[ Entertainment Review ] OVO - Cirque Du Soleil : Delightfully Mesmerizing

Juggling human insects, anyone? / Photo courtesy of Cirque Du Soleil

As we entered the arena, right there in the middle of the stage, a huge, no, gigantic, egg sits silently. It does nothing, yet its stillness commands an imposing presence. An air of control that immediately captures your attention and gnaws at your curiosity. Then I saw insects...and my skin crawled. 

[ Contributor Review ] Cirque Du Soleil Corteo: Engaging, Mysterious, Fun

Editors Note: We received a media invite to preview the show in Charlotte NC. Our Contributor Dale shares his personal experience of the entertainment. Check his story below. 

Imagine, if you will, you’re laying in bed. You feel the tug of slumber pulling at you and you begin to fall into the Sandman’s warm embrace. Your dream begins with you lying in bed with a stream of people, your friends and family, walking towards you wailing and sobbing. One by one they approach you, touching your hand, kissing your forehead, and whispering tearful farewells.

It’s then you realize you’re dead. But you’re dreaming. Right?

And that’s how Cirque du Soleil’s Corteo begins...

All Things Wonderful at Carowinds Winterfest

The much-awaited Carowinds Winterfest has finally opened its enchanting door to bring delight, entertainment and tons of Winter wonderland fun to the whole family. If you haven't visited yet, here's an inside look at the fun stuffs to be had at this magical attraction at the park. I'll let the pictures speak for themselves, so, feast your eyes!

Unique Handmade Collectible Gifts at Carowinds Winterfest Artisan Alley

After 12 years, Winterfest finally made its magical winter wonderland way back to Carowinds to offer fun and enchantment to each and everyone. An attraction that have been much-anticipated by those who experienced it in 2005, like me - its first and last year. Now the great thing about this year's Winterfest is that it's bigger, it's brighter and it offers more fun options for the family - including an Artisan Alley featuring unique handmade items from local and small business owner designers!

Fun and shopping rolled into one
What more can you ask for? Fun at the park and shopping! These unique items are a great buy even if you're not looking for something special for holiday gifts. Some of them are just worth having. The Artisans will be there until December 30th so, check them out and show them love and support by purchasing an item or two!

Welcome Summer with a Huge Splash at Carowinds Carolina Harbor Water Park

Carolina Harbor Water park officially opened it's gates to water-loving Carolinians today. A refreshing treat to welcome the arrival of Summer and its sometimes searing southern heat. The park comes to life to help you quench the heat - or drench it - whichever fits, even before it's officially Summer! So, you can just say "Summer, bring it on!"  - Carowind's got you covered.

Carowinds Taste of the Carolinas Makes A Flavorful Comeback

I had the opportunity to experience and savor the tasteful offerings of Taste of the Carolinas at Carowinds right on its opening weekend, and this year, it's a little more special...

Carowinds Easter Eggstravaganza - A Fun Easter Destination For Family on Staycation

For families like us whose chosen option for their Spring vacation is your good ol' reliable Staycation - it shouldn't mean stuck bored at home. As a matter of fact, it's far from it. Staying local gives you the opportunity to discover, or rediscover the beauty of your own backyard, so to speak, and experience the fun choices available, right at your fingertips! Fun options like Carowinds Easter Eggstravaganza and their special Easter Day Brunch, new this year for 2017.

Hamilton Is Finally Coming To Charlotte - Locally Handmade Hamilton-Inspired Creations Are Ready For It!

It's awesome that Hamilton is finally coming to Charlotte! I could not wait and I have more than one reason for being so.

Since the end of last year, I had not one iota of clue what Hamilton is all about and why everyone's going crazy about it. I decided to "investigate" and voila! A new inspiration to create Hamilton-inspired items for my SteamZen shop emerged and I was in for an exhilarating ride from then on.

My creations became my breakout hit for 2017! My customers come from all corners of the country and across international waters, but oddly, not one from Charlotte.

The irony, right? But hopefully, that might change soon... I can't wait to share my creations to my fellow Hamilton-loving Charlottean.

Celebrate the 50th Anniversary of "The Great Pumpkin" At Carowinds Great Pumpkin Fest - On Us!

It's hard to believe that October is here. But that just means Fall has come. It also means it's the season for the Great Pumpkin Fest at Carowinds!

This year marks the 50th Anniversary celebration of "It's The Great Pumpkin, Charlie Brown", and Carowinds is celebrating in with their ultimate annual fall festival - The Great Pumpkin Fest! Think super-Halloween-goodness in one fun place.

With that, we want you to be a part of this family-friendly daytime event celebrations that includes Halloween-themed live shows, a pumpkin patch, a hay bale maze, trick-or-treating, a petting zoo and so much more! Your favorite rides will be open during the day, including the award-winning Planet Snoopy kids' area as well.  All this - ON US! 

Carowinds Alert: Snag your Season Pass Before Price Hike

Haven't gotten your Season Pass for the year yet? 
Well, you better sprint to Carowinds soon or you'll miss your chance of getting a golden deal on your passes.  The prices of 2016 Season Passes goes up on May 31st.

