Each week, we'll tell you about one great idea to give you a much deserved break from the stress of the work-week and your everyday lives. This week, make plans for dinner and a movie, without the kids. AMC's Premium Cinema and Grille Restaurant in Framingham, according to its Web site offers a "full service restaurant and bar offer a variety of sumptuous entrees, sandwiches, and salads including a fully stocked bar complete with a generous wine list." After dinner, you can move to a "screening room where you will enjoy a first run movie in the luxurious comfort of our high back ultra-leather…

You're dragging your kids to basketball practice, piano lessons and tutoring sessions all week. Like many parents, you give your time and energy to the ones you love. So, whenever you get a free moment you need to take advantage of it and let yourself escape from the chaos and the stress of your week. Each week, Framingham Patch will tell you about one great idea to help you escape and give you a break. This week we suggest you take some "me time" by dropping your kids off with a family member and heading to the Cheesecake Factory at the Natick Collection.  Whether you're new to the …

PTO members from all the local schools in town are invited to a free open house event at the Danforth Museum of Art tomorrow, March 3 from 7-8:30 p.m. Parents can see the exhibits and learn what the Danforth Museum has to offer.  The museum will talk about the programs it has for children, teens, adults and families! Light refreshments will be served. PTO members can bring a friend. There are no events scheduled for children during the open house, but parents without a sitter could bring their children. RSVP is highly suggested. Call Julia Brucker  at 508-620-0050, ext 23 or e-mail  jbrucker@…

Take in Some Culture at Fountain Street Fine Art. The Framingham gallery is hosting its Unscripted exhibit Friday through Sunday from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. If you're an art lover but can't make it to the Museum of Fine Arts in Boston or haven't been free for a weekend to hit The Met in New York, there is wonderful art, right here in town. Danforth Museum of Art Director Katherine French picked 117 paintings, sculptures and photographs for Unscripted. Says the gallery's Web site, the show features "some of the most talented artists in the region." Fountain Street Fine Arts is an artist-run, …

It's been a rough winter. If you haven't been shoveling or snowblowing, you've been slogging through the mess, probably showing up an hour late to work. All that only to muddle through a messy commute on the way home, where you've had to tackle the foot of snow that fell while you were at work. And when you were finally done with all that work, you were probably too tired to go skating, skiing, sledding or do any other fun activities exclusive to winter. Why else do we live in New England if not for joys of the snowy season? Well, this weekend (and all next week for February Vacation), get …

Moms, we all function better and are happier when we have a few moments to ourselves. For me personally, sometimes I just need 5 minutes of quiet time with a cup of tea. But sometimes, we need a longer period of time to ourselves, without being the chauffeur, cook, maid, cleaner, you name it. Fortunately, there are many opportunities to escapes here in Framingham, and MetroWest. This week, Framingham Patch has uncovered a one-hour FREE break for moms. Whole Foods Market, on Route 9 East, on Saturday, Feb. 12 from 2 to 3 p.m. is offering a free cooking demo on beans. From Great Northern, to …

Each week, the Great Escape will 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. Perhaps, it is a special Valentine's Day offer? Maybe, it is a local business offering a mom's night out special? It could be a great date night activity - no kids allowed. E-mail us your favorite ideas at susan.petroni@patch.com