Bargain Mom Weekend Round-up April 14- 15: Plant Sales, Chocolate Festival & More

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Here are some events to check out this weekend across the state --

OF THE FRESH AIR FAMILY EVENTS TOMORROW AND SUNDAY.

HERE ARE SOME EVENTS FROM THE

EPARTMENT --

      HUNTSVILLE --

      Huntsville Speedway
      Please share this event with everyone and come to the races Saturday, April 21st, 7pm at the Huntsville Speedway!
      Saturday, April 21 at 7:00pm at Huntsville Speedway
      Huntsville-Madison County Convention & Visitors Bureau via U.S. Space & Rocket Center
      Here's another great 'only in Huntsville' kind of event--NASA's Great Moonbuggy Race! Approximately 100 teams from around the world will compete in NASA's 19th Great Moonbuggy Race, April 13-14, at the U.S. Space & Rocket Center. Check it out--there's nothing else quite like it!
      www.nasa.gov
      From April 10-12, you can watch pre-recorded footage of the 2011 Great Moonbuggy Race at the U.S. Space and Rocket Center in Huntsville, Ala. On April 13-14, from approximately 9 a.m. EDT to 6 p.m. EDT each day, you can watch live race coverage of the 2012 Great Moonbuggy Race.




      The Huntsville Ballet Company presents 'Swan Lake' Saturday, April 14 at at the Von Braun Center's concert hall. Performances are at 1:30PM and 7PM. Get your tix by calling 256-539-0961, or visit www.huntsvilleballetcompany.org.
      www.al.com
      The program includes Act II of "Swan Lake," plus modern dances.





      Downtown Huntsville. The 100th Anniversary Titanic Tribute Tour.
      www.huntsvilleghostwalk.com
      To commemorate the 100th Anniversary of the R.M.S. Titanic, the Huntsville Ghost Walk will be presenting a Titanic Tribute Tour in April.Click here for more information!




      Gadsden/RAINBOW CITY ----


      CHOCOLATE FESTIVAL --


      Alabama Chocolate Festival
      April 14, 2012
      Rainbow City, Alabama

      7th annual Alabama Chocolate Festival.
      Rainbow Plaza Parking Lot
      3225 Rainbow Drive, Rainbow City
      10:00 a.m. - 8:00 p.m.
       
      Arts, Crafts, Food Vendors, Great Entertainment, Carnival Rides for the Children, Egg Toss Contest, Chug a Lug Contest, Chocolate Taste-Off, and the TREASURE HUNT.  Clues to begin on March 15th!  We will post information in the coming days so stay tuned here and to MIX102.9!

      Admission:  Free


      Mary G. Hardin Center for Cultural Arts
      Join us for a Courtyard Concert this weekend! Tonight: The Zillionaires. Saturday: Rick & Tad. The courtyard opens at 6pm and the music starts at 7pm. Call Courtyard Cafe for table reservations (256) 547-1066.

      BIRMINGHAM --



      Don't forget to come out to the spring plant sale. We've got thousands of plants, great weather and a great crowd.

      Bbgardens.org/springplantsale
      Oak Mountain State Park
      Ready Set Cure 5K is in the park tomorrow. Come out and support the runners.
      Friends of the Birmingham Public Library
      Be sure to visit your Birmingham Public Library branch during National Library Week, April 8-14. The library is an outstanding resource for everyone. We are celebrating National Library Week by providing a coupon good for $5 to pay your overdue charges. To get a coupon, access The Reader online to print one.
      Ruffner Mountain Nature Center
      ... Urban Birds on Saturday from 9 to 3 at the Native Plant Sale. April 14th. Bham Audubon will have fun scientific activities for the kids all day. It is free (except for the plants you buy of course) and fun for the whole family!


      HERE ARE SOME STATE EVENTS VIA ALAPARK.COM
      Weekend Buffets at Lake Guntersville State Park
       4/13/2012 to 12/31/2012
      Join us each weekend for delightful buffets and fantastic views! Our Pinecrest Dining Room is open all 3 meals every day of the year. We kick each weekend off with our Friday night all-you-can-eat seafood buffet and culminate throughout the weekend into our popular Sunday Brunch where we always have our hand-seasoned prime rib on the carving station. Make plans, whether for an intimate dinner with a loved one, a group of friends, or a family gathering, and enjoy great food and fellowship in this paradise of nature.
       
