It's spring break! Being two teachers with a school-aged kid, we look forward to this week almost as much as summer. However, we don't want to break the bank to enjoy it. Therefore, we look for more ways to have fun that doesn't cost an arm and a leg. I think we've been successful!
Yesterday, my husband and I celebrated our 12th anniversary. Dinner and a movie? No way....too cliche! We visited our favorite casual restuarant for wings and pizza (they have a combo that's just over $11!) and then walked through a nursery. I know what you're thinking: that doesn't sound overtly romantic for an anniversary. You may be right, but it's a great thing to plan what you and your sweetie would like for the next dozen years of life, isn't it? Nothing better for a relationship than dreaming about the future, and we're dreaming of a well-manicured garden and lawn.
After that, we headed to what I expected would be a fun night of go-carts and putt-putt. I researched online and found a place that offered a variety of fun at prices that were exceptional. However, sometimes if things look too good to be true....well, you know the rest. We followed the directions I found online and drove into the parking lot only to find the place delapadated and abandoned. Major disappointment. However, right next door was a driving range. So, we pulled into it and we altered our plans.
I am in no way a golfer. I have touched a club two times in my life...both times proved I was farther from prodigy material than is possible. However, we wanted to do something out of the rut and fun. We found it...not to mention inexpensive. We shared a bucket of balls for $3. That's right...entertainment and fun for $3! It didn't matter that I was horrific. I laughed and had a great time. My husband and I got to enjoy a new activity together. And it didn't make much of a dent in the wallet.
Wednesday, April 20, 2011
Monday, July 12, 2010
Toot Toot!
If you are looking for a great FREE way to spend an afternoon, visit the NC Transportation Museum in Rowan County. My son is enamoured by all things transportation -- trucks, cars, boats, trains, and planes -- so it was perfect for him.
During our afternoon, he was able to climb inside a number of locomotives from the golden era of railroad transportation. He was able to pretend he was a mailman in the post office car and was able to climb to the top and look out the window of a caboose. The hands-on nature of the museum is what makes it a winner.
You're not in an art museum here. Everything is so child-friendly. And being able to tap out morse code and climb a ladder is fun for adults, too. The museum details the history of Spencer Shops (the site of the museum) and its place in railroad history. You will walk away with a new understanding of the importance of the industry to daily life decades ago. And the place railroad transportation has in today's world.
However, the museum is not limited to trains. Some exhibits display car models throughout history and have planes and boats as well. One of my son's favorites from the day included a "cockpit" he could climb into and pretend he was a pilot from the past's Piedmont Airlines.
If you would like to enhance your trip to the museum, there are great activities for nominal fees. You can take a rotation on the train turntable and a ride on the train at the museum for little money. If you are looking to save money, stay away from the gift shop! As is the case for most museums, it has loads of items that your child (or adult train collector) will want but that are overpriced, in my opinion. Hold on to those dollars and instead head across the street to the shops within the town of Spencer or just down the road to Main Street in Salisbury to find train-themed souvenirs.
There is no restaurant at the museum. However, picnic tables are plentiful. Pack a basket at home and enjoy the park-like grounds at the museum. However, this is one place you will probably want to save for a nice sunny day because there is quite a bit of walking outside to go from exhibit to exhibit.
If you have more time on your hands after visiting the museum, hit the Dan Nicholas Park outside Salisbury. You, again, will probably want to bring money to enjoy all the features of the park such as a miniature train, a carousel, a petting zoo, and a putt-putt coarse. However, there is plenty to see and do at the park without paying a dime.
During our afternoon, he was able to climb inside a number of locomotives from the golden era of railroad transportation. He was able to pretend he was a mailman in the post office car and was able to climb to the top and look out the window of a caboose. The hands-on nature of the museum is what makes it a winner.
You're not in an art museum here. Everything is so child-friendly. And being able to tap out morse code and climb a ladder is fun for adults, too. The museum details the history of Spencer Shops (the site of the museum) and its place in railroad history. You will walk away with a new understanding of the importance of the industry to daily life decades ago. And the place railroad transportation has in today's world.
