Field Trips with Sue » Everything Else!

Macy’s Pink Pig 2011: An Atlanta Holiday Tradition

Sue — Tue, 08 Nov 2011 17:23:42 +0000

Macy’s Pink Pig 2011: An Atlanta Holiday Tradition

Priscilla, Macy's Pink Pig

What: Macy’s Pink Pig train ride
Where: Macy’s Lenox Mall
When: Oct. 29, 2011 – January 1, 2012
Cost: $3 for 1 ride, $5.50 for 2 rides, $7.50 for 3 rides

The Pink Pig has been an Atlanta tradition since 1953. If you talk to folks that grew up in Atlanta, they’ll regale you with fond memories of getting dressed up and heading to Rich’s Downtown with their mother to do a little holiday shopping and ride Priscilla (and later Percival) the Pink Pig, over the toy department.

Since 2003, Priscilla, the Macy’s Pink Pig, has been running on a track beneath a 170 foot, 1050′s themed Pink Pig Tent at the Lenox Square Mall upper-level parking deck near Macy’s. The ride takes you through a very pink life-sized storybook that includes the original Pink Pig. It’s not quite as magical as the 50’s memories, but it is an Atlanta tradition and I feel when you are in Atlanta, you should embrace the traditions that come with it. I plan to make the Pink Pig one of our stops when my relatives, including my college-aged nieces and nephew visit for the holidays.

In addition to being a lot of fun, a portion of the proceeds go to Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta. Here are a few tips to make it more enjoyable.

Riding the Pink Pig

1. There are TWO lines for the Pink Pig – One line is inside Lenox Mall where you purchase your tickets. The other is outside in the parking deck where you wait to ride. You can purchase tickets anytime, they are not timed, so if you know you want to go closer to Christmas, you can always purchase your tickets now when the lines are shorter. That way, you only have to wait in the “ride line,” not the “ticket line” as well.

2. Know Your Children – Smaller kids love the train ride, but the story/music can be loud and there are lots of lights, so sometimes kids are a bit scared (there is absolutely NOTHING to be scared of). In addition, you can’t see the train’s path, so kids aren’t sure what to expect. All this to say, with smaller children, you may need to go with them the first time.

3. Expect to wait – Especially if you are going on the weekends or closer to Christmas, expect some wait time. To keep your sanity, bring along some games, snacks or anything that will entertain your children. (the Apple Store is across the mall and generally entertains my boys for a bit while we wait in the ticket line, but they’re older)

4. The Gift Shop – The line for the ride goes through the gift shop, so there is no avoiding it. I find it helpful to discuss with my boys prior to going that the ride itself is their treat, not a bauble from the gift shop. Of course that doesn’t stop us from trying on pig noses and squeezing a pig plush here and there.

Fall Activities: Corn Mazes Near Atlanta

Sue — Tue, 18 Oct 2011 19:23:50 +0000

Fall Activities: Corn Mazes Near Atlanta

Fall means time for pumpkins, haunted houses and corn mazes. Here’s a list of several corn mazes near Atlanta. Last year we visited Uncle Shucks Corn Maze personally. Here is my post on that visit, as well as video of Uncle Shucks Corn Maze. If you know of others, please leave a comment below. We added quite a few mazes this year based on reader comments. Generally you should leave between 1.5 and 2 hours to complete the maze. Most places have other activities like hayrides, bonfires and pumpkins, so visit the website for complete details. We did a similar list of pumpkin patches near Atlanta last week.

What: Cagles Dairy Corn Maze
Where: 362 Stringer Rd., Hickory Flat, Ga. (near Canton, Ga.)
When: Sept. 2 – Nov. 13, 2011, Friday – Sunday
Fridays 5 – 11 pm, Saturday 10 – 11 pm, Sunday 10 – 6 pm
Cost: $10 anyone over 3 (includes Jumpee Pillow)

For an additional fee you can go an an ag-venture farm tour, bonfire hayride or through the haunted barn. Combination tickets available starting at $15. Register for The Cagle Connection newsletter for coupons and more!

What: Uncle Shuck’s Corn Maze
Where: 4520 Highway 53 SE, Dawsonville, Ga.
When: Sept. 3 – Nov. 20, 2011
Fridays 4 – 10 pm, Saturdays 10 – 10 pm and Sundays 10 -6 pm
October Sundays through Thursdays 10 – 6 pm and Friday and Saturdays 10 – 10 pm
Cost: $10 per person

Additional charge for hayride, Haunted Maze, corn cannon.

