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Add the marshmallows to the cocoa, grab a fuzzy blanket and cozy up on the sofa–it's the final stretch for Christmas movie marathons! "Winter Break" programming on TNT and TBS, which began in November, continues to countdown during the last days of December. Tune in for movie favorites such as, "How the Grinch Stole Christmas," "Deck the Halls," and "Arthur Christmas." And, on December 24 at 8 p.m., settle in for the grand finale – the hugely popular 24-hour marathon of "A Christmas Story." For fans of half hour comedies, there's plenty for you, too. The two networks are airing marathons of holiday-themed episodes of popular shows such as "Big Bang Theory" and "Friends." Check out the full movie and television line up at Warner Bros. Discovery, the parent company of TNT and TBS. When these holiday movies roll around every year, it’s like reconnecting with old friends. Let’s get to know some of our favorites even better with movie trivia – the Christmas edition! A Christmas Story (1983) Directed by Bob Clark Written by Bob Clark, Jean Shepard and Leigh Brown A charming and delightful glimpse into the life of young boy named Ralphie (Peter Billingsley), at Christmas time in the 1940s. His quest for a BB-gun, a broken leg-lamp mystery, pink-footed bunny pajamas and a tongue stuck to a frozen pole are among the delightful highlights of this beloved Christmas movie. Did you know… • The house used in the movie, A Christmas Story House, is located near downtown Cleveland, Ohio, and open for tours and overnight stays year round. The Bumpus’ family house, which is next door just like in the movie, is also open for overnight visits. Across the street is A Christmas Story Museum, featuring behind the scenes photos, original props, costumes and memorabilia. • The movie is set in Indiana, but was filmed in Cleveland, Ohio, and Toronto. Higbee’s Department Store, which features prominently in "A Christmas Story," was an actual store in downtown Cleveland. The management’s willingness to allow filming is a big reason the city was chosen as a film location, according to achristmasstoryhouse.com. • "A Christmas Story" is based on Jean Shepherd’s life. The writer recounted his time growing up in Indiana in the '30s and ‘40s in a series of stories that were published in "Playboy" and collected for the 1966 book, "In God We Trust: All Others Pay Cash," according background by achristmastoryhouse.com. • Director Bob Clark first heard Shepherd’s stories on the radio in the 1960s while driving. He was so entranced, he drove around for an hour just so he could hear the entire story. Clark dreamed of one day bringing Shepherd’s stories to life on the big screen, but it took writing and directing the R-rated, teen movie "Porky's" to actually make it happen. "Porky's" (1981) was a huge hit and the studio wanted a sequel, but Clark wouldn’t agree unless making "A Christmas Story" was part of the deal. • Shepard narrates "A Christmas Story" and has a cameo. He plays a man waiting in line with his son to see Santa at Higbee’s Department Store. When Ralphie unknowingly jumps to the front of the very long line, Shepard’s character says, "Where do you think you’re going?" and points out, "The line begins here. It ends there." • One of the movie's iconic scenes is when Ralphie's friend, Flick (Scott Schwartz), touches a metal flagpole with his tongue as part of a dare. A hidden suction tube was used to create the illusion that Flick's tongue is frozen to the pole, according to IMBd.com. • Although, well recieved, "A Christmas Story" didn't get a big push by the studio when it was first releasted. It's popularity grew with the spread of cable television and back-to-back broadcasts for 24 hours on TNT and TBS. Now, the movie is a treasured classic and the marathons are an annual network tradition. Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer (1964) Directed by Larry Roemer Written by Romeo Muller, Robert May and Johnny Marks A television classic that tells the origin story of Rudolph and how he came to lead Santa’s sleigh. Made by the entertainment company Rankin-Bass Productions, the puppet-like characters were brought to life using the stop-motion technique. Did you know… • Rick Goldschmidt, the Rankin-Bass historian, described "Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer" as the company’s "crown jewel" in a 2020 "New York Times" article. The Rudolph production was the first in a series of popular television specials including "Santa Claus Is Comin’ to Town," and "The Year Without a Santa Claus." • The two main puppets, Rudolph and Santa, each cost around $5,000 to make in 1964, according to the NYT article. The puppets were constructed of felted wool, leather, wood and a metal armature. In Nov 2020, the production's original Santa and Rudolph puppets were sold for $368,000 at the Icons & Legends of Hollywood Auction by Profiles in History in Los Angeles, according to event coverage by "USA Today." The auction price was high, but the puppets themselves are actually small: Santa is 11" tall and Rudolph is 6". The anonymous winning bidder donated the pair to the Center for Puppetry Arts in Atlanta. The Santa and Rudolph