However, the museum is not limited to trains. Some exhibits display car models throughout history and have planes and boats as well. One of my son's favorites from the day included a "cockpit" he could climb into and pretend he was a pilot from the past's Piedmont Airlines.
If you would like to enhance your trip to the museum, there are great activities for nominal fees. You can take a rotation on the train turntable and a ride on the train at the museum for little money. If you are looking to save money, stay away from the gift shop! As is the case for most museums, it has loads of items that your child (or adult train collector) will want but that are overpriced, in my opinion. Hold on to those dollars and instead head across the street to the shops within the town of Spencer or just down the road to Main Street in Salisbury to find train-themed souvenirs.
There is no restaurant at the museum. However, picnic tables are plentiful. Pack a basket at home and enjoy the park-like grounds at the museum. However, this is one place you will probably want to save for a nice sunny day because there is quite a bit of walking outside to go from exhibit to exhibit.
If you have more time on your hands after visiting the museum, hit the Dan Nicholas Park outside Salisbury. You, again, will probably want to bring money to enjoy all the features of the park such as a miniature train, a carousel, a petting zoo, and a putt-putt coarse. However, there is plenty to see and do at the park without paying a dime.
Wednesday, June 30, 2010
Old Macdonald Had a Farm....
I wish I had a green thumb. I've tried...I really have. I've planted tomatoes, peppers, herbs, daisies, .... you name it. However, I am far from a gardener. That's why I admire those around me who have such a innate talent to grow lovely gardens of flowers and food.
I grew up around gardeners. Both sets of grandparents had large, beautiful gardens that were full of beans and corn and melons. I remember many summers sitting by my grandfather and grandmother stringing beans just plucked from the garden. I also have very fond memories of eating the fruits (literally and figuratively) of those labors. Sunday dinners of mashed potatoes, green beans, and corn, as well as of a variety of other veggies, were the norm.
I've often wanted to attend a farmer's market. I've thought so often of driving by, picking up those foods that were in my grandparents' gardens, and recreating those Sunday lunches for my family. I have so many friends that proclaim the goodness of eating local and organic produce. Driving to pick up Eddie at school, I would see the weekly farmer's market set up across the street and think about how someday I was going to buy my vegetables there instead of the market. Often driving along I-40 I would look at the Triad Farmer's Market next to the road and think, "Someday I'm going to stop there." Finally, I decided to make someday today.
If you're looking for a great, inexpensive day trip, visit a farmer's market. I finally stopped at Yadkinville's and picked up fresh tomatoes and cantaloupe. And the prices were far more reasonable than what I pay in the supermarket. Later, when we visited the Triad Farmer's Market, our family was blown away with the variety of products and produce. Eddie was fascinated by purple potatoes, black tomatoes, and a variety of other foods he had never even known existed. Things weren't just limited to fruits and veggies, either. I was fascinated by the variety of cheeses, breads, and salsas I saw created by local entrepreneurs. What made everything better was the opportunity to sample so many products -- watermelon, jerky, cucumbers, dips, peaches. It was a delicious, interesting, fun day.
For children (and adults) who often fight against trying new foods or eating their vegetables, a day at the farmer's market can make food fun again. By talking to local farmers, kids can have their questions answered which makes new foods a little less intimdating. Who knows? Perhaps a visit to the farmer's market can inspire a new hobby for your family -- gardening.
And the price is always right. Of course, there is no fee for entrance to the farmer's market. You decide how much or how little you spend. And the foods I purchased were far less than what I would spend at the grocery store, so it helped keep my weekly grocery bill down, too.
So if you're looking for a fun, inexpensive day trip, visit Old MacDonald and the local farmers at a farmer's market.
I grew up around gardeners. Both sets of grandparents had large, beautiful gardens that were full of beans and corn and melons. I remember many summers sitting by my grandfather and grandmother stringing beans just plucked from the garden. I also have very fond memories of eating the fruits (literally and figuratively) of those labors. Sunday dinners of mashed potatoes, green beans, and corn, as well as of a variety of other veggies, were the norm.
