One Moms World Mom Blog - Jen Houck

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Family Fun at Charlotte Motor Speedway’s Annual Speedway Christmas!

We were honored to be invited to opening night of Speedway Christmas in Concord, NC at Charlotte Motor Speedway. This is a must-do event with the family during the holiday season.

Enjoy the festivities from our video we have put together that will for sure get you in the holiday spirit.

Here are this year’s facts, by the numbers, for what has become a can’t-miss tradition for families gearing up for the Christmas season:

3.5 MILLION – Adding to an already spectacular showcase of sparkle, the speedway has added nearly a half million lights this year, bringing the grand total to a mind-boggling 3.5 million. The theme of this year’s display – Storybook in Lights – will see popular fairytale characters like Rapunzel, The Three Little Pigs and Mother Goose, come to life in illuminated fashion.

3.75 – Strung throughout the infield, along portions of the iconic speedway and innovative ROVAL™, in the grandstands and under the concourse, Speedway Christmas guests wind through 3.75 miles of lights as they take in hundreds of creative displays and lights synchronized to Christmas-themed music.

4,300 – A light show of this magnitude takes a sizable effort to construct. Crews have been hard at work since mid-October stringing lights, running power and testing the lights. In total, crews have racked up more than 4,300 man hours getting ready for opening night.

33,000 – In 2017, more than 33,000 cars visited Speedway Christmas during its six-week run. While most ticket sales are done on-site, visitors from 41 states and three foreign countries purchased tickets in advance, making Speedway Christmas a global attraction.

50 – Fans who think they’ve seen it all at Speedway Christmas before are in for a treat this year as the speedway has added a 50-foot-tall Ferris Wheel to its new attractions for 2018. Located in the infield near the Christmas Village, fans can take in the views of Speedway Christmas from above every night the village is open.

14 – In addition to the Ferris Wheel, fans can enjoy 14 nights of live entertainment from the Christmas Village outdoor stage, with local bands and organizations adding to the festive atmosphere with music, carols and more. Among those scheduled to perform, the speedway will welcome musicians Cameron Ripley and Thor Mauldin, the Olympic High School Chorus, South Iredell High School Chorus and Cuthbertson High School Chorus.

76,000 – With all the fun that is to be had walking through the Christmas Village – which also includes photos with Santa, a living nativity and a variety of craft vendors – fans are sure to work up an appetite. A Speedway Christmas staple, Lil’ Donut Express, will return, serving sweet treats throughout the show. In all, Lil’ Donuts expects to sell 76,000 mini munchies, which, if laid side-by-side, would stretch nearly three miles.

16,000 – Back by popular demand, Charlotte Motor Speedway’s 16,000-square-foot HDTV will transform into a drive-in movie screen throughout the light show, playing popular holiday movies like “Home Alone,” “The Santa Clause” and “Polar Express” every Thursday through Sunday night as part of FOX46 movie nights at Speedway Christmas.

1 – With millions of lights, a sprawling Christmas Village, new additions including a 50-foot Ferris Wheel and live entertainment, and a slew of popular Christmas movies playing on the speedway’s 16,000-square-foot HDTV, there’s only one place families need to be this year to get into the holiday spirit – Speedway Christmas.

Fans can purchase tickets online at www.CharlotteMotorSpeedway.com or on-site. Tickets start at just $20 per car on Monday through Wednesday nights, $25 per car on Thursday and Sunday nights and $30 per car on Friday and Saturday nights.

Take a Fall Road Trip Through Western North Carolina

My favorite time of the year is just around the corner. The leaves are starting to turn in Western North Carolina. The fall foliage is a beautiful scene and one that I do not want to miss each year. Pack a picnic and take a road trip to Jackson County in North Carolina to experience all the fall beauty. We have the perfect trip itinerary for you!

Bear Shadow

Jackson County is the only place in the country to see the fall phenomena known as the “Shadow of the Bear.” From mid-October to mid-November, when the sun sets behind Whiteside Mountain, its shadow casts the perfect image of a black bear over the mountain’s colorful landscape. Visitors can enjoy the shadow from a premium viewing spot at Rhodes Big View Overlook off Highway 64 between 5:30-6:00 p.m.

