It's been a while since you and your spouse have had a night out alone. Your family has been busy this month with school, April vacation activities, and other family fun time. It's high time to take an evening where you can relax and have an adult conversation at a grown-up restaurant. It starts with a plan. Call your babysitter, head to town for some pre-date night items such as a manicure/pedicure, new makeup, and maybe a special date night article of clothing. While you are out buy a bottle of wine and have a glass while you prepare for your evening. You and your spouse want to dress up …

Now that warmer and sunnier weather has prevailed escaping is even more enticing. If you only have a few hours take them on a Sunday and get out with your friends or spouse and enjoy a delicious brunch. Looking for local brunch options or willing to take a nice weekend drive for something more unique? There are many options to satisfy the most discerning brunch group. Wakefield has impressive Sunday Brunch options: Do you want a cafeteria style brunch with lots of options, delicious food, and patrons you are most likely going to recognize? Try Brothers on Main Street. For a breakfast-only …

This week's Great Escape allows you to support both Wakefield's Beebe Library and Chamber of Commerce while escaping the humdrum of another Saturday night at home. On Saturday, April 9th from 7  p.m. to 11 p.m. add some fun, culture, and wine to your weekend with the 4th Annual Blossoms at the Beebe. This over 21 event offers a flower show with floral displays from local shops, wine tasting and a cash bar, food, live band and a silent auction.  The silent auction is already going on and you can bid here and at the live event. Some of the items include Red Sox tickets, beauty …

As a parent, chances are the most common forms of Italian food on which you dine are macaroni and cheese and Spagetti O’s. Get out of the rut and go for some delicious Italian fare. If you don’t feel like pasta, remember there is much more to Italian food than pasta; there's antipasto,  porto-bello mushrooms, steak, seafood, and broccoli rabe. Grab your spouse, mother, or friends and get out and enjoy a laugh, a glass of wine and some fine and friendly Italian dining. Wakefield boasts Artichokes and Ristorante Molise for a romantic and more dressy night out. For fun with friends, Sabatino’s, …

During the winter, the snow and cold causes us to hibernate and look for indoor activities to fill up our days.  Luckily, the month of March marks the beginning of spring, and as temperatures rise from the 20s and 30s to the 50s and 60s, it is the perfect time to get outside and embrace the fresh air. There is so much to do outdoors in Wakefield. Not a day goes by that you won't see hundreds of people walking around Lake Quannapowitt. Give into the positive peer pressure by grabbing a friend or putting on your headphones and take a walk or jog around the picturesque lake. C'mon - everyone is …

The electric bills arrived recently and with them was a flier for a great opportunity to escape and mingle while bettering your mind and body: The Wakefield Community Education Program. Offered twice a year, the Community Education Calendar and registration is available now. In a recent Patch article, an SAT preparation class for your high school age children was mentioned, but what about education for you, the parents? There are multi-week classes or single night seminar options that would make a great get away that can benefit your brain at the same time. These classes are also affordable …

Being a parent is time consuming, and when life gets busy, those healthy, home-cooked meals may be one of the first things to fall by the wayside. Even if you're a great cook, you may have run out of your own family-friendly ideas.  So if you can find an evening to yourself, why not have fun while also putting it to good use? ZuZu’s Café and Catering in Wakefield hosts open cooking classes. Check out the schedule here for upcoming classes all of which start at 7:30 p.m. and end at 9:00 p.m. Each class has spots for six people, so grab a friend or two or your spouse and enjoy your time out of …

Life is busy for parents with work, errands, family time, driving and attending children's activities. Take some time for yourself for an evening and enjoy being home. Pack up the kids, and send them off with friends, family or even a babysitter. Take a few hours or a whole evening and relax. All you need are a few supplies. You may already have everything if not click on the links to see where you can purchase these items locally. The evening may start with you drawing a bubble bath, light some candles, open a bottle of wine, and playing soothing music. Relax because your home is quiet and …

As a parent, taking care of your physical and mental health often takes a backseat to taking care of your children, your home and your job.  But wait - taking care of yourself first actually makes you a better parent, worker, spouse, and friend. This week's Great Escape shows you a place where "me time" can really make you sweat. MG Fitness in Wakefield is offering two incentive programs that fit into every person's budget.  Both pricing options include unlimited gym usage in both the Wakefield and Medford clubs, fitness classes, one free consulation with a personal trainer and tanning.  So …

You are a loving parent who enjoys spending time with your children and family. But there are times when you just need to escape and have some “me time.” It may be an hour of peace and calm or a weekend getaway, but whatever the amount of time it is all yours.   We would like to save you time.  Each week, we will provide you with an idea for your precious time. Book them now, save them for later or pass them along to your friends. This week we will focus on romance but our idea has other options too. Book the Romantic Escape package or the February Romance package at the Sheraton Colonial …