puppets exchanged hands numerous times over the years and were restored prior to the Icons & Legends auction. The puppets spent a long time in the home of Barbara Adams, the one-time secretary of the company’s co-founder Aurthur Rankin, Jr. Adams’ nephew met with expert Simion Lipman on a 2005 episode of "Antiques Roadshow" to have the puppets appraised. The puppets, which were in rough shape after being in an attic since the 1960s, were appraised by Lipman for around $8,000 at the time. As a special "Antiques Roadshow" update segment, Lipman provides a nice history of the puppets along with video clips from that first roadshow appearance through the Icons and Legends auction. • The Misfit Toys gained more screen time thanks to concerned viewers, according to IMDb.com. In the original version of the show, the characters Rudolph, Hermey the Elf and Yukon Cornelius promise to help the toys after visiting their island. But, the toys never appear again. The show’s producers received droves of letters from children upset that the toys weren’t helped. The producers decided to add a scene showing Santa and Rudolph picking up the Misfit Toys for delivery to their new homes. This version has aired ever since. Elf (2003) Directed by Jon Favreau Written by David Berenbaum Buddy (Will Farrell) is an elf who leaves his North Pole home for New York City in search of his father (James Caan). During Buddy’s quest, he gets a job at Gimbels department store, falls in love, discovers his non-elf family, eats way too much sugar and saves Christmas. Did you know… • The scenes of Buddy exploring the city and interacting with unsuspecting New Yorkers was all impromptu. Favreau said in a 2018 "Rotten Tomatoes" interview that they didn’t hire a bunch of extras, but instead gave Ferrell free reign to interact with regular people. Favreau said they sat in a van with a camera to captured his antics "independent-film style." In the same interview, Ferrell said, "Here I was running around the streets of New York in yellow tights thinking to myself, boy, I do hope this works for a number of reasons. But this could easily be my last movie." Clearly, Ferrell didn’t need to worry. He’s since been the lead actor in dozens of movies, which have grossed more than $2.5 billion worldwide, according to the entertainment data source, thenumbers.com by Nash Information Services. • Instead of CGI, a visual trick called forced perspective was used in the set designs so  Ferrell’s character looks extra tall in comparison to the regular-sized adult and child actors playing the elves. • Favreau also discussed in the Rotten Tomatoes article that he was hired to rewrite the script, which had a much different tone originally. "It was a much harder comedy," he said. "My pitch, when I was hired to write, was to make it feel like Buddy was a human that grew up in a ‘60s Christmas special." The Christmas specials Faverau refers to include those by Rankin-Bass Productions. "Elf" gives a nod to those beloved shows in the scene when Buddy leaves the North Pole for New York. The set design of the North Pole is reminiscent of the Rankin-Bass look and the animals, such as the narwhal that Buddy talks with, move using stop-motion animation just like the Rankin-Bass puppets. • Comedian and actress Wanda Sykes was originally cast to play the Gimbels store manager, but was replaced by Faizon Love, according to IMDb.com. Look closely and you’ll notice Love’s character wears a name tag that reads "Wanda." • In the 2022 movie "Spirited," which is a modern take on "A Christmas Carol," Ferrell’s character encounters a man wearing the Buddy costume from "Elf." Miracle on 34th Street (1947) Directed by George Seaton Written by George Seaton and Valentine Davies A delightful story of a mother (Maureen O’Hara) and her daughter (Natalie Wood) who don’t believe in Santa Claus. But, their faith is restored thanks to a department store Santa (Edmund Gwenn), a.k.a Kris as in Kris Kringle, who just might be the real thing. Did you know... • Davies wrote the film after being bombarded by commercialism during a Christmas Eve shopping trip, according to a AMC's Hollywood Backstories show about the film. It made Davies wonder, “What would Santa Claus think?” • Although a classic Christmas movie, it was actually released in May. Studio head Darryl Zanuck wanted to tap the large, summer movie-going audience and not wait until the holidays. So, the movie was marketed as a light-hearted love story with no mention of the Christmas, according to the AMC documentary. The movie was a hit and ran in theaters all summer and through Christmas. • For added realism, the parade scenes were shot live during the actual 1946 Macy’s Day Thanksgiving parade. Gwen was the parade Santa for not only the movie, but also in the actual parade. "Everything was done on the street and it was bitterly cold, freezing cold," said O'Hara in the AMC show. "We were all pre-coached in everything that they wanted because the parade wasn't going to stop to let us shoot anything. So, we had to do everything quickly, quickly, quickly and we did." • The management of the Macy’s and Gimbel’s department stores would not approve their inclusion in the film until they saw the