Panthertown Valley

Known as the “Yosemite of the East,” Panthertown Valley is a hiker’s paradise with more than 30 miles of backcountry trails and 12 waterfalls to discover along the way. The hiking trails offer rewarding views of the fall colors with stops overlooking valleys and 360-degree views of the stunning landscape coated in red, orange and yellow. Mountain bikers can also navigate the designated trails throughout Panthertown.

Whiteside Mountain

Whiteside Mountain is said to be one of the oldest mountains in the world, between 390 to 460-million-years-old, and is one of Jackson County’s most recognizable peaks, with its sheer, vertical cliffs that tower above the valley below. Scope out the fall foliage from a two-mile trail that crosses the Eastern Continental Divide, providing incredible views of the Appalachian Mountains with vibrant autumn shades. Hikers have a choice of reaching the summit via the gentler former roadway or using the more scenic, but steeper, trail, which includes lots of Forest Service-constructed stairways.

Blue Ridge Parkway – Waterrock Knob

Bordering 45 miles of Jackson County, the Blue Ridge Parkway is the must-see scenic drive in the fall with an explosion of color as far as the eye can see. The Waterrock Knob Overlook at mile 451.2 provides another spectacular view, offering a four-state panorama of the Great Smoky Mountains painted in fall colors. Leaf-seekers can also take the 1.2-mile hiking trail to the top of the knob, gaining 412 feet in elevation, to find even more breathtaking views.

Lake Glenville

One of the highest-elevation lakes east of the Rocky Mountains at 3,500 feet above sea level, Lake Glenville is also one of the largest lakes in the county. With an expansive 26 miles of shoreline, seven islands and three gorgeous waterfalls, the lake is a great stop along a fall road trip to see the colorful leaves’ reflection over the water while fishing or boating.

A Staycation to Celebrate Hubby’s Great News!

We received fantastic news at Scott’s 6-week surgery follow-up appointment. He was able to wean off two of his heart medications and given a prescription to go enjoy life. He will return in 9 months. God is so good! The cardiologist told us Scott’s heart stopped for a considerable amount of time and a machine had to pace his heart. The doctor believes that Scott will live a great life without any further complications. He can’t guarantee that Scott will not have any other heart issues, but he feels really good about the outcome. We are all so happy and give God the glory! Obviously, we are very grateful for modern medicine and a trustworthy doctor.

To celebrate the news, we decided to enjoy a little staycation. The first day was driving south of Asheville, NC to Transylvania County. Family friends recommended the falls at Dupont Forest State Park. These are easy hikes for families to view the falls. We were able to view the High Falls and Triple Falls. There is a picnic shelter beside High Falls that families can enjoy a picnic. Once I saw Scott look at the falls, I got tears in my eyes. My husband is healthy again to be able to enjoy the great outdoors and family time.

He did not get out of breath and thoroughly enjoyed the day. The temperature outside was close to 80, but there is a lot of shade on the trails. I still recommend taking water bottles for the family.

This was a big outdoor adventure for L as well. The summer months are her best months with her EoE. The pollen has gone away and she can finally get outdoors. My heart is full of happiness.

We recommend this day to for the entire family. Soak in the sounds of the rushing waterfall and enjoy the quality family time. We hope to go back in the fall to see the all leaves turning.

Tweetsie Railroad Announces Early Season Pricing for Season Passes

It’s almost time to listen for the train whistle through the woods. It’s neat to have Tweetsie Railroad close by and we enjoy telling others about this beloved theme park.

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A Golden Rail Season Pass is the best and most economical way to enjoy a season full of Wild West fun and adventure at Tweetsie Railroad. Between now and April 10, adults can purchase a 2016 Season Pass to North Carolina’s first theme park for the discounted price of $95, and children ages 3 through 12 for $65. After April 10, rates increase to $105 for adults and $75 for children. Children 2 and under are always admitted for free. Guests can purchase Season Passes or renew last year’s Season Passes online at Tweetsie.com.

Tweetsie Railroad will open for its 2016 season on April 8 and will remain open through October 30. Returning guests can expect a season filled with everything they have come to know and love about Tweetsie Railroad, and new guests can look forward to discovering why generations of families eagerly return to Tweetsie Railroad year after year.

The centerpiece of Tweetsie Railroad is its trains: guests are treated to a Wild West adventure while on board a train pulled by one of Tweetsie Railroad’s two historic steam locomotives. Visitors can also explore an authentic Western town, enjoy amusement rides, take in live shows and entertainment, pan for gold, and visit the animals at the Deer Park Zoo.