I've often wanted to attend a farmer's market. I've thought so often of driving by, picking up those foods that were in my grandparents' gardens, and recreating those Sunday lunches for my family. I have so many friends that proclaim the goodness of eating local and organic produce. Driving to pick up Eddie at school, I would see the weekly farmer's market set up across the street and think about how someday I was going to buy my vegetables there instead of the market. Often driving along I-40 I would look at the Triad Farmer's Market next to the road and think, "Someday I'm going to stop there." Finally, I decided to make someday today.
If you're looking for a great, inexpensive day trip, visit a farmer's market. I finally stopped at Yadkinville's and picked up fresh tomatoes and cantaloupe. And the prices were far more reasonable than what I pay in the supermarket. Later, when we visited the Triad Farmer's Market, our family was blown away with the variety of products and produce. Eddie was fascinated by purple potatoes, black tomatoes, and a variety of other foods he had never even known existed. Things weren't just limited to fruits and veggies, either. I was fascinated by the variety of cheeses, breads, and salsas I saw created by local entrepreneurs. What made everything better was the opportunity to sample so many products -- watermelon, jerky, cucumbers, dips, peaches. It was a delicious, interesting, fun day.
For children (and adults) who often fight against trying new foods or eating their vegetables, a day at the farmer's market can make food fun again. By talking to local farmers, kids can have their questions answered which makes new foods a little less intimdating. Who knows? Perhaps a visit to the farmer's market can inspire a new hobby for your family -- gardening.
And the price is always right. Of course, there is no fee for entrance to the farmer's market. You decide how much or how little you spend. And the foods I purchased were far less than what I would spend at the grocery store, so it helped keep my weekly grocery bill down, too.
So if you're looking for a fun, inexpensive day trip, visit Old MacDonald and the local farmers at a farmer's market.
Sunday, June 20, 2010
Let's Go See a Movie
Seriously, who doesn't love a movie? I remember being a kid when my mother still worked and she would drop me off at the theater and I would purchase tickets for the kid friendly double feature they had every weekday. Back then such an outing was entirely affordable. Taking in a movie and purchasing popcorn and a drink meant I still had money left over in my allowance to play video games in the arcade. However, with today's movie tickets costing around $10 -- closer to $15 for those fancy 3D showings -- as all know those days are long gone, right? Not quite.
Several movie theater chains are offering special family showings at an incredible price just for the summer. Carmike Theaters and AMC Theaters throughout the nation are offering special limited showings that make a family outing to the movies as close to free as one can get! The theater our family usually visits in Winston-Salem is a Carmike Theater. In this particular theater, every Tuesday morning is the Summer Kids Series. At 10 a.m. the theater has a single showing of a kid-friendly movie that won't make you or your child blush from sex, violence, or language. And it only costs $1 for a ticket. Couple that with $1 drink and a $1 popcorn and you've got a great family morning out without breaking the budget! Movies being shown include the Ice Age series, Alvin and the Chipmunks, and Mr. Magorium's Wonder Emporium.
And if you and your honey want to take in some adults-only time for an adult movie, Camike is also offering Super Stimulus Tuesdays. While it doesn't impact the price of the movie ticket, it does make purchasing snacks from the concession stand a little less painful. Popcorn and drinks are $1 while candy is only $2.50.
Not to be outdone, another national theater chain, AMC, is offering a similar summer promotion called the AMC Summer Movie Camp. Also offered on Tuesdays at 10 a.m., the movies scheduled to be shown include Madagascar, Spiderwick Chronicles, and Kung Fu Panda (just to name a few). Moviegoers participating in this promotion can pick up a kids combo for $4 at the concession stand -- a significant savings from the regular price. And the best thing about this is all proceeds (yes, from admission and concessions) go to AMC's charities!
Before heading out to take in a show, be sure to check online, in local movie listings, or just call the theater directly to ensure it is participating. Enjoy the show!
Several movie theater chains are offering special family showings at an incredible price just for the summer. Carmike Theaters and AMC Theaters throughout the nation are offering special limited showings that make a family outing to the movies as close to free as one can get! The theater our family usually visits in Winston-Salem is a Carmike Theater. In this particular theater, every Tuesday morning is the Summer Kids Series. At 10 a.m. the theater has a single showing of a kid-friendly movie that won't make you or your child blush from sex, violence, or language. And it only costs $1 for a ticket. Couple that with $1 drink and a $1 popcorn and you've got a great family morning out without breaking the budget! Movies being shown include the Ice Age series, Alvin and the Chipmunks, and Mr. Magorium's Wonder Emporium.