final, finished cut. This was a risking move by the filmakers that could have resulted in costly reshoots and extensive editing if they had declined. • When Gwenn won the Best Supportingiii Actor Oscar for his role, he declared, "Now, I know there is a Santa Claus." • In the film, Gwenn’s character takes Alfred, a janitor and part-time Santa Claus (Alvin Greenman), under his wing. For the film's 1994 remake, Greenman played a doorman, also named Alfred. He was the only cast member to return for the film's remake. After years working as a young actor, Greenman spent the rest of his career behind the camera as a television script supervisor for popular shows like Hearts Afire. The year of the film remark, Greenman made a special on-camera appearance on Hearts Afire's Christmas episode as Santa. Greenman talks about both expereinces in an Entertainment Tonight segment. Home Alone (1990) Directed by Chris Columbus Written by John Hughes A young boy (Macaulay Culkin) is accidentally left at home when the entire family leaves for a vacation abroad. The boy has to navigate being on his own and contending with determined burglars (Joe Pesci and Daniel Stern). Did you know… • In a 2004 interview with Conan O’Brien, Culkin said Pesci bit his finger during rehearsal, which left a scar on his finger. In the scene, Pesci and Stern hang the young boy on the back of a closet door and they say they're going to bite one of his fingers off. “I got really mad at him,” Culkin told O’Brien. “I don’t care how many Oscars you have or whatever, like don’t. Biting a nine year old–what the heck’s wrong with you?” • Elvis appearing as an extra in "Home Alone" is among the urban legends that swirl about the film. Culkin explained to Jimmy Fallon in a 2018 "Tonight Show" interview that the legend is rooted in the scene where Catherine O’Hara, who plays Culkin’s mother in the movie, is at the airline counter trying to buy a ticket. Standing behind her is a man in a beard wearing a turtleneck and a blazer. Conspiracy theory enthusiasts believe the man looks like the King of Rock ‘N Roll. Another legend is that Culkin’s character, Kevin, is so traumatized by his experiences that he is the basis for the character Jigsaw in the “Saw” horror movie. It’s a Wonderful Life (1946) Directed by Frank Capra Written by Frank Capra, Frances Goodrich and Albert Hackett After a series of upsetting events, George Bailey (Jimmy Stewart) is resentful about his lot in life. An angel named Clarence (Henry Travers) gives George the opportunity to see what life in Bedford Falls would be like if he had never been born. Did you know… • "It’s a Wonderful Life" is based on the 1943 short story "The Greatest Gift" by Phillip Van Doren. • The movie was a flop for RKO Studios and critics weren’t too wowed by it either, yet it earned several academy award nominations including Best Picture, according to a 2021 online article by the National Endowment for the Arts. • The movie gained in popularity once its copyright expired and could be broadcast frequently royalty-free on television. • "It’s A Wonderful Life" changed how snow was made for movies. At the time, productions used cornflakes painted white. Capra thought cornflakes would be too loud and require dialogue redubbing, according to TCM.com. Instead, the special effects team created a new kind of fake snow using a mixture of foamite (a fire-fighting chemical), soap and water. The solution was pumped at a high pressure through wind machines. Look closely during the scene when George and Clarence are in the river and you can tell it’s a soapy concoction. The Motion Picture Academy awarded RKO’s special effects department an Oscar for the advancement. The Grinch (2018) Directed by Yarrow Cheney and Scott Mosier Written by Theodor Seuss Geisel (Dr. Suess) with adaptation by Michael LeSieur and Tommy Swerdlow The Grinch (Benedict Cumberbach) resents the holiday love and cheer of the Whoville residents. His plans to ruin their Christmas are thwarted when he finally opens his heart. Did you know… • This animated version of the Dr. Seuss classic holds the Guinness World Record as the most successful Christmas movie at the box office worldwide. The film earned $514 million* between its release in 2018 and 2020. The previous record holder is "Home Alone" with more than $476 million* at the worldwide box office. *not adjusted for inflation • In the scene when Cindy-Lou Who (Cameron Seeley) and her friend go into a treehouse, there’s a baseball bat with the name "Theodor" carved into it. This is the filmakers' subtle tribute to the story’s original author. • This movie's version of the Grinch first made its screen debut in another animated film, "Despicable Me 3" (2017), according to IMDb.com. In the movie, the character Margo wears a t-shirt with this Grinch on the front. Both of these movies were made by Illumination Entertainment, which sometimes places "easter eggs" in one film as a call-out to another that’s premering at a later date. White Christmas (1954) Directed by Michael Curtiz Written by Norman Krasna, Norman Panama and Melvin Frank Two well-known entertainers and veterans (Bing Crosby and Danny Kaye) help their former Major General save his inn with a special holiday