There is just so much to do here in the Triangle that there is no way to cover it all but I am going to try to get in as much as possible and give you a good mix. With the weather hopefully warming up soon the opportunities are becoming limitless, but even if the rain keeps you indoors this weekend there are still plenty of options!

MUSEUMS AND PARKS Last weekend, the Museum of Life and Science in Durham opened Investigate Health!, a new 2,600 square feet permanent exhibit about health and wellness, with interactive labs about Stress and Hand Washing; among others. Check the Web site for specific information and hours for The Lab, a manned station where different lab experiments are lead daily; and Crash Test Demonstrations, where you can see the effects of a car crash on a test dummy, and plan your all day visit around these. The Museum of Life and Science in Durham has daily programs, even when there are no special events. Visit the Museum Web site to find out more about admission prices and hours.

I did notice this week that the early signs of spring have sprung. Daffodils have suddenly begun their annual appearance, ushering in hope for warm weather. A visit to JC Arboretum is in order if the rain breaks. New blooms should be appearing any day now. Admission is always free but you can take participate in a Guided Tour Sunday at 2 p.m.

Starry, Starry Night: Friday, Feb. 27, from 8 - 10 p.m. at the Lake Michie Boathouse. Join us for a program about the winter constellations. The winter skies are great for viewing the stars and we will utilize the open views up at Lake Michie. Located on Bahama Road off of 501. Free.

Historic Yates Mill opens back up for guided tours starting this weekend. If you haven’t had the opportunity to enjoy this park, head out to Lake Wheeler Road and see for yourself. The park is open from 8 a.m. – sunset.  While you are there you can take in the tour available Sunday at 2pm, One Hour Weekend Mill Heritage Tours.  Admission is $5 for adults, $3 for children 6-16 and seniors 60+; children 6 and under are free.



SHOWS AND EXPOS The State Fairgrounds will be a busy place again this weekend.  Hours and admission costs (if any) can be found at State Fairgrounds Web site.

Friday through Sunday Native American Indian Art Show
Hundreds of articles including rugs, pottery, Kachina dolls, jewelry, bows, lances, framed art work and other high quality southwestern art are available to view and purchase.

Friday through Sunday 20th Annual N.C. RV & Camping Show
Consumer recreational vehicle camping show.

GET ACTIVE Disc Golf is a great family sport and there are several course around the triangle area. Visit the Raleigh Disc Golf Association Web site for more information on courses.  Discs can usually be purchased gently used at used sporting goods stores for under $5, making this an inexpensive family outing.


GIVE BACK Tir Na Nog, and Pawfect Match Rescue are teaming up on Friday, Feb. 27, to raise funds for dogs that were rescued from the Thornton Kennels puppy mill seizure in Wayne County, NC. All of the dogs have required extra veterinary care beyond the normal needs of shelter and rescue dogs. A raffle will be held, and a portion of the evening proceeds will go to benefit the dogs rescued from the Wayne County puppy mill. Go and enjoy the live music, excellent food and drink, and vibrant atmosphere, learn about Pawfect Match Rescue, and help raise some money for a good cause. The event will take place at Tir Na Nog in Downtown Raleigh (Blount St) from 7-10 p.m.

FILM  No neighborhood movie theaters here, but you can head downtown to the Marbles Kids Museum for the last weekend of The Dark Knight in IMAX.
8 p.m. and 10:55 p.m. Friday and Saturday
8 p.m. Sunday

MUSIC

Head to Durham Performing Arts Center, Sunday to see a great show for a good cause;  DUKE ENERGY SPONSORS: An Evening of Entertainment.  Hundreds of talented students from schools across the Durham Public School district will be featured in "An Evening of Entertainment", a fundraiser for the DPS Scholarship Foundation. The performance will include dance and music of all different styles from students of all ages. Tickets are $10-$25. 6 p.m.

The North Carolina Symphony is playing in its home venue again this weekend.  Visit Meymandi Concert Hall at the Progress Energy Center to see North Carolina Symphony: the Masters.  All ticket information can be found at Ticketmaster.
Fri, 02/27/09
8 p.m.
Sat, 02/28/09
8 p.m.

THEATRE, COMEDY AND OTHER PERFORMING ARTS
For a night of laughs, Charlie Goodnights is the place to go.  Comedian ANT will be there all weekend. Check out Goodnight's specials on Thursday night and Sunday night.

For a little more refined culture Memorial Auditorim hosts the Carolina Ballet this weekend with the Carolina Ballet Presents Tolstoy and Shakespeare.  All ticket information can be found at Ticketmaster.
Fri, 02/27/09
8 p.m.
Sat, 02/28/09
2 p.m.
Sun, 03/01/09
2 p.m.

Saturday evening, Applause! YouthTheatre presents The Very Great Grandson of Sherlock Holmes.
This spoof of classic film noir finds young Sherwood (grandson of the master detective) reluctantly in the middle of a marvelously complex murder mystery!  Admission is free, but bring some extra cash for concessions! Doors open at 6:30 p.m. Call 919-465-4792 for more information. Location: Cary Senior Center



CARY ART LOOP All galleries and participating venues will be hosting the Art Loop from 6pm to 9pm on the final Friday of every month.  This is the final Friday of February (yes, already!).  So take some time to explore Cary and what it has to offer.  Click here for more information.

SPORTS
Over at the RBC Center this weekend will find a cross section of sporting events. The Hurricanes host the Sabres at home on Thursday night at 7pm.  The Harlem Globetrotters will be out to amaze and entertain Friday night at 7 p.m. ($19-$121) and on Saturday night Freestyle Motocross will provide some revved up fun for the whole family ($20, $30, children are $5 in the $20 section). All ticket information can be found at Ticketmaster.

Make sure you check out the local college teams' respective athletic sites for Basketball, Baseball, Softball, and LaCrosse options, as they are plentiful again this weekend. 

LOOKING FORWARD If you are hooked on fishing, come to Lake Wheeler on March 15, and compete in the Raleigh Lakes Spring Bass Tournament. Enjoy fishing with a friend as teams consist of two anglers. Awards will be given to 1st, 2nd, 3rd and largest fish. Box lunches are provided at check-in, which will begin the morning of the tournament. Teams may register by mail or walk in, and the cost is $70 per team. Registration must be received one week prior to the tournament date. Participants must be at least 18 years old. To learn more about this exciting event contact Lake Wheeler Park at 662-5704.

It's quite a run-down and barely scratches the surface of options here in the Triangle.  Hopefully, everyone will find something to do and we can hold off the weather blues until spring arrives. Let me know what you did and send suggestions for the future. Check back next week for more great ideas and informative chatter. 

Ciao!