What: Buck’s Corn Maze
Where: 1923 New Hope Rd. Dawsonville, Ga.
When: Sept. 3 – Nov. 6, 2011
Sept.: Friday 5 – 9 pm, Saturday 10 – 9 pm, Sunday 10 – 6 pm
Oct.: Sunday through Thursday 10 – 6 pm, Friday 10 – 9 pm , Saturday 10 – 10 pm
Nov.: Friday 5 – 8 pm, Saturday 10 – 9 pm, Sunday 10 – 6 pm
Cost: $8 Ages 11 and over, $7 10 and under, Under Free w/paid adult

Hayride only is $5 and the Maze and Hayride combo is $12.

What: North Georgia Corn Maze
Where: 559 Tom Bell Rd., Cleveland, Ga.
When: Aug. 27 – Nov. 20, 2011, Thursday 4 – 10 pm, Friday 4 – 11:30 pm, Saturday 10 – 11:30 pm, Sunday 10 – 9 pm
Cost: $10 adults, $9 children and seniors. Print out a coupon for $3 off at North Georgia Corn Maze

North Georgia Corn Maze also has a Maze and hayride with combo rates. New for 2011 is a Petting Zoo with animals provided by the North Georgia Zoo.

What: Kernal Kob Corn Maze
Where: 1153 Salem Church Rd., Jasper, Ga.
When: Sept. 17 – Nov. 6, 2011
Sept.: Saturday 10 – 9 pm, Sunday 11 – 6 pm
Oct.: Friday 6 – 10 pm, Saturday 10 – 10 pm, Sunday 11 – 6 pm
Nov.: Saturday 10 – 9 pm, Sunday 11 – 6 pm
Cost: $8 adults, $7 seniors and $6 children 5 – 11, 4 and under Free

Kernal Kob Corn Maze also has a hayride, petting zoo, pony rides and tractor train ride, all for an additional fee. Combo tickets are available.

What: Corn Dawgs Corn Maze
Where: 955 Leone Ave., Loganville, Ga.
When: Sept. 23 – Nov. 6, 2011, Friday 5 – 10 pm, Saturday 10 – 10 pm, Sunday 1 – 8 pm
Cost: $12 ages 10 and up, $10 ages 3 – 9, $8 Seniors (2 and under free) this covers A LOT more than just the Maze, so check out their website for details

Here’s a comment from one of our readers about Corn Dawgs Corn Maze. “Our family visited Corn Dawgs last weekend and I was amazed at all the activities that were included in the admission price. There was so much to do there that we stayed twice as long as we had planned. There are things for kids of all ages – I have a teenager and a little boy and they both had fun. They are opening a haunted maze this weekend and my kids all want to go back. Definitely worth the trip!”

What: Rocky Ridge Farm
Where: 525 Lexington-Carlton Rd., Lexington, GA (near Athens, Ga.)
When: Sept. 30 – Oct. 30, 2011, Friday 5 – 10 pm, Saturday 10 – 10 pm, Sunday 2 – 6 pm
Cost: $7 per person, 3 and under free with a paying adult, $7 barnyard activities, $10 combo per person

Rocky Ridge Farm is a corn maze and pumpkin patch near Athens, Ga. They have a hay ride, pig races, barnyard bounce house, pumpkin slingshot, petting zoo, cow train ride for 12 and under, huge tunnel slide and much more. Great family fun on the farm.

The Nasa Corn Maze is at the Rock Ranch

What: Rock Ranch
Where: 5020 Barnesville Hwy., The Rock, Ga. (between Barnesville and Thomaston, south of Atlanta)
When: Saturdays Sept. 24 – November 13, 2011
Cost: $14 per person

The Rock Ranch’s corn maze is part of a nationwide program entitled “Space Farm 7″. This project is a collaborative outreach program through agri-tourism at seven farms across the United States. The Rock Ranch corn maze is an image of an astronaut and is filled with hands on and educational opportunities to expose guests to space exploration.

