Ever wanted to see the full moon rise over the NC Coast? It is indeed a sight to see and something to add to your to do list! The stars and the moon aligned for me to make this happen recently in October for the “Hunter’s Moon”. Being a Selenophile, I was excited that this moon cycle fell on a Saturday and close to Halloween, making it an extra celestial event! So I set out to make plans to visit Wilmington and Beaches. Here’s a look at some recommendations of where to STAY * EAT * PLAY for your next Full MoonGetaway!
STAY | Blockade Runner Beach Resort
Located in Wrightsville Beach, Blockade Runner Beach Resorthas been welcoming families and friends, travelers and locals for almost 60 years. They are currently in the middle of a multi-million dollar renovation but you can still book a great stay at this iconic resort. We had a recently renovated ocean front spacious suite with a large balcony (where you can enjoy a cup of coffee made right in the room via a Keurig machine). The modern decor and comfortable bedding made for a relaxing stay. This resort has beautiful gardens and large expanses of green lawn to run and play on. Between playing cornhole and my daughter doing cartwheels, we made great use of the outdoor spaces. The pool area has its own bar and a cute walkway that leads directly to the sand. Not only were we able to see the moon from this oceanfront property but we even managed to catch the sunrise the next morning by just walking to the shore via easy access from the resort.
This resort has plenty of amenities to chose from like oceanfront dining at their onsite restaurant EAST and taking a sunset cruise with Soundside. The 90 min sunset cruise gave a unique view from the water of Wrightsville Beach. It was actually where we saw the moonrise..perfect timing! Afterwards, we had dinner at East, which offers delicious oceanfront dining with unique Southern Fare while putting fresh ingredients first. Great service from both made for memorable memories which added to a wonderful stay!
I’m always delighted to share EATS & SIPS suggestions after a weekend getaway to Wilmington and Beaches. Each place proudly supports local and offers amazingly good drinks/food that will leave you in a good mood! Add the following places to your list the next time you visit #WilmingtonNC #WrightsvilleBeach
☕️ Fuel up your morning with coffee & 🥐 Breakfast bites from Port City Java
🍹 Sip Signature Cocktails with ocean views at Solstice Kitchen + Cocktails, located inside Holiday Inn Resort Lumina on Wrightsville Beach, an IHG Hotel (read about our previous stay >>>>>here)
🍽️ EAST Oceanfront Dining located inside the Blockade Runner Beach Resort offers a premier dining experience for breakfast, lunch and dinner
😋 Weekend Brunch at SEABIRDis a must! A coastal getaway isn’t complete without experiencing quality seafood, cocktails, coffee and more from James Beard nominated, Chef Dean Neff!
On this visit I had some shopping fun at a couple of farmer’s markets and local shops:
The Wilmington Farmer’s Market at Tidal Creek (located on Oleander Drive, which is also where a location for Port City Java can be found) is known for having some of the best fresh produce year around. Every Saturday from 8am-1pm you can visit this producer only market and shop local. I got some honey and rosemary and they were having a Fall Festival with a live demo with Chef Dean Neff of Seabird + activities for the kids.
Also on Saturday, we went to The Wave Market (they were having a Fall Festival as well at Wrightsville Beach Brewery where we had lunch). Known for “Makin’ Waves for Small Businesses!” , The Wave Market is a vendor market that believes in supporting small businesses and bringing community together. Their Fall Vibes Event was from 11-4pm and we got to explore 20 local vendors, indulge in delicious food and beer, and groove to live music! I love to shop local and was happy to get some jewelry from Lyn and Lou Boutique and a lovely candle from Hawthorn and Oakjust to name a few!
The Practical Magic Store(also located on Oleander Drive) is your one stop shop for whatever Full Moon rituals you want to do. They have crystals and candles, incense and perfumes, and so much more! It’s fun to go in this store and explore anytime (it doesn’t have to be for a full moon). They have gift sets and a knowledgeable staff that will help you find whatever you need as well as make suggestions. I got a heart shaped Rhodonite stone, some incense and a few other things in this magical store!