And if you and your honey want to take in some adults-only time for an adult movie, Camike is also offering Super Stimulus Tuesdays. While it doesn't impact the price of the movie ticket, it does make purchasing snacks from the concession stand a little less painful. Popcorn and drinks are $1 while candy is only $2.50.
Not to be outdone, another national theater chain, AMC, is offering a similar summer promotion called the AMC Summer Movie Camp. Also offered on Tuesdays at 10 a.m., the movies scheduled to be shown include Madagascar, Spiderwick Chronicles, and Kung Fu Panda (just to name a few). Moviegoers participating in this promotion can pick up a kids combo for $4 at the concession stand -- a significant savings from the regular price. And the best thing about this is all proceeds (yes, from admission and concessions) go to AMC's charities!
Before heading out to take in a show, be sure to check online, in local movie listings, or just call the theater directly to ensure it is participating. Enjoy the show!
Sunday, June 13, 2010
Some ideas for great entertainment
This week will be full for our family. Our son's birthday is this week and I will be attending workshops this week, so our summer can't begin quite yet. However, there are some events occurring in NC that you might like to take advantage of.
Childress Vineyard is sponsoring a number of concerts this summer. In fact, every weekend they will have live music while you relax and sip on their award-winning wine. Contact them for more information. Taking in a vineyard is always a great option for entertainment. Even if you don't drink, it's fascinating to learn more about the growing viticulture industry in our state. And the vineyard grounds are gorgeous and usually feature delicious restuarants. Therefore, it's an option where you control just how much money you spend.
Of course, many churches in NC have begun or are gearing up for Vacation Bible School. I love VBS for a number of reasons, but especially because my child can attend without a fee. He is able to make friends, eat a snack, and get out a ton of energy while learning great life lessons. And adults: you can volunteer and you will find that you enjoy VBS just as much as the children do!
As for free family fun: go hike in a state or national park. Pack a lunch and an extra bottle of water and get outside. Don't forget to pile on the sunscreen, too. Our family definitely plans on doing this one in the coming weeks. In NC we are so fortunate to have so many options: Pilot Mtn. with it's rock knob, Rendezvous Mtn. with it's talking trees, and the Blue Ridge Parkway with it's gorgeous views. Enjoy what nature has to offer!
Childress Vineyard is sponsoring a number of concerts this summer. In fact, every weekend they will have live music while you relax and sip on their award-winning wine. Contact them for more information. Taking in a vineyard is always a great option for entertainment. Even if you don't drink, it's fascinating to learn more about the growing viticulture industry in our state. And the vineyard grounds are gorgeous and usually feature delicious restuarants. Therefore, it's an option where you control just how much money you spend.
Of course, many churches in NC have begun or are gearing up for Vacation Bible School. I love VBS for a number of reasons, but especially because my child can attend without a fee. He is able to make friends, eat a snack, and get out a ton of energy while learning great life lessons. And adults: you can volunteer and you will find that you enjoy VBS just as much as the children do!
As for free family fun: go hike in a state or national park. Pack a lunch and an extra bottle of water and get outside. Don't forget to pile on the sunscreen, too. Our family definitely plans on doing this one in the coming weeks. In NC we are so fortunate to have so many options: Pilot Mtn. with it's rock knob, Rendezvous Mtn. with it's talking trees, and the Blue Ridge Parkway with it's gorgeous views. Enjoy what nature has to offer!
Sunday, June 6, 2010
With a little help from my friends
Sometimes those fun free family moments come unexpectedly. That was the case for our family today.
My son had begged all weekend to go to the Winston-Salem Dash baseball game. We were torn about whether or not to go. Between the tickets, the parking, and the food we knew we were looking at spending around $75 for this family outing. While we knew it would be great family entertainment, Rick and I were not convinced it was worth the expense. Couple that with the fact that my idea of fun is NOT sitting outside in 90 degree heat plus humidity and we had almost decided the ballgame was out. However, our son had other ideas.