Carowinds Revealed Another Secret to Knock You Off Your Seats in 2016

Literally. During their official announcement of Carolina Harbor, they ended their video presentation with a cliffhanger showing a picture of a crossed-out leaf and a distinct zombie growl. We had no idea what to make out of it, but that was basically the clue which is now unveiled! How does Plants Vs. Zombies sounding like to you?

The Great Pumpkin Fest at Carowinds - Charlotte’s Can’t Miss Fall Festival

Photo: Carowinds

Summer is gone but that doesn’t mean the fun is over. The truth is, it’s just getting started. Think of all the fun stuff that fall brings. I can think of a few to get you started. Halloween, Hay Bale Mazes, Pumpkin Patches, Petting Zoo, live shows and the PEANUTS gang, yes, Charlie Brown! - getting excited yet? I am. And you know what? You can have them all - and more - in one place. Yes. One place. Where? The Great Pumpkin Fest  at Carowinds!

The Great Pumpkin Fest 2015 Returns with More Fun Treats And an Awesome Giveaway For You!

Fun inside Mumpkin Patch at Carowinds Pumpkin Fest in 2013

UPDATE: Winners have been chosen. Thank you to all who entered.

Summer is almost over and and I'm starting to see lots of ORANGE, yes, orange - that infamous color of Fall which also signifies the appearance of that mighty, round orange vegetable: The Great Pumpkin that Linus totally believed in, and of course, the arrival of Halloween! Now there's no need to be like Linus to experience the fun and adventure of the Great Pumpkin. If you want it, you can have it all in one place. Where? Nowhere else but at Carowinds The Great Pumpkin Fest! And guess what? I'm going to give you access to experience it all - for free.

Carowinds Big SEAcret is Out and Here's An Inside Look! (Video)

Yes! The big SEAcret is out and we're giving you an exclusive sneak peek inside Carowinds exciting additions to the park! Revealed on Thursday during their media event attended by yours truly, VIP's, News, Media and loyal fans, the changes coming to the theme park in 2016 will surely make the theme park your family's top destination next Summer. Take a look!


The transformation of Carowinds began in 2015 with the addition of Fury 325.

ZimSculpt 2015 Exhibit Photos

Story to Tell by David White / Photo: MaricrisG

I had the pleasure of visiting the ZimSculpt 2015 exhibit and these are just a few of those that are on display at Daniel Stowe's Botanical Garden.

ZimSculpt A Feast for the Artistic Eyes And A Treat For the Uber Spender Art Collector

Sculpture done on an Opal stone by Aron Kapembeza / Photo: MaricrisG

This is the last week of ZimSculpt exhibit at Daniel Stowe Botanical Gardens which was reason enough for us to just go out there and brave the heat and humidity or miss it altogether. There was so much buzz around this exhibit that I decided, we must find out if this exhibit is really good as they say. It was also a chance to explore the gardens which we haven't seen in ages. As it turn out, going there on a late Sunday afternoon was a great choice. It was uncrowded, which created a relaxed atmosphere, making for a pleasant visit - except of course, for the intense heat that literally melted me in a puddle as I dragged my heavy artillery: camera, tripod and my womanly possessions, all over the gardens with me.

Where to Watch Fireworks for July 4th 2015 Celebration in North Carolina

Photo: Marc Averette via Wikipedia commons

July 4th is right on the corner. I bet you my bottom dollar that you and your family is looking to watch a good fireworks show just like everyone else. Well, we scoured the land and found these places just for you so you know where to go and when to watch, right where you are! Or nearby.

Staycation Destination: Museums with Free Admission

Firebird at +Bechtler Museum of Modern Art / Photo: +Maricris G 

You probably didn't know museums have Free Admission days. Well, they do. Now you know. And as I know you already know, FREE is always good when you have more than one kid to entertain the whole Summer or on any given time. Museums are also a great place where the whole family can go to and do things together while saving you money at the same time. Now that's a No-Brainer!

Check these Museums in Charlotte with Free Admission Days or Always Free to get your Summer on the right track:

Summer Perks: Movie Theaters with Free Admission and Summer Deals

Photo: +Maricris G 

It's that time of the year again. Popcorn and Free movies? Heck yeah baby. Who would say no to free movies and unlimited popcorn galore? I sure can't and won't. So should you too! Thankfully, Summer is here and most theaters offer perks that are FREE, dirt cheap or almost free to its young patrons and their budget-conscious parents -  the entire Summer. Sweeeet! Not to say, it's a great escape plan when cabin fever starts to set in and you want to give your air conditioner a break.

Check out this list of local Movie Theaters in Charlotte with Summer deals for 2015 and make your Summer awesome!

Carowinds Live Event: Daughtry in Concert + Special Discount Code For You

Summer is officially here which means Charlotte's premier Summer destination, Carowinds, have opened its gates for another year of awesome fun! And for the music lover and big fan of their live concert series, you're in luck! The multi-platinum, Grammy-nominated band Daughtry is performing at Paladium Amphitheater on Thursday, July 2 at 7 PM with rock band 21st Century Goliath opening for the show. This is a great start to your 4th of July celebration for sure! Then to top it all, grab the special discount code for some cool savings to make it more super-duper-extra-fun for you!