Biltmore Estate and Gardens with Children

Sue — Wed, 17 Aug 2011 14:56:59 +0000

Biltmore Estate and Gardens with Children

Children's Activities at Biltmore Estates

What: Biltmore Estate with Kids
Where: 1 Antler Hill Road, Asheville, NC 28803
When: Come back each season for something different
Cost: The Inn on Biltmore Estate rates begin at $199
Estate Admission starts at $49 per person, Children 10 – 16 are only $5 through Labor Day and Children 9 and younger are Free
Estate Admission includes Biltmore House, Gardens & Conservatory, Antler Hill Village & Winery
Photos: For additional photos visit Field Trips with Sue on Facebook

Yesterday I posted about a weekend getaway to Biltmore Estate and Gardens. Biltmore Estate and Gardens is a wonderfully romantic escape or fantastic location for a great girls weekend, but on a recent visit I realized it was surprisingly appropriate for families with children too. Although older children will likely appreciate the grandeur of the Biltmore Estate House, younger children will prefer hanging out at the Farmyard and Barn in Antler Village. Even tweens and teens can enjoy the various adventure activities that originate at the aptly named Outdoor Adventure Center including Segway tours, horseback riding, and float and kayak tours. Bring bikes with your or rent them onsite and explore the many mountain bike trails.

A goat kissing a Biltmore employee. They are quite so friendly with the kids:)

Biltmore was built to be a self-sustaining estate and the barn and farmyard were the focal point for the farmers who worked the estate. Now this area gives visitors a look at farming life in the early 1900s using a hands-on approach. The farmyard houses sheep, chickens, goats and horses. It sits next to an inspiring kitchen garden where children can see how their food looks as it’s grown and what types of food are in season during a particular time of year.

The big draw for kids is the barn where they can see exhibits of antique farm equipment, even climbing on a wagon. Historic interpreters talk with guests as they work in the blacksmith shop and wood working shop. Period games and other diversions for children in the early part of the century are set out for kids to play at their leisure. On select days crafts and demonstrations are available. I was sad to miss the butter churning demonstration on my weekday visit, but they were making ball and cup toys.

Biltmore Vanilla. The Estate was once well known for the dairy - espcially the milk and ice cream.

A hike or bike ride around the estate is a fun family activity and a great way to work off some tasty meals. For a traditional meal, try the Deerpark Restaurant, a Southern style family buffet where children nine and younger eat free. In Antler Village, Cedric’s Tavern is a must stop, if only for the pretzel rolls with Lusty Monk mustard made locally in Asheville. The Creamery offers lots of wonderful sweets, but it’s the Biltmore Vanilla ice cream that has the best back story. The Dairy was the largest farm operation at Biltmore. The Jersey cow herd produced the milk that was bottled or made into dairy products, including ice cream. The cows were so productive and the milk so good that Mr. Vanderbilt gave excess milk to local hospitals and eventually was urged to sell it under the Biltmore Dairy trademark. If you ask old time Asheville residents, many will have a story about Biltmore Dairy ice cream.

Things To Do
Asheville

Civil War Re-enactments at Battle of Atlanta – B*ATL

Sue — Thu, 14 Jul 2011 13:10:41 +0000

Civil War Re-enactments at Battle of Atlanta – B*ATL

What: Battle of Atlanta – B*ATL
Where: East Atlanta
When: July 16-17, 2011
Cost: Many events are free, some charge a fee, visit the website for details

This year marks the beginning of the 150 anniversary of the Civil War. So much of that history was played out here in Atlanta, including the Battle of Atlanta which took place 147 years ago on the eastern side of the city. To commemorate this historic event,the neighborhoods in Atlanta’s 5th Council District have teamed up to organize B*ATL a weekend festival remembering those who fought and died in and around the neighborhoods where the event takes place.

Festivities include a gala, 5K run along the battle lines, walking and van tours and historic music concerts and dramatic performances. What I’m looking forward to taking my boys to see is the re-enactors, both civilian and military. In addition, storytellers from the Wren’s Nest will be on hand telling Brer Rabbit stories. Even honest Abe Lincoln will be there giving a campaign speech that never was and posing for photos.

Book Signing: 100+ Free and Cheap Things to do in Atlanta with Kids

Sue — Sat, 28 May 2011 13:38:41 +0000

Book Signing: 100+ Free and Cheap Things to do in Atlanta with Kids

What: Book Signing and Free Movie Night
Where: Cinema on the Green, McDonough
When: Saturday, May 28, 2011 7:00 pm book signing, 8:30 pm movie
Cost: Free (books are $9.99)

Join me on Saturday evening for my first book signing at Cinema on the Green in McDonough. I’ll be there selling and signing books starting at 7 pm. At 8:30 pm, Southern Outdoor Cinema is presenting Despicible Me, FREE! Join us for a great, affordable evening this holiday weekend.

