Great Escape: Head for a Parisian Paradise

As a mom, sometimes you need to just get away from the family for a bit. At least that's what MY mother is always saying. That's where Norristown Patch's Great Escape comes in. Each week, we'll try to find you a quick getaway from the trials and tribulations of being a mom.

This week we're suggesting you take a trip to Paris. Sort of.

It's the last weekend to see the Philadelphia International Flower Show at the Pennsylvania Convention Center (12th and Arch streets in Philadelphia). This year's theme is "Springtime in Paris," and let's be honest, who doesn't want to see Paris? Well, Parisians are probably pretty sick of it, but most of us are pretty keen on the place.

Before you start wondering how long you'll be able to look at a bunch of blooming flowers, I should mention that there's more to the flower chow than the pretty. There's live entertainment, shopping, wine tastings, cooking demonstrations, gardening presentations and celebrity guests.

Norristown is even represented in the competitions. There are at least a dozen or so Norristown residents with entries in various competitive classes, most from the Norristown Garden Club. We managed to find a few of the entries when we stopped by recently. You should see for yourself how talented some of our neighbors are.

The Philadelphia International Flower Show wraps up Sunday, March 13, so this is your last chance to see it. What's more, if you can't manage to shake the kids or the hubby, you can bring them along. There's plenty here for everyone. Tickets are $25 for adults, $15 for children ages 2-16, and $20 for students. Check out the flower show website for more information and a full schedule of events.