show. In the process, the men fall in love with sisters (Rosemary Clooney and Vera Ellen). Did you know… • For casting, the actual ages of the actors in "White Christmas" were ignored (not too surprising). Jagger, who played the retired and much older Major General, was actually six months younger than Crosby. Both men were 51 at the time. Clooney, who was 26 years old when the movie premiered, played the oldest sister, yet Ellen was 33. • The scene where Crosby and Kaye do their version of the "Sisters" performance was added to the script after the pair were clowning around on set and the director thought it was funny, according to IMDb.com. Crosby's laughs are unscripted – he couldn't keep a straight face while watching Kaye's antics. • Written by Irving Berlin,"White Christmas"is Crosby’s signature song and the best selling single of all time, according to irvingberling.com, the Irving Berlin Music Company website. Crosby debuted the song in December of 1941 on his weekly radio show, "The Kraft Music Hall." In addition to the movie "White Christmas," Crosby also performed the song in the films "Holiday Inn" (1942) and "Blue Skies" (1946). Berlin attributed the song's success to it's message of peace (it was released during World War II).

Nestled inside Winston-Salem, N.C., is the beautiful, historic area of Reynolda. It’s the perfect day-trip destination offering everything from boutique shopping and delicious fare to tranquil gardens and world-class art. Reynolda is a 170-acre, historic area that includes Reynolda Gardens, Reynolda Village and The Reynolda House Museum of American Art. The origins of this entertainment, shopping and recreation destination trace back to the R.J. Reynolds tobacco empire. Reynolda’s History Company founder, Richard Joshua Reynolds, his wife, Katharine, and their children lived in downtown Winston-Salem near their tobacco factories during the early 1900s. When wealthy families starting building estates outside of cities, a national trend called the American Country House movement, the Reynolds clan followed suit, according to Reynolda House history. The trend was in pursuit of a healthier and more tranquil lifestyle. These country homes were large with green spaces to explore and recreational options to enjoy. In 1917, after three years of construction, the Reynolds' new home, Reynolda, was complete. The home, which is lovingly preserved today, has sixty rooms including a main reception hall with a large, stone fireplace and a dual staircase leading to the wrap-around balcony above. There’s also a study, formal dining room, eight bedrooms, an indoor pool and a squash court. The total historic footprint of Reynolda is more than 34,000 square feet and it's listed on the National Registry of Historic Places. Reynolda is what you’d expect in a wealthy, Southern family's home. With its shaded porches supported by large round columns, you can imagine relaxing afternoons sipping sweet tea while admiring the estate's lake and vast acreage. Originally, Reynolda was situated on 1,000+ acres, which included a working agriculture and dairy farm, a lake, expansive lawns, a formal English-style garden and woods. Reynolda House Today In 1964, Reynolda became Reynolda House, Inc., a non-profit dedicated to arts and education. The home is open for tours and features special programming and exhibits throughout the year. In addition to the home's beauty and storied history, Reynolda House features a permanent collection of over 6,000 historic objects and an impressive collection of American art. The collection spans 250 years and includes notable artists such as Georgia O’Keefe, John Singer Sargent and Andy Warhol. A special exhibit on display until Dec. 31, 2023, is "Zach & Libby: Two Rings, Seven Months, One Bullet" about the suspicious death of R.J. Reynolds’ son, which made national headlines at the time and remains unsolved. Curious? Then click the "Things to do in Winston-Salem" tag at the end of this post to find our story, "Death, Money & Mystery Down South: The Unsolved Case of Zachary "Smith" Reynolds." Admission to tour Reynolda House is $18 per person and includes the exhibition. Entertainment Destination With A Farming Past Adjacent to the Reynolda House is Reynolda Village, which was designed to look and feel like an English village. This area was once the heartbeat of the estate's working agricultural and dairy farm, but today it's a popular place to meet friends for lunch or a little shopping. All the shops and restaurants are housed in small, cottage-like buildings. The only exception is the large, former dairy barn building, which serves as a landmark for the village. Every village building is white with a green roof, just like the Reynolda House exterior. The grounds are thoughtfully maintained so everywhere you look are flower beds, freshly cut lawns, mature trees and large containers overflowing with seasonal plants. The village is beautiful during the day and extra charming at night when restaurant patios are illuminated by overhead cafe lights. From the eclectic Penny Path Cafe and Crepe Shop to the classic cuisine of the Village Tavern, there are dining options for everyone. My savory spinach and artichoke crepe at Penny