Yadkin Valley Wineries Day Trip-October 6, 2012

 

Explore the Yadkin Valley Wineries with Our State! Visit three unique wineries and discover the deep history of the area and the science of wine making, all while tasting some of the best wines and enjoying some of the best scenic views in North Carolina.

Our State day trips are designed to give you exclusive behind-the-scenes access at unique destinations around North Carolina. This day trip is limited to 35 participants, so make your reservations today! Click on the link below for more information and to register.

Details Date: October 6, 2012
Where: Yadkin Valley Area (Elkin)
Time: 9 a.m. – 4 p.m.
Total Cost: $65 per person

http://www.ourstate.com/events/yadkin-valley-wineries-day-trip/?fb_ref=.UA1X3rARYKI.like&fb_source=home_oneline

Things to do around town in July

 

July 6th: First Friday Gallery Hop!

The downtown Arts District comes alive the first Friday of every month with a celebration of arts and culture. Each Gallery Hop features a mix of music, demonstrations, new exhibitions, and extended gallery hours. Free. Trade and Liberty streets (click here).

July 4-28th: Children’s Museum Events

 Summer is in full swing at the Winston-Salem Children’s Museum with a handful of special happenings. July events include a patriotic Red, White, and Blue Party (July 4), a princess-themed Pinkalicious Party (July 21), and a pirate-themed Shipwreck Shindig (July 28). 390 S. Liberty St. For more on these and other events, call 336-723-9111 or go to http://www.childrensmuseumofws.org/

July 7th: Raylen’s Full Moon Festival

 5–9 p.m. Food from Full Moon Oyster Bar and music from the Vagabound Saints Society highlight this annual event, RayLen’s only night-time festival of the year. $10 includes parking, a glass of wine, and a souvenir glass. Picnics, lawn chairs, and flip-flops welcomed. RayLen Vineyards, 3577 Highway 158, Mocksville. 336-998-3100 http://www.raylenvineyards.com/

July 7-28th: Summer on Trade

7–10 p.m. The Downtown Arts District comes alive each Saturday this summer with the best rock, roots, and country acts in the region. July acts include Kelly & the Cowboys (July 7), Vagabond Saints Society playing CCR (July 14), Envision (July 21), and the bo-stevens (July 28). Free!! http://www.dwsp.org/music

July 13th: Starlight Movie Night

 8:30 p.m. Bring your lawn chairs out to Shallowford Square in Lewisville for a free movie under the stars. July’s movie will be Steven Spielberg’s 2011 animated hit The Adventures of Tintin. Concessions are available. 6550 Shallowford Rd. 336-945-5558 http://www.lewisvillenc.net/

July 20th and 27th: Downtown Jazz

 6–9 p.m. This summertime staple in Corpening Plaza features great jazz music on Friday nights. July performers include Urban Jazz Coalition (July 20) and Winston All-Stars (July 27). Food and drink vendors will also be on hand. http://www.dwsp.org/music

July 21st: Beat the Heat 5K

6:30 p.m. This annual nighttime race was recently named the No. 1 “Under the Radar” race in the South by Running Journal magazine. In addition to a 5K, it includes a one-mile family fun run. BB&T Football Field, 499 Deacon Blvd. For info on registration fees, dates, and times, call 336-722-8477 or visit http://www.twincitytc.org/

 

 

Planning a Thrifty Fourth of July Celebration – Part 2

So, now that you have the invitation list along with who you want to bring what, you need to send those invites, right?  Well, invites can be expensive, huh?  Not if you send them via email!!!  Now I know there are a few southern belles out there who are probably falling over as they read this.  Proper etiquette calls for a hand written invitation.  However, in today’s day and age, who has time to sit and hand write who knows how many invites AND get them in the mail in a timely manner.  I know I sure don’t.  I may get them written…getting them in the mail is another story.  They would ride around in my car probably until the week of the party and then I’d remember to mail them, which, at that point the whole thing would be senseless. So, hello internet!!  Technology can be a wonderful thing at times….PLUS, folks are more apt to RSVP via email giving you a better idea of who’s coming helping YOU plan better!

Now that that’s been taken care of, let’s get on to the fun stuff!!  Planning how to decorate…CHEAP!!

Make your own fireworks decorations:  Take empty vegetable cans that have had the labels removed and been washed and dried.  Make sure you have different sizes (think small, medium and large).  Paint them in solid colors of red, white and blue.   When the paint is dry, take a paint pen and write words like “BAM” and “POW” on the cans.  Bundle them together in sets of three (1 small, 1 medium and 1 large) and tie with rope.  You can put things like sparklers in them to use later in the day/evening or citronella candles.  Place them around the yard or area where you’ll be entertaining to add that extra POP!

