Spring time also means spring break and this joyful holiday of fun in the sun with friends and family is right around the corner. If you’re one of the many Atlanta families not taking a vacation this spring break, you might be wondering what’s happening around Atlanta that week.

Bowen Family Homes has the information you’re looking for. Each week we’ll fill you in on the activities and events happening around the metro-Atlanta area ensuring that you’ll be full of fun ideas and activities for spring break week.

Spring Break Part 1: Zoo Atlanta

Lions and Tigers and Bears. Oh my! While you might not find bears at Zoo Atlanta, the lions and tigers are sure to impress. Make it a point to take the kids over to the Zoo one day to learn all about their favorite four-legged friends. With several different exhibits, rides, cafes, shops and KidZone there is always something going on at the zoo.

If you plan your trip well you should also be able to work several live shows into your day. Visit the Zoo Atlanta website to see when all of the daily activities take place.

In addition to all the normal live shows, spring break week offers something special for the kids. On April 3, the annual gorilla egg hunt will be taking place on. Head over to Gorilla Yard 3 at 2 or Gorilla Yard 1 at 2:30 p.m. to see the gorillas hunt for their favorite jello egg shaped treats. You can pick a favorite or just cheer on all of the  gorillas in general. The event is free with the purchase of your general admission ticket.

Bowen Family Homes is proud to build quality family homes throughout the metro-Atlanta community. We have several communities just a short drive away from Zoo Atlanta and each home Bowen Family Homes builds is built with family in mind. Visit the Bowen Family Homes website to see why so many have chosen to call Bowen Family Homes their Atlanta home builder of choice. You can also call 1-800-MY-BOWEN to speak with a representative who will be more than happy to answer all of your questions.

We have just the event for you. Also known as St. Pat’s 2010, the Atlanta St. Patrick’s Day Parade is one of the oldest St. Patrick’s Day festivals in Georgia. The parade dates back to 1858 and the 2010 celebration marks the 128th parade in Atlanta over the past 152 years.

The parade will kickoff on Saturday March 13 at noon on at the corner Peachtree Street and Ralph McGill. If you want to ensure that your little ones have a good view of the floats, music and candy, there’s a reviewing stand just down the road from the parade’s start. The Atlanta St. Patrick’s Day Parade and Festival will continue down Peachtree and will turn onto Decatur Street to finish in Underground Atlanta.

Coach Vince Dooley will be the Grand Marshal and Moby in the Morning will serve as the Celebrity Emcee. Other parade units will include the 501st Storm Trooper and Rebel Legions, American Royal Miss, Pipes and Drums, Budweiser Clydesdales, Coca-Cola, Drake School of Irish Dance and many many more. For a complete list of all parade floats please visit the St. Patrick’s Day Parade Web site.

After you’re family has enjoyed the parade festivities, head over the the Georgia Aquarium, where you can use this voucher to receive $5 off any general admission ticket for the Georgia Aquarium visit before or after the Atlanta St. Patrick’s Parade March 13 and 14.

There will be family friendly activities both days including arts & crafts, face painting and presentations about animal conservation and how to be “green” this St. Patrick’s Day. The coupon is only valid for up to four guests and can only be used on walk-up ticket purchases. For more information visit www.georgiaaquarium.org

Bowen Family Homes is proud to build new home communities throughout the metro-Atlanta area near all of the Atlanta events and activities. No matter whether you’re interested in Fulton, Forsyth, Cobb or Gwinnett, Bowen Family Homes has the perfect home for you. Visit the Bowen Family Homes Web site for more information.

Just to recap:

1. The tax credit doesn’t need to be repaid
2. It applies to both first and repeat home buyers
3. First time home buyers can receive up to $8,000. Repeat buyers up to $6,500
4. The credit is good for homes up to $800,000 in value
5. The tax credit has been extended through April 30, 2010.

Bowen Family Homes has several new home communities throughout the metro-Atlanta area that fit the criteria for the home buyer tax credit. Whether you’re a first time home buyer wanting to live near the city or a repeat buyer who is looking for a North Fulton home, Bowen Family Homes has just what you’re looking for. By offering buyers high quality homes at an affordable rate, Bowen Family Homes is the perfect builder for home buyers who want to take advantage of their tax credit.

