Last night the kids and I enjoyed a great trip down to the Infinite Energy Arena to enjoy Disney on Ice’s 100 Years of Magic show. We loved watching our favorite characters skate around the ring.  Mulan was a favorite last night and we really thought the Chinese New Year dragon was amazing.  Seeing so many Genie’s was also a favorite of mine!  Such a great scene!

The show kept all of us entertained.  If you’re looking for something to do this weekend, Disney on Ice will be at Infinite Energy Arena in Duluth from through Sunday, April 28, 2019.  You can purchase tickets today!

The 100 Years of Magic show will feature more than 50 beloved characters starring Minnie Mouse, Donald Duck, Goofy and featuring an ensemble of Disney Princesses including Cinderella, Rapunzel, Ariel, Snow White and Tiana. The wintry wonderland of Disney’s Frozen also comes to life with Anna, Elsa, and the hilarious Olaf, as they discover that true love is the greatest magic of all. Exciting moments from Disney•Pixar’s Finding Nemo, Disney’s Aladdin and Beauty and the Beast will leave the whole family with memories to last a lifetime.

Tickets for Disney On Ice celebrates 100 Years of Magic start at only $20. All seats are reserved, and tickets are available by calling 770.626.2464 or visiting www.InfiniteEnergyCenter.com.

To discover more about Disney On Ice, go to DisneyOnIce.com.

If it’s been a bit since you’ve been to Medieval Times, it’s the perfect time to return to your local castle because there is a NEW show!  We attended the show last week at the Atlanta area castle and were pleased to see the changes.  Of course there are still knights, horses, and the tournament, but they’ve done away with many of the “scary” scenes, making it more family friendly.  This didn’t take away from the show at all because there is a completely new plot line!  We had a blast and our wonderful Black and White Knight won the tournament!

At Medieval Times, you can enjoy a “hands-on” feast as the dynamic performance unfolds before you. Knights will gather in celebration to test their skill against one another in a series of games, jousting, and combat.  The new story brings a series of changes to the show including new costumes, custom-designed and handmade armor, fight scenes, and musical score composed by Dr. Daniel May, who directed and recorded the composition in Kiev with the National Symphony Orchestra of Ukraine.

I definitely recommend arriving to the castle early so you can explore and visit.  We were able to ask questions about the hawks and also visit the torture chamber and learn a little about history.  Note that the torture chamber is $2 per person extra and is not recommended for sensitive persons.

Thanks so much for Medieval Times for inviting us to visit the castle. We can’t wait to return again!

Medieval Times Discount Code:

Want to check it out for yourself?  Go to the Medieval Times website  and enter promo code RF4020 at checkout.  This code will give you 40% off Adults and 20% off Kids admission tickets.  Enjoy your visit!

 

My husband has been reading a book that talks about traditions being vital to family dynamics.  The other day, we asked our children what traditions are most important to them.  Among them were Thanksgiving with the local sheriff deputies, Easter with the cousins, and Stone Mountain Christmas.

I have to agree that Stone Mountain Christmas is such a precious and fun time as a family.  I love strolling down the walk and seeing all the Christmas lights, riding the sing-a-long train, and checking out fun shows while drinking hot chocolate and eating cinnamon bread.  Of course there is always the parade and Snow Angel feature to top it all off.  This year, a special guest and fireworks appeared before the parade!  It was so magical!

My son and I have started a tradition where we try to copy the dancers as they go through the parade.  He loves to dance and it’s a great time to break loose and have a little fun.  We got a few funny looks, but mostly smiles and we danced.

This year we decided to watch a few more shows instead of just visiting the main attractions.  We watched Christmas in the City, which was a musical production.  It blew us away!  Even our 3 year old had his eyes glued to the show!  I definitely recommend taking the time to watch that show.

At the end of the night, our hearts grew 3 sizes and we made yet another wonderful memory at Stone Mountain Park with Stone Mountain Christmas.  Our kids are getting older now and time is passing so quickly.  I love knowing that my kids are storing these wonderful memories in their memory bank.  We can hardly wait to go back again next year!

For more information on Stone Mountain Christmas, please visit Stone Mountain’s website.

 

Our friends at Six Flags over Georgia invited our family in the other day to experience Holiday in the Park.  This has become a treasured tradition for our family and the kids greatly look forward to seeing all the lights, riding the rollercoasters, roasting s’mores, and watching the seasonal shows.

During Six Flags’ Holiday in the Park, you can enjoy 30 themed holiday attractions plus 16 themed sections, including the popular Christmas Tree Lighting.  You can also find Carolers, watch a lovely show called Because It’s Christmas (bring your tissues!), meet characters, and even take a train ride to the North Pole to visit Santa and Mrs. Claus!

There is just something magical about being at Six Flags during the holiday season.  Holiday in the Park is open on select days and times from November 18, 2017 – January 3, 2018.  You can visit the calendar to plan your trip.

With our older kids, we went from section to section and conquered all the rides since crowds weren’t too high.  Everyone got to ride what they wanted to ride, and usually multiple times.

For tickets and for more information, please visit the Six Flags over Georgia Holiday in the Park website.

 

Friday night, we went down for our annual trip to Stone Mountain Christmas.  We enjoyed a meal at the Campfire Grill to start off the evening, met some characters, and ventured on from there.  As always, it was such a magical time watching the parade, riding the train, drinking hot cocoa, watching it “snow”, and viewing the new “Tree Lighting” ceremony.  Select dates from now until January 3rd, you can head on over to Stone Mountain Park to enjoy Stone Mountain Christmas!  Even the dinosaurs are excited for Christmastime.

