter-spacing: -0.1pt;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">“Seventeen thirty-one,” said the matron, who had the same height and stature, and apparently the same no-nonsense demeanor, as my grandmother.</span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #1d2129; font-size: 10.5pt; letter-spacing: -0.1pt;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">I paid her, took my bag, and turned toward the door. “I made those,” said the matron in a gruff, clipped voice. I looked down at the plastic box in my arms. It read: Halina’s Cookies</span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #1d2129; font-size: 10.5pt; letter-spacing: -0.1pt;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">4520 South Alston Ave., Durham, NC 27713.</span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #1d2129; font-size: 10.5pt; letter-spacing: -0.1pt;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">I thought about my grandparents, making their way from the Baltic Coast to America around the time of the Second World War. They could have started a shop just like this one (my grandfather was a butcher).</span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #1d2129; font-size: 10.5pt; letter-spacing: -0.1pt;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">As for my sandwich, the meat and cheese were thinly sliced and piled high on the kind of bread that’s only made north of the Mason Dixon line. There was a big slice of dill pickle to wash down each bite and a tiny hand-made pastry (which I later discovered was made on site by the matron) to finish things up. Next time, I’ll ask for more of that lovely Polish mustard and save half the sandwich for later (and I’ll buy some kielbasa).</span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #1d2129; font-size: 10.5pt; letter-spacing: -0.1pt;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">It’s not every day you see an American store devoted solely to a small, relatively unknown country like Poland. <i>Halgo European</i> (i.e., Polish) <i>Deli and Grocery</i> has good food and a wonderfully cultural atmosphere; what’s more, half the shop is empty (at least for now), which, along with the unique and delectable goodies on the shelves, makes it easier to wait with your kids for your order. <i>Halgo</i> is the quintessential learning experience when it comes to immigration and social studies, but please be sure to wait with your kids outside if they are being physical or disruptive (there is a small grassy area with picnic table). I’m certain Halina will be pleased to serve new appreciative and well-behaved visitors, but I’m betting she won’t show it ;-) </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span> <span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><b>What you need to know: </b> </span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Halgo European Deli and Groceries</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">4520 South Alston Ave</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Durham</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><a href="http://www.halgo-durham.com/">www.halgo-durham.com</a></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Store Hours: <span style="background-color: white; font-size: 14px; text-align: -webkit-center;">Tuesday - Friday, </span></span><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 14px; text-align: -webkit-center;">10:30AM - 6:30PM. </span><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 14px; text-align: -webkit-center;">Saturday, </span><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 14px; text-align: -webkit-center;">10:00AM - 5:00PM</span></span><br />
<br />The Stir Crazy Momshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09287210188836755488noreply@blogger.com04520 S Alston Ave, Durham, NC 27713, USA35.9018353 -78.88919169999996910.0331468 -120.19778569999997 61.770523800000007 -37.58059769999997tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2295965386468618384.post-1797292579436116972017-07-27T09:31:00.000-07:002017-07-27T09:59:17.608-07:00Beauty and The Beast<div class="p1">
<span class="s1" style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">"Never as before, never just as sure", one of the well-known lyrics of the title song, is so true of the musical version of the beloved Disney tale of "Beauty and the Beast." It has all the crowd favorite songs and loveable characters as the 1990's version of the movie, with a lively in-person production that rivals the new film. It is sure to delight both long time fans and those new to the classic "somewhat strange" romance. </span><br />
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<span class="s1" style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><br /></span> <span class="s1" style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">I was lucky enough to be given tickets and attended opening night with my children, both big fans of the story. Everywhere we went the auditorium was buzzing with little girls throughout the lobby, dressed the part in princess costumes themselves. The young audience was certainly part of the performance, like when Belle called out "Papa!" and a young child chimed in "papa" as well, drawing chuckles from the adults. Many fans who only know the movies may be surprised by the additional songs from all characters, which truly add to the story and allow moments that otherwise were skipped over. They give the characters and their conflicts more depth, and the singing is truly remarkable.</span><br />
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<span class="s1" style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">The show is put on at <a href="https://www1.ticketmaster.com/nc-theatre-presents-disneys-beauty-and-raleigh-north-carolina-07-27-2017/event/0E0050E8A75130AF?artistid=1587720&majorcatid=10002&minorcatid=207&tm_link=venueartist_msg-0_0E0050E8A75130AF#efeat4212" target="_blank">Duke Energy Center for the Performing Arts</a> by <a href="http://nctheatre.com/about/whats-new-nc-theatre" target="_blank">North Carolina Theatre company</a>, who has been dazzling audiences for decades. The lavish sets and ensemble blend seamlessly from scene to scene, revealing scary woods with actors as convincing wolves (perhaps even more so that the new CGI versions). The "little village" characters and building swish around as in an actual busy town square. The costumes, well these are unparalleled as the crowd audibly gasped at Belle's beautiful yellow ball gown. </span></div>
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<span class="s1" style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">NC Theater clearly is proud of their program and it's professional training, as demonstrated by the inclusion of several current students of the conservatory. One audience favorite was the little teacup Chip, played by local rising 6th grader Andrew Delano Farmer, as professional and endearing as any actor. The actors playing Lumiere, Cogsworth, and LeFou are so wonderful, even the "rug", a character sadly absent from the new film. Catherine Charlebois is Belle, and our Beauty is absolutely lovely, both heartfelt and self-assured. Ben Michael stars as Beast and is more fleshed out in this role, going from mysterious and intimidating, to comical in how tries to shed his old ways, then earnestly charming as he learns to love again. </span><br />
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<span class="s1" style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><br /></span> <span class="s1" style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">The show's intermission comes at just the right time for the younger crowd, one song after "Be Our Guest". This number, which arguably is the highlight of the show, is complete with an ode to Busby Berkley beauties and dancing forks, spoons, dishes, napkins, and even a whisk come to life. It certainly is challenging to avoid all the delightful sovenirs, but children can be distracted by a cup of hot cocoa and the photo opportunity with roses and a NC Theater backdrop.</span></div>
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<span class="s1" style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">The second half is quite exciting, with Peter Saide as Gaston, as a self-obsessed braggart that turns evil, attempts to lock up Belle's father and even slaps her when she speaks out of turn. The younger audience booed, clearly shocked and dismayed at the injustice. The most stunning part for adults and children alike was the impressive scene that unfolds at the castle, complete with a set of aged stairs that appear to crumble in front of us as fog rolls in and leads to a fight to the death. I won't ruin it for you but Beast's transformation in front of our eyes is a spectacle like I've never seen in live theater, and truly impressive in how they pull it off.</span></div>
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<span class="s1" style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">I can't recommend the musical enough - NC Theater's performance of Beauty and the Beast is enchanting and a sight to behold for all ages. You only have 6 more chances to see it so don't drag your feet, get your tickets <a href="https://goo.gl/fk9cDZ" target="_blank">here</a>! </span><br />
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The Stir Crazy Momshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09287210188836755488noreply@blogger.com02 E South St, Raleigh, NC 27601, USA35.771218999999988 -78.639576400000019.90252249999999 -119.94817040000001 61.639915499999987 -37.330982400000011tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2295965386468618384.post-44982252345668842432017-03-20T19:58:00.000-07:002017-03-20T20:03:03.748-07:00Creek Week in Durham!<div class="MsoNormal m_3477143531285538619gmail_msg" style="background-color: white; color: #222222; text-align: center;">
<b class="m_3477143531285538619gmail_msg"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Close Encounters with Nature during Creek Week</span></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">by Laura Webb Smith</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">This post is about one of the events during Durham’s Annual Creek Week. Visit <a class="m_3477143531285538619gmail_msg" data-saferedirecturl="https://www.google.com/url?hl=en&q=http://www.durhamcreekweek.org&source=gmail&ust=1490151171166000&usg=AFQjCNHuOpp-7-17musjpQVaJR6PJmRFpw" href="http://www.durhamcreekweek.org/" style="color: #1155cc;" target="_blank">www.durhamcreekweek.org</a> to see all of the great nature, art, volunteer, and educational events that happen in late March each year.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">I fervently hoped I wouldn’t get pulled over on the way home. I really didn’t want to have to explain to the officer, or anyone really, why my children were naked in the back seat--that the heap of brown, soaked clothes on the rubber mat represented a couple of hours of pure nature bliss. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Frog Watch has become a Creek Week favorite. Experts from Duke lead groups of explorers decked out in headlamps, mud-worthy clothes, and the tallest boots you can find.<span class="m_3477143531285538619gmail_msg"> </span>We wade into the Sandy Creek Park pond shallows to search for the frogs we hear calling out for mates. We celebrate whe</span><span style="background-color: transparent; font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">n one is netted, secretly keeping score on who found the most. Sometimes we find more than frogs: insect larvae, tadpoles, tiny fish. It’s all catch, observe, and release. No critters are harmed in the name of Creek Week (at least not on purpose).</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">My kids and I absolutely loved it. By the end of the night, we could identify the more common spring callers by sound and sight. We enjoyed soaking in the expert knowledge, spending time in nature with each other, and yes – getting wet and dirty. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Once upon a time, finding frogs at Sandy Creek Park would not have been such a pleasant experience. Nicknamed “Old Stinky,” the site served as a sewage treatment plant from the 1930’s to 1984. The State and City worked to restore wetlands and develop park trails in the late 1990’s, but it took the interest and volunteer commitment of many individuals to make the park what it is today. A haven for birds, butterflies, amphibians, and mammals, the park features native trees and wildflowers that support the diverse habitat. Trails and viewing platforms make the park easy to navigate, and fun programming geared to both kids and adults make a trip to Sandy Creek Park worthwhile.<span class="m_3477143531285538619gmail_msg"> </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Frog Watch is one of more than two dozen events during Creek Week. The week features indoor and outdoor activities for folks of all ages and abilities. You can join a cleanup, attend a free parks program, visit water-related art installations, go on a canoe trip, and so much more. Visit <a class="m_3477143531285538619gmail_msg" data-saferedirecturl="https://www.google.com/url?hl=en&q=http://www.durhamcreekweek.org&source=gmail&ust=1490151171166000&usg=AFQjCNHuOpp-7-17musjpQVaJR6PJmRFpw" href="http://www.durhamcreekweek.org/" style="color: #1155cc;" target="_blank">www.durhamcreekweek.org</a> for all the details. Over 20 organizations work together to plan and lead events that help us all discover and take better care of our local waterways. So dig out your boots, and be sure to grab a change of clothes for the way home!</span><br />
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The Stir Crazy Momshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09287210188836755488noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2295965386468618384.post-43086606644461800582016-11-04T10:47:00.001-07:002016-11-04T10:47:53.091-07:00Glowing Bunnies at NCMA!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><b><span style="text-align: start;">Last night my family and I got to play with glowing giant bunny rabbits! Not </span>every day<span style="text-align: start;"> you get to write that. It's true, and you can see them too at North Carolina Museum of Art's free public exhibition of Intrude that lasts through the 6th.</span></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><span style="text-align: start;">Australian artist Amanda Parer created </span>these five giant<span style="text-align: start;"> (23 feet high the museum says) inflatable white rabbits, that are lit from within. It's a really special exhibit to </span>witness,<span style="text-align: start;"> and an especially accessible way to introduce children to modern art. </span></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJHP7xClyXF2a3q47nV2QOAcw7W9TaGn8lWHm8qVaZDS8RUOz-RwgUL9NTDANhtiQ36LYyDNYFrhwWvAi5jJkqr3ALY9KuhxY2l9o0gIeOWG2ChGa6UecR2df30LMdlhvQWYgsdTj-151W/s1600/bunny2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJHP7xClyXF2a3q47nV2QOAcw7W9TaGn8lWHm8qVaZDS8RUOz-RwgUL9NTDANhtiQ36LYyDNYFrhwWvAi5jJkqr3ALY9KuhxY2l9o0gIeOWG2ChGa6UecR2df30LMdlhvQWYgsdTj-151W/s320/bunny2.jpg" width="180" /></a><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br style="text-align: start;" /><span style="text-align: start;">We got there after dark and while there were a lot of people there, they did have people</span></span><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif; text-align: start;"> directing parking and we were able to find a spot in the back. While parking wasn't bad for me, they do note: </span><i style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif; text-align: start;">"Parking information: We're expecting large crowds at these hoppy hour. Once all parking spaces on the NCMA campus are filled, security staff will allow only cars with handicap parking and taxi/ride-share drop-offs. If the lots on our campus are full when you arrive, please use parking lots located along Reedy Creek Road across from the NCMA (right across Blue Ridge Road). There are available lots on either side of Reedy Creek. Please allow time to exit the grounds, and be mindful of pedestrians."</i><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif; text-align: start;"><i><br /></i>The walk is nice, and the new pathways around the extended parking area are very well done with hardy but manicured greenery. I would love to see it all in the light!</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVfRVKcUhqjD0cD78GFr7HuAuBM8TtdZP98N6zty8VRw8haeXL3JSH8jO-mg-KwtNQejiGhx1jqUeO8CjQP53qQQSMlqzmQS00R5bneNgXHQ0kxzqyWARsA_5MwSBd-mNqmVG3EagOxJrF/s1600/bunny4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVfRVKcUhqjD0cD78GFr7HuAuBM8TtdZP98N6zty8VRw8haeXL3JSH8jO-mg-KwtNQejiGhx1jqUeO8CjQP53qQQSMlqzmQS00R5bneNgXHQ0kxzqyWARsA_5MwSBd-mNqmVG3EagOxJrF/s320/bunny4.jpg" width="320" /></span></a></div>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br />On the night we went they played classical music as an accompaniment, and Friday they will have Hip-hop I think? It's called "Trip-Hoppy Hour featuring SPCLGST" and there is also an artist meet and greet.<br /><br />Did I mention there are food trucks and alcohol for purchase? The line for both the food trucks that were there when we went was longer than at most food truck rodeos, and for the weekend, they will have four instead of two, but the weekend will also be busier. Check the site for what food trucks on which night. Bringing your own food might be a good idea if you don't want to wait.</span><div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYwyH8NcVYb0SjDPoLTl6_F7zdRyCAZTuxt3MLePbAR7GpqdbdVhH_B_DKxKFokYBB-wiy9ix0Q0J3-Mdk-Yhq_CUGifxNiggt6LdjS4TG8sdRygvF8YevnNNNGt6yizeyCekB4F53CKhE/s1600/bunny3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><span style="clear: right; float: right; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYwyH8NcVYb0SjDPoLTl6_F7zdRyCAZTuxt3MLePbAR7GpqdbdVhH_B_DKxKFokYBB-wiy9ix0Q0J3-Mdk-Yhq_CUGifxNiggt6LdjS4TG8sdRygvF8YevnNNNGt6yizeyCekB4F53CKhE/s320/bunny3.jpg" width="293" /></span></a><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br />The kids had fun running around, and many people relaxed with blankets. I recommend getting there before dark, as the crowds are much smaller and there are lovely sights to behold as the sun sets (as this picture, credit Rock Piquet, shows). They allow dogs nearby but ask that they not go near the bunnies. One sharp paw could make a bunny... deflate!</span><div>