       
      Lake Guntersville State Park
      Event Address:
      1155 Lodge Dr
      Guntersville, Al 35976
      Call (256) 571-5440

      17th Annual South Baldwin Relay for Life "Camp'n f
       4/13/2012 to 4/14/2012
      17th Annual South Baldwin Relay For Life “CAMP'N for a CURE”-
      Relay For Life event at Heritage Park beginning at 7pm.
      Please register your team and get up to date event information at the attached website.
      Come enjoy Survivors’ Activities, Entertainment, Food, Games and FUN!
      If you have any questions, please call your American Cancer Society at 928-8650. 
       
       
      Call (251) 928-8650

      Nature Center Video
       4/13/2012
      Location: Meet at Gulf State Park Nature Center/Education Building
      Time: 10:00 a.m.
      Free to the public
      Video: The Ultimate Guide: Snakes  Shed those misconceptions and learn the truth about snakes in this 30 minute film.
      Call (251) 948-7275

      Nature Time
       4/13/2012
      Location:  Meet at Gulf State Park Nature Center
      Time: 1:00 p.m.
      Free to the public.
      Learn new and exciting facts about some of the animals that live in Gulf State Park.  This one hour program is suited for people of all ages and allows you to get close and personal with some of the educational animals at the Nature Center.
       
      Call (251) 948-7275

      Alabama State Parks Geocaching Challenge
       4/13/2012 to 4/14/2012
      Don't miss it! The time is near as the long awaited Alabama State Parks Geocaching Challenge Kicks-off this Friday and Saturday, April 13th and 14th, at Lakepoint Resort State Park in Eufaula, AL.
      Lakepoint Resort State Park
      Event Address:
      Hwy. 431 North
      Eufaula, AL 36027
      Call (334) 687-8011

      Spring Wildflower Walk
       4/14/2012
      Little River Canyon National Preserve will have a Wildflower Walk at 1 PM on Saturday, April 14, 2012. Ranger Larry Beane
      will lead the walk beginning at Lynn Overlook off of the Scenic Rim Drive. The easy two mile loop walk will be a on the Beaver Pond Trail, about a mile down the canyon from Highway 35. The hike will last approximately 2 hours.
      Wildflowers are blooming early. Many rare plants inhabit this rocky overlook. As spring warms up, some of the wildflowers will
      have gone to seed and new ones emerge to replace them. Ranger Beane said, “We hope to see one of the two carnivorous plants, and possibly the rare Little River Onion on Saturday.”
      Visitors are encouraged to bring water, good hiking shoes, and field guide books. You can follow our updates and find park
      pictures on Facebook at “lirinps.” For more information call the park office at (256)845-9605.
      Email Larry_Beane@nps.gov or Call (256) 845-9605

      2nd Annual Earth Day
       4/14/2012
      2nd Annual Earth Day
       
      Located at Graham Creek Nature Preserve beginning with a 5k at 9 am and several activities throughout the day including a guided tour of the preserve, demonstrations, and more.
      For more information email llassitter@cityoffoley.org
       
       
      Email llassitter@cityoffoley.org

      BFL Fishing Tournament
       4/14/2012
      BFL Fishing Tournament sponsored by FLW.
      Tournament begins with a blast off at safe light with weigh in at 3:00 p.m.
      Call (270) 252-1572

      Ready Set Cure 5K
       4/14/2012

      Spring is near! Are you ready to run?

      Join us at beautiful Oak Mountain State Park on Saturday, April 14 for friends, food, fab tunes and a 5K! It's FUN for the whole family.

      Registration begins at 7:00am with the race start at 8:00am. Awards and door prizes will be given away at 9:00am. The cost is $25/adult, but children 12 and

      under are FREE.

      For more information, please visit ‘Ready.Set.Cure.’ on Facebook.com or Active.com. All proceeds benefit the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society.

      Run like a WINNER. Cure like a CHAMP.

