I live in Sanford about 30 miles from Raleigh, but I'm not very familiar with what is up there. You might try asking the same question on the Carolina Gardening Forum. There are quite a few folks who post there who are familiar with that area. It's too bad you aren't coming in June or July. That's when Holly Hill Daylily and Crinum Farm is open to the public. That is one SPECTACULAR place! Lrae

Vines Botanical Gardens near the suburb of Grayson was nice the last time I visted there about 3 years ago. Atlanta Botanical Gardens is a definite must-see. I have not been there yet but Dunaway Gardens near Noonan is an UNFINISHED restoration of a 1920's Arts and Crafts Gardens that was built and run back then by a flamboyant actress, who also held a women's drama school there. [Sounds very intriguing, but I have learned the hard way not to get my hopes up on historic gardens restorations.] Do not miss Callaway Gardens, though it is a good drive from Atlanta. It is best in the Spring during Azalea season, but the acreage was first set aside by Mrs. Callaway as one of the few natural habitats of the latest-blooming of all Azaleas, the Rhododendron prunifolium. I'm afraid it is still just a few weeks too late to see the R. prunifoliums in bloom, but still definitely do see Callaway. Especially their butterfly house is a year-round delight. I wish I didn't have to say this, but the Georgia State Botanical Gardens in Athens really needs help. I was there just last year, and the Conservatory was nice, but the rest looked run-down. I love roses, and the rose garden is a huge disappointment - looked like it hadn't been touched, in literally years. The best selection of unusual plant materials is Landarts near Monroe Georgia. I love that nursery. Jane Bath the owner is a famous Georgia plantswoman. And go by Social Circle, GA on your way to Monroe to get a buffet-style down-home southern meal in a beautiful neoclassical porticoed home (The Blue Willow Inn).

Thank you all for your helpful suggestions. I see that the garlic juice that is sold comes in cases, so that is out. I love garlic, but! NancyLouise: I am in So. Calif. I don't suppose your store would be, would it? I will call the Italian Deli and see if they carry the juice. Otherwise, I guess I will be experimenting with presses, microplanes and chopped garlic in jars. Surely, something should work.

Ten years ago 2 friends and I were having dinner (and probably a few too many beers) and decided to bring back our Christmas Parade that hadn't been done for about 15 years. That lead to us having a light up night in town. It has been a tremendous event, after the parade Santa goes to the gazebo in Central Park and lights the park, he then sees every child that wants to see him. Each child receives a gift, usually a book or two, crayons, an orange, a bag of candy and mittens or gloves. We usually prepare 1000 gifts and end up with only a few leftovers at the end of the night. Santa takes the last few children on a walk thru the park to see the lights and the village, that walk ends with him telling them the Night Before Christmas. I had to stop helping in the gazebo a couple of years ago, my RA was reacting badly with the cold and damp, but the event continues and is always a great success. The visit with Santa is usually the only Santa event these kids have. It was always the highlight of my holiday, what a fun start to the holiday season. And I learned....one should not have too much beer! LOL!!!!