3rd Annual Dunwoody Art Festival

Craft the Perfect Mother's Day Weekend with the Third Annual Dunwoody Art Festival

 Arts, activities and the outdoors make for an eclectic weekend on Atlanta's North side

Clay, fiber, glass, painting, wood and metal...sound like all the components of that third grade science project? Add in mixed media, folk art, photography and jewelry and what you actually have are the can't-miss mediums for the crowd-pleasing Dunwoody Art Festival, a Mother's Day tradition, May 12-13, set on the charming North side of Atlanta.

A treat mom will really appreciate, admission to the third annual rain-or-shine event - voted "Best New Event of 2010" by the Southeast Festivals and Events Association, is free and furry friends are welcome, too.

Families who play together stay together

Getting away for the weekend - even with the whole family in tow - is a cinch with Dunwoody's five nearby hotels, each only a hop-skip and not even a jump away from the Festival fun. Speaking of jumping, in addition to the fabulous art, a Kidz Zone features rides sure to emit shouts of glee from kids of all ages.

Youngsters can also flex their own creative muscles with sand art, imaginative crafts, a pottery painting station and games courtesy of local favorite, the Purple Hippo Art Studio. Inflatables and slides will ensure every wee one is properly worn out, giving mom that much needed opportunity to put her feet up.

Festival fried food favorites and a relaxing stage with continuous live music offer a chance to indulge, unwind and relax before setting out again in search for that "gotta have it" piece of art.

Evening entertainment

When it comes to good eats, Dunwoody has an endless menu of brood-friendly choices like family-style Italian restaurant Maggiano's Little Italy.

And, it's easy to continue the art-themed amusement when but a stage or gallery away Stage Door Players and the Spruill Center for the Arts, the South's largest community arts center, invite you for a visit.

For a real treat - have dad tuck the kids in at the hotel and head out for a mom's-only night on the town. At Canvas by U you'll sip vino while following along as an artist leads you in painting your own masterpiece.

Or, if just the vino part appeals to you, d'Vine Wine Bar and Shop boasts over 600 wines on the "Wall of Wine" and more than 60 wines are offered by the glass as well as a selection of half bottles and flights at the charming bar.

Small plates are available to enhance the wine experience. For your weekend getaway, book one of the Girlfriends Getaway Club Packages and save 20% at participating restaurants and retailers.

Visit www.CVBDunwoody.com/Girlfriends for more information on how you can splurge and save 20% on shopping, dining, and much more in Dunwoody!

If you go

The Dunwoody Art Festival is located at Chamblee Dunwoody Road across from Dunwoody Village. Free parking and shuttles are available at the satellite lot located at 200 Ashford Pkwy. Shuttles run regularly between the Dunwoody Art Festival and 200 Ashford Pkwy.

Look for the "Festival Parking" signs. Not just for the hipsters, stay up-to-date with Festival announcements and happenings via Facebook and Twitter - @SplashFestivals.

 INFO

Dunwoody Art Festival, www.DunwoodyArtFestival.com, May 12-13. Admission: Free.

Convention & Visitors Bureau of Dunwoody: www.CVBDunwoody.com