Doing something artsy while you chat with your gal pals can be the perfect way to relax and get a much needed break. Time with friends is not only good for the soul, but good for your health, too. I like to plan a moms’ night out in connection with a friend’s birthday, so your girls are more likely to make time for the night out they haven’t had in far too long! Below, you’ll find each local artsy venue paired with a fabulous restaurant. (Although, not having to cut up anyone’s food or negotiate the eating of vegetables is fabulous all by itself.)
1. The Potters’ Obsession and Panera Bread
At The Potters’ Obsession, you can choose from a 150 different pottery pieces to paint for the price of pottery and a $7 studio fee. Think platters, mugs, piggy banks, and vases. I painted a large soup mug to use for all the times we break out the good ice cream after the kids are in bed. I know you do it, too! Check the website or call for hours, but they are usually open on Friday nights until 8pm. Panera Bread is just down the road for a dinner or goodies before or after you paint your masterpiece.
2. The Ceramics Center and Bata’s Restaurant
On the second Friday of every month from 6-9pm, The Ceramics Center hosts an event for adults age 21 an older. For $30 per person, you get to enjoy wine, light appetizers, and make a one of a kind piece of art, such as a glass picture frame or garden gnome. Bata’s is a cool restaurant on the same block as the center so you can just park once. It has a one of a kind menu with items like a blueberry burger, but the flatbread brick oven pizza is what is calling my name. They are open until 8:30pm, so be sure to stop in before you begin your ceramics creation. I cannot wait for my next night out here!
3. Cork N Canvas
Cork N Canvas is held at various locations with delicious food and drink in Cedar Rapids and surrounding areas. Buy tickets ahead of time online for $30 per person and all your supplies will be ready and waiting for you. No painting experience is necessary, and you’ll take home your own canvas painting. I found it to be very relaxing as the instructor guides you along the way. There is time to chat, and it’s fun to see how everyone’s painting still turns out a little differently, even though you are given the same materials and instructions.
4. The Giving Tree Theater and Ramsey’s Metro Market
If you have not been to The Giving Tree Theater, you are missing out on one of Marion’s best venues. A percentage of profits from each Giving Tree Theater production is donated to a different local human services non-profit, determined by the cast, crew, and production team of each show. On their website they state, “Giving Tree wishes to combine great stories and local talent as a vehicle to make our community a better place.” Did I mention the shows are fantastic? Or that you get to sit on couches? How about having wine and chocolate to enjoy during the show? I’m still trying to figure out why I’ve only been there twice! Tickets are $16-$30. Ramsey’s is the locally owned restaurant within walking distance recommended by the theater’s owners. They have panini, salads, and large selection of fancy wines and beer.
5. Theatre Cedar Rapids and White Star Ale House
Last, but never least, is TCR with it’s professional quality live theater. Pick a show and you will be blown away! Tickets tend to be more expensive, ranging from $26-$39, but I can say that I have never regretted the purchase. Be sure to make a reservation at White Star Ale House for dinner before the show. It can be busy on show nights, but the amazing food and the fact that you can walk right over to the theater make White Star Ale House the perfect place for pre-show dinner and drinks.
There you have it! I’ve done all the planning for you, so just call your favorite ladies and set the date for your artsy moms’ night out!
Have fun, mamas!
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