      Call (205) 563-9444

      Tracks, Scat, & Signs
       4/14/2012
      Do we always get to see the animals that we know are out in nature? No, we don't but they leave us many things that we can use to figure out what was there, what they ate, and maybe where they came from & where they are going. Come learn about tracks, scat, & signs of common animals in the area.
       
      Meet at the Campground Pavilion (B-side) at 10a.m.
       
      Free after admission to Park.
       
      Email oakmountain.naturalist@dcnr.alabama.gov or Call (205) 620-2520

      Early Spring Hike at DeSoto State Park
       4/14/2012
      TAKE A HIKE!!!
      The JSU Field Schools will partner with groups (such as National Park Service, US Forest Service, Alabama State Parks and others)
      to offer diverse moderate-level hikes “from the deepest canyon to the highest mountain” each second Saturday of the month.

      Early Spring Hike at DeSoto State Park
      One of the most beautiful times of the year at DeSoto State Park! Join DSP Staff on an easy meandering hike along the
      ADA-Accessible Azalea Cascade Boardwalk Trail to see early blooming-species of plants. This is a Fresh Air Family/Scale
      Back Alabama event.
      Date: Saturday, April 14, 2012
      Where: Meet at the Nature Center (Next to DeSoto’s Country Store)
      Time: 10:00-12:00
      Fee: Free to the public; registration appreciated but not required. Great for all ages!
      Call 256.997.5025 or see www.alapark.com/desotoresort for more details!
       
      Email Brittney.Hughes@dcnr.alabama.gov or Call (256) 997-5025

      ABA Division 12
       4/14/2012
      TAKE OFF AND WEIGH IN AT LAKEPOINT STATE PARK MARINA 334-687-6026.
      Expecting 30 boats.  Weigh in at 3pm.
      For more information contact Deacon Collins.
      Email deaconcoll@aol.com or Call (404) 862-4233

      Wal-Mart BFL Bama Division #3
       4/14/2012
      TAKE OFF AND WEIGH IN AT LAKEPOINT STATE PARK MARINA 334-687-6026.
      Sponsored by FLW Outdoors.
      Expecting 140 boats.  Weigh in at 3pm
      For more information contact Robert Evans.
      Call (270) 252-1616

      Guided Hike at Lake Guntersville State Park
       4/14/2012
      Lickskillet and Old Lickskillet Trail
      9:00 a.m.
       
      These trails follow an old pioneer road and an old Indian path. The foundation of an old log cabin is located on the Old Lickskillet Trail. Meet at the country store located at the main campground.
      Lake Guntersville State Park
      Event Address:
      1155 Lodge Dr
      Guntersville, Al 35976
      Email patti.donnellan@dcnr.alabama.gov or Call (256) 571-5440

      HERE ARE SOME ATTRACTIONS ACROSS THE STATE WORTH CHECKING OUT:

      Alabama Civil War Trail Features 47 Low Cost Sites + Free Map

      for more details.


      Save on admission by joining the Southern Museum of Flight for $30 for the entire family.

      They have a reciprocal relationship with the center so you'll get in free!

      Go

      ut the Southern Museum of Flight membership








      Montgomery -
      This could be a great time to take the kids to see the capitol, archives, Little White House of Confederacy, Old Alabama Town and more.
      Go here to see a complete list of attractions and options for educational entertainment.


      You might surprise yourself by learning something.
      Most of the government attractions are free.

      Old Alabama Town is not.
      Here's their info:

      Hours and Admission

      Hours: Old Alabama Town is open Monday-Saturday, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Our last ticket is sold at 3 p.m. We're closed on Sundays, Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Year's Day.

      Admission: Adults, $10; Children ages 6-18, $5. Free to ages 5 and younger. A 10 percent discount is offered to AAA, military and seniors.





      Cathedral Caverns --
      Go here

      Cathedral Caverns State Park Headquarters 637 Cave Road Woodville, AL. 35776 256-728-8193The Park is open 7 days a week from 9 a.m. - 5 p.m 

      Here's a brief description:

      The first thing you notice about Cathedral Caverns is the massive entrance. The huge opening measures 126 feet wide and 25 feet high. And it gets even better. Inside the cavern, you will find Big Rock Canyon, Mystery River and some of the most beautiful formations Mother Nature has ever created. Among them, you will see Stalagmite Mountain, The Frozen Waterfall and Goliath, a huge stalagmite column that reaches the ceiling of the cave some 45 feet above!