Stone Mountain Park’s Christmas Adventure Pass includes access to exciting attractions, seasonal live entertainment, and more! Check their calendar for individual attraction hours and show times.  Be sure to buy your tickets online to check out the special Meal Deal combo they have offered as this deal is online only.

One of our annual traditions is getting a photo of us kissing under the mistletoe.  Of course we couldn’t miss out on that!  😉

The kids also enjoyed cookie decorating.

Stone Mountain Christmas is a must-do on my Christmas Around Atlanta list.  If you haven’t been, you’re definitely missing out.  Be sure to take a train ride to hear all about the special “gift” you can receive at Christmastime, too!  But bring your blanket!  It can get a bit chilly.

 

This past week, our family was invited down to the Georgia Aquarium for the day.  We were so thankful for the invitation because it’s been years since we visited.  If you’re planning to go soon, August 30th would be a great day for a trip because it is International Whale Shark Day and the Georgia Aquarium has some special events planned!  Check out the line up:

Schedule for Wednesday, Aug. 30

10:30am: Narrated whale shark feeding at the theater window in Ocean Voyager Built by The Home Depot

11:30am-2:30pm: Fun and educational whale shark activities in the Atrium.

• Whale Shark Plinko Trivia Game
• Pin the Satellite Tag on the Whale Shark
• How your Thumbprint is like a Whale Shark’s Spots
• Photo opportunities with Domino, Georgia Aquarium’s whale shark mascot
• Sign a Pledge Bookmark with a seeded “Earth” that you can plant at home

To plan your trip, I recommend making sure you have about 4 hours minimum to visit the Aquarium.  Many wonderful shows are offered and you won’t want to miss them!  Both the Dolphin Celebration show and the Sea Lion show were among our favorites.  They kept the attention of the whole family, including our wild toddler.

Throughout the aquarium, keep your eyes peeled for activities to do with your children.  They can vary from Touch Tanks to information cards on finding and identifying the creatures that you see.

Huge thanks again to the Georgia Aquarium for hosting us for the day!  We can’t wait to go back!

For More Information:

For more information about the Georgia Aquarium and International Whale Shark Day, please visit their website.  You can also view special offers for the Georgia Aquarium to save a little money on your trip.  You can also follow them on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter.

The Dillard House reached out to invite my husband and I up to check out what all they have to offer and to learn about the many plans for their 100 year celebration.  We eagerly took the beautiful drive from Athens up to Dillard, Georgia and had a wonderful time.  Below you’ll find The Dillard House review based on our recent experiences.

About the Dillard House:

The Dillard House is so happy to celebrate 100 years this year!  This beautiful place features lodging, stables, meeting rooms, an inn, and cottages nestled up in the Little Tennessee River Valley of North Georgia.  The views are breathtaking, whether you visit in the springtime or winter.

The Dillard House restaurant features your favorite southern dishes served family style.  Breakfast consists of sausage, eggs, biscuits, grits, pancakes, among others!  The restaurant is also open for lunch and dinner.  This is one place where you want to arrive hungry, but there is not a chance you will leave hungry!

Throughout the property, you’ll find beautiful cottages, a darling inn with comfortable beds and views,  and even a chalet village.

 

Our Dillard House Review:

My husband and I had an absolute marvelous time during our night stay at The Dillard House.  The only thing I would change would be for us to stay longer!  I spent time with The Dillard House reps to learn more regarding the 100 year celebration and my husband spent his time reading on the porch outside of our room at the Inn.  Afterward, we held hands and explored the quiet grounds, visiting the horses, petting zoo, and finding quiet places to talk and refresh.

I am such a mountain girl and the mountains here are just gorgeous!  There is something about them that just draws me back!

If you haven’t been to The Dillard House, you are certainly missing out.  With breathtaking views, a calm and quiet atmosphere, and incredible food, it’s a great place for a romantic getaway or even a trip with friends or family.  Our church has been taking a group here every year for many years as part of the ladies’ retreat.

Remember to always come to the Dillard House restaurant hungry!  Check this out!  And we could get more of anything that we wished!  They will even give you a to-go box afterward so nothing is wasted.

Mark Your Calendar for Upcoming Events:

During the media event, the Dillard House reps told us all about upcoming events on their grounds.  These you won’t want to miss!  We are hoping to get back up for the Total Eclipse Extravaganza!

• March 18: A Celtic Centennial: The O’Dillards Save You Green on St. Pat’s Weekend – Finnegan’s Farewell Mystery Dinner Theatre, presented by North Georgia Players
• March 25:  Wine, Dine and Punchlines: A Taste of North Georgia Vineyards with Wine Coach Laurie Forster and featuring Guest Chef Tim Dondero
• July 22: Brew and Crew Beer Tasting Dinner: We provide the brew. You bring the crew.
• Aug. 21: Total Eclipse Extravaganza: Experience a once-in-a-lifetime event while viewing the Solar Eclipse from The Dillard House lawn. Enjoy at 2-night packagewhich includes free breakfast and solar glasses! Feast on a BBQ lunch with delicious sides for $15.95 before the eclipse.
• September 16: Dishin’ and Junkin’: A Day with New York Times Bestselling Author Mary Kay Andrews

 

Huge thank you to The Dillard House for hosting a fun event and for providing us with a night stay in the inn so we could provide this Dillard House review.  We had a blast and look forward to returning!