Tweetsie Railroad has a busy lineup of special events planned for the 2016 season. Popular annual events like:

  • Day Out With Thomasâ„¢
  • July Fourth Fireworks Extravaganza
  • K-9s in Flight Frisbee® Dogs
  • Tweetsie Railroad’s Ghost Train® Halloween Festival
  • Dora the Explorer and her cousin Diego – stars of Nickelodeon’s hit animated preschool series

Golden Rail Season Pass holders receive a full season of adventure at Tweetsie Railroad, along with other great benefits:

  • General park admission to Tweetsie Railroad throughout the 2016 season, including admission to all special events
  • Free parking for Tweetsie Railroad’s July Fourth Fireworks Extravaganza, the High Country’s most popular Independence Day celebration
  • One ride with Thomas the Tank Engineâ„¢ at no additional charge
  • One admission to Tweetsie Railroad’s Ghost Train® Halloween Festival on the night of your choice

To order or renew a Golden Rail Season Pass, visit Tweetsie.com or call 1-877-TWEETSIE.

Tweetsie Railroad will be open Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays starting April 8, and seven days a week fromMay 27 through August 21. The park returns to the weekend schedule from August 22 through October 30, including Labor Day Monday. The 2016 season ends Sunday, October 30. The park’s regular hours are 9:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m., but will be open until 9:00 p.m. on July 4th for the Fireworks Extravaganza and July 9, 16, 23 and 30 for Cool Summer Nights. Daily admission to Tweetsie Railroad is $44 for adults and $28 for children ages 3 through 12. Children 2 and under are admitted free. The Ghost Train® Halloween Festival will take placeFriday and Saturday nights September 23 through October 29 from 7:30 p.m. to 11:30 p.m., with an admission price of $36 for adults and children. Tickets and Golden Rail Season Passes are available at Tweetsie.com.

Tweetsie Railroad is located on U.S. Highway 321 between Boone and Blowing Rock, North Carolina. For more information about the 2016 season at Tweetsie Railroad, visit Tweetsie.com or call 877.TWEETSIE(877.893.3874). Find Tweetsie Railroad on Facebook at www.facebook.com/Tweetsie

‘Frozen’ Playing on the Big Screen at Charlotte Motor Speedway

Fans who haven’t made it out to Charlotte Motor Speedway to see the all-new light display at Speedway Christmas have even more reason this week to make room on their calendar for the biggest and brightest light show around.

Charlotte Motor Speedway Christmas Lights

All week leading up to Christmas, there’s no better way to get into the holiday spirit than a trip through the 3 million lights and bustling Christmas village that make Speedway Christmas a can’t-miss family tradition. Here are a few of the highlights fans will enjoy this week:

‘Frozen’ Playing on the Big Screen Every Night

The hit Disney film “Frozen” will be playing on the enormous, 16,000-square-foot big screen HDTV in the infield every night this week (excluding Christmas Day). There’s no better way to watch the already-classic story than at Speedway Christmas, drive-in style. Families can enjoy the movie from the warmth of their cars by tuning their car radios to 101.5 FM to hear the film’s audio.

Pictures With Santa, Ice Princess

In addition to snapping a photo with Santa (through Dec. 24), fans will also have the opportunity to interact with an ice princess every night this week, except Christmas Day. Fans can find the princess in the Christmas village. Don’t miss out on a special chance to take a photo with the royal guest.

Christmas Village Open All Week

The lively Christmas village will extend its holiday hours and be open every night throughout Christmas week, except Christmas Day. Fans can experience the real-life feeling of ancient Bethlehem, visit friendly animals at the petting zoo, make their own commemorative crafts in the Elves’ Workshop, take a horse-drawn carriage ride, roast marshmallows and so much more.

Last Chance to Visit Santa Claus

Christmas is getting closer, but it’s still not too late for fans to make sure Santa knows what’s on their wish list. Speedway Christmas visitors can meet Santa every night through Christmas Eve to make sure they’ve made the nice list. Fans will even have the chance to snap a photo with the jolly ol’ elf before his big night!

Speedway Christmas is open nightly from 6 to 10 p.m. through Dec. 30, excluding Christmas Day. Tickets are available online or at the gate. Admission at the gate is $25 per car through Christmas Eve. Group rates are available.

Need details? Call 1-800-455-FANS (3267) or visit the website.

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