The End

With some sadness, I am announcing my decision to close down Hampton Roads Mom.

I have not updated anything in nearly two weeks, and before that, had been losing my drive to work on this venture.

In two weeks, the Facebook page will be deleted, as I finally set it up for deletion tonight.

I have not updated the calendar in some time and will no longer do so.  In fact, I will be deleting this site in the near future as well.

Thank you so much for joining me over the last year-plus.

Trick-or-Treat at Patrick Henry Mall’s Halloween Hoopla Event {Newport News}

Area children are invited to gather for safe, spooky and silly fun at Patrick Henry Mall’s Halloween Hoopla Trick-or-Treat night on Wednesday, October 31 from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. Little witches, pirates and cowboys and their families are invited to visit candy stations throughout the mall to receive Halloween treats, while supplies last. Participating mall merchants will also be stationed at their storefronts to distribute goodies to costumed children, also while supplies last.

Winter Happenings at MacArthur Center {Norfolk}

This holiday season, there’s no place like MacArthur Center, which comes alive with holiday fun and entertainment.  From the annual outdoor ice skating tradition, MacArthur on Ice, and the all-new outdoor Winter Carnival to the magic inside MacArthur Center – featuring the Ice Palace and many special events and offers, Hampton Roads’ premier shopping destination is also the place for an exciting winter extravaganza.

“Whether indoors or out, MacArthur Center is the hub of holiday entertainment,” says Karen Winters, MacArthur Center Marketing & Sponsorship Director. “There’s more happening this year than ever.  It’s a great place to make some lasting holiday memories.”

Highlights of the holidays at MacArthur Center follow.  For a complete and updated schedule of events, visit www.shopmacarthur.com or www.macarthuronice.com.

SANTA & THE ICE PALACE (Nov. 8 – Dec. 24)

Nov. 8-Dec. 24:  The Ice Palace

This holiday season, visitors to MacArthur Center are in store for some cool family fun when they step inside the spectacular holiday Ice Palace.  Opening Nov. 8, the display features a 30-foot ice dome with falling snow, a light show and, new this year, the beloved prehistoric herd from the family film Ice Age: Continental Drift, debuting Dec. 11 on DVD and Blu-ray™.  Interactive globes will showcase Scrat on his endless mission to catch his precious acorn, while the whole Ice Age herd is adrift on an iceberg in pirate waters.  Families can measure their prehistoric heights against Sid and Diego, go paw-to-paw with the herd and track down Scrat’s missing acorns throughout the palace.  The high-seas adventure culminates with a visit to Santa and a special Ice Age gift. 

Nov. 8-Dec. 24:  Photos with Santa

Bring the family to enjoy one of the most beloved traditions of the season – a visit with Santa.  We’ll capture the moment with high-quality digital photos that will last for generations to come.  Photo keepsakes, frames and accessories are available to make your picture with Santa even more perfect.  Receive a certificate for a free 8” x 11” Photo Book from Snapfish when you purchase any photo package.  Package prices range from $21-$55.

Dec. 2 & 9:  Pet Photos with Santa, 7:30-9:30 pm

MacArthur Center welcomes you and your four-legged friends for photos with Santa during two purr-fect evenings reserved just for them.  Your cat or dog is welcome to sit pretty for Santa while you fetch keepsake photos.  Package prices range from $21-$55.

Dec. 6:  Sign Language Santa

Taking part in Taubman Centers’ first annual Signing Santa Day, MacArthur Center will have a signing Santa all day.  Hard-of-hearing and deaf children will be invited to a VIP event from 10-11:30 a.m. which includes snacks, a visit to the Ice Palace, a complimentary school group photo with Santa, a performance by the Signing Choralies Group from Corporate Landing Elementary and face painting.  Santa will be available to meet and sign with the general public from 11:30 a.m. until 9:00 p.m.

Dec. 8:  Breakfast with Santa, 8-9:30 am

Kids are invited to join Santa for breakfast and a jolly good time at California Pizza Kitchen.  Seating is limited and available on a first-come, first-served basis.  Prices are $7 for kids and $8 for adults and include your choice of breakfast pizza or pancakes plus fruit, juice and coffee.  Call 757-627-6502, ext. 4202 or register online at www.shopmacarthur.com/santabreakfast.

MACARTHUR ON ICE (Nov. 17 – Jan. 21)

MacArthur Center kicks off the eighth season of ice skating at the coolest place in town. Whether it’s a family tradition or a first date, the 7,200-square-foot outdoor ice rink is the place for good times this winter.  Enjoy public skating sessions, private lessons, ice hockey clinics, figure skating exhibitions and more.  Food and drinks are available.  Admission is $6, or $4 with military ID.  Skate rentals are $5.  Season passes and birthday party packages are also available.  

Highlights:

            Learn-to-Skate Lessons: Dec. 1, 8 & 15, Jan. 12; 9-9:45 am

Need a little help learning to skate?  Join us for a complimentary learn-to-skate lesson with the purchase of a ticket to the 10 a.m. session.  Before you know it, you’ll be gliding around the ice on your own.