For more information about any of the Bowen Family Homes communities, visit the Bowen Family Homes YouTube page, become a fan of Bowen Family Homes on Facebook or follow along on Twitter @BowenFamilyHome

Our second award came just last month at the The Nationals award ceremony. The Bowen Family Homes Web site received a Silver Award for Best Web site for a Builder at the ceremony held during the National Association of Home Builders’ annual International Builders Show.

The Nationals are the nation’s largest competition for new-home sales and marketing professionals and communities. The awards competition is presented annually by the National Sales and Marketing Council and is co-sponsored by MetLife Home Loans, Move, Inc., Wells Fargo Home Mortgage and AT&T Connected Communities.

The Bowen Family Homes Web site was judged on a number of categories, including:

• User Experience
• Appeal to Target Market
• Design
• Innovation

The new Bowen Family Homes Web site makes it extremely easy to find the home of your dreams. No matter your price point or location, this interactive guide will walk you through the steps to finding the perfect home.

Come visit our new Web site and find the Bowen Family Homes home and community that best fits your needs. For more information about any of the Bowen communities, visit the Bowen Family Homes YouTube page, become a fan on Facebook or follow along on Twitter @BowenFamilyHome

The Chadwick plan features three bedrooms and two bathrooms. What makes this plan really stand out from the rest is the two-story design. There are also three different brick elevations to choose from. The addition of this plan will add a unique twist to Deerfield Green’s already beautiful streetscape.

The Chadwick rounds out at 2,000 square feet with the garage and main living area on the first floor. The open kitchen, dining and living rooms have an excellent flow. The master suite and bathrooms are upstairs allowing a peaceful atmosphere when there’s still activity downstairs. Hardwood foyers, marble bathroom vanities, granite countertops and other luxurious finishes come standard with this model.

Besides the beautiful townhomes, this Bowen Family Homes community will have several amenities perfect for active families: a pool with cabana, ample green space and sidewalks. Not to forget the great North Fulton location, close to North Point Mall, other retail shopping and delicious dining options.

To learn more about us, our communities or current news follow Bowen Family Homes on Twitter @bowenfamilyhome or visit our Facebook Page.

As an added bonus, if you take a picture of your family at free pretzel day and email it to wakeup@auntieannesinc.com your photo will be posted on the Auntie Anne’s Facebook page and 100 people will be randomly selected to win an Auntie Anne’s t-shirt.

Not sure where the closest Auntie Anne’s is?

You can use the store locator to find the nearest location. If you are a resident of one of the many Bowen Family Homes locations in Fulton County near North Point Mall, then you’ll have no problems finding an Auntie Anne’s near you. We have several communities with-in 30 minutes of the mall including, Deerfield Green and The Preserve at Johns Creek.

Each Bowen Family Homes community offers home buyers with unique floorplans, upgrades and community amenities, ensuring that each family finds the home that best suits their needs. By offering buyers high quality homes at an affordable rate, Bowen Family Homes is the perfect builder for home buyers looking to take advantage of their tax credit.

For more information about any of the Bowen communities, visit the Bowen Family Homes YouTube page, become a fan on Facebook or follow along on Twitter @BowenFamilyHome.

This community features two-story homes with brick and stone accents. The homes range in size from 2,472 - 2,803 square feet prices begin at just $279,900.

Four different model homes will be built in this Bowen Family Homes community: the Shelbourne, the Ashbourne, the Berringer, and the Aspen. Each plan offers offers unique features and amenities, making it easy for home buyers to choose the model that best fits their needs.

The Shelbourne model is move-in ready. The four bedroom, three and one half bath home sits back on a private cul de sac, making it the ideal home for family. Kids can play kickball or street hockey in the cul de sac without the fear of cars coming buy. The interior features hardwood floors throughout the main level and a spacious kitchen with granite counter tops. The tiled back splash complements the counters perfectly and all of the extra space in this kitchen means you’ll never have a problem finding a spot for your cooking gadgets.

The Ashbourne is also move-in ready. This five bedroom, three and one half bath home features a bedroom on the main floor. This space would be ideal for a guest bedroom, home office, or a playroom for the children.

The Aspen model is currently available for presale. This four bedroom, two and one half bath home features the ever popular master on the main design. Upstairs you’ll find the remaining three bedrooms and a loft, perfect for a kids getaway spot.