      Cathedral Caverns is the perfect field trip for your school, church or other group. You can visit anytime, as the cave maintains a comfortable 60-degree temperature year round. Call and make plans today and you will see why we are excited about Alabama's newest state park!

       

      Covered Bridges of Blount County -
      See the remaining 3 bridges still standing.
      NOCCALULA FALLS - GADSDEN
      It's free to see the falls. 
      They do charge admission for the park area:
      Sequoyah Caverns - Fort Payne

      Monday- Saturday
      8:30- 5:00

      Sunday
      Closed

      Caverns Admission

      Adults                          $15.95

      Child (4-12)                   $8.95

      Under 4                          Free

      Group Rates        $10.95/$5.95
      (15 or More)

      GO HERE FOR MORE INFORMATION AND DIRECTIONS.

      DeSoto Caverns -- order your tickets online and save $1 per ticket:
      Adult Caverns Tour $18.99
      ONE YEAR Adult Cave Tour for just $5 more $23.99
      Child Caverns Tour (ages 3-11) $16.99
      ONE YEAR Child Cave Tour for just $5 more $21.99
      HUNTSVILLE EARLY WORKS MUSEUM FOR KIDS

      Civil War soldiers, a Talking Tree and whimmy diddles - see them all at the EarlyWorks Museums- Alabama Constitution Village, the Historic Huntsville Depot and EarlyWorks Children's History Museum.

      Individual Admission Adult Senior Youth Toddler
      Earlyworks Children's  Museum 12.00 10.00 10.00 5.00
      Constitution Village 12.00 10.00 10.00 5.00
      Huntsville Depot 12.00 10.00 10.00 5.00
      2 Museums 20.00 15.00 15.00 5.00
      THE WORKS - all 3 25.00 20.00 20.00 5.00
      TALLADEGA MOTOR SPEEDWAY HALL OF FAME MUSEUM

      Admission: $12 for adults, $5 for kids age 6-12 and free for kids age 5 and younger.

      Hours:  Open daily from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., 7 days a week with the exception of major holidays (Thanksgiving, Christmas, New Year’s Day, and Easter). Extended summer hours are 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., 7 days a week



      ALABAMA SPORTS HALL OF FAME
      Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
      Closed Saturday & Sunday 

      Admissions:

      $5 Adults
      $4 Senior Citizens
      (60 and over)
      $3 Students
      $14 Families
      TANNEHILL IRONWORKS -
      Rich in Civil War history, camping, hiking and more it's a fun little spot south of Birmingham.
      Admission is $3 for adults.
      Bucks Pocket and High Falls

      --

      Palisades Park in Blount County -- Go here.

      Horseshoe Bend Military Park

      -- Go

      Cullman -- Ava Maria Grotto -- Open daily

      -- miniature Jerusalem.  Go

      Decatur - Pest Control Insect Museum

      -- great for kids.  Go

      Little River Canyon i

      n Fort Payne is a nature lovers' paradise.  Hike down to the bottom of the gorge, check out the falls up close and enjoy some majestic birds.

      You'll spot hawks, eagles, vultures and falcons from overlooks.  Take a picnic.

      There are also a ton of kid friendly parks in downtown Fort Payne.  Go

      www.nps.gov/liri

      Ruffner Mountain Nature Center in East Lake

      -- They've got a brand new nature center and trails galore.


      Moundville in Tuscaloosa

      explore Native American culture and more each day from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. Go

      primitive craft fair.

      Anniston Museum of Natural History  + Chocolate Exhibit

      Adult/$6

      Senior Citizen (age 60+)/$5.50

      Child(4–17)/$5 & ages 3 & under/free

      This is a fun museum to explore.

      G

      or more info.

      Tuesday–Saturday, 10am–5 p.m. Sunday 1–5 p.m.

      Rickwood Caverns State Park in Hayden

      It's $1 to get in and enjoy just the park, trails and playground.

      Cave tours are only available on weekends.

