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Ski North Carolina: Comparing High Country Ski Resorts

Beech Mtn Resort

Beech Mountain has the only quad chair lift to get skiers up the mountain fast.

What: Ski North Carolina, Compare High Country Ski Resorts
Where: Appalacian Ski Mtn., Sugar Mtn. and Beech Mtn.
When: November – March
Cost: Ranges for youth and adult Lift Tickets $20 – $68

Recently I was invited by the North Carolina High Country on a press tour of the ski resorts located in the area. Each has its own unique qualities and offer skiers a little something different. All the resorts have invested in large snow guns, so as long as nights are below 32 degrees, they can create a winter wonderland on the slopes. Here’s what you can expect at Appalachian Ski Mountain, Beech Mountain Resort and Sugar Mountain Resort.

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Spring Break, Indoor Activities Highlight CBS Better Mornings

Gatorland

Looking for an off the beaten path spring break destination? Tourists have been taking their picture in these giant gator teeth for over 50 years. It’s one of the most photographed parts of Gatorland.

This morning was a Field Trips with Sue morning on CBS Better Mornings Atlanta. I don’t know about you, but I’m trying to figure out what to do for spring break. Orlando is the one of the top spring break destinations for families. Although we love Walt Disney World, there are lots of other fabulously fun attractions in Orlando and we talked about a few of them. In our second hour we stayed close to home and talked about fun indoor activities that can get your crew’s blood pumping  and even engage the moody tweens and teens. Here’s more details on what we discussed, as well as a link to the actual video segments (just in case you weren’t glued to your TV in the wee hours of the morning.

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Sugar Mountain offers Wintertime Fun on and off the Slopes

Sugar Mtn. Resort

Sugar Mountain offers lots ot do on and off the slopes. (photo credit: Sugar Mtn. Resort, NC)

What: Ski Sugar Mountain
Where: 1009 Sugar Mountain Drive, Sugar Mountain, NC | 1-800-784-2768
When: November – March (Call for conditions)
Cost: Lift tickets are $25 – $68 for adults | $20 – $45 Under 12
Midweek Learn to Ski Package includes rentals and lessons starting at $62
Complete rental set: $16 – $28 Adults | $10 -$28 Kids | Snowboard equipment is $25 and $36
Group Ski Lesson: $22
For Video: Ski Sugar Mountain

When most Southerners think of snow skiing, North Carolina probably isn’t the first place they think about, but it’s a great, drivable option for those that want to learn to ski, or to get their snow fix close to home. Sugar Mountain, near Banner Elk, NC offers 115 acres of skiable terrain and 20 slopes for ski levels from beginner green trails to the states only double black diamond advanced run. If you are thinking about bringing the family to Sugar Mountain to ski, here are a few things you need to know.

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Pinewood Derby Days at Lowes This Weekend

What: Dremel Built for Speed Pinewood Derby Days at Lowes Where: Any Lowe’s Store When: Saturday, Feb. 2 and Feb. 16 | 11 am – 1 pm Cost: Free

There are two reasons my sons want to do Cub Scouts, camping and Pinewood Derby. Can’t say I blame them. I remember the excitement of [...]

Ski North Carolina: Appalachian Ski Mountain

Appalachian Ski Mtn.

Appalachian Ski Mountain is a compact slope, so it’s easy for parents to keep track of kids.

What: Ski North Carolina: Appalachian Ski Mtn.
Where: 940 Ski Mountain Rd., Blowing Rock, NC 28605 | 828-295-7828
When: November – March (Call for conditions)
Cost: Lift tickets are $20 – $65 for adults | $16 – $65 12 and under or 60+ | Complete rental set with helmet: $25 | Group Ski Lesson: $18 for one hour

For Southerners, it’s an easy drive to ski North Carolina vs. flying out west. Appalachian Ski Mtn. near Boone, NC is perfect for families who are learning to ski. It’s compact and easy to keep an eye on kids, even if they aren’t standing right next to you. There are nine runs, three freestyle terrain parks, four chair lifts and two conveyors. The lodge is located at the base of the mountain and it’s easy to see all the runs, perfect for parents who want to give their kids a little more freedom. The lodge also has wi-fi, so if parents aren’t skiers, they can let the kids go, and get some work done. Plus, the French-Swiss Ski College is a very well respected and successful ski school program.  Here’s what else you need to know about App Ski Mtn. before you go.

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How to Walk in Ski Boots: A Beginner’s Guide to Ski Rental and Gear

Beech Mountain

The proper way for kids to carry skis is in front of them. Adults put them over their shoulder with tips down (so you don’t wallop someone behind you). (Photo Credit: Bill Russ at Beech Mtn., NC)

According to Talia Freeman, marketing manager at Beech Mountain Resort, a lot of would be skiers decide they don’t like the sport before they even get on the mountain because they find the process of getting the gear and getting around intimidating. Don’t let ski equipment keep you off the slopes, you’d be missing so much. It’s not as hard as it sounds and once you get used to it, you’ll be walking in those ski boots like a pro. Here is a Beginner’s Guide to Ski Rental and Gear and what you need to know to look like a pro.

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Introduce Kids to the Atlanta Opera with Free 10 Minute shows

What: The Atlanta Opera 24-Hour Opera Project Showcase When: Saturday, Jan. 26, 2013 at 7 pm Where: The Atlanta Opera Center | 1575 Northside Dr., Bldg. 300, Suite 350, Atlanta, GA 30318 Cost: Free

The Atlanta Opera is hosting a 24-Hour Opera Project Showcase on Jan. 26. Selected composers, lyricists, stage directors and [...]

Atlanta History Center offers Free Admission

Celebrate Atlanta’s Olympic history at the AHC.

What: Celebrating 100 Years of Hospitality Where: Atlanta History Center | 130 West Paces Ferry Rd., Atlanta, GA 30305 | 404-814-4000 When: January 29, 2013 | 5:30 – 8:30 pm Cost: Free

I’m a history buff and I love visiting the Atlanta History Center, especially when [...]

Plan a Ski Trip to Copper Mountain, Colorado

Copper Mountain CO

What’s a Southerners first ski vacation like? Read on.

Guest post by Jennifer Close, Two Kids and a Map

When we moved from Pensacola, Florida to Denver, Colorado at the end of November, skiing wasn’t even on my family activity radar.  My husband was excited about being closer to the mountain because he is an intermediate snowboarder but I had no interest in skiing.  I had tried skiing once before on a trip to Wisp, Maryland and it wasn’t pretty.  The adventure ended in a snow mobile ride down the mountain with a member of ski patrol.  Not only do I have the bad memory of that one day of skiing, I am also not really a fan of cold weather or snow.  Or, so I thought.

Our recent visit to Copper Mountain has completely changed my mind.  As a Southern gal, I was very nervous and anxious about our ski trip.  I am used to tank tops, flip flops and trips to the beach but I was determined to make the best of it.

You can find nonstop flights from Atlanta to Denver for under $200 right now, which helps to make the mountains of Colorado accessible for that big winter family vacation.  If you are thinking about traveling to Copper Mountain, there are a number of things to consider before your trip.

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The Braves are Coming to You via Atlanta Braves Caravan

The Braves are coming to a town near you. Photo Credit: http://ow.ly/8AVoN

What: Atlanta Braves Caravan When: Begins Jan. 22 Where: See complete Atlanta Braves Caravan Schedule  Cost: Free

The 2013 Braves Country Caravan, presented by Academy Sports + Outdoors is hitting the road January 22nd thru February 2nd. With more than 25 [...]