Path was delicious and filling. The cafe has a cool, artsy vibe with its unique decor. There's something to discover everywhere you look including original artwork and a path in the floor made of pennies that runs up the wall and around a large picture window. The kitchen is surrounded by a curved bar and overhead is a large structural piece made of metal gears. If you're in the mood for a more traditional, yet modern, restaurant and bar, then the Village Tavern is your spot. A long-standing favorite in town, the tavern is what I like to call "casual nice" or "upscale casual." The restaurant is small and intimate with tables and bar seating. I prefer outdoor dining among the mature shade trees while enjoying a delicious bowl of shrimp and grits. Sunday brunch is especially popular, so arrive early. In the former dairy barn building, delicious baked goods are the focus of Dough-Joes’ Coffee & Doughnuts on the lower level. Dough-Joe's is popular! A steady stream of people stop in for coffee and then enjoy it while sitting at tables and benches on the front patio. On the barn's upper level is Theodore’s Bar & Market featuring traditional cafe fare. Theodore's has a warm, comfortable cafe environment, but the best part is just outside it's door – an enclosed breezeway featuring a long, rustic dining table in the heart of the dairy barn. It's so charming to sit in the breezeway among baskets hanging from the ceiling and original doors that once lead to where milk was stored. My suggestion, order a charcuterie board and enjoy it in the breezeway or at one of the outdoor picnic tables. For shop-o-holics, the village offers plenty of options. There are retailers for jewelry, home decor, linens, and clothing for the entire family. Check out the women's boutiques Monkee’s (especially for the shoes) and Gazebo. From candles to sleepwear, McCalls has a wide variety of merchandise. The selection of clothing for children and infants is especially nice. The independent bookstore, The Bookhouse, hosts writing groups, readings, trivia nights and a children’s hour. The store features a bar menu if you want a cup of coffee or a glass of wine while you browse among the books or sit and read for a spell. The store's staff also curate 'Sip 'n Read' pairings, matching up books with a specialty drink. Need a break? Then schedule a time at one of the village salons or the full-service European Touch Day Spa. Outdoor Spaces to Explore Personally, what I enjoy about Reynolda Village and Reynolda Gardens is the thoughtful design, natural beauty and abundance of outdoor activities. The village buildings are nestled among small, rolling hills dotted with large, stately trees. In addition to patio dining at every restaurant, there are benches throughout the grounds for enjoying your coffee to-go or reading a good book. People are always out and about in the village and the green spaces of the gardens. It’s common to see people picnicking, playing frisbee, jogging and just strolling along window shopping. Walking or jogging the paved paths and soft dirt trails of Reynolda Gardens is especially popular. The trails wind alongside the wetlands, which was once Lake Katharine, through the woods and across the main lawn of the Reynolda House estate. The path around the main part of the estate is also an official N.C. Birding Trail. Sites include waterfalls, bridges, a boathouse and the outdoor pool where the Reynolds family used to swim. The entire trail is 3.9 miles long. Leashed dogs are allowed. Escape into Reynolda's Formal Gardens A visit to historic Reynolda isn't complete without seeing the greenhouse and the formal gardens. The formal gardens are divided into sections or rooms called "parterres," which is a French term for a symmetrical landscape design that uses plants, such as low hedge lines, to create distinct ornamental gardens with paths between the beds. According the formal garden's history, it's four parterres are the Pink & White Garden, West Rose Garden, East Rose Garden and the Blue & Yellow Garden. The gardens incorporate a variety of trees, perennial flowers, shrubbery, fountains, Japanese-style tea houses and pergolas. A garden highlight are the numerous sitting areas. It's so relaxing to find a spot and just listen to the sounds of the birds and water fountains. Adjacent to the gardens, is the estate’s original greenhouse. Built in 1913, the greenhouse is used to grow plants from around the world, including orchids. Throughout the year, the greenhouse is also the site of a popular plant sale. Pets, with the exception of service animals, are not allowed in the formal gardens. Other restrictions for the formal gardens include no food or drink and no blankets or furniture placed on the grass. Picnicking is fine in green spaces outside of the formal gardens. Check Out What’s Happening Be sure to check the event calendar for Reynolda House, the village and the gardens. There’s always something interesting going on such a film screenings, expert talks, painting classes and educational programs for children. For instance, a viticulturist will discuss local wines and grapes on Nov. 14, 2023, and an evergreen decoration class is planned on Dec. 1. On the first Sunday of every month, is