<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJHP7xClyXF2a3q47nV2QOAcw7W9TaGn8lWHm8qVaZDS8RUOz-RwgUL9NTDANhtiQ36LYyDNYFrhwWvAi5jJkqr3ALY9KuhxY2l9o0gIeOWG2ChGa6UecR2df30LMdlhvQWYgsdTj-151W/s1600/bunny2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"></span></a><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Side note - why is the exhibit called Intrude? According to the exhibit page at NCMA's site, "In the artist’s "native Australia, rabbits are an out-of-control pest and have caused a great imbalance to the country’s endemic species. On the other hand, the rabbit also represents the fairytale animals from our childhood—a furry innocence, frolicking through idyllic fields. Intrude deliberately evokes this cutesy image with visual humor to lure visitors into the art, only to reveal the more serious environmental messages in the work." So engage older kiddos with these larger while there, because it truly is something to behold for people of all ages.<br /><br />The outdoor exhibit culminates on November 6 with the <a href="http://ncartmuseum.org/calendar/event/2016/11/06/ncma_park_celebration/1300">NCMA Park Celebration</a>. So see it now, before the bunnies hop away!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br />I absolutely love this video from the artist: <a href="https://vimeo.com/154838547">https://vimeo.com/154838547</a><br /><br />More on the exhibit: <a href="http://ncartmuseum.org/exhibitions/view/13942">http://ncartmuseum.org/exhibitions/view/13942</a><br /><br />Public Facebook Event for the Exhibit: <a href="https://www.facebook.com/events/1064011233647378/">https://www.facebook.com/events/1064011233647378/</a><br /><br /><b>Where:<br />NORTH CAROLINA MUSEUM OF ART, 2110 BLUE RIDGE ROAD, RALEIGH, NC 27607<br />(919) 839-6262<br /><br />When: Until 8pm each night, through Nov 6th</b><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /></span></div>
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The Stir Crazy Momshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09287210188836755488noreply@blogger.com0North Carolina Museum of Art, 2110 Blue Ridge Rd, Raleigh, NC 27607, USA35.8104354 -78.7021386999999789.9417204000000012 -120.01073269999998 61.679150400000005 -37.393544699999978tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2295965386468618384.post-41702416405834412016-08-31T10:52:00.001-07:002016-09-01T11:03:05.711-07:00Museum of Life and Science "Moment of Wonder" giveaway!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><br /></span> <span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">It's late August in Durham, which means school has started back, fall is around the corner, and change is in the air (along with humidity). Transitions can be hard on kiddos so I took mine on a playdate to The Museum of Life and Science to get their "ya-ya"s out as the Rolling Stones say, and to just let them be kids. We've been members their whole lives and thought <a href="http://stircrazymomsofdurham.blogspot.com/2011/09/north-carolina-museum-of-life-and.html" target="_blank">we'd seen everything</a> there is to see, but this visit was special. </span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUfucplqOd_GWFRwl9Qoe4rcKKEyIZ-DzZIJzvNxrWbPWyHvklEDc3IHSUioFeJASkH1i2I1BAIJvPhnDEmqwYcEurzG6miy8qEMROsltZ8Uvt7Eb2qi35HEX3VtqTBWHch7_CYhH0__1F/s1600/IMG_0498.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUfucplqOd_GWFRwl9Qoe4rcKKEyIZ-DzZIJzvNxrWbPWyHvklEDc3IHSUioFeJASkH1i2I1BAIJvPhnDEmqwYcEurzG6miy8qEMROsltZ8Uvt7Eb2qi35HEX3VtqTBWHch7_CYhH0__1F/s320/IMG_0498.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><br /></span> <span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">They popped into a place we had almost forgotten about, right across from the bathrooms next to where you head outdoors. They played like it was the first time they'd ever seen it, running around like crazy, making a wild and unpredictable symphony with every footstep. I got curious. I realized I had never read how the <a href="http://www.lifeandscience.org/soundspace" target="_blank">SoundSpace</a> works and headed over to the plaque to read more about it. The older kids saw me and left the kindergarteners to play and came over to join me. We read about how Soundspace has nine cameras that send information to an image processing computer. The camera's special software detects the location of children, their speed, and the type of movement they are making in the space. That motion is tracked and converted into a stream of data, which the computer then uses to generate the sounds we hear and the abstract art projected on the wall. My son said "it's like a pudding of art, science, and music!" which is a super neat way of understanding how STEM fields and the arts can combine into something totally intriguing. And something appealing to even the youngest among us, I noted, as I saw a newly stumbling toddler join the fray. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><br /></span> <span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Of course, their thirst for knowledge didn't stop there. They then wondered how the next exhibit worked and ran to read it's plaque as well. FallingSand is on the wall right next to SoundSpace, and kids can't resist standing in front and "virtually" using their bodies to stop the constant flow of co</span><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">lorful ball bearings (AKA sand). Turns out that a camera is detecting your shadow on the wall and creating real-time images of sand reacting to the shadows. Therefore, sand piles up where the curves are and is released when the shadows disappear. It was really neat to stop </span><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">and take a breath and finding out more about places we had played many times. Learning (without realizing they were learning) definitely deepened their fun.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><br /></span> <span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: trebuchet ms, sans-serif;">After the sand dropped out of their hands, they zoomed off quickly to Hideaway Woods (</span><a href="http://stircrazymomsofdurham.blogspot.com/2015/09/hideaway-woods.html" style="font-family: "trebuchet ms", sans-serif;" target="_blank">here's our review</a><span style="font-family: trebuchet ms, sans-serif;">), and the time for introspection was over. I mean, treehouses!! But it made me realize how much there is at the Museum that deserves a second glance, especially once your kids get to the age where they can understand the process behind an exhibit. </span><span style="color: red;"><i><span style="font-family: trebuchet ms, sans-serif;">Because discovering the why and ho</span><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">w </span></i></span></span><span style="color: red;"><i><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">with<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"> t</span></span><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">hem becomes a whole new level of fun.</span></i></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><br /></span> <span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">The thing is, there is always something new at MLS, no matter if you're brand new to Durham or lifelong members like us. Coming up is the Halloween tradition of <a href="http://www.lifeandscience.org/Default.aspx?p=138288&evtid=534655:8/24/2016">Pumpkin Patch Express</a> that everyone loves. Something else you might not know about is the <a href="http://www.lifeandscience.org/curiositytrail" target="_blank">Curiosity Trail</a>, which is free with admission. To participate, just pick up a Curiosity Trail participant card in the lobby and begin your quest by following the clues. You never know where it will take you! When you’re done, just turn in your card to be entered into a drawing to win some great prizes! It's a little mini adventure inside an already special outing, and something neat to share around the dinner table later.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><br /></span> <span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">So come out, discover something again for the first time at The Museum of Life and Science!</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><br /></span> <span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">As a celebration of the new school year, The <b>Museum of Life + Science is excited to offer Stir Crazy readers a giveaway of four free day passes to the museum (a $72 value)!</b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><br /></span> <span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><a class="rcptr" data-raflid="d3676efe5" data-template="" data-theme="classic" href="http://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/display/d3676efe5/" id="rcwidget_t53szwao" rel="nofollow">a Rafflecopter giveaway</a></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><script src="https://widget-prime.rafflecopter.com/launch.js"></script></span>The Stir Crazy Momshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09287210188836755488noreply@blogger.com0Museum of Life and Science - Main Building, 433 W Murray Ave, Durham, NC 27704, USA36.0293535 -78.89942710000002536.028551 -78.900687600000026 36.030156 -78.898166600000025tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2295965386468618384.post-40169721970239416312016-08-05T08:27:00.000-07:002016-08-05T08:27:10.927-07:00WAKA kickball, volleyball, bowling and more!<span style="color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif;"><b>This summer, our sister group SoDu Parents Posse had their very own WAKA Kickball team and here's what the players said about the season: </b></span><br />
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<span style="color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 12.8px;">I decided to follow Eleanor Roosevelt's advice and do something that scared me. I've never been comfortable playing sports, but my husband is a lifelong athlete so we thought it would a fun thing for us to do. I like how my children got to see us active, and I loved making new friends and getting exercise in a fun atmosphere. My husband was traveling and only got to play in the finals but it left him really wanting more! </span></span><br />
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<span style="color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 12.8px;">Chris Allen, who played on a kickball team with his before they had kids, said: "kickball is my weekly night out now- I get some exercise and get to meet some new people which are the main reasons I decided to sign up." </span></span><br />
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<span style="color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 12.8px;">Lynne Privette, a Durham mom of two, played WAKA Kickball & Sand Volleyball Summer. "I am used to getting my exercise from sports, and getting back into sports after I had kids was so important. But it's so much harder to find a team that accepts that I'm not in tip-top athletic shape. I love that WAKA is easing me back into athletic activity and it's fun in the process." </span></span><br />
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<span style="color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 12.8px;">Kim Johnson said "I got out of the house (read: away from the kiddos,) had a blast, and got a lil exercise!!! A win-win-win!!"</span></span><br />
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<span style="color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 12.8px;">The team, named Grade School Redux, was led by Regina & Barry Jaynes. Regina had more enthusiasm than I've seen in five years of managing leagues. In her last message of the season, she said: "I am so impressed with all of you, and I am so glad that I have had an opportunity to get to meet you and spend one night a week with you."</span></span><br />
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<span style="color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 12.8px;">At the end of the summer, Beth Reid summed it all up by saying " I can't believe it's over."</span></span><br />
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<span style="color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 12.8px;">To learn more about WAKA (which stands for World Adult Kickball Association) and all their social sports check out the blog I wrote earlier this year at: <a href="http://www.soduparentsposse.com/blog/waka">http://www.soduparentsposse.com/blog/waka</a></span></span><br />
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<span style="color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif;"><b>What we loved:</b> The camaraderie, the exercise, being able to socialize afterward, learning (or relearning a new sport), and having a low-key tournament at the end. Plus it was affordable fun. Plus the practices were held at the athletic field at NC Central, which was a great, convenient location with lots of parking. WAKA also had a get together at Bull McCabes and a group event at Bulls game, so it was more than just paying to play once a week.</span><br />
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<span style="color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif;"><b>What we would change:</b> The game times rotated each week to accommodate all teams, so some were earlier or later. The later ones were harder for those of us with kids that we needed to get to bed, and because we were tired. However, the temperature was better during that time, so it evened out. </span><br />
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<span style="color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif;"><b>The details:</b> <a href="https://www.facebook.com/KickballDurhamChapelHill">https://www.facebook.com/KickballDurhamChapelHill</a></span><br />
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<span style="color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 12.8px;"><b>And here's info on the upcoming season!</b></span></span><br />
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<span style="color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 12.8px;">Don't Miss Out on WAKA Adult Kickball This Fall</span></span><br />
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<span style="color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 12.8px;">The kids are going back to school soon and maybe you're hoping to add a fun adult activity to your weekly fall schedule. They have the perfect option for you: <b>WAKA Kickball or WAKA Bowling! </b>You can sign up for kickball at <a href="http://www.kickball.com/nctriangle">http://www.kickball.com/nctriangle</a> or bowling at <a href="http://www.kickball.com/ncdurhambowling2">http://www.kickball.com/ncdurhambowling2</a> </span></span><br />
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<span style="color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif;"><b>If you want to get in on the action for the fall, here are the league details. </b></span><br />
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<span style="color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 12.8px;">Registration Link- <a href="http://www.kickball.com/nctriangle">http://www.kickball.com/nctriangle</a></span></span><br />
<span style="color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 12.8px;">Dates: Sept. 8, 15, 22, 29, Oct. 6, 13, 20, 23</span></span><br />
<span style="color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 12.8px;">Times: Games will be 50 minutes between 6:30 and 9 pm each week. You'll have a specific schedule at the beginning of the season</span></span><br />
<span style="color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 12.8px;">Location: Twin Lakes Park, Durham's biggest and newest renovated turf field</span></span><br />
<span style="color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 12.8px;">After Game Bar: Bull McCabes in Downtown Durham</span></span><br />
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<span style="color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif;"><b>BONUS just for Stir Crazy readers: </b></span></div>
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<span style="color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif;"><b>Email League owner Cindy at <a href="mailto:cindy@kickball.com">cindy@kickball.com</a> for a $5 off code before you register at <a href="http://www.kickball.com/nctriangle">http://www.kickball.com/nctriangle</a>. </b></span></div>
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<span style="color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 12.8px;"><b>WAKA also has a 6 week Monday night bowling league (<a href="http://www.kickball.com/ncdurhambowling2">http://www.kickball.com/ncdurhambowling2</a>) starting on Aug. 22 and a 7-week sand volleyball league (<a href="http://www.kickball.com/ncchapelhillvolleyball">http://www.kickball.com/ncchapelhillvolleyball</a>) starting on Aug. 28th. </b></span></span></div>
The Stir Crazy Momshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09287210188836755488noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2295965386468618384.post-19827899032039181522016-05-25T08:22:00.003-07:002016-05-26T07:59:39.020-07:00Tweetsie Railroad Review<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<b style="font-family: 'trebuchet ms', sans-serif; font-size: x-large;">As a Boone native, I grew up going to Tweetsie. It was a real joy when we first took our own kids 5 years ago, like seeing the magic all over again. Since I've been many times, I've got the insider's view on the place. So I have included not only a full tour but also my "pro tips", noted in bold, just for you Stir Crazy families!</b></div>
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"> Below is the view when you walk up to the main entrance to Tweetsie Railroad, one of the first theme parks in America. Usually one of the Tweetsie photographers is there, ready to take a family photo that you can view and opt to purchase from their photo booth at the end. The ticket lines are never long, especially if you're purchasing a season pass, which includes one Thomas the train and Ghost Train Admission. It pays for itself in three visits, much like our local Museum of Life and Science. </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><b><u>PRO TIP: </u></b>With your Tweetsie ticket stub, you get a 20% discount at the High Gravity adventures </span><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">climbing wall next door (blog review on that coming soon.) Also if you arrive to Tweetsie after 3pm, you get free admission for the following day, just keep your receipt. This can be a great option for families that want to break up their visit and have a couple days in the High Country. And the least busy time to visit no matter the month? Sunday mornings.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">First thing you'll see is the majestic Tweetsie train chugging down the tracks. Yep, it's the real deal - an authentic steam engine, complete with conductor, clanging wheels and bells, and it couldn't be more exciting the first time you see it. Honestly, I love when I first see it each time I come, even after all these years. I recommend riding the train first opportunity you can, because it's simply hard to resist (unless the cars are already full, then wait until they return). </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><b><u>PRO TIP</u>: </b>The best car is the green #3 (or if they change them up, whatever car is the center/middle one), and sit on the right hand side (next to the embankment). That gives you the least amount of tinder flying back through the open windows and gives you the best seat for the Wild West show you'll see along the 3 mile long train trip.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><i>(video courtesy <a href="https://www.facebook.com/Tweetsie" target="_blank">Tweetsie Railroad's FB page</a>)</i></span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">As the train takes off, people are happy to wave and you get great views of the performance venues and later "Dead Man's Gulch" and some "graveyards" and "Indian settlements". The cowboys and law men are assigned one per car to remind people to keep hands in the car and they happily introduce themselves to everyone, quite a friendly bunch.</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAJ1VSDDnPEWdW1ECo8yeyUeajNNP_eGuswKOgfsteo0G48m39rPRIgWv7guBv9_A3qVx426HXtz1qR7inkz5aRa9jULnOm0o16Y8_5binLTktHr0Ve3A6N8iFh0v7vLqd7DIprgKagZM7/s1600/IMG_5896.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><span style="color: black; font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAJ1VSDDnPEWdW1ECo8yeyUeajNNP_eGuswKOgfsteo0G48m39rPRIgWv7guBv9_A3qVx426HXtz1qR7inkz5aRa9jULnOm0o16Y8_5binLTktHr0Ve3A6N8iFh0v7vLqd7DIprgKagZM7/s320/IMG_5896.JPG" width="320" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><b>Interesting trivia:</b> Why is it called Tweetsie? The #190 engine is the only remaining narrow gauge engine from the East Tennessee and Western North Carolina Railroad, which traveled from Johnson City TN to Boone. When ET&WNC stopped running in 1950, many were interested in purchasing this engine, including Gene Autry, famous Hollywood Cowboy. Instead it was purchased for the intent of a theme park by local entrepreneur Grover Robbins and the rest is history. The ET&WNC train was called Tweetsie by locals due to the high "tweet, tweet" sound it would make on its journeys through the mountains, and the nickname stuck. There is another engine Tweetsie employs, #12 that is also historic, having been used by United States Army Transportation Corps in Alaska during World War II <span style="font-size: x-small;"><i>(More background info at <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tweetsie_Railroad">Tweetsie's Wikipedia page</a>.)</i></span></span></div>
