When my son was young, I would drag my husband and him to all sorts of events in which they had zero interest. I saw these outings as educational opportunities, as well as ways to spend time together as a family. But I failed to take into account our different entertainment preferences. Yes, my son tolerated just so many museums and historical sites before he eventually balked and demanded afternoons of miniature golf or go-kart racing. And my husband sheepishly agreed. So I ditched the bird watching, flower shows and art exhibits all together. For years, my recreational activities mirrored …

I spent close to 20 years working in downtown Atlanta, which means I traveled comatose on 1-75 along with thousands of other miserable commuters. Rain, sunshine and snow did not deter us from our required path. Oh, occasional road ice brought a reprieve, but not often enough. Now my math may be a bit off, but assuming I drove to my office at least 15 days each month, with an average commute time of three hours per day, I spent about 1.3 years in my car inhaling exhaust fumes and listening to really bad talk radio. By the time I arrived home each evening, I had very little energy left for …

When our son was young, Lewis and I were not always able to escape the house and parenthood to spend time with friends and each other. We lived within a tight budget and did not have access to reliable babysitters. We knew, however, the importance of setting aside some adult time each week. So we began inviting one or two other couples to our home on Saturday nights for food, conversation and card games. These gatherings soon became a fun routine to which we looked forward as the weekend rolled around. The secret was to keep it simple. After all, an escape should not involve a lot of work. …

Every October, the tiny town of Loachapoka, AL, with a population 170 or so, hosts Syrup Sopping Day, an event celebrating the history and demonstrating the traditional methods of making syrup out of sorghum and sugar cane. It’s a lot of fun, and there’s even a mule in a harness that walks in circles to grind the cane. Syrup Sopping Day is a big deal these days. More than 15,000 people attend and enjoy an afternoon of fall weather, arts and crafts, bluegrass music and lots of syrup. My late mother loved this community event and was a craft exhibitor for a couple of years before her health …

Each week, we give an idea to moms in Canton on a way you can escape and take time for yourself. Often though, it is hard, especially for new moms, to get away from the family. An easy way to escape from the realities of your daily stresses is to dive into someone else's world by reading. We have some great book stores and libraries in Canton that can suggest books for you. Picking lighthearted, happy and religious stories will lift your spirit. Books on parenting will help you feel more confident in your skills. Educational books will teach you new things. There are so many ways for self-…

In a society far removed from the one in which we live today, women used to gather to sew, quilt and spend time talking. Mothers taught daughters essential skills needed to provide clothing and blankets for their families. Today, these skills have become more of a hobby than a necessary skill. Whether you make clothing for your family or enjoy sewing in your free time, do you ever have difficulty finding the time to finish your projects? Pam Cipriani, owner of Knit-N-Knacks, invites you to join her and other ladies for Sit-N-Stitch. Sit-N-Stitch times are available daily from 1 to 3 p.m. Sit-…

As parents, we are constantly going and do not always remember to take time for ourselves. An afternoon or evening away with friends or spouses will rejuvenate and relax us and make us more patient parents.  This week, enjoy wine tastings in Cherokee and North Fulton counties. Kingfisher Wine Shop hosts tastings every Saturday from 4 to 7 p.m. The owners simply request a $5 donation to a charity of your choice. Along with a great selection for purchase, Hinton's Wine Store in Alpharetta has a wine club that adults can join as well as frequent wine tasting events.  Sip is a Milton wine shop …

Nestled among the scenic Blue Ridge mountains is the landmark Dillard House. This quaint retreat offers so much more than a vista of mountains. Since its establishment in 1917, the Dillard House has been well known for its Southern hospitality. Just two hours from here, it is close enough to visit for a day. And there are plenty of accommodations to enjoy a night or more. Click here for special rates available now until Easter. Whether staying for a day or overnight, the family style restaurant is a must. No need to debate which menu items to choose. The extensive menu of Southern dishes are …

The weather is hit or miss this time of year, but I recommend taking a chance and planning an outing with your favorite girlfrends to Blankets Creek Mountain Bike Trail Park on Sixes Road (off Interstate 575, exit 11).  You can hike, bike or run on the five trails the park has to offer: Mosquito Flats (beginner), Mosquito Bite (beginner plus), Dwelling Loop (intermediate), South Loop (advanced) and Van Michael Trail (advanced). I have been to Blankets Creek with my girlfriends several times. We love the exercise. A couple of them are serious runners and consider the advanced trails their …

So often, we do not take time for ourselves. We are at our best when we are calm and relaxed. With all of the chaos that comes along with mommyhood, the difficult part often is finding a way to get that peace. If you can break away from the kids for a couple of hours, a visit to a day spa is a sure way to rejuvenate you and make you feel like a woman again. Afterglow Spa is the perfect great escape for moms. They offer services in packages and a la carte. Massages and body wraps are a surefire way to relax the muscles and improve skin. Facials will improve skin tone and texture to make mom …

Reality as a mommy seems to be devoting 99 percent of your time to please everyone else. If we forget to take time for ourselves, we can quickly burn out. That is why Patch.com encourages you to take time for an escape from reality and do something for you. How many times do you find yourself helping with your child's homework only to realize how long it has been since you have done something creative? This week's Great Escape offers you a chance to create your own piece of art and fun memories while you are at it. Just for Giggles in Milton is a studio where you can gather with friends or go…

We are halfway through the mid-winter break for Cherokee County School District.  If you have yet to escape, there is still time. The Biltmore Estate in Asheville, NC, is well worth the three-and-a-half hour drive. Guests are invited to visit the historic home of George Vanderbilt. The 250-room mansion covers four acres of floor space. Guests can stroll through the palatial home on a self-guided tour or, for a nominal fee take an audio-guided tour. In addition to viewing the home, guests are also welcome to meander through the surrounding grounds, which includes a garden, a greenhouse and …

Just a short, 37.6-mile drive away in Buford, GA, lies Lake Lanier Resort. Fishing, golf, horseback riding, boating and spa activities are available to guests year-round. During the warmer months, couples will enjoy the beach and water activities as well. The resort has individual houses with up to six bedrooms, small water front cottages and a main lodge that is more like a traditional hotel. Guests can even camp or rent a houseboat for their getaway. Dining is right at your finger tips with in-room eating at the house rentals or at one of the several restaurants at the resort. Lake Lanier …

As parents, it is important to stay in touch with each other. Don’t forget there was just the two of you before the kids came along. Valentine’s Day is right around the corner. ‘Tis the season to celebrate your love. Plan a date night this weekend. Downtown Canton's Goin’ Coastal offers a wonderful dining experience for an escape from parenthood--for a few hours anyway. Just walking in the door makes you feel that you are escaping more than your children. The aromas emanating from the kitchen will have you thinking you have escaped to a waterfront locale. Entrees range from $13 to $28. To …