a family painting workshop where children and their parents learn about an artist from the Reynolda House art collection as inspiration for their own painting. When to Visit Historic Reynolda: Operating Hours •Reynolda House – Tuesday through Saturday from 9:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. and on Sundays from 1:30 - 4:30 p.m. Check the website for holiday hours. •Reynolda Village – Varies by merchant. Most retailers are open during typical business hours and the restaurants stay open well into the evening. •Reynolda Gardens and Trails – Open everyday during daylight hours. No pets in the formal gardens. Leashed dogs are allowed on the trails and other green spaces. •Greenhouse – Tuesday through Friday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

When we drove up to Ponce City Market in Atlanta my expectations were lukewarm. I thought we’d have a nice brunch, walk around a little and then head out. We stayed all day! Forget crisscrossing the city going to this restaurant and that shop, avoid the traffic and head straight here. Ponce City Market (PCM) is the perfect place to escape into a day (and night) of rooftop games, unique retail and craft-kitchen food. PCM, nestled in the heart of Atlanta’s Old Fourth Ward neighborhood, is a mixed-use entertainment destination and it’s HUGE – 2.1 million total square feet and around 330,000 of that dedicated to shopping and restaurants. Plus, it's continuing to grow, according to the developer's website. PCM is stretched across a collection of buildings, but the main attraction is a nine-story building that was once a showroom and warehouse distribution center for Sears Roebuck & Co beginning in the 1920s. The site’s history as a place for entertainment traces back to 1903, long before Sears bought the site. Dubbed “the Coney island of Atlanta,” the area was previously the Ponce de Leon amusement park, a history honored with the PCM's rooftop Skyline Park. We started our day with brunch at Pancake Social. Yum! Warm syrup over large buttermilk pancakes with a side of creamy grits and bacon. Southern appetite satisfied. With bellies full, the exploring commenced. PCM's look and feel is everything you expect a repurposed warehouse to be. Brick, concrete walls, huge pillars and exposed ventilation piping are everywhere. Large metal beams stretch overhead and industrial-style lights hang from the ceiling. My favorite part of the building’s design was the restored wooden floors (if those aren’t the original floors, then they fooled me). The floors were dark and looked oiled. They creaked under foot with a vintage sound that seemed to connect the building’s history with its modern, industrial-style present. Interesting side note, the building is included on the National Registry of Historic Places. It was a beautiful day during our visit, so we paid for admission to the building's top-floor, outdoor attraction, Skyline Park. We boarded an enormous freight elevator inside the Ponce City Market Tower for our ride up. As a nice bonus, you can see out a window as you travel. The rooftop’s theme pays homage to the market's amusement past with a series of boardwalk-style games, including skee-ball and a basketball toss. There’s also a two-story slide, a small tower ride and miniature golf. The putt-putt course is not great, which kind of made it more fun and hilarious. Everyone around us was having fun playing, too. The biggest highlight was the panoramic view of Atlanta. We felt lucky to see the skylines of midtown and downtown on a sunny day with practically no clouds in sight. Gorgeous! The entire area is called The Roof at Ponce City Market. In addition to Skyline Park, it’s also home to 9 Mile Station, a nice-casual restaurant and bar featuring craft beer and cocktails. The restaurant is named for the streetcar line that used to shuttle people to the area in the 1920s. The restaurant’s best feature is the huge outdoor terrace. Again, the views! Thanks to individual igloos placed over tables, you can enjoy dining on the rooftop even as the weather cools. After my husband finally won a prize in the basketball toss, we headed back downstairs to explore the rest of the market. The building’s first two floors feature the Central Food Hall and small retailers interspersed around. The ceilings are high and the second floor is open in the middle with balcony railing. Iron staircases connect the two floors, including an especially cool circular one. The food hall’s selection of cuisine is everything from a cold treat at Honeysuckle Gelato to po’boy sandwiches at W.H. Stiles “Dub’s” Fish Camp, which is helmed by the James Beard Award winning chef, Anne Quatrano. There are flavors from around the world including Indian, Asian, Latin and French. PCM is the perfect spot to find artisan-made gifts, especially at Citizen Supply. It features a large collection of independent vendors and makers offering everything from skincare products and jewelry to vintage clothing and original T-shirt designs. As a nice added bonus, Citizens Supply includes Excuse My French, a cafe and cocktail/coffee bar. Outside the building is an extra-wide breezeway lined with more shops, including upscale national and boutique retailers