It's all too easy to forget the true meaning behind Veterans Day when it also represents a day off from school, perhaps a day off from work and, this year, a long weekend. Allow us to make a recommendation for how you can honor those who serve our country while also treating yourself to a night away from the same old-same old. On Monday, Nov. 7, the storied North Shore Music Theatre is hosting Runway U.S.A.: Celebrating Women in Uniform. Fifty dollars will get you access to a very tasty-sounding food sampling (everything from clams to cakes) and a fashion show — and it will give troops …

If you’re tired of balancing work and family life and need a break that's not going to cost a lot or take a lot of time check with Patch every Friday for the “Great Escape.” Whether a relaxing massage or a shopping trip, there are plenty of way to relax in locally. This week's Great Escape is the Yogaspirit Studios in Hamilton. Owner Kim Valeri conducts most of the classes, which range from “Rusty Hinges” for newcomers to Yoga or those that have not done Yoga in a while to prenatal and teenage classes. Located in the Willowdale Office complex on Willow Street, it’s in a convenient downtown …

It’s been a busy end of the winter. But the kids are out the house and you have a break. Take advantage of it. Each week, we’ll tell you about one great idea to give you a much deserved break, and make your life a little easier, or maybe a little more relaxed. Today comes a recommendation to take in some of the shopping in downtown Hamilton at the Shoppes at Hamilton Crossing – and grab a bite to eat and a drink too. Earlier this week on Hamilton-Wenham Patch we told you about some of the changes at Hamilton’s only shopping plaza – including an expanded 15 Walnut Bistro and a new women’s …

Your kids are out of the house, maybe the grandparents volunteered to take the younger children to a movie Sunday afternoon or the tweens are taking tap on Wednesday evening.  It’s your time. Take it. Each week, we’ll tell you about one great idea to give you a much-deserved break. Everyone is thinking about and talking about spring. The snow is finally melting but it most days still have a wintry feel. Why not speed up spring’s arrival and take yourself there right now, minus the rain and wind. It’s at Hamilton Gardens on Bay Road. “Stop and smell the rose” for a while. Maybe you’ll go home …

You're tired of balancing work and family life and need a break. Each Friday, Hamilton-Wenham Patch provides you a "Great Escape" from real life locally. Whether a relaxing massage or a shopping trip downtown, there are plenty of way to relax locally. This week's Great Escape is: Take Hamilton and Wenham with you to the mountains. Enjoy some spring skiing and head north to North Conway, N.H. It’s a spot popular with many Hamilton and Wenham residents. There's a wide variety of lodging options, with a good sampling found at Mt. Washington Valley visitor website. You'll have a pick of several …

It's been a long – and mostly snowy - winter but things are looking up. Is the melting snow and some warmer days causing you to dream about just getting away? Maybe it's just for an hour or two and maybe it's just to downtown Hamilton. But you'll be away. It's time for some YOU time. Each week in the "Great Escape" column, we’ll tell you about one great idea to give you a much deserved break, and make your life a little easier, maybe a whole lot easier. For more than 15 years, Marybeth’s has been pampering women with manicures, pedicures, nail repair, hand treatments, massage therapy, facials…

Every now and then you're able to break away. Maybe you got a babysitter or the kids are with their grandparents. It’s your time. Take it. Each week, we’ll tell you about one great idea to give you a much deserved break, and make your life a little easier, maybe a whole lot easier. This week, with Valentine’s Day around the corner, our suggestion is to break away and enjoy a romantic and relaxing dinner at 15 Walnut Bistro in the Shoppes at Hamilton Crossing. The restaurant will be closing for a little bit, starting Feb. 21, to work on its expansion into neighboring space. And with a recent …

Your daughter is selling Girl Scout cookies on Saturday. The grandparents volunteered to take the younger children to a movie Sunday afternoon. Your tweens take tap on Wednesday evening. It’s your time. Take it. Each week, we’ll tell you about one great idea to give you a much deserved break, and make your life a little easier, or maybe a little more relaxed. Today comes a recommendation for a spa treatment at a business owned by a  former Miss Massachusetts - Maria Lekkakos - at M. Lekkakos Spa, Salon and Boutique in Wenham. The offerings range from a $65 30-minute mini-massage to a 90-…