      Saturday and Sunday schedule:

      10:15 a.m.

      12:15 p.m.

      2:15 & 4:15

      Cave Tour Admission Fee:

      Age 12 to adult: $10

      Age 6 to 11: $5

      Under age 6: FREE with parent or guardian

      Group discount: $2 off each person for groups of 25 or more.

      and more.

      Oak Mountain State Park

      C

      heck out the Alabama Wildlife Refuge Center.

      The Wildlife Center: Located in Oak Mountain State Park, it is the largest wildlife rehabilitation center in Alabama and cares for over 2,000 injured and orphaned wild creatures each year. Visitors may view the rehabilitation process through one-way glass and learn about native species.

      $3 for adults

      Mt. Cheaha --

      The tallest point in Alabama is a beautiful drive through the mountains.  Take Bald Rock trail out to a gorgeous overlook.

      Bring a picnic for sure.  There are some great hiking trails.

      on, hours and directions.

      Southern Museum of Flight by the Birmingham Airport will more than likely have a

      spring break kickoff activity for kids soon. For now they do hav ea new kite exhibit starting March 12

      Colorful Kite Tales Exhibit & Programs

      Colorful Kite Tales Exhibition chronicles the colorful history and science of kites. These sixteen panels and an array of kites detail kite basics and historical kiting events Developed by the Smithsonian Institution Traveling Exhibition Services and on loan by the Drachen Foundation of Seattle, Washington.

      Free with Museum Admission

      Members Free

      Group Tours with Hand-on Kite-Making Available - $7 per person

      Go here for more info.

      Active military and their families are admitted free.

      Adults are $6, Seniors & students are $5 - children 3 and under are free.

      Open Tuesday through Saturday 9:30 to 4:30 p.m.

      Vulcan Park is also another option.

      Go here to learn more about their coming events.

      Daily Admission Rates (plus tax) 10 am - 6 pm:

      (Includes park grounds, Vulcan Center Museum and Observation Balcony)

      $6 Adults

      $5 Seniors (65+)

      $4 Children ages 5-12

      Children 4 years and under are admitted free.

      Helen Keller Birthplace in Tuscumbia, AL.

      and more.

      They also have some great kids games and information for you to share with your kids before you get there.

      Address:

      300 North Commons Street, West

      Tuscumbia, Alabama  35674

      (256) 383-4066

      Hours:

      Monday through Saturday 8:30 p.m. - 4:00 p.m.

      Last tour starts at 3:45 p.m. daily

      Home Tour Admission:

      Adults..........................................$6.00

      Students ages 5 -18..................$2.00

      Seniors & "AAA" members......$5.00

      Military (Active and Retired).....$5.00

      Group of 20 or more..................Adults $5 & Children $1.50 (Group reservations requested)

      American Village in Montevallo -

      Go

      sion.

      Mondays - Fridays from 10-4 PM

      Bellingrath Gardens - Mobile
      Go here


      USS ALABAMA -- MOBILE
      Go here




      in Anniston -

      Turk

      /turkey-creek

      Alabama Veterans Memorial off I-459

      .htm


      Birmingham Civil Rights Museum

      is free on Sundays only from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m.

      : http://www.bcri.org/index.html

      Arlington Antebellum Home

      is open Tuesday through Saturday.

      $5 for adults and $3 for kids 18 and under.

      http://

      htm

      Also --

      - $3 or less for park entrance.

      County Rd 314

      Natural Bridge, AL 35577

      (205) 486-5330

      LIST AND LINKS OF HOW TO FIND MORE TO DO ACROSS THE STATE:

      GO

      F BIRMINGHAM EVENTS FOR ALL AGES.

      GO

      F HUNTSVILLE DECATUR MADISON EVENTS FOR ALL AGES.

      GO H

      ERY EVENTS FOR ALL AGES.

      GO

      LL LIST OF MOBILE EVENTS FOR ALL AGES.

      GO

      LIST OF TUSCALOOSA EVENTS FOR ALL AGES.

      GO

      PARK EVENTS.


      MORE FROM ACROSS THE SOUTH
      If I didn't include enough, check out www.visitsouth.com for more ideas.

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