As previously mentioned, he had his mind set on going to the game. He was mentioning it at every possible opportunity. We knew telling him no would mean one more argument. We were prepared for that, but not looking forward to it.
While at church this morning, he was still pushing the idea on me -- and trying to convince any other adults why they should convince me that going to the game would be a great idea. Trust me when I say that practically every congregational member in our church was aware that he wanted to go to that game by the time Sunday School had ended.
And in that process of him being so ..... he would say persistant; I would call it aggrevating ..... someone overheard him say he wanted to go to the ballgame. That someone just happened to have tickets. Guess what happened next?
That's right, the Riddles generously handed us tickets to the game. (Thank you, again, if you're reading this!!!) And these were not ordinary tickets. We ended up in the Founder's Club with a parking pass, food and beverages. It was an unbelievable day that occurred strictly by happenstance, the generosity of friends, and the loud mouth of an eight year old.
The moral to the story is let people know you are looking for new and affordable (or free) ways to have fun with your family and they just might have opportunities available to you.
Case in point: since creating this blog, I have been bombarded with my friends offering me ideas. One friend told me that Dunkin Donut and Krispy Kreme was offering free donuts to customers one day last week in celebration of National Donut Day. Another friend told me about www.kidsbowlfree.com which offers free games of bowling to kids during the summer. Another told me about kids eat free nights at area restuarants. If you ask, people will share their knowledge with you and you will have more options. I hope that's what this blog can offer you, as well.
Please become a follower and share it with your friends who may be looking for this information, as well.
My son had begged all weekend to go to the Winston-Salem Dash baseball game. We were torn about whether or not to go. Between the tickets, the parking, and the food we knew we were looking at spending around $75 for this family outing. While we knew it would be great family entertainment, Rick and I were not convinced it was worth the expense. Couple that with the fact that my idea of fun is NOT sitting outside in 90 degree heat plus humidity and we had almost decided the ballgame was out. However, our son had other ideas.
As previously mentioned, he had his mind set on going to the game. He was mentioning it at every possible opportunity. We knew telling him no would mean one more argument. We were prepared for that, but not looking forward to it.
While at church this morning, he was still pushing the idea on me -- and trying to convince any other adults why they should convince me that going to the game would be a great idea. Trust me when I say that practically every congregational member in our church was aware that he wanted to go to that game by the time Sunday School had ended.
And in that process of him being so ..... he would say persistant; I would call it aggrevating ..... someone overheard him say he wanted to go to the ballgame. That someone just happened to have tickets. Guess what happened next?
That's right, the Riddles generously handed us tickets to the game. (Thank you, again, if you're reading this!!!) And these were not ordinary tickets. We ended up in the Founder's Club with a parking pass, food and beverages. It was an unbelievable day that occurred strictly by happenstance, the generosity of friends, and the loud mouth of an eight year old.
The moral to the story is let people know you are looking for new and affordable (or free) ways to have fun with your family and they just might have opportunities available to you.
Case in point: since creating this blog, I have been bombarded with my friends offering me ideas. One friend told me that Dunkin Donut and Krispy Kreme was offering free donuts to customers one day last week in celebration of National Donut Day. Another friend told me about www.kidsbowlfree.com which offers free games of bowling to kids during the summer. Another told me about kids eat free nights at area restuarants. If you ask, people will share their knowledge with you and you will have more options. I hope that's what this blog can offer you, as well.
Please become a follower and share it with your friends who may be looking for this information, as well.
Wednesday, June 2, 2010
The beginning of summer
Everyone knows that Memorial Day is the unofficial start to summer. Therefore, our family had to celebrate! Of course, we were looking for something fun...yet free. The answer was so obvious it was literally sitting in our front yard. What did we do? We turned on the sprinkler and let loose!
