5 Ah!-mazing Reasons Why Carowinds is One of My Top Family Destinations to Beat the Heat This Summer

Aerial view of Carowinds / Photo: +Maricris G 

I can't believe the heatwave upon heatwave Charlotte is currently experiencing. It's unreal but there's no denying it - the heat is quite real alright! It's so hot out here, I almost want to live in the water just to escape it! Now that I think about it, I guess I could, some way, somehow. I could go to the beach but the closest one is at least 3 hours away and that would only give me at least a week to enjoy it. Or, I can always go to my community's pool, but nah. It's too small and pretty crowded most of the time, there's just no way to enjoy even a short dip. So, what to do? Why what else, but go to Carowinds! It might be the best solution at this point. Here's why:

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.

Staycation Challenge: How to Beat The Summer Heat Without Breaking Your Bank And Losing Your Sanity

Photo: MaricrisG

We're heading into the middle of Summer and it's getting hot, hot, hot out there! The heat is on and there's no escaping it. And for those who are stuck staycation-ing, it can be a little challenging especially when the kids are home with you 24-7 and for the entire Summer. I can assure you, you'll lose your sanity pretty quick - guaranteed. But, before you lose your cool - I know how that is - do as I do. It will even save you some money. Though I can't guarantee your sanity remaining intact, you at least have some great options for your staycation challenge here besides going to your neighborhood pool or staying at home all day.

Here are places and ways to make your Summer creatively bearable and enjoyable with the rest of the family (that meant the kids of course) and saving you some money as well:

Summer Escape Plan: How to Make Use of Malls and Shopping Centers To Your Advantage

Photo: +Maricris G 

Staycationing? Then let's talk. Worn-out mom to another worn-out mom. When people mention either the Mall or Shopping Centers, which thought comes to your mind? Shopping right? Well, listen, that's already a given but if you think creatively and out of the box, you'll see that there is actually more to these shopping havens that you can take advantage of especially during the hottest season of the year, Summer! Think of it as your escape plan for beating the Summer heat and keeping your sanity intact. Remember, Kids are home all Summer. Good enough reason, no? I think so.

And here's more. Malls should not be just for shopping in your vocabulary any more. They have play areas for your young ones. Free wifi if you must need to catch up on some online work. And if you've got older kids, you can go shop-hopping with them. How fun is that? No guarantees you won't buy anything but at least you had fun with your kids. If not, you can chill at a Starbucks cafe or lounge at the mall's numerous lounging areas, with your favorite pretzels, preferably with your favorite coffee drink in hand. Maybe you can people-watch too. You didn't hear it from me, but it can be fun! I'm watching you!

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!