The Berringer floorplan offers buyers a spacious design.  With four bedrooms, three and a half bathrooms, a two-story foyer and an optional fifth bedroom this model is perfect for anyone with a large family or a lot of out of town guests. Finding a place for everyone to stay is never a problem in a Berringer home.

By offering buyers high quality homes at an affordable rate, Bowen Family Homes is the perfect builder for home buyers looking to take advantage of their tax credit. For more information about any of the Bowen communities, visit the Bowen Family Homes YouTube page, become a fan on Facebook or follow along on Twitter @BowenFamilyHome

So what is the answer to this problem? Builders need to begin building again, which is precisely what has been happening at Bowen Family Homes.   The Atlanta Business Chronicle recently spoke with Bowen’s Chief Financial Officer, Steve Palmer who revealed the details of the building plan for the next year.

“This time last year, we had 195 new homes,” Palmer said. “Today we have 50.”

In order to increase inventory and better meet buyer demand, construction has begun on 43 new homes across the metro Atlanta area, by the end of the year we hope to have constructed 150 new homes. That is 120 more homes than we constructed in 2009. So make sure to be on the lookout for all the presale opportunities that will be heading your way.

To read the full article on Bowen Family Homes, visit the Chronicle’s Web site. For more information about any of our new home communities, check out the Bowen Family Homes YouTube, become a fan on Facebook or follow along on Twitter @BowenFamilyHome.

Homes in Cypress Springs are priced beginning at $169,900. The community features four different home designs ranging from 1,941 to 2,488 square feet, making it easy for buyers to find the home that fits their needs.  Homes include hardwood floors in the foyer, breakfast area and kitchen (per plan). Whirlpool appliances, marble vanities in the bathrooms, and a separate garden tub and shower in the master suite also all come standard.

Part of Bowen Family Homes‘ 2010 new home building project, the Gwinnett County community currently has one model under construction, the Crestview and two are available for presale, the Birchwood and the Northwyck.

With four bedrooms and two and a half bathrooms, the two-story Crestview home features a two-story foyer with hardwood floors, formal dining room and a spacious kitchen perfect for every aspiring chef. The home will be move-in ready in the spring and is priced at $169,900, making it one of the many Bowen Family Homes eligible for the 2009 tax credit.

For more information about the Birchwood, and the Northwyck models, or to schedule a tour at Cypress Springs, visit the Bowen Family Homes community page for Cypress Springs.

In addition to offering buyers high quality homes at an affordable rate, Bowen Family Homes also offers a mortgage protection plan to all new homebuyers. For more information about Bowen, visit the Bowen Family Homes YouTube page, become a fan on Facebook or follow along on Twitter @BowenFamilyHome

But now is actually a great time to visit Stone Mountain, especially if you have kids. Our cold and sunny days are perfect time to check out all of the seasonal activities happening at the mountain.

Snow Mountain

Snow Mountain features a 400′ hill for tubing (complete with lifts to get you to the top) providing thrills for older kids and adults.  If you have children under 48″ tall, the Little Angels section is reserved just for them.  They have a mini hill for sliding and plenty of room to play.  If you get tuckered out, an observation platform still lets you see the action, or fire pits on Memorial Lawn provide a place to warm up and make S’mores.  Hurry and visit before March 7th when all of Stone Mountain’s snow will melt away.

Big Apple Circus

Running February 12-28, the Big Apple Circus will delight kids and adults of all ages.  Jugglers, trapeze artists, arialists, clowns and trained dogs form a show that will impress and cause spontaneous outbursts of laughter. All audience members get a close up view of the show:  this is a one ring circus, and no seat is more than 50 feet away.

Time your Stone Mountain trip just right and you can enjoy both of these attractions on top of everything else the park has to offer.

Visit Stone Mountain’s Web site for information on hours of operation, parking, admission and attraction prices and even hotel package deals to make this a true “Staycation.”

Bowen Family Homes residents in the Bowen Family Homes communities of Berkeley Chase and Bennington Square communities in Gwinnett have the quickest access to Stone Mountain, but the park’s central location makes it a quick drive for most anybody.

To stay up to date on Atlanta events or to learn more about Bowen Family Homes, visit the Bowen Family Homes YouTube page, become a fan on Facebook or follow along on Twitter @BowenFamilyHome.