For a Sunday Funday family outing, we went to Trask Family Farms(they are closed now for the Fall season and will reopen in the Spring). We had so much fun at the farm making unforgettable memories together in their corn maze which featured two games hidden inside.
The highlight (and purpose) of this visit was to see the Full Moon 🌕 rise over the ocean, along the shores of the beautiful beaches we have here in NC. Thanks to Soundside at Blockade Runner for providing services that allows you to see such beauty from their sailing tours.
Wrightsville Beach is only 20 mins from Downtown Wilmington and just 2.5 hours from Raleigh,NC making it the perfect getaway to make my selenophile dreams come true! I hope you are inspired to do so too.
I recently went on a ‘Day Date’ with my hubby to catch a matinee of a production at Theatre Raleigh called BARBECUE. We had heard about the show from a newsletter that I received via email from The Triangle Friends of African American Arts , an organization that strives to expand awareness, understanding and support of African American arts and artists. I follow them as well as Theatre Raleigh to stay in the know about upcoming performances!
The grill is hot, the beer is chilled, and the table is set for a typical O’Mallery family barbecue. Barbecue centers on around the O’Mallerys, a dysfunctional group of siblings who come together for a barbecue in the park to stage an emergency intervention for their sister Barbara, whose drug habit has gotten out of hand. There are in fact two O’Mallery families, one white and one black. Each appear in different, yet similar scenes that juxtapose to create a dialogue about racial and family politics. Their ham-handed intervention ignites the fuse of this raucous and rollicking new comedy that skewers our warped view of the American family.
From Obie and Helen Hayes Award winner Robert O’Hara, this Barbecue serves up a healthy helping of sibling love and loathing.
Strong language and subject matter. Appropriate for 16+
Barbecue’s cast and crew include director Aurelia Belfield and actors Gerald Campbell, Lakeisha Coffey, Hazel Edmond, Ali Evarts, David Henderson, Kyma Lassiter, Jenny Latimer, Kelly Mizell, Julie Oliver and Eden Sharp.
Review
In a post show survey, I gave this show, ticketing & the lobby/bar experience ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ 5 stars!
We received an email prior to the show advising what to expect and also our tickets were sent electronically making it simple to just have scanned at the door upon arrival. We both enjoyed the LIVE pre-show music in the lobby courtesy of Colin Yates while sipping on their signature cocktail ‘The O’Mallery Intervention’ . Every good barbecue has drinks and snacks, so it was good to know that the theater had concessions for its patrons to enjoy in a spacious, beautiful lobby area. Patrons also were able to view and purchase paintings by Burlington, N.C.-painter Derrick Holloway, which will be displayed in the theatre’s lobby throughout the run of the show. There’s plenty of FREE Parking at Theatre Raleigh also so that deserves a bonus ⭐️!
Barbecue serves up the heat – with hot tempers, hot topics, and a family that’s a hot mess! While Barbeque was quite humorous and entertaining, the overall message I was left with was that familial dysfunction has no race or class. The play simply laid out that fact in the rawest way possible in using addiction as that vehicle.
Theatre Raleigh is excited to provide “Share the Show”, an on site, show-themed theatre entertainment program for children of patrons.
This program is presented by Seed Art Share, a nonprofit based in the Triangle area with a mission to create community through interactive site-specific theatre performances, arts education, and parent-artist support programs Not only do their teaching artists provide an entertaining and safe environment for kids, but their staff of experienced arts integration professionals create show-specific, thematic activities that give children and parents a shared experience of the themes in the play.
The program for Barbecue will be available during our matinee performance on October 28th. Reservations are now open and only $25 per child!