I’m planning some additional book signings too. Exact locations are being determined, but I’ll keep you posted. In addition, I’m working with some speciality outlets to sell the book – so stay tuned. If you just can’t wait, order an e-book at www.fieldtripswithsue.com/100free. Printed versions will be available online soon. Until then, send me an email at sue (at) fieldtripswithsue.com and I’ll get you a printed book.

If you know somewhere that would like to host a book signing or would be interested in selling the book, please let me know.

Augusta Ga. | Beyond the Masters Golf Tournament

Sue — Thu, 07 Apr 2011 13:00:55 +0000

Augusta Ga. | Beyond the Masters Golf Tournament

Today, the world will be watching as the best golfers descend on Augusta, Georgia for The Masters golf tournament. If you’ve never been, it’s an experience worth the trip, but tickets, even for the practice round days, are hard to come by. There are lots of wonderful reasons to visit Augusta, beyond the Masters, so plan a trip after the golf pros have left. Here are a few ideas to get you started. If you need more, check out the 365 Things to Do in Augusta.

1. The Augusta Canal National Heritage Area – This was my favorite stop on my tour of August. Built in 1845 to harness the power of the Savannah River, the canal has a historic past that comes to life in an award winning, hands-on, Interpretive Center. A section on child labor lets kids, and adults, test their skill at refilling spools on the manufacturing line. After the museum, take a ride down the canal in an electric powered Petersburg boat. Be nice to the driver, he normally has bread for youngsters to feed the many waterfowl along the route. Here’s a video of the Augusta Canal National Heritage Area.

2. Morris Museum of Art – The museum is located along the Augusta Riverwalk, and is dedicated to the collection, exhibition, and interpretation of the art of the American South. Once a month, Sundays are free and feature Artregeous! a program specifically for kids. Each event is different, but has featured art projects, musical performances, storytellers and more.

3. President Woodrow Wilson’s Boyhood Home – President Wilson was 4 years-old when he moved to Augusta. He left at the age of 14. During that time, he saw train loads of wounded Civil War soldiers arrive at the hospital less than 1/2 mile from his house. When the hospital overflowed, the wounded were taken to the church where “Tommy’s” father was a minister. When that space was full, the wounded overtook the Catholic Church on the other side of his boyhood home. I’m sure this experience had a profound impact on this future wartime president and creator of the League of Nations. A fun treasure hunt while you’re there: find the “Tom” etched in the window.

4. The Augusta Museum of History - Chronicling 12,000 years of history, this museum covers a lot of ground. There are hands-on exhibits (see if you can carry a Civil War backpack and gun) to full sized locomotives. A James Brown exhibit lets visitors practice their dance moves with the Godfather of Soul. Of course no history of Augusta would be complete without golf and the newly opened Celebrating a Grand Tradition, The Sport of Golf gives a good history of the sport in the city.

If you MUST see Augusta National, home to The Masters golf tournament, consider a plane ride over the course. Augusta Aviation offers Sunset Plane rides but also daylight rides for about $20 less.

For more pictures and video of Augusta, go to the Field Trips with Sue Facebook page.

Disclosure: Although the Augusta Convention and Visitors Bureau provided a complimentary room and admission to these attractions for the purpose of reviewing them (as is common in the travel industry), we only recommend places we would stay and products we would use.

Augusta Vacations

Atlanta’s High Museum of Art with Kids

Sue — Thu, 03 Mar 2011 13:45:55 +0000

Atlanta’s High Museum of Art with Kids

What: Experiencing an art museum with children
Where: Atlanta’s High Museum of Art
When: Anytime
Cost: $11 – $18, However, the first Sat. of the month is FREE if:
You’re a Fulton County Resident
Active Military
Under 5
Or a Bank of America Customer

In addition to free admission, there are several reasons to take children to the High this weekend and the Greene Family Gallery is a big one. The gallery is a great place for smaller children to get out of the stroller and play. They can draw; create a sculpture from trash like Howard Finster; build a museum of their own like High architect Richard Meir; create a puppet show; dress up using scarves; or play in the life-sized block mats.

For older children, make sure you check out a Discovery Backpack and explore some of the High’s permanent collections. The latest traveling exhibit, Toulouse-Lautrec and Friends.

If the FREE crowds aren’t your thing, bring your toddler for Toddler Thursdays. They’ll love getting inspired to create their own art project. If you can’t make it to the High, but love art, start reading Highly Hands On, the High Museum of Art’s Educational website for parents and caregivers. They have great ideas on boredom busters, kid’s crafts, artists and all things High.