such as Williams-Sonoma, Allbirds, Buck Mason, Madewell and Lululemon. Men's clothier Rye 51, a self-titled "textile distillery," actually has a whiskey bar inside. Another popular shopping attraction is "Artists & Fleas." This open-air market is held every Saturday and features pop-up shops with everything from vinyl records to original jewelry and clothing. We visited PCM close to Halloween and a trick-or-treat event was in full swing. People of all ages were in costume, vendors were handing out candy and spooky decor was everywhere. The list of PCM's special events is long and ongoing. Art classes, coffee hour book clubs, outdoor yoga and trivia nights are just a tiny sampling. With the holidays coming up, so are the themed activities at PCM, including rooftop ice skating – Skate the Sky – beginning Nov. 24. Friday nights are reserved for adults-only, retro skating with a D.J. spinning music from the ‘80s and ‘90s. The 12 Cocktail Bar on the top floor of Ponce Market Tower will host holiday mixology classes beginning Nov. 17. And, the tower lobby will be transformed into a Holiday Social Bar. If you plan on visiting Ponce City Market here are some tips: • Expect to use the parking garage. Pay by the hour. Additional time can be added by the phone app. • Walk or bike right up to the market thanks to the Eastside Trail of the Atlanta Beltline. The beltline, which intersects the market, is a 22-mile long network of trails, transit and parks over what was once a railroad corridor. • Admission to The Roof for viewing only is $15. It’s an additional $15 for unlimited games at Skyline Park. A wristband indicates you’ve paid for unlimited games. Food and drinks are not included. There are concessions for purchase on The Roof. • No admission cost to go to The Roof to eat or have drinks at 9 Mile Station, just the cost of your meal. But, if you want to also play unlimited games at Skyline Park, buy a $10 wristband before going up the freight elevator. If you buy the wristband once at 9 Mile Station, it’s regular price. • Skyline Park is family-friendly, except after 7 p.m. on Friday and Saturday nights when it’s 21+. The last admission time on those nights for anyone underage is 6 p.m. • Reservations are a smart idea for special events like Skate the Sky and the igloo dining.

Are you among the “PWAGs?” That sounds like a race of sci-fi movie creatures, but it actually stands for “People Without Celiac Disease Avoiding Gluten.” For a month, I was among them and here's what I discovered. Gluten is a protein found in wheat, barley, rye and triticale (a cross between wheat and rye). People with celiac disease can’t tolerate gluten at all. It’s a chronic condition with no cure except avoiding gluten. The National Institutes of Health estimates about 1% of the population worldwide has celiac disease. That’s not a huge number, so why does it seem like gluten-free food is everywhere? Well, plenty of people have gluten sensitivity or believe a gluten-free lifestyle is healthier. So when a trend emerges, industry takes note. In 2022, Grand View Research Inc., estimated the size of the global, gluten-free products market at $6.45 billion in U.S. dollars and by 2030 it will reach $13.7 billion. The variety of gluten-free items, especially in the snack category, has come a long way. At one time, gluten-free food was only found on a few shelves in health foods stores and it didn't taste great. Now, there are entire gluten-free sections featuring better tasting choices in grocery stores and even large retailers like Walmart. With predictions like those by Grand View, which was widely reported in the media, expect gluten-free options to continue evolving and expanding. I don’t have celiac disease, gluten sensitivity or any health issues for that matter. I did, however, feel bombarded with information about anti-inflammatory eating, which includes going gluten free, so I decided to give it a try. I lost 12 pounds–it practically fell off. I can’t prove going gluten free was the main factor to this easy weight loss. In all fairness, I did increased my intake of water, fruits and veggies (foods naturally gluten free, btw). I don’t know the answer, but I liked the result. In my gluten-free quest, I shopped Harris Teeter, Walmart, Target and Trader Joe's. I tried a bevy of gluten-free products and here's what I liked best. Gluten-Free Options for Kitchen Staples Egglife • Egg-white wraps in Original and Everything Bagel flavors. • Perfect bread substitute for making wraps. • Eat it cold or warmed in a skillet or microwave. • Zero cholesterol, dairy, soy and sugar. • Serving size: 1 wrap is 25-35 calories with 5-6 grams of protein depending on the variety. Canyon Bakehouse Gluten Free • Great for avocado toast. A little dense for a sandwich if you prefer softer bread. • 100% whole grain bread made with “ancient grains.” • Ingredients include rice flour and whole grain sorghum flour. • Dairy, nut and soy free. • Serving size: 1 slice for 70 calories and 1.5 grams of fat. Veggiecraft Farms Pasta Made with Cauliflower • Sturdy, nice tasting, high-protein pasta. • Penne-shaped pasta made with a flour blend of lentil, pea and cauliflower. • Non GMO, dairy free and vegan. • Serving size: 2 