For more information on this offering, to reserve your spot, and to learn more about Seed Art Share, please visit theatreraleigh.com/share-the-show
Theatre & Tickets Info
Theatre Raleigh is a professional, non-profit theater company based in Raleigh, N.C. dedicated to inclusion and diversity, enriching our community through innovative and intimate theatrical experiences. *Tax deductible donations are accepted to help bring magic to the stage! Donate >>>>here.
From Oct. 18-29, “Barbecue” performances will be 8 p.m. Wednesday-Saturday, 2 p.m. Saturday and 3 p.m. Sunday. Support the arts and purchase tickets at: theatreraleigh.secure.force.com/ticket/#/
The New York City Wine and Food Festival 2023 was the place to be this October 12th – 15th! Hosted by God’s Love We Deliver , this festival is where we are all invited to come celebrate and Eat. Drink. Feed NYC. 🎉 I had the pleasure of attending some events on Saturday and Sunday and shared some of my fave fun moments from the festival via my IG stories/post @SobeSavvy
Prior to attending this year’s festival, I presented my Top 🔟 Reasons to attend NYCWFF! ICYMI…. Here’s a look at my listof reasons why you don’t want to miss this event:
Now that you know, why you MUST GO (and be ready for 2024), here are the events I attended:
SATURDAY
Oyster Bash presented by Barnegat Oyster Collective sponsored by Modelo hosted by Tyler Florence | Calling all oyster lovers, this is a can’t miss event! There were a variety of oysters some already dressed and some shucked fresh right before your eyes!
Steak & Whiskey hosted by Robert Irvine | If you ever had any questions , why Steak & Whiskey make a perfect pair, then this event will remove any doubts. Combined with Chef Robert Irvine, this event is always a good time! We especially enjoyed attending the event at the iconic One World Trade Center on the 102nd floor at Aspire. Although the evening was cloudy, it was wonderful to party in the clouds!
Latin Nights curated by Bar Lab’s Elad Zvi, Gabe Orta and Christine Wiseman | After living in Miami for 18 years, we knew that Latin Nighs would be a fun foodie fiesta! It was a celebration of Latin culture, with live music, food and libations. This late night party was new this year and hopefully it’ll be a permanent event.
Drag Brunch hosted by Lea DeLaria|Kicked off our Sunday Funday with Absolut featured cocktails, walk around food stations and entertainment from some fierce queens who came to SLAY! The Hard Rock Hotel NYC provided the perfect atmosphere for the fun! 🏳️🌈
Grand Tasting featuring Culinary Demonstrations| I believe that variety is the spice of life. The Grand Tasting offers so much variety that you will definitely be able to delight in deliciousness! Here you’ll have a good chance to see your fave Food Network stars at a book signing or learn from them during a cooking demo. The souvenir glass and gift bag are nice items to collect swag and enjoy during/after the festival!
The CookoutHip Hop’s 50th Anniversary Celebration hosted by JJ Johnson, Rev Run and DJ Cassidy | We closed out the festival at The Cookout, which celebrated Hip Hop turning 5️⃣0️⃣! Considering that the festival is held in the birthplace of Hio Hop, New York—it was nice to see everyone come together for good food, good drinks, good music and good times! I would say out of all the pier parties and events , this one at the Intrepid Museum was my favorite!
Tuesdays and church usually do not go together. Unless of course you joined me and thousands of others at the PNC Arena to enjoy The Reunion Tour. This contemporary Gospel tour includes superstars Kirk Franklin, David and Tamela Mann ,The Clark Sisters, Tye Tribbett and Israel Houghton.
This nationwide tour gave the audience a chance to laugh, cry, smile, shout, praise, worship and fellowship while enjoying the talented lineup, While each artists had their own sets, I really enjoyed it when they all shared the stage together to form the most magical choir ever!
I have been a fan of just about all of these praise warriors for decades. I remember growing up singing along with The Clark Sisters on Sunday mornings while I helped clean the house. Kirk Franklin always had a way with mixing the old school with the new school and making the message universal for all. Tye Tribbett ‘s energy filled the arena and beyond! He truly is a gospel rockstar, We all were in awe of Israel Houghton’s musicality and how he is able to skillfully play guitar and sing so beautifully. David and Tamela Mann came to entertain us and show how their powerful voices are just a part of their power couple formula!
