Hines-Sight Blog

Elmo is Coming to Raleigh: Sesame Street Live Discount Ticket Code for HinesSight Blog Readers

2013-05-22T11:41:00.000-04:00

Who doesn't love Elmo?

My children do. I do, too.

My children with Elmo last year.

The default channel on our DVR is PBS Kids, and there have been several occasions where Will and I have turned off our DVR programming, and Sesame Street is on TV. All our kids are in bed, and we find ourselves watching a few minutes of Sesame Street.

Why? Because it's captivating, and the writers do such a good job of bringing current situations into today's program. As "Downton Abbey" fans, we loved the skit called "Upside Downton Abbey." The puppets sounded just like Mr. Carson and the Countess.

Sesame Street Live: Elmo Makes Music is coming to Raleigh, N.C. May 31-June 2, 2013.

Jenny, an enthusiastic new music teacher, arrives on Sesame Street only to discover that her instruments are missing. Jenny’s new Muppet friends quickly come to the rescue and discover ‘instruments’ they never knew existed…rubber duckies, trash can lids and even cookie jars. Elmo and friends teach children that everyone can make and enjoy beautiful music together! Visit SesameStreetLive.com for more information.

Event info: http://www.thepncarena.com/events/detail/sesame-street-live

Ticket link: http://www.ticketmaster.com/venueartist/115097/1031517

HinesSight Blog Readers can use discount code: ERNIE - valid for $3 off the $15, $20, and $25 tickets for all performances (excluding opening night). Tickets for opening night are just $12!

Order a this link: http://www.ticketmaster.com/venueartist/115097/1031517

I won't be able to make this show which you will find out why in another post this week, but I'm sending my kids with my husband. I think they are going to love it.

Disclosure: In partnership with PNC Arena, I'm helping to promote this wonderful show for families. I was not compensated to write this post, but my family will receive complimentary tickets to one performance.

New Trend in Family Summer Travel: Hands-On Destination Learning

2013-05-20T13:43:00.000-04:00

These days, families want to continue their children's learning experiences while on vacation. I've always said that traveling is like the world's biggest classroom. In 2013, when families go on vacation, they want to make pasta in Italy, or learn how to ride a horse while staying at a resort.

My children on vacation in Hot Springs, Virginia

Caroline Michaud with Preferred Hotels says this is the latest trend in vacations. Hotels are being creative and providing more activities and learning experiences for families rather than just having guests lounge by the pool, like we did with our parents. Swimming and pool lounging is still a coveted, luxury amenity though. Don't you think?

Ojai Valley Inn and Spa in Ojai,CA

Give me a Pina Colada by the pool, and I'm a happy gal. But, the best vacation has some educational balance, too.

“Well-traveled parents and grandparents want to further the education of their children through travel, so we’re seeing an increase in requests for hotels that offer experiences beyond the typical kids program," remarked Michaud. "Families are requesting more active itineraries so they can experience destinations, not just see things. Our resorts in South Africa that offer safari excursions are very popular among families for this reason.”

This summer, education and vacation will go hand-in-hand for families that embark on global travels with the Preferred Family collection from Preferred Hotel Group. Whether raising an aspiring professional athlete or a budding historian-to-be, parents can extend the learning opportunities for their curious children beyond the classroom by visiting www.PreferredFamily.com and booking stays at more than 230 family-friendly hotels and resorts worldwide.

Here are some of my recommendations for hands-on experiences in Summer 2013 after searching through their travel portfolio. It was hard to narrow down the choices because there are tons of properties out there, and the destinations look so much fun. Based on my travels, I've been pleased with Preferred Hotels and have loved my stays. My most recent was at the Old Edwards Inn and Spa in Highlands, N.C. Here are some ideas for you.

Ojai Valley Inn and Spa in Ojai, California

· Learn to Golf Like a Professional – Ojai, California, USA

Where to Stay: Ojai Valley Inn & Spa, a member of Preferred Golf

For 90 years, dozens of Hollywood and PGA Tour greats – from entertainer Bing Crosby to World Golf Hall of Famer Arnold Palmer – have tested their handicaps at the historic golf course at Ojai Valley Inn & Spa, a member of Preferred Golf located just 35 miles south of Santa Barbara. This summer, children can learn to golf for free with a new “Kids Play Free” stay-and-play package that includes overnight accommodations and a complimentary round of golf for one child (16 years and younger) when playing with a paying adult after 1 p.m. After tallying their score for the day, children can enjoy other on-property activities through the Camp Ojai (ages 3-12) and Teen Club (13-17) programs.