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<i style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">(image courtesy <a href="https://www.instagram.com/tweetsierr/" target="_blank">Tweetsie Railroad's instagram</a>)</span></i></div>
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; text-align: start;">On the ride there are two stops along the way, the first where on this particular day we met female cowgirls on real horses, and you get to see some fun stuntwork (beware, this video below is a spoiler). The routine is new this year and the wireless mics and sound system have greatly been improved so I highly recommend a return trip if you've been before. They do mix up the jokes and situations so it's never really the same ride twice. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; text-align: start;"><b><u>PRO TIP:</u></b> A word of warning to all families, especially those of younger kiddos - there are pop guns with blanks used in the scenes they act out, and if your child is sensitive or not prepared it could be scary. In that situation I recommend bringing earplugs or avoiding that altogether by coming during the <a href="http://tweetsie.com/special-events/thomas/" target="_blank">Thomas the Tank Engine Days</a> where the train show is much more mellow with no guns used. But hurry, they recommend making reservations for Thomas as they schedule those train rides - it's in June!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">After the stopover where there is a "hold up" the train continues on to the main act at Fort Boone, where at our visit there was a Civil War soldier who had gone mad and shooting at both the local Indian natives and our cowboys alike. There was some stunt choreography like fights and sliding down flag poles, and funny moments. One might notice that the whole Cowboy/Indian conflict is a bit outdated and politically incorrect, and no native actors from what I can tell play the Indians. However, in the modern version it is the Indians that are smart and good, not like ugly stereotypes from the past. They and the soldier do not return to Main Street for photo ops (as they stay there for the next train of guests to stop). </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Once you get back to Main Street, there's snack bars for food and a lot of shopping to be had. <b><u>PRO TIP:</u></b> </span><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">There are also many "Indian" crafts and toys available in the gift shops, along with toy guns, so you might want to skip the main store on Main Street where the totum poles are and instead go into the smaller one right next to the "jail" that has more simple stuffed toys and trains. There is another train gift shop with Thomas items over by the blacksmith and BBQ.</span><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"> Below is a wall of toy guns... if you're into that. ;) </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Map of Tweetsie - click to enlarge, printable version <a href="http://tweetsie.com/documents/Tweetsie_Map_2015-enlarge_web.jpg" target="_blank">here</a></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXeP3feqIZHWg9-8dCZMpxg7vpzGblr6w0KEIFwjQb2gIB311yP6W4WG6uPWBaOT3IKlPLkXu3iY_SLmaHu7E1J8Vm3t0HOG657dfRQIN0PFW_7_jX_K9JRvhmVXPwX8FbzCt41pFAm1Ql/s1600/TweetsieMap.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="color: black; font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="215" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXeP3feqIZHWg9-8dCZMpxg7vpzGblr6w0KEIFwjQb2gIB311yP6W4WG6uPWBaOT3IKlPLkXu3iY_SLmaHu7E1J8Vm3t0HOG657dfRQIN0PFW_7_jX_K9JRvhmVXPwX8FbzCt41pFAm1Ql/s400/TweetsieMap.jpg" width="400" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">At the end of Main Street past the funnel cakes, </span><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">If you bear far left you'll go to the Hacienda's tents but unless something is happening (like a <a href="http://tweetsie.com/special-events/" target="_blank">special event</a>) you won't need to go there. </span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></span></span>
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Next you turn back around to face the hill and cross the tracks to walk up the hill. To your left, marked by the teepee is the Tweetsie Junction area. The pavilion is where you'll see musical acts and cloggers throughout the summer. There are more horse and wagon statues there to play with like on Main Street. You can also grab some BBQ or peruse craftsman stores, like a blacksmith who can personalize horseshoes, a signmaker, and an old timey photographer complete with costumes you and your family can wear so you look like you stepped right out of the Old West. I still have a picture I took with me and some girlfriends back in middle school! </span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></span></span>
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Also, If you wish to take a bus to the top of the mountain instead of the chairlift, at the back of this area is where you'll find the bus stop. </span></span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Next to the bus stop is the Tweetsie Saloon, where the can can girls perform. They're so much fun to watch and have brand new lights this year for the stage as part of their massive investments throughout the park. There's also a snack bar with ice cream, pretzels and cotton candy, so if you want to relax there between shows, it's nice and quiet. They even play </span></span>old timey black and white cowboy movies on the screen onstage. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><b><u>PRO TIP:</u></b> While the Tweetsie brochures mention that nursing mothers (wishing to do so in private) may use the </span><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">First Aid Station in the Depot building on Main Street, I personally have nursed my babies in a quiet corner in the saloon (and other locations) and have never felt out of place. Also, diaper changing facilities are located in all
restrooms except those at the Tweetsie Palace and the Ticket
Office. </span></div>
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<i style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">(image courtesy <a href="https://www.instagram.com/tweetsierr/" target="_blank">Tweetsie Railroad's instagram</a>)</span></i></div>
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">As you continue on that level you have another food option, the place that has the most food choices, including healthy options, Feed & Seed. They also allow you to bring your own picnic lunch and eat anywhere in the park. You'll also find bathrooms next to it and the yummy Fudge Shop! (You can see how lovely the park looks in the fall photos below.)</span><br />
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<i style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">(image courtesy <a href="https://www.instagram.com/tweetsierr/" target="_blank">Tweetsie Railroad's instagram</a>)</span></i></div>
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<i style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">(image courtesy <a href="https://www.instagram.com/tweetsierr/" target="_blank">Tweetsie Railroad's instagram</a>)</span></i></div>
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Next I recommend you continue up the hill, bypassing the entrance to the chairlifts for now. On your right you'll see this sign on a fence for Middle Fork Baptist Church - it's because behind it is a <i>real</i> graveyard for a nearby small church. According to surveys of the graveyard done in 2006, gravestones are as recent as 2004 and date back as far as 1853. You can see the graveyard from the Ferris Wheel. I have heard that when funerals occur they stop all the rides, but have never witnessed this or anyone paying respects myself and the graveyard is off limits to the general public understandably. It certainly is not something you expect in the middle of an amusement park! </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Once you pass under the go-kart bridge you're in the Country Fair area. There's a lot of fun rides - a Merry Go Round, Tilt-A-Whirl, Planes and Helicopters, and Ferris Wheel. You'll also see some carnival games, like where your ball needs to land in a certain hole to win a bear, or your dart needs to bust a specific balloon, that sort of thing. When I was a teenager I had a challenge with my friend to see how many times in a row we could do the Tilt-A-Whirl and we got to 8 before we had to stop - this area is totally a blast for all ages. My favorite is the Ferris Wheel. It sits at the edge of the mountain so when you spin around it really feels a lot higher and stomach churning scarier!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">PRO TIP: If you want to know how many rides your kids are allowed to attend because of height restrictions before you go, check out the limits that are all listed in the <a href="http://tweetsie.com/explore-the-park/the-rides/" target="_blank">rides section of Tweetsie's website</a>. That way you can avoid disappointment!</span></div>
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<i style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">(image courtesy <a href="https://www.instagram.com/tweetsierr/" target="_blank">Tweetsie Railroad's instagram</a>)</span></i></div>
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Don't you love these Can Can Girls on the Tilt-A-Whirl?</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><i style="font-family: Times; font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">(image courtesy <a href="https://www.instagram.com/tweetsierr/" target="_blank">Tweetsie Railroad's instagram</a>)</span></i></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">video from the ferris wheel</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">view of the County Fair and beyond from the ferris wheel</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">view of airplane rides and real graveyard I mentioned earlier</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Then on the left side of the County Fair you'll find the arcade with an old fashioned shooting gallery and lots of coin operated games and prizes you can win. Next to that is the entrance to the go-karts AKA "turnpike cruisers". You have to be a good height to drive by yourself, probably most 10 year olds would be able to. But shorter kids can ride next to an adult, who can let them steer. It's not very fast and the drive isn't far, but the rails keep you safe and the bumping about is a blast. This is definitely one of my kids favorite parts of Tweetsie. Behind the arcade building are the "big kid" AKA real-deal fair rides, the Tweetsie Tornado, Freefall, and Round-Up. I personally haven't been on any yet as my daredevil daughter isn't tall enough but they look awesome!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">inside the arcade</span></div>
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<i style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">(image courtesy <a href="https://www.instagram.com/tweetsierr/" target="_blank">Tweetsie Railroad's instagram</a>)</span></i></div>
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">free fall ride</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWq8_IfOjOQPMjbgN5BjgtTAz-r_s5dFwc40PisaTcLABQea9Fd4iEqt_V-hE53HemMAvQMCePRHvZfzqgcbjNmTpZmUbFV187ZZEZrcBimwlgrF1pIdKrRrswctlPDhx5mlslhOGKegL3/s1600/IMG_5934.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="color: black; font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWq8_IfOjOQPMjbgN5BjgtTAz-r_s5dFwc40PisaTcLABQea9Fd4iEqt_V-hE53HemMAvQMCePRHvZfzqgcbjNmTpZmUbFV187ZZEZrcBimwlgrF1pIdKrRrswctlPDhx5mlslhOGKegL3/s320/IMG_5934.JPG" width="320" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Once we finish here we usually eat a picnic lunch then go back down the hill to the chairlift. You can see many people park and leave their strollers at the entrance to the chairlift because first of all, you can't take anything but you and your bags on the chairlift (obviously). Also the top part of Tweetsie isn't that big, and holding littles is usually fine for that distance. Additionally, part of it (the petting zoo) is steep and bumpy and not the easiest with a stroller. However, if you really want to take your stroller, you can, you'll just need to go back down by the Palace Saloon and catch the bus. Be sure to look as you're preparing to board for the funhouse mirrors in the back of chairlift line queue - they just don't make them anymore and kids love them. </span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigU5jrMz1AuHXEh7_FoPoYQ7HJ4QI1Yy1zK2Wi4RZJKxbrPzOz9xYd9SuTtowz2qEUI2CrKhGrHtpNcxqZS6DO0Utq1ARjy2P0v1U3msyJkjM3AFY4RQvERyM2pnNyU7MovcWsQWEkuP1y/s1600/FullSizeRender+7.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><span style="color: black; font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="298" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigU5jrMz1AuHXEh7_FoPoYQ7HJ4QI1Yy1zK2Wi4RZJKxbrPzOz9xYd9SuTtowz2qEUI2CrKhGrHtpNcxqZS6DO0Utq1ARjy2P0v1U3msyJkjM3AFY4RQvERyM2pnNyU7MovcWsQWEkuP1y/s320/FullSizeRender+7.jpg" width="320" /></span></a></div>
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<i style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">(image courtesy <a href="https://www.instagram.com/tweetsierr/" target="_blank">Tweetsie Railroad's instagram</a>)</span></i><br />
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">The chairlift itself is smooth and easy, and not too high. <b><u>PRO TIP:</u></b> However, I have seen kids be very worried unexpectedly by the experience so each parent will need to judge if their kiddo is ready. There are workers at the top and bottom to make sure people are entering, exiting, and riding safely. I happen to think the chairlift is one of the best parts of Tweetsie. You get great views and it's just a calm opportunity to enjoy the breeze on a busy day. It's also one of those things the average person doesn't get a chance to ride all the time, and unless you're a skier, many people can go their whole lives without being on one. So sit back and relax on it!</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0mn3-PC187HsC0SYPiScVpJr0Rz64QguJmJAPW0iUUIq1iXeSdGaoUlGyC2my6KN75c4t9wPXlNg8ggH4rr-PmudOg7f3eC5DLqerhTRVX10EZ9fxd-TDiyY0PxNOaZ0Bmec8xYB7KkA8/s1600/IMG_5932.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="color: black; font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0mn3-PC187HsC0SYPiScVpJr0Rz64QguJmJAPW0iUUIq1iXeSdGaoUlGyC2my6KN75c4t9wPXlNg8ggH4rr-PmudOg7f3eC5DLqerhTRVX10EZ9fxd-TDiyY0PxNOaZ0Bmec8xYB7KkA8/s320/IMG_5932.JPG" width="240" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Just for information - this is the gap between the bars that raise and lower. It's not a huge gap, but just wanted to include it for the more conservative riders. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Be sure to smile at the top for the Tweetsie photographer - those are always fun shots!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Once you arrive, there's a neat little playground that kids love to spend time on.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">The next attraction is on your left - the Mouse Mine! It's a tiny train you board with a mystery awaiting you halfway. As you're waiting in line, there's a penny press for those of you who are collectors. The ride is fun and a little fast, and then you arrive inside a cave, where the most day-glo bright singing mice under black lights that you've ever seen greet you with an animatronic number that is super goofy and lovable. This has always been so silly and fun for my family and has been around for as long as I've been coming to Tweetsie, a can't miss. I took a video of it but honestly don't want to ruin it for you, so this picture will have to do!</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKgJIt4-xeTnBNnU9ztoVyloeNxmR5IXy4fq0Xv65nhgoJVeDECGftaxwjynJVHrhmChf71lm7hrtnTZvSwD6HKs098Zz6jwVyaDi5pdvxuZLmFolW-sFyNIxbM25FDyPOfJFZ9PRbV4Qx/s1600/IMG_5942.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="color: black; font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKgJIt4-xeTnBNnU9ztoVyloeNxmR5IXy4fq0Xv65nhgoJVeDECGftaxwjynJVHrhmChf71lm7hrtnTZvSwD6HKs098Zz6jwVyaDi5pdvxuZLmFolW-sFyNIxbM25FDyPOfJFZ9PRbV4Qx/s320/IMG_5942.JPG" width="320" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Next to the mouse mine you'll find refreshments on both sides and another gift shop, as well as face painting. <b><u>PRO TIP:</u></b> If you want to shop anywhere just ask about the service where they'll hold your package for you at the main gift store, no matter where you buy it so that you don't have to carry it around all day. </span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">After that is the Miner's Mountain Theater, which has alternating shows of Hopper & Porter's musical Celebration and Miner's Mountain Magic. We watched both on our visit, and the kids love the interactive aspect to them. Plus it's a nice place to relax or get out of unexpected rain.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Following that are two rides, one is airplanes, another is boats. Both have a height limit, so they're great for little kids, but by age 6-7 most kids are too tall. However, if you want to do another ride, there is the Tweetsie twister on the other side which is fast and fun for bigger people!</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_UPOnp7Oq-CTCzUL_Ysnss9Lj-97KeyAm50o-0-Yyg0ztINpulMLHc_r0unbh97v99vwGM3_17vTfbn20vwBNLStX-mCFX17fotZY5sXdLR7ytFnuRCxQEbw8JZkfrnxTfnG76kjUHvEf/s1600/FullSizeRender+13.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="308" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_UPOnp7Oq-CTCzUL_Ysnss9Lj-97KeyAm50o-0-Yyg0ztINpulMLHc_r0unbh97v99vwGM3_17vTfbn20vwBNLStX-mCFX17fotZY5sXdLR7ytFnuRCxQEbw8JZkfrnxTfnG76kjUHvEf/s320/FullSizeRender+13.jpg" width="320" /></a></span><br />