I remember being a child and visiting my cousin, Amy, who lived next door. We had no gym memberships, no video games, no netflix. What did we do? We threw on our swimsuits with old shorts over them, hooked up the hose, and got drenched. And that summertime staple still provides endless laughter and hours of cool, refreshing enjoyment. In fact, the minute our son went jumping over the sprinkler, neighborhood children started popping out everywhere to join the fun in our yard. And as an adult, there is nothing that will make you feel more like a carefree child all over again then dodging the water sprays as they oscillate in the yard. Moreover, as a parent there is something so wonderful about seeing your child enjoy an activity you enjoyed at that same age. And the best part? That activity doesn't require a monthly fee or an admission price.
Our schools have just a little more than a week until summer vacation begins. Therefore, we are feverishly planning and researching all the possibilities for free, inexpensive, and cost efficient fun. Realize these are completely different categories. We are prioritizing what we would like to spend money on and where it isn't required. One idea our family is considering is a cost efficient idea. We love to visit Emerald Pointe Water Park in Greensboro. However, it is expensive. Between admission, parking, and food, we can easily blow more than $150.00 for our family of three. However, we know it is our son's wish to visit this park as his birthday present, so we will make it happen regardless. But we are doing our best to research options that will trim the costs for us.
One option is to purchase our tickets at the State Employees Credit Union, teachers association, or other vendors that offer tickets at a discounted price. (This is an option for families wanting to visit Carowinds, as well.) That will trim nearly $40 off our family's price. Another idea we are considering is purchasing a season pass and going at least three times. If we are committed to visiting at least twice, we will have paid for the pass. If we visit a third time, it's like a getting a free visit. Plus, they offer days throughout the summer season pass holders can bring a friend for free. Another option we will definitely use is to pack a cooler and not purchase food at the park. There is a location to check in and keep your cooler and eat at a picnic table at the waterpark. By utilizing this service, we will save a lot of money and won't have to be concerned with our family's food allergies. Nothing could ruin a day at the waterpark like an allergic reaction and visit to the hospital! And we all know that's not cheap, either!
Take some time to visit www.visitnc.org for ideas on how your family can enjoy our great state! It's a resource that I use quite often both for planning family time and for considering field trips in the years I have taught school.
I remember being a child and visiting my cousin, Amy, who lived next door. We had no gym memberships, no video games, no netflix. What did we do? We threw on our swimsuits with old shorts over them, hooked up the hose, and got drenched. And that summertime staple still provides endless laughter and hours of cool, refreshing enjoyment. In fact, the minute our son went jumping over the sprinkler, neighborhood children started popping out everywhere to join the fun in our yard. And as an adult, there is nothing that will make you feel more like a carefree child all over again then dodging the water sprays as they oscillate in the yard. Moreover, as a parent there is something so wonderful about seeing your child enjoy an activity you enjoyed at that same age. And the best part? That activity doesn't require a monthly fee or an admission price.
Our schools have just a little more than a week until summer vacation begins. Therefore, we are feverishly planning and researching all the possibilities for free, inexpensive, and cost efficient fun. Realize these are completely different categories. We are prioritizing what we would like to spend money on and where it isn't required. One idea our family is considering is a cost efficient idea. We love to visit Emerald Pointe Water Park in Greensboro. However, it is expensive. Between admission, parking, and food, we can easily blow more than $150.00 for our family of three. However, we know it is our son's wish to visit this park as his birthday present, so we will make it happen regardless. But we are doing our best to research options that will trim the costs for us.
One option is to purchase our tickets at the State Employees Credit Union, teachers association, or other vendors that offer tickets at a discounted price. (This is an option for families wanting to visit Carowinds, as well.) That will trim nearly $40 off our family's price. Another idea we are considering is purchasing a season pass and going at least three times. If we are committed to visiting at least twice, we will have paid for the pass. If we visit a third time, it's like a getting a free visit. Plus, they offer days throughout the summer season pass holders can bring a friend for free. Another option we will definitely use is to pack a cooler and not purchase food at the park. There is a location to check in and keep your cooler and eat at a picnic table at the waterpark. By utilizing this service, we will save a lot of money and won't have to be concerned with our family's food allergies. Nothing could ruin a day at the waterpark like an allergic reaction and visit to the hospital! And we all know that's not cheap, either!
Take some time to visit www.visitnc.org for ideas on how your family can enjoy our great state! It's a resource that I use quite often both for planning family time and for considering field trips in the years I have taught school.
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