Gospel music just fills the soul and spirit with a unique joy. As the king of contemporary gospel for over 2 decades, Kirk Franklin has an ability to collaborate and lead a group as well as perform on his own . This concert definitely showcases his incredible artistry as well as everyone who graced the stage. At this reunion, we celebrated all the artists, the music, and ourselves while giving glory and gratitude for our lives. No matter who you are, your age, gender, race or stage in life, there are songs that will be sung and remembered at this concert that will touch your heart and lift your spirit!
Be prepared to be up on your feet, clapping, singing, waving and even shedding some tears while enjoying an incredible show filled with so many hits. Don’t worry about not knowing the words because they have set this up in sort of a gospel karaoke with lyrics in a gigantic screen so that we can sing along (and finally get the words right—lol!) Live Nation did it again by bringing such artists together for an unforgettable night.
Now that you read my review, watch this recap of 🔟 Things We Experienced at #TheReunionTour! I had such a great time and would definitely recommend you check the concert out in a city near you. Here in North Carolina, CHARLOTTE is up next at the Spectrum Center in for Oct 12, 2023. Hope you go and enjoy the show ‼️
MJ The Musical, the four-time Tony Award winning new musical has arrived in Durham,NC as part of Truist Broadway at DPAC. Fanfare and excitement was in the air for this Broadway production show, which has been playing to sold out shows in New York since February 2022. It was easy to see why. Michael Jacksons career defies description. Winner of 15 Grammys and the holder of 39 Guiness Book Of World Records, Michael Jackson is widely regarded as the best all-around entertainer the world has ever known. This musical is definitely a celebration of his unique and unparalleled artistry.
This musical is centered around his rehearsal for his 1992 Dangerous World Tour. The choreography on stage was mind blowing and for some moments you actually THOUGHT you were witnessing Michael Jackson! The singing and dancing was so spot on that you felt like you were seeing him in concert. So many critics have called this a runaway hit for how brilliantly and gorgeously the choreography is executed.
Beyond MJ‘s signature moves and sounds, the musical gives the audience a look at his creative mind and collaborative spirit. The audience is taken on a journey of his early life, performing with his family, the sacrifices, and his success while featuring an ensemble of actors and dancers who do an excellent job at bringing the stories and memories to life!
Get your tickets via Ticketmaster.com>>>here This AMAZING show runs until Sunday OCT 22
I recently took a 3 day trip to London with my #HeighPartyof3 , which consists of my husband, our daughter and me! While my husband and I had been there once before, this was our first time as a family. The purpose of the trip was to celebrate my birthday and our daughter’s 12th birthday! We called this our #LeosinLondon vacation and made plans to check out some attractions. With the help of sites like FeverUp.com and Lastminute.com, finding deals on things to do were simple! Here’s some attractions we enjoyed during our trip:
Dalí Cybernetics: The Immersive Experience
One of my favorite artists of all time is the unique character that was Salvador Dali. His famous style of surrealism captured the essence of bending time and decay. While on holiday in London, I had the pleasure and joy of spending time at the exhibit called Dali:Cybernetics The Immersive Experience. This multi layered exhibit had short films, virtual reality, 360 degree immersive room and more. My family and I had a great time checking out his whimsical pieces of art and some of his serious works regarding nuclear war. Dali was truly one of a kind and this exhibit showcases his spirit and his works quite well. If you are visiting London, you have until Sept 3 to catch this. But if you do miss it, be sure to check out what other London experiences are offered by Feverup.com and follow along via social media with #DaliCybernetics & instagram page @dalicybernetics and @fever_uk