<i style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">(image courtesy <a href="https://www.instagram.com/tweetsierr/" target="_blank">Tweetsie Railroad's instagram</a>)</span></i></div>
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">In between the kid rides and the adult ride is the Gold Mine, which along with the arcade is one of the few places that has additional (albiet optional) costs outside of the ticket price. For newbies its fun, although of course you're not guaranteed to find anything of value, but kids love getting sandy and wet. I would say depending on your kids ages to be prepared with a change of clothes. <b><u>PRO TIP:</u></b> if you choose to do it, I would recommend buying some gems and shiny rocks and whatnot in the gift shop or ahead of time to sneak into the silt for your kiddos to sift out and be dazzled by. Only you and I will know!</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlq17PDG_hhqRwTqYkUYAyVLc2biGC9cwcq8gLd0Sr8-BzUeRvWaCFc1eq4pkq9nA4oWDHtmEpyQHn_rCYQG15Y9RVfMvzSe5ZlmZiaC_RiplzM82dhbnbXOQ0FI4ggCelo0ZE7rRTzzZz/s1600/IMG_5953.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="color: black; font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlq17PDG_hhqRwTqYkUYAyVLc2biGC9cwcq8gLd0Sr8-BzUeRvWaCFc1eq4pkq9nA4oWDHtmEpyQHn_rCYQG15Y9RVfMvzSe5ZlmZiaC_RiplzM82dhbnbXOQ0FI4ggCelo0ZE7rRTzzZz/s320/IMG_5953.JPG" width="320" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">View of the main part of the top of Miner's mountain. <br />The big red building in the middle has covered picnic tables.</span></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDBn5lOatAPEqbM6h6IRo6OBhe-hjKwxnGJs_HVPe45QKnaP8JuhrOqDnnzN46p2Vxct_ABKHSXCrMIGvN6T5ed0PxiY8AtYkeKUWMbTgBlyA7Phe3Fs-58wgfOKTihYNTgoGxva30fpSW/s1600/IMG_5958.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="color: black; font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDBn5lOatAPEqbM6h6IRo6OBhe-hjKwxnGJs_HVPe45QKnaP8JuhrOqDnnzN46p2Vxct_ABKHSXCrMIGvN6T5ed0PxiY8AtYkeKUWMbTgBlyA7Phe3Fs-58wgfOKTihYNTgoGxva30fpSW/s320/IMG_5958.JPG" width="320" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">At the far end over the Mouse Mine bridge you'll find the petting zoo (AKA Deer Park Zoo) which is one of my other favorite parts! You are only allowed to feed them the seed they sell, which is very cheap and comes in ice cream cones. There are a lot of adorable animals, from potbellied pigs...</span></span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3nPW0wZkt3_qfV0GKRINNhtWsR3sVkGsqZcbc3GiutN1z-SkWp451egT-9o3KfpeHefUzG-ViAUr6o48FAWfWSeslL5USXpXBpaTWhxEvHrGVUhrnv9o9WmyZKL2UNhHkYNkykMJf_-pU/s1600/IMG_5962.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="color: black; font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3nPW0wZkt3_qfV0GKRINNhtWsR3sVkGsqZcbc3GiutN1z-SkWp451egT-9o3KfpeHefUzG-ViAUr6o48FAWfWSeslL5USXpXBpaTWhxEvHrGVUhrnv9o9WmyZKL2UNhHkYNkykMJf_-pU/s320/IMG_5962.JPG" width="320" /></span></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4TulC0RSoBCc_soqWbLO2vbeynyC8EYjbgvStV_jPQUD4MH0fI-3wvFynzaY5Zv2JDr5fViA0-INhi7MPWJkeTM-0UAokQbqNAlWl1R2rff_25nAlBUg3Dp9PyBn3KdzT8b8gJNtvH63e/s1600/IMG_5965.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="color: black; font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4TulC0RSoBCc_soqWbLO2vbeynyC8EYjbgvStV_jPQUD4MH0fI-3wvFynzaY5Zv2JDr5fViA0-INhi7MPWJkeTM-0UAokQbqNAlWl1R2rff_25nAlBUg3Dp9PyBn3KdzT8b8gJNtvH63e/s320/IMG_5965.JPG" width="320" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Baby goats are roaming freely on the path with people, so of course this is adorable. Every time I have to peel my daughter away from them.</span></span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVshvNMxjEUSyfxRBFqE9hnPi8I_ydi8HZVcyU_m6zTLYzPWUETferO8Uj0ETM6YIDRXqOQfu1iUyWy45Mmw8QfYxc9xUFPjUDPIQWL0TJd0htKOL3zqGr_ZtAL_NK47BBVuwqOEwWRT3-/s1600/IMG_5986.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="color: black; font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVshvNMxjEUSyfxRBFqE9hnPi8I_ydi8HZVcyU_m6zTLYzPWUETferO8Uj0ETM6YIDRXqOQfu1iUyWy45Mmw8QfYxc9xUFPjUDPIQWL0TJd0htKOL3zqGr_ZtAL_NK47BBVuwqOEwWRT3-/s320/IMG_5986.JPG" width="320" /></span></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHz-kD_oJrVlRqwjJbFXreD0fqaS_dBEEJDkyBf__GSDHRD6xR3T8pgiLDRnsDTKdItw0Hu-N2bpeQmofegAfzKFYLvUjeVHu3BfH2Usb5QEW-s__-okIh_eap0hwwxgCYjovltf25Arz3/s1600/IMG_6003.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="color: black; font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHz-kD_oJrVlRqwjJbFXreD0fqaS_dBEEJDkyBf__GSDHRD6xR3T8pgiLDRnsDTKdItw0Hu-N2bpeQmofegAfzKFYLvUjeVHu3BfH2Usb5QEW-s__-okIh_eap0hwwxgCYjovltf25Arz3/s320/IMG_6003.JPG" width="240" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">If you're tired and would like to catch the bus, the pickup and drop off is right there at the entrance to the petting zoo. There's also a paved pedestrian trail which I've heard is nice, and is outlined on their map but I've never personally walked it. I will say it does seem long so be sure you're up to it!</span><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"> Otherwise, it's back downhill on the chairlift!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">view from the chairlift with Mouse Mine tracks below</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1fxf-c7s_vgus8hMhyphenhyphenxK1diHDDoOZvv1JZu1aDx8980EAs8IQYXGlneJEfBP5MNH7p53fV-S_JMJaZRtsASEywwvmiFUHpqWDV5mzp9_k7_NVu9eea5EfFwXNjEoZNPrTdZuSN4qWfKaG/s1600/IMG_6018.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="color: black; font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1fxf-c7s_vgus8hMhyphenhyphenxK1diHDDoOZvv1JZu1aDx8980EAs8IQYXGlneJEfBP5MNH7p53fV-S_JMJaZRtsASEywwvmiFUHpqWDV5mzp9_k7_NVu9eea5EfFwXNjEoZNPrTdZuSN4qWfKaG/s320/IMG_6018.JPG" width="240" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">View of the bus road and in the distance the paved pedestrian trail</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">View of the county fair rides from chairlift</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">View of the lower portion, Tweetsie Junction and Main Street, from the chairlift </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">birds eye chairlift view of the next door High Gravity Adventures - blog on that soon!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">One thing people love about Tweetsie are all the <a href="http://tweetsie.com/special-events/" target="_blank"><b>special events</b></a>, from Thomas's visit to K9s in flight and bands, it's fun to combine a visit with a show or memory making when they see their favorite character in real life. In the past we've had fun at a Scooby Doo day and another time meeting Spongebob. This year Dora and Diego are visiting Tweetsie!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">As far as Thomas - I'm happy to say he is a life sized train that the tweetsie engine pushes down the track and it goes the full loop like the train normally runs. In past years there has also been a place with Thomas crafts and a meet and greet with Sir Topham Hat. (And as I mentioned before the show on the train is not scary since many more littles are riding than normal.)</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><i style="font-family: Times; font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">(image courtesy <a href="https://www.instagram.com/tweetsierr/" target="_blank">Tweetsie Railroad's instagram</a>)</span></i></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><i style="font-family: Times; font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">(image courtesy <a href="https://www.instagram.com/tweetsierr/" target="_blank">Tweetsie Railroad's instagram</a>)</span></i></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><i style="font-family: Times; font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">(image courtesy <a href="https://www.instagram.com/tweetsierr/" target="_blank">Tweetsie Railroad's instagram</a>)</span></i></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">K9's in Flight</span></div>
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<i style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">(image courtesy <a href="https://www.instagram.com/tweetsierr/" target="_blank">Tweetsie Railroad's instagram</a>)</span></i></div>
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">The Ghost Train is one of Tweetsie's biggest attractions every October and it is fun. Advance tickets are required and new for this year you specifically buy tickets for the date and time of your ghost train ride in order for them to manage crowds. They have used this appr</span><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">oach at Raleigh's Pullen Park Holiday Express with great success. The Ghost Train event admission includes: all the nighttime events in the park including a ride on the Ghost Train, Trick-or-Treating for the kids, Haunted House, Tweetsie Palace Spooktacular, the rides in the Creepy Carnival, and the attractions in "The Boneyard” section, featuring the Black Hole, 3-D maze, and the “Freaky Forest." The chairlift, Miner’s Mountain and Turnpike Cruisers will not be open during Ghost Train. PRO TIP: it is definitely scary - I am a scaredy cat and it was too much for me when it was brand new and I was in middle school. I recommend before making plans that you ask other families and read reviews to determine if your kids can handle the spooky evenings. Tweetsie itself says, "Some children are scared just because of the darkness. There are loud explosions on the Ghost Train ride. We don’t recommend the Haunted House, the Freaky Forest, or the Ghost Train for children under age 8." But if you love Halloween and all things scary, be sure to make the Tweetsie Ghost Train part of your Autumn plans, during a High Country visit to watch the leaves change colors as they fall and the seasons turn. It's also a perfect time of year to camp, I highly recommend it. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">I have grown up loving Tweetsie - it's a theme park built for families with youngsters, and it's endearing in it's old fashioned charm. The experience is more than worth the ticket price, and it's a must see for your High Country experience. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">For more information on visiting the Boone area, and other attractions that are perfect to pair with Tweetsie like Grandfather Mountain, the quaint downtowns of Boone and Blowing Rock, Linville Falls, Ziplining, and more check out <a href="http://highcountryhost.com/" target="_blank">High Country Host</a> or <a href="http://www.exploreboone.com/" target="_blank">Explore Boone</a>. I'll keep blogging about my favorite places in Western North Carolina as well, so you'll be up to date on family friendly fun in the mountains. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">Head to the mountains this summer and visit Tweetsie, you'll make memories to last a lifetime!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><b>Details:</b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Tweetsie Railroad</span></div>
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">300 Tweetsie Railroad Lane</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Blowing Rock, NC 28605</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">1-800-526-5740</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><a href="http://tweetsie.com/">tweetsie.com</a></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><b>When:</b> 2016 season is April through October but days and hours vary, see <a href="http://tweetsie.com/plan-your-visit/schedule/" target="_blank">schedule</a> for details</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><b>Cost:</b> $28 for children 3-12, $44 for 13 and up, 2 and under free. For Golden Rail season passes and special event prices, as well as more information and to buy tickets online, check out the <a href="http://tweetsie.com/buy-tickets/" target="_blank">ticket</a> site.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><b>What we love:</b> My personal favorites are the train ride, ferris wheel, the chairlift, and the petting zoo. My kids love the Turnpike Cruisers and special events. I also really appreciate all the investments they made in the park since last season, the place really sparkles and all the shows are fresh. The perks that come with being a Golden Rail season pass holder (my parents and my kids, since they visit so often, are all season pass holders) are great, like free parking during fireworks and Thomas and Ghost Train tickets. I also think the price is really reasonable considering all that is included. Oh and when they were little I loved that 2 and under was free!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><b>What we would change: </b>Free wifi would be nice, but it is supposed to be old fashioned fun, so in a way, perhaps it's encouraging us to connect as families? :) </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: x-small; text-align: start;"><i>(<span style="background-color: white; font-size: 12px;">FTC disclosure: I was given two tickets for myself and my husband to use at Tweetsie so that I could review the park. No positive review was asked for or promised, and the opinions are my own. I'm already a fan and members of my family are season pass holders, but that's beside the point!</span>)</i></span></span></div>
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The Stir Crazy Momshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09287210188836755488noreply@blogger.com1Tweetsie Railroad, Blowing Rock, NC 28605, USA36.1710134 -81.65243980000002536.1646044 -81.662524800000028 36.1774224 -81.642354800000021tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2295965386468618384.post-18752849158027318162016-05-17T20:40:00.000-07:002016-05-17T20:40:34.092-07:00Tweetsie Railroad Giveaway<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIWwq9UgRIOsNs5P0KvoVxYnM-F3aVzOtsHHdimWzMJutrPpYaGYhvvxua9PgKjHnlk6Y9Jvp-43NVy4HvjL5EzMGIuGe3PySOP5p3vJrsgrajRoCgR-c0Ev8oC6A0aQainIx8k7KuoNYo/s1600/Tweetsie_Logo_wTrain.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="261" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIWwq9UgRIOsNs5P0KvoVxYnM-F3aVzOtsHHdimWzMJutrPpYaGYhvvxua9PgKjHnlk6Y9Jvp-43NVy4HvjL5EzMGIuGe3PySOP5p3vJrsgrajRoCgR-c0Ev8oC6A0aQainIx8k7KuoNYo/s320/Tweetsie_Logo_wTrain.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<span class="s2" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><b><span style="color: blue;">All Aboard! If for some crazy reason you've never been to Tweetsie Railroad, there's no better time than right now. </span></b>Spring is beautiful in the High Country of our fair state, and for almost 60 years Tweetsie has been a vacation destination for young and old alike. I actually grew up in Boone, so going to Tweetsie was just a way of life for us, and when I return with my kids, it's like I'm a child again myself. The Wild West theme park has a ton of fun for everyone from their 3 mile ride on a historic steam engine locomotive, to a petting zoo, can-can dancers, a chairlift rides, merry-go-round, panning for gold, go-karts, Day Out With Thomas™, July 4</span><span class="s3" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><sup>th</sup></span><span class="s2" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"> Fireworks Extravaganza, the Ghost Train® at Halloween and much more! </span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgw_gCwKx1AjYUkg_ij1ML281sLibuLr9WlDmDwnVg7EGFAJixS06AiveKW97gC50_EXoQYSxYYvQIZnqVrFgxRuWyAm_Pm-dcbPIXs-KcS0CHYdCI-TUKnUhG_W4kD8OrHtY3GZgwNez7L/s1600/tweetsietrain.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="239" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgw_gCwKx1AjYUkg_ij1ML281sLibuLr9WlDmDwnVg7EGFAJixS06AiveKW97gC50_EXoQYSxYYvQIZnqVrFgxRuWyAm_Pm-dcbPIXs-KcS0CHYdCI-TUKnUhG_W4kD8OrHtY3GZgwNez7L/s320/tweetsietrain.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span class="s2"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">There is plenty to enjoy at North Carolina’s first theme park, including all the rich characters you'll meet. Just imagine your kiddo dressed up in their favorite cowboy hat as you stroll through an authentic Western main street, when he spots a real live cowboy, spurs and all! Or the look on her face when the sheriff rides up on a real horse as your train pulls up to an old fort. And did I mention that Dora the Explorer™ and Diego™ will be there this summer in addition to fan favorite Thomas The Tank Engine? </span></span></div>
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<span class="s2"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Besides the theatrics on the Wild West train adventure, you can check out blogging, can-can dancing, and lots of special events. There is always a</span></span><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"> new adventure to be had at Tweetsie Railroad, so start planning your trip today and be sure to check out the special events taking place during the 2016 season. </span></div>
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<li><b><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">David Holt and the Lightning Bolts in Concert — Sunday, May 29 </span></b><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Enjoy old-time music with a new time jolt, featuring four-time Grammy recipient David Holt. The shows at noon and 3:00 p.m. will be filled with humor, stories and authentic American music.</span><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"> </span></li>
<li><b><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Day Out With Thomas™: The Ready, Set, Go 2016 Tour — June 10-19 </span></b><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Take a ride aboard Thomas The Tank Engine™, all the way from the Island of Sodor. Sir Topham Hatt will be managing the station to make sure Thomas the Tank Engine is Right on Time and available to meet and take photographs with all his guest. Advanced tickets recommended.</span><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<li><span class="s2" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><b>Fireworks Extravaganza — Monday, July 4</b></span><span class="s3" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><b><sup>th</sup></b></span><span class="s2" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><b> </b></span><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Celebrate America’s Birthday with the High Country’s most spectacular fireworks display at Tweetsie Railroad. Enjoy and evening of entertainment and park rides until 9:00 p.m. before preparing for the big show at 9:30 p.m. Dinner and premium viewing area available for those interested in a VIP experience. </span></li>
<li><b><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Cool Summer Nights — July 9, 16, 23, 30 </span></b><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Beat the heat and enjoy the cool mountain nights at Tweetsie Railroad with Wild West entertainment and park rides open until 9:00 p.m.</span><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"> </span></li>
<li><b><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Dora the Explorer™ and Go, Diego,™ Go – July 15-17 </span></b><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Explore the park with costumed characters from the hit Nickelodeon shows Dora the Explorer™ and Go, Diego,Go™. Hugs and photos encouraged.</span></li>