ounces dry (1/4 of the box) is 200 calories with 13 grams of protein and 4 grams of fiber. Trader Joe’s Hearts of Palm (riced and pasta varieties) • An easy substitute for part of an entrée or as a side dish that's ready in a flash. • Both varieties are in a boxed, vacuum-sealed pouch. Simply remove from the pouch and reheat quickly in the microwave or on the stovetop. • The pasta is linguine-shaped and tastes great when mixed with a basil pesto. • The riced variety is perfect for Mexican dishes. In a skillet, add drained organic black beans, chopped sweet bell peppers, a little cumin, lime juice and a protein. • Vegan. • Serving size for both: 1/3 of a pouch is 20 calories, 3 servings to pouch. Entire pouch is 60 calories. Trader Joe's Organic Yellow Lentil and Brown Rice Spaghetti Pasta • Good alternative to traditional pasta with a punch of protein. • Made with organic ingredients. • Serving size: 2 ounces (1/6 of the package) is 190 calories with 14 grams of protein and 3 grams of fiber. Gluten-Free Salty Snacks Siete’s Grain Free Tortilla Chips (lime and sea salt varieties) • Satisfying for anyone that likes crunchy, salty snacks. • Made with a cassava flour blend, coconut flour, avocado oil and chia seed. • Non GMO. • Serving size: 14 chips for 130 calories and 3 grams of fat. Trader Joe's Organic Cacio E Pepe Puffs • Crunchy, corn and rice puffs flavored with cheese and pepper. • Packs big flavor. One of my favorite snacks. • Ingredients include organic corn meal, sunflower oil and brown rice flour. • Organic, kosher. • Serving size: 1 1/2 cups of puffs for 150 calories, 2 grams of protein and 9 grams of fat. RW Garcia 3 Seed Organic Sweet Potato Crackers • Tasty choice if you want something crunchy for dipping. Great with hummus. • Flavor is more sweet than salty. • The all organic ingredients include stone ground yellow corn, sunflower oil, sweet potato, flaxseed, poppy seeds and chia seeds. • Non GMO. • Serving size: 16 crackers for 140 calories with 7 grams of fat and 2 grams of protein. Quinn Creamy Peanut Butter Filled Pretzel Nuggets • A gluten-free version of a common salty snack that didn't disappoint. Tasted great. • Ingredients include peanut butter (dry roasted peanuts, sugar and salt), cassava flour, sunflower oil, whole grain sorghum flour, hemp heart protein and sea salt. • Corn and dairy free. Non GMO and vegan. • Serving size: 8 pretzels for 140 calories with 6 grams of fat and 3 grams of protein Gluten-Free Sweet Treats Siete Grain Free Mexican Wedding Cookies • Small, thick cookies that crumble easily and answer a sweet tooth’s call. • Made with a grain-free blend of five flours (almond, arrowroot, chickpea, cassava and tapioca). • Non GMO. • Serving size: 5 cookies (plenty to satisfy a sweet tooth) for 150 calories with 9 grams of fat and 1 gram of protein. Goodie Girl Fudge Striped Crunchy Oat Flour Cookies • Remember being a kid and putting your finger through the center hole of a flower-shaped cookie and then eating around it–that's this cookie but with chocolate. • Traditional, shortbread-style cookie that is striped with fudge on one side and completely covered on the other side. • Chocolaty and crunchy. • Made with gluten-free whole grain oat flour. • No nuts, eggs or artificial colors or preservatives. • Serving size: 4 cookies (more than satisfying) for 150 calories with 3 grams of protein, 6 grams of fat and 2 grams of fiber. Enjoy Life Soft Baked Cookies (Double Chocolate Brownie and Chocolate Chip) • Good choice if you have food allergies. • Free from 14 allergens and labeled “school safe.” • Some flavor sacrifice to be free of so many allergens, especially the chocolate chip cookie. • Choose the double chocolate brownie for a richer flavor. • Serving size: 2 cookies are 130 calories and 5 grams of fat. WOW Soft Baked Key Lime White Chocolate Cookies • Soft cookies with a strong, tangy, key lime flavor. Yummy enough to share. • List of ingredients includes brown rice flour, long gram white rich flour and 100% pure key lime juice concentrate. • Serving size: 2 cookies for 120 calories with 6 grams of fat and 1 gram of protein. Hu (Get Back to HuMan) Cashew Butter + Pure Vanilla Bean Dark Chocolate Bar • Rich, decadent dark chocolate bar made with 70% organic, fair trade cacao. • Salty Dark Chocolate and Hazelnut Butter varieties are also delicious. • Clean eating with no refined sugar, dairy, soy, or sugar alcohols. • Serving size: Bar consists of 8 large chunks. Half of the bar (4 chunks) is 190 calories with 13 grams of fat and 3 grams of protein. 1 chuck is satisfying. Tate’s Bake Shop Gluten Free Lemon Cookies • Large, thin, crispy cookies with a nice lemon flavor. • Good enough to share with guests. • Serving size: 2 cookies for 150 calories with 7 grams of fat and 1 gram of protein. Heavenly Hunks Oatmeal Chocolate Chip Bites • A single hunk is a satisfying, sweet snack between meals, especially when on the go. Two chunks if you’re too busy for lunch (A few keep me from stopping for fast food lunches when traveling). • Ingredients include certified, gluten-free rolled oats and brown rice syrup. • Non GMO, vegan certified and dairy free. • Serving Size: 1 hunk is 120 calories with 6 grams of fat and 1 gram of protein.