            Figure Skating Exhibitions: Dec. 7 & 14 and January 11; 7:30-8:00 pm

Watch the members of the Tidewater Figure Skating Club twirl, whirl, jump and spin on the ice as they perform routines that are sure to wow you!

            Cheapskate Mondays: Nov.19 & 26, Dec. 3, 10 &17, Jan. 7 & 14; 3-5 pm

Save a little money and join us for a cheap skate, $1 off general admission prices.

Student Skate Nights sponsored by Tidewater Community College: Nov. 20 & 27, Dec. 4, 11 & 18, Jan. 8 & 15; 5-10 pm

Show your valid high school or college ID and save $2 off the general admission prices.

Skate with the Norfolk Admirals and Mascot “Salty”

Nov. 18, 3-4 pm, Skate with Salty

Nov. 26, 5-6 pm, Skate with players from the Norfolk Admirals

Dec. 12, 6-7 pm, Skate with players from the Norfolk Admirals

Jan. 2, 6-7 pm, Skate with Salty

Jan.16, 6-7 pm, Skate with players from the Norfolk Admirals

WINTER CARNIVAL (Nov. 17 – Jan. 21)

A festive Winter Carnival is the newest addition to the holiday fun at MacArthur Center.  Located outside, next to MacArthur On Ice, the Winter Carnival features family-friendly rides, including a 55-foot, LED-lit Ferris wheel, a 20-foot tall fun slide for big and little kids and a host of holiday fun rides like the Spinning Monkeys, a kiddie roller coaster and the Rio Grande Train for the youngsters.  Ticket prices are $1 for a single ticket, $10 for 11 tickets, $20 for 25 tickets and $35 for 50 tickets.   

Twelve Buck Tuesdays: Nov. 20 & 27; Dec. 4, 11 & 18; Jan. 8 & 15

Ride all the rides at our Winter Carnival for the low price of $12 on Twelve Buck Tuesdays.  One $12 wristband gets you access to the Winter Carnival from the 3 pm opening until closing. 

MACARTHUR HOLIDAY SHOPPING PROMOTIONS:

BLACK FRIDAY FREE PARKING, GIFTS WITH PURCHASE

Nov. 1-Dec. 24:  Free Valet Parking with Gift Card Purchase

Purchase three or more MacArthur Center American Express® Gift Cards and receive a coupon for free valet parking on your next visit.  Visit taubman.com for cardholder agreement and complete terms and conditions. While supplies last.  American Express is not responsible for this promotion.

November 1-November 30:  Free $20 California Pizza Kitchen gift certificate with Gift Card Purchase

Purchase three or more MacArthur Center American Express® Gift Cards and receive a $20 gift certificate to California Pizza Kitchen.  Visit taubman.com for cardholder agreement and complete terms and conditions. While supplies last.  American Express is not responsible for this promotion.

Nov. 23:  Black Friday Free Parking, until 10 am

Arrive before 10 am and park for free all day on the North and South decks.

Nov. 23:  Gift with Purchase

Purchase three or more MacArthur Center American Express® Gift Cards and receive a free pressed wine and cheese platter.  Visit taubman.com for cardholder agreement and complete terms and conditions. While supplies last.  American Express is not responsible for this promotion.

Dec. 1-Dec. 31:  Free $20 Kincaid’s gift card with Gift Card Purchase

Purchase five or more MacArthur Center American Express® Gift Cards and receive a $20 gift card to Kincaid’s.  Visit taubman.com for cardholder agreement and complete terms and conditions. While supplies last.  American Express is not responsible for this promotion.

MacArthur Center, located on Monticello Avenue in downtown Norfolk, features one million square feet of retail offerings, including Hampton Roads’ first Nordstrom and the region’s flagship Dillard’s department store. Entertainment and dining options occupy approximately 25 percent of the tenant mix. Shopping hours are 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. Monday through Saturday, noon to 6 p.m. Sunday. For holiday hours and information, visit www.shopmacarthur.com.

Coming Up // Wellspring Fall Festival {Williamsburg}

Wellspring United Methodist Church in Williamsburg is holding their Fall Festival on November 3rd, 2012 from 9am-3pm.

Festival includes:
Bazaar with hand crafted gift items, Christmas decorations, household items and more; silent auction; fall cafe; home made Brunswick stew; bake sale; live music to enjoy while shopping; and games and crafts provided for kids.

Coming Up // Harvest Party {Hampton}

On Saturday, October 20, 2012 at 4pm Berachah Church will be having their annual Harvest Party and Chili Cook-off.  There will be food items to compliment the chili as well as deserts served.  There will also be games and activities for children. 

The proceeds from the Cook-off will go towards the Berachah Church's Food Bank which helps give food to the local community. There is no fee involved with the Harvest Party or Chili Cook-off.  A pool will be taken to see who has the best pot of Chili.