<li><b><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">K-9s in Flight Frisbee® Dogs — July 23-31 </span></b><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Be ready to be amazed and entertained by this one-of-a-kind performance by a team of dynamic dogs doing acrobatic freestyle routines. Three shows daily, including a special evening show at 7:00 pm on Saturday, July 23 and 30.</span><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"> </span></li>
<li><b><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Riders In The Sky — August 6-7 </span></b><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Sing along with America’s favorite cowboys, Riders In The Sky, as they perform their well-known blend of Western music and comedy, at noon and 3:00 p.m. The quartet has been together for over 30 years and won Grammy Awards for “Best Musical Album for Children” with the production of “Woody’s Round Up,” from “Toy Story 2” and the companion album for “Monsters Inc.”</span></li>
<li><b style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Railroad Heritage Weekend — August 27-28 </b><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Celebrate the history of steam locomotives and heritage of the Blue Ridge Mountains with special train rides, tours of the Steam Locomotive Repair Shop, performances by the Cherokee dancers and crafts from the Tsa-La-Gi Touring Program.</span><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"> </span></li>
<li><span class="s2" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><b>Ghost Train</b></span><span class="s3" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><b><sup>®</sup></b></span><span class="s2" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><b> Halloween Festival — </b></span><b style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Friday and Saturday nights September 23 – October 29 </b><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Hop aboard the Ghost Train® for a haunting ride through the Blue Ridge Mountains. Every Friday and Saturday night, September 23 – October 29, Tweetsie Railroad hosts a Halloween celebration for the whole family including trick-or-treating, the Freaky Forest, a Haunted House and more.</span><i style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"> Ghost Train® Halloween Festival has been named one of the “Top 20 Events in the Southeast” by the Southeast Tourism Society.</i><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"> Advanced tickets required.</span><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"> </span></li>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><span class="s2"><b>Park Details:</b></span></span></div>
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<li><span class="s2" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Tweetsie Railroad is currently open Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays and will be open seven days a week from May 27 through August 21. The park then returns to the weekend schedule from August 22 through October 30, including Labor Day Monday. The 2016 season ends Sunday, October 30.</span></li>
<li><span class="s2" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">The park’s regular hours are 9:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m., but will be open until 9:00 p.m. on July 4</span><span class="s3" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><sup>th</sup></span><span class="s2" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"> for the Fireworks Extravaganza and July 9, 16, 23 and 30 for Cool Summer Nights.</span></li>
<li><span class="s2" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Daily admission to Tweetsie Railroad is $44 for adults and $28 for children ages 3 through 12. Children 2 and under are admitted free. </span></li>
<li><span class="s2" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">The Ghost Train® Halloween Festival will take place Friday and Saturday nights September 23 through October 29 from 7:30 p.m. to 11:30 p.m., with an admission price of $36 for adults and children. Tickets and Golden Rail Season Passes are available at <a href="http://www.tweetsie.com/"><span class="s4">Tweetsie.com</span></a>.</span></li>
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<span class="s2"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Tweetsie Railroad is located on U.S. Highway 321 between Boone and Blowing Rock, North Carolina. </span></span></div>
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<span class="s2"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">For more information about the 2016 season at Tweetsie Railroad, visit <a href="http://www.tweetsie.com/"><span class="s4">Tweetsie.com</span></a> or call 877.TWEETSIE (877.893.3874). Find Tweetsie Railroad on Facebook at <a href="http://www.facebook.com/Tweetsie"><span class="s4">www.facebook.com/Tweetsie</span></a> and Twitter at <a href="https://twitter.com/TweetsieRR" target="_blank">@TweetsieRR</a>.</span></span></div>
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<span class="s2"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">This weekend I'll be going to Tweetsie with my family, so stay tuned for a review. </span></span></div>
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<span class="s2"><span style="color: red; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;">But wait, before that I've got amazing news! </span></span></div>
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<span class="s2"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Tweetsie is giving Stir Crazy Moms' Guide to Durham </span></span></div>
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<span class="s2"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;">and SoDu Parents Posse readers the chance to </span></span></div>
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<span class="s2"><span style="color: blue; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><b>WIN 2 TICKETS TO TWEETSIE RAILROAD! </b></span></span></div>
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<span class="s2"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Just follow the directions below, the more options you choose, the more entries you get!</span></span></div>
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<i>This giveaway is good for two tickets, adult and/or child. It is not valid for Golden Rail (season passes), <br />Day Out With Thomas, or Ghost Train tickets. Winner may not resell tickets. Tickets are not redeemable for cash. Total value varies depending on type of ticket chosen, between $56 - $88.</i></div>
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The Stir Crazy Momshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09287210188836755488noreply@blogger.com26Tweetsie Railroad, Blowing Rock, NC 28605, USA36.1710134 -81.65243980000002536.1646044 -81.662524800000028 36.1774224 -81.642354800000021tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2295965386468618384.post-68840400444850717432016-05-09T11:00:00.000-07:002016-05-25T20:46:57.695-07:00Tinkergarten<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><i>SoDu Parents Posse member Trish Christie recently took a trial class with the brand new Tinkergarten and wrote a review just for Stir Crazy. </i><br /><br /><b>What is Tinkergarten?</b> The website says it best: "Tinkergarten provides highly engaging early childhood education in the healthiest classroom of all—the outdoors. We match families with leaders, like Durham mom Kate Macartney, in their local community who offer activity-based kids classes that help them develop the skills that matter most—all while having fun! These classes are expert-designed to help kids play the way we used to and to develop, grow and learn important skills. Parents and/or caregivers participate in these classes with the kids and get to (re)discover the wonder of being outdoors right along with their kids." </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="text-align: start;"> </span><span style="text-align: start;">My </span>2 year old<span style="text-align: start;"> and I attended a free trial of a kindergarten class last week. The grass was wet from a storm the night before, so we wore appropriate shoes (well, I did, my toddler refused his sandals so he wore old shoes and his feet got wet). We arrived and met Kate, the cheerful instructor who immediately made us feel welcome and included. We put on name tags and my </span>2 year old<span style="text-align: start;"> was given a bucket and instructions to find "treasures". We found lots of buttercups, leaves, small sticks, and blades of grass that were apparently special to my son. After the initial gathering time, everyone gathered on a tarp and began the story time. We were told the story of "stone soup". Even though my son didn't seem to listen or understand the story, he followed the subsequent directions. The toddlers poured their treasures in a pot of water, stirred the "soup", and then gifted the soup to the flower fairies at the end. Amazingly enough, all the toddlers followed along as no major tantrums occurred. I'd say that's a success! Then snack time (which, thankfully Kate had extras because I left our snack in the car) and goodbye songs. We left with a special stone for my son to keep. </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">This class was so much fun. Just the perfect amount of time, perfect location, and awesome instructor. I realize the free trial classes are a bit different than the sessions of classes, but I think we got a good feel for the experience. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><b>What we loved:</b> email correspondence before and after class, location, time of day, Kate's cheerfulness, everyone felt included. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><b>What we'd change:</b> nothing!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><br />Next 6-week class session for 18-month-olds to 3-year-olds (also in Forest Hills Park) starts May 12th and goes through June 16th. It's Thursday mornings from 10:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Find out more and register at: <a href="https://www.tinkergarten.com/leaders/kate.macartney">https://www.tinkergarten.com/leaders/kate.macartney</a></span><br />
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<i><span style="background-color: white; font-family: Georgia, Utopia, 'Palatino Linotype', Palatino, serif; font-size: 12px;">(</span><span style="background-color: white; font-family: Georgia, Utopia, 'Palatino Linotype', Palatino, serif; font-size: 12px;">FTC disclosure: The blogger attended a free trial of the class so that she could review the park. The free trial was open to the public. No positive review was asked for or promised, and the opinions are the blogger's own.</span><span style="background-color: white; font-family: Georgia, Utopia, 'Palatino Linotype', Palatino, serif; font-size: 12px;">)</span></i><span style="font-family: Georgia, Utopia, 'Palatino Linotype', Palatino, serif; font-size: 12px;"><br /></span></div>
The Stir Crazy Momshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09287210188836755488noreply@blogger.com0Forest Hills Park, 1639 University Dr, Durham, NC 27707, USA35.9803657 -78.91377550000004210.4583312 -120.22236950000004 61.5024002 -37.605181500000043tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2295965386468618384.post-38659269811217500522016-05-06T11:00:00.000-07:002016-05-06T11:00:07.893-07:00Family Fun Carnival - Benefit for Ethiopia Reads<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">This Saturday, May 7th, the local charity Virginia's Wish will be hosting a <b>Family Fun Carnival</b> at Hope Valley Baptist Church. Children and their parents can have a blast at thirteen booths of exciting games and carnival treats. The event supports Ethiopia READS, a program that provides books and literacy activities to children who live in rural Ethiopian communities. <b>Many of the children served by Ethiopia READS have never held a book.</b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Each year, Virginia’s Wish coordinates two to three family-focused fundraising events for local children and their parents. These fundraisers raise much needed funds for well-vetted children’s charities in Africa. Chairperson of Virginia's Wish, Elizabeth Snyder proudly tells us that "every penny that we raise is sent to programs that supplement children’s nutrition, education, and health care. This is our fourth fundraising event. To date, we have supported Mary’s Meals (Malawi), Kid’s Haven (South Africa), and Door of Hope (South Africa). Virginia’s Wish was named in honor of my mother. She always dreamed of being a medical missionary but, instead, was a wonderful wife and mother." <b>In honor of Elizabeth's mother Virginia, and to celebrate Mother's Day weekend, we hope you'll have some fun for a good cause at Virginia's Wish Family Fun Carnival!</b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><b><span style="font-size: large;">Details:</span></b><br />Saturday, May 7th</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Admission: $8 for the first child in the family and $6 for siblings. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">More infomation about Virginia's Wish at: <a href="http://virginiaswish.org/">virginiaswish.org</a></span></div>
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The Stir Crazy Momshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09287210188836755488noreply@blogger.com0Durham, NC, USA35.9940329 -78.89861935.5829684 -79.544066 36.4050974 -78.253171999999992tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2295965386468618384.post-41952702096210265192016-05-04T21:56:00.001-07:002016-05-04T21:56:54.689-07:00Wee Arts<div style="background-color: white; color: #222222; margin: 0px; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><i>Stir Crazy guest blogger <span style="background-color: transparent;">Megan Baldwin of </span><a href="http://www.onetwinmom.blogspot.com/" style="background-color: transparent; color: #1155cc;" target="_blank">onetwinmom.blogspot.com</a> loves Wee Arts and shared her review!</i></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">With so many music classes in the Triangle area, it can be hard to pick just one. But your search can begin and end at <a href="https://www.facebook.com/weeartsrocks/" style="color: #1155cc;" target="_blank">Wee Arts</a>, a small business owned by Chapel Hill mom Michelle Schooff. Her program offers Caregiver and Me classes for infants, toddlers, and preschoolers (you can pick to purchase a semester’s worth for a slight discount, or pay the drop-in rate) as well as drop-off camps for children beginning at age 3. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">I’ve attended multiple classes with my two-year-old twins, who can’t get enough of the experience and love going back each time. Each class begins in a similar way: the children are all invited to bang on drums while Michelle strums her guitar and sings the “Hello” song, greeting each child by name. The rest of the session is focused on casual learning through a wonderful assortment of both original and familiar songs and movement activities, typically loosely linked to a season-related theme: snowmen, flakes, and reindeer in December; bunnies, butterflies, and birds in April.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Michelle encourages children to learn about their body parts, singing original songs that help them to identify their nose, shoulders, bellies, and knees. She typically also incorporates an activity focused on counting, bringing out a glove adorned with animals or flowers and singing about how many there are based on the number of fingers she’s holding up. Often, she’ll hand out hand-crafted items to the children, like butterflies hanging from a stick, or a paper plate that doubles as a “steering wheel,” and allow them to play along as she sings happily about the object. In helping children to learn how to follow basic commands, she asks them to “copy me” and gently instructs them to jump up and down, spin around, roll around on the ground, or walk in a circle. Occasionally, she uses a brightly colored parachute as a prop, pretending (for example) that the ripples on the surface are ocean waves, letting children run around and under it.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">She also introduces her students to multiple musical instruments, getting down on her knees to let the children take turns plucking the strings of her guitar, violin, or ukulele. She has shakers, sticks, bells, and xylophones that she hands out to the kids each class, allowing them to take a turn making their own music. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">But even beyond all of the personal touches that make her class stand apart from (and hold its own against) any national program with local affiliates, Michelle has a unique ability to hold the attention of multiple children varying in age, and the patience, skill, and grace to lead a class despite any distractions. As an instructor, Michelle is gentle with her students, carefully reading the room to see what’s working and what isn’t. If the kids are rambunctious, for example, she leans in, playing hearty songs on the guitar and encouraging everyone to spin and dance. Michelle is loved by the families who attend her classes, with former students s</span><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; text-align: center;">igning</span><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"> up again and again; there is a sense of friendliness and community among the parents and caregivers. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Wee Arts is running a short, Spring 2 Semester beginning Thursday, May 5: sign up <a href="http://facebook.us8.list-manage.com/subscribe?u=2273c5d43d443ef393ece4fdf&id=86710a7545" style="color: #1155cc;" target="_blank">here</a> to attend either on Mondays at <span class="aBn" data-term="goog_1178306020" style="border-bottom-color: rgb(204, 204, 204); border-bottom-style: dashed; border-bottom-width: 1px; position: relative; top: -2px; z-index: 0;" tabindex="0"><span class="aQJ" style="position: relative; top: 2px; z-index: -1;">10 AM</span></span> or Thursdays at <span class="aBn" data-term="goog_1178306021" style="border-bottom-color: rgb(204, 204, 204); border-bottom-style: dashed; border-bottom-width: 1px; position: relative; top: -2px; z-index: 0;" tabindex="0"><span class="aQJ" style="position: relative; top: 2px; z-index: -1;">2 PM</span></span> (exact dates available through link; the <span class="aBn" data-term="goog_1178306022" style="border-bottom-color: rgb(204, 204, 204); border-bottom-style: dashed; border-bottom-width: 1px; position: relative; top: -2px; z-index: 0;" tabindex="0"><span class="aQJ" style="position: relative; top: 2px; z-index: -1;">Thursday</span></span> <span class="aBn" data-term="goog_1178306023" style="border-bottom-color: rgb(204, 204, 204); border-bottom-style: dashed; border-bottom-width: 1px; position: relative; top: -2px; z-index: 0;" tabindex="0"><span class="aQJ" style="position: relative; top: 2px; z-index: -1;">9:30 AM</span></span> session is already full!). For new-to-the-program families who have twins or siblings who want to attend together, you’ll pay only for the first child, while the second can attend for free! There is a $10 registration fee. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">For more information, find Wee Arts on Facebook at <a href="https://www.facebook.com/weeartsrocks/" style="color: #1155cc;" target="_blank">https://www.facebook.com/<wbr></wbr>weeartsrocks/</a></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">About our Stir Crazy blogger: <i>“Megan Baldwin is a lawyer turned stay-at-home mom to twin girls in Durham, North Carolina. Follow their adventures at <a href="http://www.onetwinmom.blogspot.com/" style="color: #1155cc;" target="_blank">onetwinmom.blogspot.com</a>.”</i></span></div>