Madame Tussauds has popularized real life wax replicas of famous figures since 1835. Having visited the museums in Wash DC and San Francisco, we were thrilled to finally visit the flagship in London. It did not disappoint. This location is immense, with multiple floors and unique indoor attractions like a 4D show and an actual car ride that takes visitors on a wax figure history lesson. Marvel and Star Wars are all represented here along with far too many famous figures to name them all. We love taking pics with the figures and hubby enjoys attempting to imitate their poses. Allow yourself plenty of time to wander and run into movie stars and icons like Beyoncé and Madonna. So much fun was had here and these memories will last a lifetime! Follow along on social @madametussauds and #MadameTussaudsLondon. For ticket info: https://www.madametussauds.com/london/
The London Eye has quickly become another iconic structure in not only London but across the globe. When it was built, laid flat it spanned across the entire width of the Thames River. It is the worlds largest “cantilever” (do NOT call it a Ferris Wheel !) Each full rotation takes a little over 30 min. During that time we had a 360 degree of not only greater London but of an entire span of England. To view Big Ben from above was a unique opportunity. There is a narration running so guests never have to wonder what is it that they are viewing at any given time. Make sure on your trip London you take a ride on the London Eye to see London like you have never before. Follow on social @theLondoneye and #EyeLoveLondon. For tickets go to: https://www.londoneye.com/
Are you thinking about visiting the NC coast this Winter or need Spring Break vacation ideas? Then set your eyes and plans on Wilmington, NC and Beaches. Since relocating to Raleigh 7 years ago, my family and I love doing day trips to this city. It’s one of our absolute favorite NC coastal regions. While summer is always fun, we have discovered a weekend during the winter low season is also very enjoyable. At the end of January, we had the pleasure to spend 3 days and two nights here. After a quick 2 hr drive, we arrived and were ready for the fun to begin! Take a look at our itinerary and save for your future visit to Wilmington, NC and Beaches.
FRIDAY/Day 1- Mayfaire Town Center • Brunches • Rounds Golf • Ombré Nail Spa • Lumina Wrightsville Beach • Solstice Kitchen + Cocktails
Making Memories at Mayfaire
I like it when we can arrive -park the car—and do all the things: eat, play, shop, get pampered—all in one place. Mayfaire is that place! With over 90 shops and restaurants, there is something for everyone here. Our first stop was lunch at Brunches.
This daytime only restaurant is open 7 days a week from 7:30am-3pm. Offering all the brunch favorites like Shrimp & Grits, Chicken & Waffles and much more. Brunch without mimosas is, well, not really brunch! They have mimosas in many different flavors and fruit combinations. They had a $2.95 deal when we were there, so hopefully you can catch that deal on your visit to Brunches in Wilmington. Service was pleasant and food was delicious. Cute interior and great upbeat energy were the vibe. While the mimosas were the highlight for us parents, our daughter enjoyed her choice of avocado toast. We were now fueled for an afternoon of fun and headed across the way to Rounds.
Rounds Golf & Lounge is Wilmington’s premiere indoor golf and games venue. They offer virtual versions of more games other than just golf. We played Baseball, Soccer, Lacrosse, Basketball and of course GOLF!! Loads of fun for the entire family. They have a full bar and also Ledo Pizza menu if you get hungry. So if you’re in the mood for indoor sports, check out Rounds Golf & Lounge. Now that we had indulged in our sporty sides, it was time to do something girlie with my daughter at Ombré Nail Spa.
Plan a perfect pamper date at Ombré Nail Spa
I enjoy getting vacation nails done and anticipated having a Mommy and Me date at Ombre Nail Spa. Schedule an appointment or walk in and get ready to be pampered! They offer every color under the rainbow but it is their kindness and professional talent that sets them apart from the rest. I was even offered a glass of wine to enjoy during my service, while my daughter chose bottled water. We loved our red & pink nails and were now in official weekend getaway mode and ready to check-in at Lumina on Wrightsville Beach, a Holiday Inn Resort.