OH! All-Suite Hotel in Crete, Greece

· Experience Greek Culture and Mythology – Crete, Greece

Where to Stay: OH! All-Suite Hotel, a member of Preferred Boutique

Taking learning beyond the textbook, Crete’s famed Capsis Minoan Amusement Park – the only Minoan Mythological Park in Greece – engages children in a hands-on lesson about Minoan culture and Greek mythology through a variety of interactive games, ranging from archaeological treasure hunts to mini-Olympic trials. Families looking to experience the educational fun can stay at OH! All-Suite Hotel, a brand-new luxury home-away-from-home that is located less than 300 steps away from the amusement park and presents spacious accommodations, the best of authentic Greek cuisine, and other exciting activities and services to entertain travelers of all ages. Day-trips to Crete’s historic sites such as the Minoan Palace of Knossos and the Archeological Museum of Haeraklion can be arranged.

ShaSa Resort

· Practice An Ancient Art Form – Koh Samui, Thailand

Where to Stay: ShaSa Resort and Residences, a member of Sterling Design

Children looking to explore their creative side can practice the ancient art of batik painting at ShaSa Resort and Residences, Koh Samui, an all-suite retreat set on a hillside along the Gulf of Thailand. Daily art classes offered at the property’s Kids Club (ages 3-8) teach the history of batik – a wax-resistant dyed fabric and a symbolic product of Koh Samui – and show them how to paint the fabric in the style of local traditions. In between painting sessions, families can explore nearby sites, which include the Samui Aquarium and Tiger Zoo and Nu Muang Waterfall, or relax while enjoying the resort’s multiple pools and surrounding gardens.

The Jefferson in Washington, D.C.

· Study Up on World History – Washington, D.C., USA

Where to Stay: The Jefferson, a member of Preferred Boutique

From the Smithsonian and the Spy Museum to the Washington Monument and the White House, Washington, D.C. abounds with destinations where children can learn about world history. Located mere blocks from the top sites in the United States capitol, The Jefferson helps guests maximize their sightseeing time by providing complimentary house car service from the hotel to any destination within the city limits. In between the history-rich excursions, families can relax in spacious suites and take advantage of the hotel’s unique just-for-kids spa services and dining menus.

For more information on Preferred Family and to book special offers from its certified hotels, visit www.PreferredFamily.com.

Disclosure: This is not a sponsored post, but I have visited many Preferred Hotels through the years and feel comfortable recommending this hotel membership to you based on my prior stays. I like to share some of the best hotels with my readers. If you go to any of the hotels I've selected for you, please let me know.

Have Breakfast, Lunch, or Dinner Courtesy of HinesSight Blog: A #McDonald's Gift Tote Giveaway

2013-05-17T16:54:00.003-04:00

I'm ending this week with a McDonald's gift packet for a reader because there is a new dish in town.

As you know, I like to support local restaurants and businesses in my community. My Dad was in the restaurant business for more than 30 years. Even though he owned a national chain restaurant, he was still a local businessman in our hometown. Like my Dad's business, the Triangle McDonald's are all locally-owned, and the owners do a fantastic job of giving back to the community in the Raleigh-Durham-Chapel Hill area.

McDonald's support our local schools through McTeacher Nights, where they give a portion of sales to area schools. They also help support the local Ronald McDonald houses in Chapel Hill and Durham, which give families a place to stay when a child needs hospital treatment because of a serious illness or injury.

McDonald's is teaming up with me this week to let you try the new 250-calorie Egg White Delight McMuffin.

One HinesSight Blog reader will receive a special gift tote from McDonald's with a $10 Gift Card.

Inside the Egg White Delight McMuffin sustainable tote bag you will find:

· A water bottle

· Egg White Delight McMuffin apron

· Egg-shaped timer

· $10 McDonald’s gift card

The new Egg White Delight McMuffin is prepared with freshly grilled 100% egg whites, extra lean Canadian bacon and white cheddar served on a new whole grain muffin. At 250 calories, the new muffin delivers 8 grams of whole grain and the Canadian bacon delivers quality protein to support McDonald's “Commitments to Offer Improved Nutrition Choices.”

One winner will be chosen at random by Rafflecopter on Saturday, May 25 at 12:00 am EST. Participants can share this blog post on Facebook, Share this post on Pinterest, Share this post on Twitter, Enter via Facebook, or leave a blog post comment to receive entries. The participant can receive multiple entries or enter this giveaway by completing just one entry.

For those needing extra help with Rafflecopter
1. Click on "Use Your E-mail" or "Sign in with Facebook"
2. A box will pop up. Enter your name. Enter your e-mail address or Facebook ID.
3. Click on "Log In".
4. A box will pop up with choices to enter. Put your mouse on the +1 button. Click it.
5. Hit "Enter" and your e-mail address should be in the system, and you will have one entry.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Disclosure: This is not a sponsored post, and McDonald's caught me on a day that I felt like rewarding a reader with prize so I said yes to this promotion because I strongly believe our local McDonald's owners work hard to be part of our community. I have not yet tasted the Egg White Delight McMuffin because I like to order the oatmeal, and a latte when I visit. As a local blog ambassador for Triangle McDonald's, I have received coupons to try new menu items, and have used their free Wi-Fi on many occasions. Thank you for the Wi-Fi, McDonald's! It's a great perk.