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The Stir Crazy Momshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09287210188836755488noreply@blogger.com0201 S Estes Dr, Chapel Hill, NC 27514, USA35.9278462 -79.02687830000002110.405811699999997 -120.33547230000002 61.449880699999994 -37.718284300000022tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2295965386468618384.post-68598919830334279892016-05-01T08:41:00.000-07:002016-05-01T08:48:59.091-07:00Carolina Ballet's Macbeth - a dance of betrayal<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><b><a href="https://www.carolinaballet.com/program/macbeth" target="_blank">Macbeth</a> is such a timeless tale that even without words, it's brutal story transcends. That's the beauty of Robert Weiss's interpretation of the 400 year old Shakespeare play as a full length ballet performance by the Carolina Ballet.</b><br /><br />So much was compelling it was hard to keep track, so I decided to make a list...</span><br />
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<li>The dancers were so remarkably talented, not only in their technical skill, but also in using their form to emote scenes that would otherwise have pages of dialogue. You could see the anguish in the face of Lady Macbeth when her infant dies, the fear in Lady Macduff's eyes as she's being persued by assassins. As a graduate of University of North Carolina School of the A<span style="text-align: center;">rts, I am quite familiar with the works of the bard. One thing that makes his work so universally appealing is that if you can get past the antiquated terminology, the wordiness, if you can sit with it and understand the intention of the phrase, then the deeper meaning comes through in aces. This is how audiences of middle schoolers can understand a Shakespeare comedy when half the words are simply unknown to them - it falls on the actors, and in this case, dancers to interpret it for us the audience. One of the principals, Richard Krusch, is a fellow UNCSA graduate, and you can see how he and his fellow dancers gracefully interpret pages of words into movement, and lose nothing in translation.</span></li>
<li>My favorite scene might be the dance in the bridal chamber of Macbeth and his new bride (Marcelo Martinez and Lara O'Brien). They seemed to flow through the space like water and as they made their way to the bed, their lust overcame them in a series of spins and flips that made me sit up in my seat. It was an incredibly creative protrayal of passion.</li>
<li>What would Macbeth be without his war? The swords and axes clinked and shone in the lights, and the jabs and slices of deadly injuries looked so convincing. Weiss did an amazing job of juxtaposing fight choreography to rival Game of Thrones with Lady Macbeth's pregnancy and eventual loss. It was a brilliant way of demonstrating how cruel life's twists and turns are, both to enlisted men and innocents alike. </li>
<li>The set decoration by Jeff A. R. Jones was simply stunning. Giant rock faces, craggly trees and roots, smoke and fire all combined to set a foreboding stage for the drama. I really loved several moments, one where the rocks split just slightly to let angry red light in, a crack in the sky demonstrating the fissure in their pact to win at all costs. And at the end of the first act, the Macbeths are attempting to clean their bloodied hands when a ceiling of red string detaches upon them seconds before the curtain descends. It was unexpected and beautiful.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipDbTUzL0cWJ38gKTJtI6FGgEZpEh6eCE-FmbQ9ymDymUwXB3ZZR6i4ILijDc1OmxMeZN9bfLKOwFHqnmzNUjL7SLD3vtWpWNrP-mFh918BUTrcpfKfPsTESIQJdWcyyvg0dWdkWMEgqob/s1600/macbethblood.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipDbTUzL0cWJ38gKTJtI6FGgEZpEh6eCE-FmbQ9ymDymUwXB3ZZR6i4ILijDc1OmxMeZN9bfLKOwFHqnmzNUjL7SLD3vtWpWNrP-mFh918BUTrcpfKfPsTESIQJdWcyyvg0dWdkWMEgqob/s400/macbethblood.jpg" width="400" /></a></li>
<li>The costumes, of course, were gorgeous. The woodland witches had crowns of jagged twigs reaching for the sky, with the same wrapped around their wrists, threatening to entangle anyone who got near. Lady Macbeth was introduced to us in a lovely white bridal gown, and as the libretto went on her outfits became darker and darker red, until the very end. My absolute favorite moment of the play was in Lady's last scene when she is once again wearing white, this time a facade, no longer innocent by any means. Her eyes are wild with paranoia, and she gasps at her clean hands, imagines them covered in blood and desperate to clean them wipes them on her pristine gown. In their genius, they made red bloodstains on her gown appear as she wipes, even as her hands remain clean. Her descent into madness marked by the streaks of red guilt all over her.</li>
<li>The original score was composed by JMark Scearce, arguably our state's best composer. The scenes with a happy score of love soon were outnumbered by brutal battle marches, but what I most enjoyed was when characters found themselves surrounded by enemies when they least expected it, or when they had to keep outward appearances even though guilty of heinous things. In these moments, the music soared for me, as he combined the traditional themes adding in minor chords and haunting vocals, creating an desperate and foreboding atmosphere you knew they couldn't escape.</li>
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</span><b><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Portrayal of the horrors of war and the intricacies of political betrayal through dance is quite a feat, and Carolina Ballet has truly brought something new to the drama with the nimble feet of North Carolina's most talented dancers. It certainly rings eerily true during a time when our state finds itself embroiled in controversy, when our nation is divided with hateful rhetoric. What cost is the crown? And who pays it? As the curtain closes on Macbeth, the witch's predictions having come true but only after great bloodshed and sacrifice, it becomes clear - we all do.</span></b><br />
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<b><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">The final performance of MacBeth is today, Sunday, May 1st at 2pm at DPAC. <a href="https://www.carolinaballet.com/program/macbeth" target="_blank">Find tickets here.</a> <i>And j</i></span><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><i>ust for Stir Crazy readers, <span style="background-color: white;">ust use the code “MB2016" through the DPAC box office to receive 20% off your tickets!</span></i></span></b><br />
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><i><span style="background-color: white; font-size: x-small;">FTC disclosure: I was given two tickets so that I could review the performance. No positive review was asked for or promised, and the opinions are my own.</span></i></span></div>
The Stir Crazy Momshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09287210188836755488noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2295965386468618384.post-18460002268011796762016-04-27T08:26:00.000-07:002016-04-27T08:26:16.378-07:00Carolina Ballet presents Macbeth<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt; text-align: center;">
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<span style="color: purple; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><b>this weekend at Carolina Ballet's stunning performance of this classic drama. </b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Carolina Ballet's brand new interpretation of Shakespeare’s dramatic work features all new elaborate scenery, costumes, and score. Carolina Ballet is the Triangle area’s only professional ballet company, known for their impressive portrayals of timeless classics. This season they are paying tribute to William Shakespeare on the 400th anniversary of his death on April 23, marking the first world premiere for a full-length story ballet for Carolina Ballet since 2010’s Sleeping Beauty. There has only been one other known Macbeth ballet, which was presented by the Bolshoi Ballet in 1980!</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; font-size: 12pt; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;">
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: small;"><i>Macbeth </i>is one of the Bard’s best known dramatic plays, a thrilling and intriguing tragedy about prophecy, ambition, and a couple’s dangerous quest for power. Carolina Ballet’s show is a brand new production, featuring an entirely original Act I written by Artistic Director Robert Weiss. The performances feature visually stunning choreography by Weiss, along with newly designed sets by Resident Scenic Director Jeff Jones and a specially commissioned score by J. Mark Scearce, one of North Carolina’s most recognized composers. Performances feature live music accompaniment by the Chamber Orchestra of the Triangle, which includes more than 30 musicians.<u></u><u></u></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: small;"><i>* It is recommended that the performance is best for middle school students and up. *</i></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: small;">Read what the News & Observer had to say about this amazing performance <a href="http://www.newsobserver.com/entertainment/arts-culture/article72100507.html" target="_blank">here</a>.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><b>Best of all, Carolina Ballet is offering Stir Crazy and SoDu families a special discount! Just use the code “MB2016" through the DPAC box office to receive 20% off your tickets!</b></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYX6Vjm2os1yxXW9ytgjvEWCa7ClkSpcmtrWLIjXG_np3L1BJo8SOUFhtfmmmqVAjP0hjJNil9jJMJHMtY9vPJ5fg-_a7KE_-4SpUgRYyxdX6sUNi0wS6dv5Ci3MYdj3cMrlqBqvnMRhIw/s1600/macbethking.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYX6Vjm2os1yxXW9ytgjvEWCa7ClkSpcmtrWLIjXG_np3L1BJo8SOUFhtfmmmqVAjP0hjJNil9jJMJHMtY9vPJ5fg-_a7KE_-4SpUgRYyxdX6sUNi0wS6dv5Ci3MYdj3cMrlqBqvnMRhIw/s320/macbethking.jpeg" width="213" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><b><u>Details:</u></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: small;">· <span class="aBn" data-term="goog_1784489620" style="border-bottom-color: rgb(204, 204, 204); border-bottom-style: dashed; border-bottom-width: 1px; position: relative; top: -2px; z-index: 0;" tabindex="0"><span class="aQJ" style="position: relative; top: 2px; z-index: -1;">Saturday, April 30 at 8 PM</span></span><u></u><u></u></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: small;">· <span class="aBn" data-term="goog_1784489621" style="border-bottom-color: rgb(204, 204, 204); border-bottom-style: dashed; border-bottom-width: 1px; position: relative; top: -2px; z-index: 0;" tabindex="0"><span class="aQJ" style="position: relative; top: 2px; z-index: -1;">Sunday, May 1 at 2 PM</span></span> <u></u><u></u></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: small;">For tickets, visit </span><a href="https://www.carolinaballet.com/program/macbeth" style="color: #1155cc; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: medium;" target="_blank"><span style="color: #fb00ff;">https://www.<wbr></wbr>carolinaballet.com/program/<wbr></wbr>macbeth</span></a><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: small;"> or call the DPAC box office at </span><a href="tel:919-680-2787" style="color: #1155cc; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: medium;" target="_blank" value="+19196802787">919-680-2787</a></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">Where: Durham Performing Arts Center, </span><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: small;">123 Vivian Street, </span><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: small;">Durham, NC 27701</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: small;">More info on the Carolina Ballet, </span><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: small; text-align: justify;">one of America’s premiere arts organizations can be found at </span><b style="color: #1155cc; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: medium;"><span style="color: #fb00ff;"><a href="http://www.carolinaballet.com/" style="color: #1155cc;" target="_blank">www.carolinaballet.com</a></span></b></div>
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The Stir Crazy Momshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09287210188836755488noreply@blogger.com0123 Vivian Street, Durham, NC 27701, USA35.9930612 -78.90229090000002535.1666672 -80.193184400000021 36.8194552 -77.61139740000003tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2295965386468618384.post-89144902019968378552016-04-21T15:10:00.000-07:002016-04-21T15:10:29.578-07:00Southern Women's Show<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjO9TW3l_A7t-vCWNA8jT4YP6jhu1bqZSR3PJgp6Y3c6caR9Fdy9nokAtprEt-hFZh1iKfCaFGs08go04G-OCHzmUtE50le6EeYNs0JpyoIrHOq6AgSvmOCyYPwYfjLK03uCf5XaiGpPQhM/s1600/swsmomdaughter.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjO9TW3l_A7t-vCWNA8jT4YP6jhu1bqZSR3PJgp6Y3c6caR9Fdy9nokAtprEt-hFZh1iKfCaFGs08go04G-OCHzmUtE50le6EeYNs0JpyoIrHOq6AgSvmOCyYPwYfjLK03uCf5XaiGpPQhM/s1600/swsmomdaughter.jpg" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOEW-QNAJrDwj5VapLrDBfJA329ePsg1DYsVFPEpujUvbHQl_kYKgM4S3HqUwVAXsR0D_WmutCuRiIiaDvJDLgh1sEAtisWsLys2MAo0bWXWno8fkbb2Juj3-UeDHD4ynx7d3UoeBVl6X-/s1600/swsogo-sws.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOEW-QNAJrDwj5VapLrDBfJA329ePsg1DYsVFPEpujUvbHQl_kYKgM4S3HqUwVAXsR0D_WmutCuRiIiaDvJDLgh1sEAtisWsLys2MAo0bWXWno8fkbb2Juj3-UeDHD4ynx7d3UoeBVl6X-/s1600/swsogo-sws.jpg" /></a><span style="color: #222222; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><span style="line-height: 22px;"><a href="https://southernshows.com/wra" target="_blank">The Southern Women’s Show</a>, the Triangle’s most exciting and wide-</span></span><span style="color: #222222; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; line-height: 22px;">ranging shopping and entertainme</span><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><span style="color: #222222; line-height: 22px;">nt </span>event,<span style="color: #222222; line-height: 22px;"> is r</span></span><span style="color: #222222; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; line-height: 22px;">eturning this weekend of April 22-24. The highly anticipated annual </span><span style="color: #222222; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; line-height: 22px;">event will showcase two new celebrity guests: <b>Stephen “tWitch” Boss from the Ellen DeGeneres Show and So You </b></span><span style="color: #222222; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; line-height: 22px;"><b>Think You Can Dance</b>, as well as <b>Whitney Way Thore from TLC network’s My Big Fat Fabulous Life</b>. In addition to </span><span style="color: #222222; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; line-height: 22px;">meeting this year’s celebrities, women can enjoy a vast variety of features and entertainers along with shopping </span><span style="color: #222222; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; line-height: 22px;">hundreds of different clothing, beauty, food and other unique businesses. </span><b><span class="aBn" data-term="goog_37968380" style="border-bottom-color: rgb(204, 204, 204); border-bottom-style: dashed; border-bottom-width: 1px; color: #222222; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: -2px; z-index: 0;" tabindex="0"><span class="aQJ" style="position: relative; top: 2px; z-index: -1;">Sunday</span></span><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; line-height: 22px;"> is Mother Daughter Day with a special emphasis on kid's activities, including a fun hula hooping contest with PowerHoopz founder Chris Lowe. </span></b><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7ah5GPXwM4iXKg9euCqq7Vtwld-6_wv193w62vr5s07tv92JmwLqzWTNyM8IBWU7yfSNtyJ7VzBP1ObgotjFBZc3fxhw944n-UIbL1kw0liRM7KMhyG2_4CbdFNwhvC_1w6dlvoO0d-AA/s1600/sws+twitch.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7ah5GPXwM4iXKg9euCqq7Vtwld-6_wv193w62vr5s07tv92JmwLqzWTNyM8IBWU7yfSNtyJ7VzBP1ObgotjFBZc3fxhw944n-UIbL1kw0liRM7KMhyG2_4CbdFNwhvC_1w6dlvoO0d-AA/s1600/sws+twitch.jpg" /></a></div>
<span style="color: #222222; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><span style="line-height: 22px;">Boss first rose to fame after winning over critics and fans alike on season four of So You Think You Can Dance where </span></span><span style="color: #222222; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; line-height: 22px;">he captivated audiences with his impressive dancing skills and unmatched charisma. He regularly returns to serve as </span><span style="color: #222222; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; line-height: 22px;">a mentor, choreographer and coach on new seasons of the show. Boss has also been a guest performer on Dancing </span><span style="color: #222222; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; line-height: 22px;">With The Stars and has been a favorite guest DJ on the Ellen DeGeneres Show since April 2014. His phenomenal </span><span style="color: #222222; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; line-height: 22px;">talent has also landed him roles in a number of Hollywood films; including </span>the 2015<span style="color: #222222; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; line-height: 22px;"> hit Magic Mike XXL. Southern </span><span style="color: #222222; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; line-height: 22px;">Women’s Show attendees will hear from Boss about his journey to stardom and witness some </span><span style="color: #222222; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; line-height: 22px;">of his best dance </span><span style="color: #222222; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; line-height: 22px;">moves. <b>The fun takes place at 1:30 p.m. Friday, April 22 on the Fashion & Entertainment Stage. </b></span><span style="color: #222222; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; line-height: 22px;">“tWitch is an outstanding performer with a huge personality and we are so honored to have him at the show this </span><span style="color: #222222; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; line-height: 22px;">year,” said Katie Cronin, show manager of the Southern Women’s Show. “He knows how to create fun and </span><span style="color: #222222; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; line-height: 22px;">memorable experiences with audiences and we know he’ll bring an incredible energy to the Southern Women’s </span><span style="color: #222222; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; line-height: 22px;">Show. We encourage all attendees to stick around after tWitch’s stage appearance for a complimentary fan meet </span><span style="color: #222222; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; line-height: 22px;">and greet including autographs and photo opportunities.”</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUV2ikrCQ1hG_QAUYaro3lT0ZszG82k-9vU2lxfJRmURS2uTnBHWn33FXGobNb4CKCY2PD_o7MQgslwmmpIF6Kc6VV8vovFpIQXNirsSFOyZ9pXusWuqKViUfhPLkofj9QQqddqIWwpqnG/s1600/swssoecialguests.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUV2ikrCQ1hG_QAUYaro3lT0ZszG82k-9vU2lxfJRmURS2uTnBHWn33FXGobNb4CKCY2PD_o7MQgslwmmpIF6Kc6VV8vovFpIQXNirsSFOyZ9pXusWuqKViUfhPLkofj9QQqddqIWwpqnG/s1600/swssoecialguests.jpg" /></a><br />