Mayfaire Town Center is just a 10-15 min drive from this resort, making it a very convenient place to stay when visiting Wrightsville Beach or Wilmington. Checking into the newly renovated and reimagined Holiday Inn Resort Lumina on Wrightsville Beach was delightful. I loved the beautifully designed lobby and the comfy library area. They also have fun board games/jumbo Connect 4/ table tennis on the ground level. Throw in their cute coffee snack bar, so needless to say they had me at check in!
STAY | Lumina on Wrightsville Beach
This resort boasts both indoor and an outdoor pools with two hot tubs. The Lumina has direct beach access which means fun in the water is always a priority. Make sure to use the fantastic fully equipped fitness center with a Peloton bike and you have the best lodging experience complete with fantastic amenities.
“We have a passion for market-fresh ingredients, honest cooking and a beach-elegant atmosphere that’s welcoming to all. With creative dishes made in-house daily, our chef-curated menu is loved by locals and traveling foodies alike.“
After dining there for both dinner and breakfast we all couldn’t agree more! They offer a Kids Menu and an extensive Drinks Menu. We enjoyed the service and our food was .. award winning Chef’s Kiss! The breakfast buffet includes a made to order omelet station and plenty of yummy options. Just feast your eyes on some of what we had:
Whether you are having dinner or breakfast with a view, Solstice Kitchen + Cocktails is ready to serve you!
SATURDAY/Day 2- The Workshop • NC Aquarium at Fort Fisher • Airlie Gardens • Savorez • Cape Fear Museum of History and Science • Drift Coffee & Kitchen • Indochine
Saturday morning plans were jammed packed, so we only had time for a quick bite and decided to stop for breakfast at The Workshop. Located almost directly on Wrightsville Beach, this is a unique place to not only get a great cup of coffee or smoothie but also to shop for things like Shark teeth jewelry, Megalodon teeth! The owners are avid scuba divers and express that love of underwater by making and selling jewelry made of Shark teeth! Necklaces and earrings align the walls, which makes this a fun place with good coffee and they make an awesome panini to go with it!
Breakfast at The Workshop
We had timed tickets for admission to the North Carolina Aquarium at Fort Fisher and could not wait to see the baby otter pups (Stella, Mae, Selene born May 21) and sea turtle hatchlings (Pip and Scout), which were new since our last visit. Playful, smart and curious are the top three words I would use to describe those adorable otter pups. One actually came right up the glass in front of my camera to say hi. What we like most about this aquarium is their dedication to educating visitors on conservation efforts in the oceans and beaches locally and around the world. We saw baby sea turtles that were rescued in August and are being nursed back to health prior to releasing it. Tip: Stop by the whimsical gift shop and take an aquarium souvenir home!
It was an unseasonably warm January afternoon, so we headed to the amazing Airlie Gardens. Airlie Gardens is a 67-acre public garden oasis in Wilmington, North Carolina. Although it was the middle of winter there were still some flowers in bloom and beautiful nature to enjoy. The “bottle chapel” is a must see work of art composed of somewhere between 2,000 and 4,000 bottles and surrounded by angel sculptures and mosaics. It honors African American artist Minnie Evans, who worked as the Airlie Gardens gatekeeper from 1949 to 1974. The sunlight catches the bottles differently depending on the time of day. It is remarkable to see in person up close. Dozens of public art are all around the gardens and we loved seeing pieces we had never noticed on prior visits. The gardens are great to visit any season but staff will kindly advise what’s in bloom in winter.
For lunch, we headed to downtown Wilmington for some Latin cuisine at Savorez. The brainchild of North Carolina’s own, Chef Sam Cahoon, Savorez is his beautifully crafted cuisine with a southern take and tribute to Latin flavors. The vibe of the restaurant is casual, colorful, intimate yet inviting. The menu had inventive cocktails for us adults and wonderful food options for the whole family to enjoy!