 

You can also head to the dollar store and pick up miniature American flags to line your walkway, stick in potted plants, or to put in your garden.  You can also usually find themed tablecloths at the dollar store too!!

 

If you want to decorate your table, you can purchase white carnations pretty cheap and have three clear containers with water to put them in.  Add blue food coloring to one container and red food coloring to another container, leaving the third container clear.  Split the carnations between the containers.  The flowers will soak up the colored water, leaving you with red, white, and blue carnations!!

Stay tuned for more fun and frugal ways to throw and knock-out Fourth of July Celebration!!!

Twin City Rib Fest!-Downtown Winston Salem – June 7-10

http://twincityribfest.com/

Groupon-AMF Bowling Deal! Great Family Fun!

http://www.groupon.com/deals/amf-bowling-centers-nat-piedmont-triad-nc-2?c=button&utm_content=all

 

Planning a Thrifty Fourth of July Celebration – Part 1

 

Do you want to have a blow-out Fourth of July party with all of your family and friends but don’t want to blow-out your budget?  Chances are, they want the same thing but have the same worries.  Why not have a potluck celebration?!?!  That way, everyone gets to celebrate together and each person contributes just a little to the overall expense!!  I know it’s just the first of June, but planning a party, any kind of party, takes time.  And, if you’re the one organizing the party, believe me, you’re gonna need to get started…like NOW!!!

 
First things first…..make a list of everyone you want to invite (including your family) and check it twice.  I know it sounds like Santa checking his list twice, but believe me, you’re bound to leave someone off the first go ‘round.  Once you have that done you’re going to want to determine the menu. 

Do you want to do burgers and dogs or something more sophisticated?  If there are kids involved, you’ll probably want to stick with burgers and dogs…trust me.  Once you have the menu planned out, take that list of everyone you want to invite and determine what each person is going to bring.  Now, use a little common sense here.  You’re not going to ask your 4-year old niece to bring a pound cake.  But, you know what I mean.  And, don’t forget paper products, drinks, ice and condiments.  Whew!!  That was a lot, right?  Just wait….the fun’s only beginning.

 
Next time, we’re going to talk about decorating with things you may already have or things you can get for really really cheap…..STAY TUNED!!!

Shelton Vineyards Summer Concert Series

 Do you love beach music, wine, and enjoying a nice summer evening with friends and family? Well you need to check out Shelton’s Vineyard’s summer concert series! Pack a picnic or a feast for a king, grab some lawn chairs and blankets, and put on your dancing shoes to enjoy a night you’ll never forget. This year’s band line up includes The Breakfast Club: An 80s Tribute Band, The Band of Oz, The Swinging Medallions, Hot Sauce, and The Tams. Tickets in advance are $25, tickets the day of are $30, or get a season pass for all 5 concerts for $75! Outside Alcoholic beverages are not allowed however you are highly encouraged to enjoy bottles of Shelton Vineyards declious wines. This is a great family event or date night! Go to Shelton Vineyard’s website to check out more details, how to buy tickets, etc.

26th Annual Carolina Blues Festival – May 19th

The Piedmont Blues Preservation Society has secured an all-star line-up of three national, one regional and two local blues acts to perform at the 26th Annual Carolina Blues Festival.

Headlining the festival is Smokin’ Joe Kubek and Bnois King, two raucous, high-energy Texas roadhouse bluesmen that perform blistering solos, irresistible shuffles and subtle ballads.

Also appearing is Eric Gales, a guitar phenom and dazzling soulful technician. Even though you might have seen him playing at the Hendrix Experience held recently at the War Memorial Auditorium in March this left-handed virtuoso with the upside-down guitar is certainly no Hendrix clone.

The third national act is “The Georgia Songbird,” EG Kight, who has been on tour opening for BB King. She’s a brassy, gutsy, blues singer and guitar player that can really belt out the blues.

Joining the national acts are Mel Melton & the Wicked Mojos, a smoking’ hot Zydeco-Cajun band out of Durham; House of Dues is the PBPS Blues Challenge Band category winner; and T.A. James, the Piedmont Blues Preservation Society’s Blues Challenge Solo/Duo category winner.

Venue 

Festival Park

200 N Davie St,
Downtown Greensboro
Greensboro, NC

Date:
May 19, 2012

Times: Gates open at 1 pm; music starts at 2 pm

Tickets:  $20 in advance; $30 day of festival

For More Information:  Call (336) 333-2605 or visit Carolina Theatre