<span style="color: #222222; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><span style="line-height: 22px;">Also presenting at this year’s show is reality-TV star and North Carolina native, Whitney Way Thore. After starring in </span></span><span style="color: #222222; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; line-height: 22px;">the 2014 viral YouTube video, “A Fat Girl Dancing,” Thore was immediately thrust into the spotlight as a fat </span><span style="color: #222222; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; line-height: 22px;">acceptance activist. She has received national recognition for her campaign for positive body image, No Body </span><span style="color: #222222; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; line-height: 22px;">Shame, and helped bring awareness to polycystic ovary syndrome. Thore will take the Fashion & Entertainment </span><span style="color: #222222; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; line-height: 22px;">Stage Saturday, April 23 at 1 p.m. to tell her moving </span>story<span style="color: #222222; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; line-height: 22px;"> and participate in a Q&A session with audience members. </span><span style="color: #222222; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; line-height: 22px;">Fans can also participate in a meet and greet with Thore after her appearance.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><b>Other performers and presenters include</b> national recording artist and Gospel Queen of Neo-Soul, Cynthia Jones; </span><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Ms. Glitz The Entertainer; PowerHoopz Founder Chris Lowe; Kendra Lynne of At Home Canning; Dwayna Litz, author </span><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">of Happiness: No Man Required; and local fashion blogger, Molly Stillman from “Still Being Molly,” to name a few.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Also returning this year is the <b>cash bar featuring Barefoot Wine, the official wine sponsor of the Southern Women’s </b></span><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><b>Show</b>. Attendees 21 and older can receive a <b>complimentary glass of wine during Girls’ Night Out</b>, Friday starting at 4 </span><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">p.m., April 22, by presenting a coupon printed <a href="https://southernshows.com/wra/discount" target="_blank">here</a>. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><b>In addition, the show’s weekend includes:</b></span><br />
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<li><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">The </span>saucy<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"> 15th annual Firefighter Fashion Show and the adorable Fido Fashion Show, both benefitting local</span><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">nonprofits</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Makeovers from Belk’s signature beauty bar experts along with cosmetic specials and giveaways</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Test drives of brand new cars and SUVs by Chevrolet made for today’s busiest families</span></li>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvMa0oyzt6uOk1sf2b8rBK4T74LT4lmCMQvdGNSEpT592yiT1UHF4HZyxWpT4IqxUZmkq04FJb7J3swyaz-IsZMXcMYyAAofmXS9gAf_-jY6Yz9g-hyZvDHPbl23T4qJ7Pr_o90a_SNZue/s1600/swsfiremen.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="124" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvMa0oyzt6uOk1sf2b8rBK4T74LT4lmCMQvdGNSEpT592yiT1UHF4HZyxWpT4IqxUZmkq04FJb7J3swyaz-IsZMXcMYyAAofmXS9gAf_-jY6Yz9g-hyZvDHPbl23T4qJ7Pr_o90a_SNZue/s320/swsfiremen.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><a href="https://southernshows.com/wra" target="_blank">The Southern Women’s Show</a> runs Friday, April 22 from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m., Saturday, April 23 from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m., </span><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">and Sunday, April 24 from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Tickets are on sale now and can be purchased at an advanc</span><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">ed discount price of $1</span><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">0 online prior to the show </span><span style="color: #222222; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><a href="https://southernshows.com/wra/tickets/" target="_blank">online</a> for $2 off </span><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">or $8 at local Walgreens locations starting March 21. Tickets can also be </span><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">purchased for $12 at the door. Tickets for children ages 6 through 12 are $6 and children under the age of 6 can </span><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">attend free of charge with a paying adult. For more information, visit <a href="http://www.southernshows.com/WRA">www.SouthernShows.com/WRA</a>. The full schedule is <a href="https://southernshows.com/wra/schedule/" target="_blank">here</a>.</span><br />
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<span style="color: #222222;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">There are even more discounts available <a href="https://southernshows.com/wra/discount" target="_blank">here</a>, including a free glass of wine on ladies night, Friday. You do have to print them out and bring them to the door. There are also printable coupons for individual vendors <a href="https://southernshows.com/wra/coupons" target="_blank">here</a>.</span></span><br />
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<span style="color: #222222;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><b>So how do you win tickets? Just sign in to facebook in the rafflecopter giveaway below or sign in using your email. It's easy!</b></span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #222222;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><b>Hope to see you there!</b></span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #222222; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><a class="rcptr" data-raflid="d3676efe3" data-template="" data-theme="classic" href="http://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/display/d3676efe3/" id="rcwidget_tiozfnci" rel="nofollow">a Rafflecopter giveaway</a></span><br />
<span style="color: #222222; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><script src="https://widget-prime.rafflecopter.com/launch.js"></script></span>The Stir Crazy Momshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09287210188836755488noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2295965386468618384.post-64414501534934281882016-04-14T10:00:00.000-07:002016-04-14T14:14:11.895-07:00Hope Valley Brewing Company<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Stir Crazy is excited to tell you about the newest restaurant on the block in SoDu is <a href="http://www.hopevalleybrewingcompany.com/" target="_blank">Hope Valley Brewing Company</a>, in the old City Beverage space. They </span><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">opened on St. Patrick's day, and the kind owners Peter Michaels, </span><span style="background-color: white; color: #141823; line-height: 17.94px; white-space: pre-wrap;">Andrew Christenbury, and Brad Strode invited us in for lunch on the house. </span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #141823; line-height: 17.94px; white-space: pre-wrap;">I love what they say on their <a href="http://www.hopevalleybrewingcompany.com/" target="_blank">website</a>:</span></span><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"> <i>"We strive to have incredible flavors in a low key environment loved by parents, beer officiandos, sports nuts, intellectuals and everyone else. Come give us a shot, you'll probably make some new friends."</i></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">First thing to know about the building is that the patio is still there and promises some refreshing spring meals in the nice weather. The old "lava lounge" space previously connected to City Beverage is still under construction, and the owners are working to figure out how to best use it, where exactly the brewing will take place, or if pool tables will work. So stay tuned to their <a href="https://www.facebook.com/hopevalleybrewingcompany" target="_blank">facebook page</a> for updates!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; text-align: start;">The new space is clean and modern, with minimalistic design and aqua walls, tan and wood accents. The colors and lighting definitely give it a pleasing appearance and allow you to focus on the food and experience. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">We sat right in front of one of the televisions since they were tuned to the first games of the NCAA, and it's sure to be a popular place watching games. We immediately noticed the kid area! It is in the corner but definitely not crowded, even with like 6 kids in there.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">They had a big chalkboard, boxes full of toys, crayons and paper. My kids were totally entertained until the food came, so I got to relax.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">We were starving so I immediately ordered. We got their homemade lemonade, which we sucked down - so good! I got the chicken nachos with guacamole, bang bang cauliflower app </span><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">(Flash fried and tossed in City Bev's classic Bang-Bang),</span><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"> and the kids got a child's burger and a grilled cheese. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Gotta admit I am a huge fan of the sauce on the cauliflower - think it's the only place I'll ever eat it! The nachos weren't quite how CityBev used to make them but it's nice that they kept some dishes as tribute to the past.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">I was also happy to see that several former staff members are still working there, because they're great and talented food service workers. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">The <a href="http://flash%20fried%20and%20tossed%20in%20city%20bev%27s%20classic%20bang-bang/" target="_blank">menu</a> is changing, with specials everyday and a brunch menu to come. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Overall, we had a great time. It was perfect for a quick lunch and I can't wait to try it out for dinner or a moms night out on the patio. Happy to see another great brewery as well and am looking forward to tasting their first brews!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><b>What we loved: </b>It's got a nice clean feel and a combination of standards and unique takes on dishes. The kids area makes it one of the few restaurants in town that understands how keeping kids happy keeps parents coming, so I know SoDu Parents Posse members and Stir Crazy readers appreciate that!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><b>What we would change: </b>The kinks were still being worked out with food as they had just had their first delivery, but they were really receptive to all input I've seen so far. So reach out if you have any advice for the new biz as they grow!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><b>The details: </b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"><b>Hope Valley Brewing Company</b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><b><a href="http://www.hopevalleybrewingcompany.com/">http://www.hopevalleybrewingcompany.com/</a></b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><a href="https://www.google.com/maps/place/4810+Hope+Valley+Rd,+Durham,+NC+27707/@35.9216593,-78.9608266,17z/data=!3m1!4b1!4m2!3m1!1s0x89ace89c6d647213:0x5ec9b3619f890c8d">4810 Hope Valley Road</a> (formerly city Beverage)</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><a href="mailto:info@hopevalleybrewingcompany.com">info@hopevalleybrewingcompany.com</a><br /><a href="https://www.facebook.com/hopevalleybrewingcompany">https://www.facebook.com/hopevalleybrewingcompany</a><br /><a href="https://twitter.com/hopevalleybc">https://twitter.com/hopevalleybc</a></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Call for reservations at 919-294-4955</span><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><i>FCC disclosure: Hope Valley Brewing Company provided us with a free lunch for three so that we could provide an informed review of their restaurant and food. No endorsement was promised in exchange.</i></span><br />
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The Stir Crazy Momshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09287210188836755488noreply@blogger.com04810 Hope Valley Rd, Durham, NC 27707, USA35.9217064 -78.95847609999998435.920902899999994 -78.959736599999985 35.9225099 -78.957215599999984tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2295965386468618384.post-22819121390968242772016-03-29T15:33:00.000-07:002016-04-12T11:22:48.101-07:00Durham CAPS - Creative Arts In Public and Private Schools... and more!<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><b>Longtime Stir Crazy Mom blogger and writer in her own right Melissa Rooney brings us some information about Durham CAPS, and why you should be a part of it!</b><br /><br /><b>What is Durham CAPS?</b></span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj50RW9dLaVtD_JnmMmUrBLOBYTVS5wcR1s-IUZ1cUHM_hymzAS9V4C5yXC0M_bYpt3CPOEs9v42IiGMYcyIOd9FdGxe0x0AfeCuqeuK-HVrpNkfJAvlNUFrcTKnToYABtHJMkyXFil3qAH/s1600/CAPSlogo.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj50RW9dLaVtD_JnmMmUrBLOBYTVS5wcR1s-IUZ1cUHM_hymzAS9V4C5yXC0M_bYpt3CPOEs9v42IiGMYcyIOd9FdGxe0x0AfeCuqeuK-HVrpNkfJAvlNUFrcTKnToYABtHJMkyXFil3qAH/s320/CAPSlogo.jpg" width="177" /></a><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><span style="color: #13284b;">Over the years, I have had the privilege of many discussions with Nancy Cox, a Southwest Durham resident, former Durham School Board member, and lifelong advocate for our public schools, teachers, and students.</span> </span><span style="font-family: 'trebuchet ms', sans-serif;">Our friendship began in </span>2008,<span style="font-family: 'trebuchet ms', sans-serif;"> when Nancy contacted me about organizing a Forum for South Durham residents with newly elected county commissioners Brenda Howerton and Joe Bowser. I was pregnant and home with my 6- and 4-year-olds and was engaged in issues involving suburban development and the health of South Durham watersheds. “Keep a good record </span>for<span style="font-family: 'trebuchet ms', sans-serif;"> your resume and work experience,” Nancy advised from her hindsight perspective. Upon learning of the science-based activities I conducted in my kids’ schools, Nancy encouraged me to apply to become an artist in the Creative Arts in the Public and Private Schools (CAPS) program via the Durham Arts Council. CAPS was nearly 40 years old, but I’d never heard of it. Five minutes into the discussion, I was hooked, line and sinker.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"> <br /><span style="color: #cc0000;">The CAPS program (<a href="https://durhamartscouncilcaps.com/">https://durhamartscouncilcaps.com</a>) provides creative and interactive artist’s workshops and residencies that teach core subjects (math, science, writing, social studies), character education and a variety of life skills through the arts.</span> The idea is to provide unique, engaging, affordable and relevant arts-based educational experiences to traditional public, charter, private and home schools, early childhood centers, preschools and after-schools, senior and adult groups…any environment with the objective of stimulating creativity and shared learning. CAPS also provides professional development ARTS workshops for teachers and business teams.</span><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWi0kpuuaOrcyhk5rZWlgNl3fuM3WAeor619NgLSqzHGdh5O4_SdwyM5LVDlqt7dkSQ3appLAEJt9FaDGjzY2TiUtrUliVUMancC6GMmKau-1mNEAay3ZO4briEWTAG68sfF_gf3TML2rB/s1600/capstypesofprograms.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="392" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWi0kpuuaOrcyhk5rZWlgNl3fuM3WAeor619NgLSqzHGdh5O4_SdwyM5LVDlqt7dkSQ3appLAEJt9FaDGjzY2TiUtrUliVUMancC6GMmKau-1mNEAay3ZO4briEWTAG68sfF_gf3TML2rB/s640/capstypesofprograms.jpg" width="640" /></a><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><br /><br />Upon speaking with CAPS Manager Shana Adams, I was immediately impressed with CAPS’ mission of maintaining truly engaging, hands-on education in our public schools. My next thought, which I’m sure I spoke aloud, was, “What a great opportunity for homeschoolers and even birthday parties.”<br /><br />Most of the one-time classes CAPS offers (<a href="https://durhamartscouncilcaps.com/caps-artists-and-programs/">https://durhamartscouncilcaps.com/caps-artists-and-programs/</a>) cost around $150.00 and permit around 30 participants. That’s about the average cost of an elementary kid’s birthday party organized through a fun park, movie theater or bowling alley and probably costs less per participant. From Diali Cissokho’s equivalent of an African drum circle (Rockin Rhythms: An African Beat, $125.00/class/hr) to Jody Cassell’s Dancing Math or Dancing Science performances ($130/class/hour), that’s money worth spending on my children’s and their friends’ entertainment.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">My next thought was that CAPS was a perfectly cost-effective and local source for company and community team-building events. And that’s what I love about the program. Shana and her Durham Arts Council team are sincere and open-minded in their mission to spread intelligent and relevant arts experiences to everyone, regardless of age or circumstance. Shana was enthusiastic about my Didgeridoo and the Science of Sound ($100) and Eddie The Electron workshops ($125) and guided me through the application <br />process, so that I became a CAPS artist in 2009. Since then, I have conducted both workshops at several Durham elementary and middle schools. I’m not inundated with requests, but the few workshops I do each year benefit me as much as the students I meet.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">More importantly, I am now part of a fabulous program I would never have known about had I not applied. As Shana once emailed me, “The CAPS program has been a part of this community for over 44 years, yet there are people that still don’t know what we offer. We want everyone in Durham to know about this amazing program and how it helps students to learn in new ways, by making connections to curriculum utilizing the magic of the arts and creativity.”</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">A highlight in my life has been witnessing my children having so much fun they don’t even know they’re learning. Another is witnessing other kids, especially those who generally have trouble in school, doing the same thing. But the best thing is observing the immediate changes in these kids’ self-esteem and peer-to-peer relationships as a result of their shared interactive learning experience.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">When asked to provide a statement for this article, Shana replied with her usual passion, ending with the following: <span style="color: #cc0000;">“Several CAPS Artists have settled in Durham from different parts of the world, including- Sierra Leone, Ghana, Liberia, Brazil, Trinidad & Tobago, China, Australia, etc. CAPS also partners to present programs with the Nasher Museum of Art, Carolina Theatre, BUMP: The Triangle, African American Dance Ensemble, Mallarme Chamber Players, Duda/Paine Architects, and American Dance Festival (ADF). We want students to be exposed to the rich array of art happening right here in Durham. We want the arts to always be accessible.”</span></span><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><i>(Just two of the many programs, that run the gamut from science to dance)</i></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><br />That pretty much sums it up for me. CAPS is a professional, heart-felt, local program that we are lucky, on so many levels, to have here in Durham, and I plan to support it every chance I get. I hope you’ll join me.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><b>More information: </b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><b>Durham CAPS - <a href="https://durhamartscouncilcaps.com/">https://durhamartscouncilcaps.com/</a></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><b>Full color guidebook here - <a href="https://durhamartscouncilcaps.files.wordpress.com/2015/10/caps-2015-17-guidebook-final.pdf">https://durhamartscouncilcaps.files.wordpress.com/2015/10/caps-2015-17-guidebook-final.pdf</a></b></span></div>