Atlanta Monster Jam 2011 | FREE Truck Displays

Sue — Thu, 10 Feb 2011 13:55:49 +0000

Atlanta Monster Jam 2011 | FREE Truck Displays

It’s Monster Jam time again! Atlanta is a great place to see the show because it’s generally shown on the Speed Channel and since it’s just one night, the trucks really do it up. Because it’s such a good show (and because we live in Georgia), Monster Jam at the Georgia Dome generally sells out. If you don’t have tickets for Saturday’s show (Feb. 12. 2011), get them now or you might be out of luck. If you can’t go to the show, or if you just want to get yourself pumped up for the event, here are some places where you can see Monster Trucks and meet the drivers. Bonus, this is FREE! For photos of Monster Jam, visit Field Trips with Sue on Facebook. Go ahead and “Like” the page while you’re there.

What: Jeremy Slifko, Backdraft
Where: Advanced Auto Parks (Store #6102), 8725 Tara Blvd., Jonesboro
When: Fri., Feb. 11, 2011 11 am – 3 pm

What: Lupe Soza, Grinder
Where: Advanced Auto Parts (Store #6310), 5835 Stewart Pkwy, Douglasville
When: Fri., Feb. 11, 2011 11 am – 3 pm

What: Jim Koehler, Avenger
Where: Advanced Auto Parts (Store #8706), 1455 Pleasant Hill Rd., Ste. 102, Lawrenceville
When: Fri., Feb. 11, 2011 11 am – 3 pm

What: Chris Bergeron, Brutus
Where: Advanced Auto Parts (Store #5567), 2021 Flat Shoals Rd., SE, Conyers
When: Fri., Feb. 11, 2011 2 pm – 6 pm

If you are going to the show and have a ticket, be sure to pick up a free ($5 value) Pit Passes at the Advanced Auto Parts or Metro PCS stores. Pit Passes are good for the Party in the Pits from 2 – 5 pm (but you must have an event ticket to use the Party in the Pits pass). During the Party in the Pits you can go down on the track, see the Monster Trucks up close, meet the drivers and get autographs. It gets very crowded at the Party in the Pits, so if you want autographs, especially for well known drivers like Dennis Anderson, be there when the doors open.

Field Trips with Sue in the News

Sue — Mon, 31 Jan 2011 02:17:44 +0000

Field Trips with Sue in the News

For any of you in the Buckhead/Sandy Springs area of Atlanta, make sure to pick up last week’s Northside Neighbor and read the story on Field Trips with Sue. For those of you that aren’t in the area, here is the story: Buckhead Sandy Springs-based blogs are local hits.Thanks to Laura Braddick for putting together such a nice article.

Field Trips with Sue has really become so much more than I ever expected, and after two years, I still enjoy it. I hope you do too. If you’re a fan, I’d love for you to share the site (and the Field Trips with Sue Facebook page) with your friends. I’ve set a goal of 5,000 Facebook Fans for 2011 and I’d love your help in getting there; so please, invite your friends and family to join us (they don’t have to be parents either, lots of the places profiled would be a fun date for a teen or anyone). Fans can subscribe to the site via email and/or join our Facebook community.

In addition, I’d love to hear what you think. What would make Field Trips with Sue your go-to place for information on things to do in Atlanta and the Southeast? What sets us apart from the other blogs you read. What needs to improve?

Thank you for reading and being a part of the Field Trips with Sue community.

Get Healthy with Nintendo, American Heart Assn. and FTWS

Sue — Mon, 04 Oct 2010 02:25:17 +0000

Get Healthy with Nintendo, American Heart Assn. and FTWS

What: An Afternoon of Active Fun and Healthy Lifestyle Tips
Where: Downtown Atlanta
When: Sun., Oct. 10, 12:30 – 3:30
Cost: This one is an invitation only party, BUT we’ll be choosing a few readers to join us!

Field Trips with Sue is teaming up with Nintendo and the American Heart Association to help you get active and make healthy lifestyle choices by co-hosting an afternoon of active fun and healthy lifestyle tips featuring Nintendo Wii.

The day includes lunch, assistance with goal setting and of course some Wii playing. What a great way to get you geared up for the hectic holiday season ahead. So if you can sneak away for a few hours on Sunday to join us for a fun adult afternoon, leave a comment below. We’ll choose a few lucky winners at random on Thursday and send you an official invitation. Please make sure you can get away for the entire party before entering – Good Luck!