The Stir Crazy Momshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09287210188836755488noreply@blogger.com0Morris St at Durham Arts Council, Durham, NC 27701, USA35.997477 -78.90374199999996610.475442500000003 -120.21233599999996 61.519511500000007 -37.595147999999966tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2295965386468618384.post-88985354437104164872016-03-16T14:08:00.000-07:002016-03-16T15:36:53.561-07:00Carolina Glazed Donuts<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><b>SoDu Parents Posse member and local tutoring legend Celia Benton brings us her review of the brand new donut shop in RTP, Carolina Glazed Donuts!</b></span></span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-size: 12.8px;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Carolina Glazed Donuts is a brand new donut shop here in Durham, where we have many delicious donut options. So this pregnant mama stopped by the other day with her littles to check them out. The shop is clean and open with a large display case and booth type seating around the edges. They have both yeast and cake donuts with a majority being yeast. The flavors are all pretty normal, nothing wild and crazy like at some other places. You can get a basic donut with several different frosting choices, or glazed donuts in a variety of shapes/styles. </span></span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQSD18jskm6_aV3Ox3nq3SHXEeGyNiFr9312Q4Ps4HzPLfrqg0D37Dp8V1veMYTR0VsK9SehXD6tSAa9FAKZ1z0euynMgPwSa_RKRs5UxAKfqzzU1fDV_M2IQZm2ufF4hQbJhos4NMd1kI/s1600/IMG_7083.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQSD18jskm6_aV3Ox3nq3SHXEeGyNiFr9312Q4Ps4HzPLfrqg0D37Dp8V1veMYTR0VsK9SehXD6tSAa9FAKZ1z0euynMgPwSa_RKRs5UxAKfqzzU1fDV_M2IQZm2ufF4hQbJhos4NMd1kI/s320/IMG_7083.JPG" width="320" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">The coolest part was the filled donuts. They have both round donuts and eclair shapes that are pre-glazed or frosted but not yet filled. You can choose a donut with the shape and frosting you like and then choose a filling and they will fill it for you right then. So many possible combinations. On the day we went they had strawberry or raspberry jam, lemon curd, vanilla cream or cream cheese filling. We tried cream cheese, lemon and strawberry and were quite delighted with the results. Also notable is that the bear claw is filled with a delicious apple cinnamon filling, not available in the filling machines because it's chunky. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">We choose to get a dozen donuts to go and the whole family was pleased with that decision but it also occurred to me that this would be a fun stop on the way home from Defy Gravity, or with all the delicious smelling lunch options nearby could be a great after lunch treat for a family or anyone in RTP on a lunch break. </span><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><b style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: 12.8px;">What we liked: </b><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.8px;">Seeing them fill our donuts individually was a new experience. The price is great compared to the fancier donut places we often choose ($11 for an assorted dozen). The day old donuts are still tasting delicious, though won't last much longer. We're also excited to note that they're open into the</span><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.8px;"> evening for all those late afternoon donut cravings.</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 12.8px;"><br /></span></span><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><b style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: 12.8px;">What we would change:</b><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.8px;"> Not something they can actually change but the way their parking lot is arranged relative to the nearby intersection (lots of right turn only</span><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.8px;"> type issues) could be problematic depending on your route and aversion to u-turns. Also, my six year old found that</span><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.8px;"> the donuts to be "tasty but not much flavor" so they could be great for some and a let down for others, depending on your flavor preferences. </span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><b>The details: </b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><b>Carolina Glazed Donuts</b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">5400 S Miami Blvd<br />Durham, NC</span></div>
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<a href="tel:919-477-9999" style="color: #1155cc;" target="_blank" value="+19194779999"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">919-477-9999</span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: #f6f7f8; color: #141823; line-height: 16.08px;">Mon-Fri <span class="aBn" data-term="goog_1399198043" style="border-bottom-color: rgb(204, 204, 204); border-bottom-style: dashed; border-bottom-width: 1px; position: relative; top: -2px; z-index: 0;" tabindex="0"><span class="aQJ" style="position: relative; top: 2px; z-index: -1;">6am-7:30 pm</span></span></span><br style="background-color: #f6f7f8; color: #141823; line-height: 16.08px;" /><span style="background-color: #f6f7f8; color: #141823; line-height: 16.08px;">Sat <span class="aBn" data-term="goog_1399198044" style="border-bottom-color: rgb(204, 204, 204); border-bottom-style: dashed; border-bottom-width: 1px; position: relative; top: -2px; z-index: 0;" tabindex="0"><span class="aQJ" style="position: relative; top: 2px; z-index: -1;">7:00 am- 7:30 pm</span></span></span><br style="background-color: #f6f7f8; color: #141823; line-height: 16.08px;" /><span style="background-color: #f6f7f8; color: #141823; line-height: 16.08px;">Sun <span class="aBn" data-term="goog_1399198045" style="border-bottom-color: rgb(204, 204, 204); border-bottom-style: dashed; border-bottom-width: 1px; position: relative; top: -2px; z-index: 0;" tabindex="0"><span class="aQJ" style="position: relative; top: 2px; z-index: -1;">7:00am- 2:00 pm</span></span></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: #f6f7f8; line-height: 16.08px;"><a href="https://www.facebook.com/Carolina-Glazed-Donuts-1591521561088265/" target="_blank">Carolina Glazed Donuts Facebook Page</a></span></span></div>
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The Stir Crazy Momshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09287210188836755488noreply@blogger.com15400 S Miami Blvd, Durham, NC 27703, USA35.8822361 -78.85115859999996210.3602016 -120.15975259999996 61.404270600000004 -37.542564599999963tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2295965386468618384.post-32390401559913380642016-02-15T10:46:00.003-08:002016-02-15T11:12:30.167-08:00Burn BootCamp<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">It's mid-February, which means that a lot of those New Years Resolutions have faded into the background, and you might be feeling a little bit of guilt about it. But what if you could start something tomorrow that would jumpstart them again? </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><br /></span> <span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">A week ago, I started Burn BootCamp, a workout facility for women and moms, and I am amazed at the difference it has made in my life in such a short amount of time. My body has been through a lot in the past year - my car was hit twice in 4 days, and I injured my ankle so bad on a vacation that I had to use a wheelchair the rest of the time. But I'm finally back up to speed, so Erin Studdard, the owner and head trainer at BBC, encouraged me to come in and give it a try. Burn BootCamp is located in the heart of SoDu, at Greenwood Commons Shopping Center, where the SoDu Farmers Market is, on Hwy 55. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><i>(exterior photo from Yelp review)</i></span></div>
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><br /></span> <span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">First we sat down and talked about my goals for my life, not just about my body. We talked about nutrition and meal planning, and she gave me great recipes. I set a weight loss goal of pounds but what was more important was what I want to gain. I want to not feel winded when running around with my kids, I want to have energy to do the things that need to get done, I want to feel strong and capable, I want my clothes to fit better, I want to be an example for my children on how to take care of my body, I want to better my health for my future. It's so much more than a number. Erin and I sat for the longest time talking about dreams and how to accomplish them. She said "Your goals are my goals!" So we came up with a plan of how much to work towards losing each week, what my caloric goal would be, how to focus on nutrients and protein and so much more. </span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCbijHqfJwBnN5roNafpTMsBaPPAh-OS1dtlXh05A8NgYc_MGqoymKqozw-NnO0jE3ehnvmVX_TOhxTSEa8sACDupn8vPppngH2MVp9KSSsPZGR6K55sjNyYZxk5fCDyPHPseV9gOtHVdL/s1600/burngoals.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCbijHqfJwBnN5roNafpTMsBaPPAh-OS1dtlXh05A8NgYc_MGqoymKqozw-NnO0jE3ehnvmVX_TOhxTSEa8sACDupn8vPppngH2MVp9KSSsPZGR6K55sjNyYZxk5fCDyPHPseV9gOtHVdL/s320/burngoals.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><br /></span> <span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Then the next day I dropped my daughter off at school and came to camp. One big misnomer about bootcamp fitness is that it's too hard or that the trainers are drill sergeants. Couldn't be further from the truth. First of all, it's for women only. This in and of itself puts me at ease. The women I see working out are all shapes and sizes. Some of us are brand new, some have been coming a long time. The music is upbeat, the atmosphere is fun. All of them support each other, and there is absolutely no judgement. I felt so powerful, my heart rate was up, and I was sweating. We did circuit training, where each station has it's own unique exercise and members cycle through them. I've been a total of 4 times now and no workout has been the same. Some days they'll focus on calisthenics, some days it'll just be arms, but each day has a warm up component as well as cool down and stretching.</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghQoXPOdJSeaiTl36a70Zr5xRVUUvXDywZb0FN5vPXqmDjE5OOKQleHSSEn8j1LPYkzPlNh3hXld8w_NPWUQTKezpluwDrX0yB4dyuSGbL7FUp7TNN7iRSFWcpsiH_8RLhJ1I1Plc4ibZS/s1600/burnatwork.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghQoXPOdJSeaiTl36a70Zr5xRVUUvXDywZb0FN5vPXqmDjE5OOKQleHSSEn8j1LPYkzPlNh3hXld8w_NPWUQTKezpluwDrX0yB4dyuSGbL7FUp7TNN7iRSFWcpsiH_8RLhJ1I1Plc4ibZS/s320/burnatwork.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><br /></span> <span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">The facility itself is very open, with soft mat floors (instead of concrete like you'll see some places), inspirational quotes on the walls, and of course, equipment galore, like ropes, weights, and blocks for jumping. There is also a bathroom, complete with shower in case you have to clean up afterwards and can't get home. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Burn BootCamp also has childcare available, which is a huge selling point for me. It's not available for all times, but for the most popular, and there's lots for kids to do in their own area, including toys, an old school arcade game, books, and TV. The babysitters are always so nice and capable. Plus there's a big one way mirror so you can peek in at your littles if you wish when catching your breath!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><i style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: small;">(childcare room photo from Yelp review)</i></span></div>
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><br /></span> <span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">I was pretty sore after the first day but then got the hang of it as soon as a routine started. I've also been shopping and eating smarter. Erin reached out to check up on me and said, "I told you that your goals became my goals!" Now I gotta say it's a habit. I love how energized it leaves me afterwards, and how I already feel better about myself. I know what my body is capable of and how I can make my goals for 2016 happen. </span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_Gg4-EOFITVQDqTZGx3iCvnQfRF-T6S_VyoYR9SiH1AbGHgjQU3ySKtWm9AaEE6qDIW438Qo3Ucs3KXnbTYPyloo6kjalRzSJPZM5vVGKQautkdraHmUlK08sCIEAHHQp7EX6L9N4Vt5w/s1600/Snapseed+%25281%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_Gg4-EOFITVQDqTZGx3iCvnQfRF-T6S_VyoYR9SiH1AbGHgjQU3ySKtWm9AaEE6qDIW438Qo3Ucs3KXnbTYPyloo6kjalRzSJPZM5vVGKQautkdraHmUlK08sCIEAHHQp7EX6L9N4Vt5w/s320/Snapseed+%25281%2529.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><br /></span> <span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">If you're interested in joining me at Burn BootCamp, just drop Erin a note on <a href="http://facebook.com/BurnBootcampDurham" target="_blank">BBC's facebook page</a> where you can sign up for a <a href="https://www.facebook.com/BurnBootcampDurham/app/190322544333196/" target="_blank">free trial</a>. Just mention that Kat sent you!</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><br /></span> <span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">But best of all, <b>you can try out BBC right now with an awesome <a href="https://www.groupon.com/deals/burn-boot-camp-durham?utm_campaign=UserReferral&utm_medium=email&utm_source=deal_ita" target="_blank">Groupon deal</a>. It's <span style="background-color: white; line-height: 19.5px;"><a href="https://www.groupon.com/deals/burn-boot-camp-durham?utm_campaign=UserReferral&utm_medium=email&utm_source=deal_ita" target="_blank">$29.75 for one month of unlimited boot-camp classes for one</a> - but hurry, the <a href="https://www.groupon.com/deals/burn-boot-camp-durham?utm_campaign=UserReferral&utm_medium=email&utm_source=deal_ita" target="_blank">deal</a> </span></b></span><span style="background-color: white; font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; line-height: 19.5px;"><b>expires at the end of today</b> (Monday the 15th)</span><span style="background-color: white; font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; line-height: 19.5px;">! If you're reading this after the groupon deal expires, still contact Erin and I'm sure she can get you in.</span><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"> </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><br /></span> <span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">And if you want to follow my journey as I work towards my dreams, please check out future blog posts on our sister blog, <a href="http://soduparentsposse.com/">soduparentsposse.com</a>.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><br /></span> <span style="background-color: white; font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><b>The details:</b></span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; line-height: 20px;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Burn BootCamp<br />5410 NC Hwy 55, Suite AA, Durham</span></span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; line-height: 20px;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">919-525-6404</span></span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; line-height: 20px;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><a href="http://durham.burnbootcamp.com/">durham.burnbootcamp.com</a></span></span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="line-height: 20px;"><a href="http://facebook.com/BurnBootcampDurham">facebook.com/BurnBootcampDurham</a></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 20px;"><br /></span></span> <span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 20px;"><b>What we liked:</b> I love that no two workouts are the same and that I never know what to expect. I also like knowing that Erin and the other trainers will modify workouts based on injuries or ability. I love the energy and songs to keep me having fun and focused.</span></span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><br /></span> <span style="background-color: white; font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><b>What we'd change:</b> Can't think of anything! I'm having a blast!</span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><br /></span> <span style="background-color: white; line-height: 24px;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><i>FTC Required Disclosure: Burn BootCamp has given me the opportunity to try the camp at no cost to me so that I could write a more accurate review. However, I have written my honest opinion about how much I love this boot camp, and would have been willing to pay for it out of my own pocket! Additionally, the link to the groupon deal is an affiliate link and I may receive compensation towards my groupon account for the referral. Lastly, if people sign up for BBC and note me as the referral, I receive compensation for said referral. </i></span></span>The Stir Crazy Momshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09287210188836755488noreply@blogger.com05410 NC-55, Durham, NC 27713, USA35.8897778 -78.89715960000000910.367743299999997 -120.20575360000001 61.411812299999994 -37.58856560000001