Next, we headed to the Cape Fear Museum of History and Science in downtown Wilmington. You could opt to walk from Savorez to the museum and there is also plenty of free museum parking if you decide to drive. Founded in 1898, it is the oldest history museum in the state and is a Smithsonian Affiliate. It has history, science, in depth exhibits and plenty of hands on fun for everyone!
We wanted to continue to enjoy the splendid weather, so we strolled downtown and ended up at Drift Coffee & Kitchen. Bright with a smart design, Drift has some interesting coffee choices for a late afternoon pick me up. I went with the “Blue Cloud”, while my daughter opted for a Chai latte and husband a vanilla latte. We took a seat, had a few pastries and relaxed/laughed for a moment to unwind.
Take a coffee break at Drift Coffee &!Kitchen
We went back to relax a bit at the resort and got ready for dinner. We were excited to finally go to the infamous Indochine restaurant. It has been consistently voted as Wilmington’s most acclaimed Thai and Vietnamese restaurant for 15 years. The amazing ambiance of this indoor/outdoor space transports guests to Southeast Asia. Having spent some time in Thailand, I immediately recognized the authenticity of this unique restaurant. Our dining experience was beyond great, thanks to the terrific service, fantastic flavors and an overall memorable meal.
Travel with your tastebuds to Indochine
Sunday morning prior to checking out we enjoyed the breakfast buffet at Solstice. The buffet had enough choices to please anyone. The made to order omelet station was the biggest attraction! Pancakes, french toast and everything in between were there to get charged up for another day on the Carolina coast. Special shout out for the cinnamon rolls and chocolate croissant pastry! The view of the Atlantic from our table set the mood for another great day.
SUNDAY/ Day 3 – Marina Grill • Riverwalk • Wilson Center
After taking a morning stroll on the beach, it was time to say goodbye to Wrightsville Beach and head to downtown Wilmington for a Sunday Funday! But first Sunday Brunch at Marina Grill.
Directly on the Riverwalk, Marina Grill is the place for an elevated dining experience on the Cape Fear River. Marina Grill has a sophisticated nautical aesthetic, great food & drink. They offer live music on some dates and great service.
Their website states:
Our restaurant strives to maintain strong relationships with local farmers, butchers, breweries, and fishermen. These friendships allow us to source most of our ingredients locally. We work hard to bring our patrons the freshest seasonal ingredients”
We enjoyed dining at Marina Grill and would definitely return, especially because it’s convenient to one of favorite things to do when downtown and that’s simply walking along the Wilmington Riverwalk. There’s so much to explore along the Riverwalk that we discover something new each time but also enjoy the familiar.
Next, we headed over to the Wilson Center. Located at Cape Fear Community College, The Wilson Center is Wilmington’s major performing arts venue. We were there to see the US tour of the Broadway musical ANNIE!! This was our first time at the beautiful Wilson Center and we were impressed by the great lineup of upcoming musical acts, Broadway plays and concerts. The auditorium is state of the art and there is ample parking at the venue. If you love performing arts, consider adding a theater outing to your vacay to do list!
Greetings from the Wilson Center at CFCCLeslie H. of SobeSavvy.com and Family at Wilson Center at CFCC in Wilmington,NC to see Annie | Photo Credit: Ken Oots www.ootsinteractivemedia.com
Great matinee to end our stay in Wilmington NC and Beaches. Building these NC Coast memories with my #HeighPartyof3 family will last a lifetime. Make sure you and your family make Wilmington, NC and Beaches a must to destination in your future family travels.
On November 19, 2022, I joined others on a Day Trip Media Tour to Asheboro/Randolph County which lies in The Heart of North Carolina. It was a pleasure to learn more as about the destination and to have the opportunity to share the experience with you!
Visit the Heart of North Carolina ❤️ and discover more to LOVE in NC
North Carolina Zoo Tour
The morning started with a guided, two-hour tour at the North Carolina Zoo, which is the world’s largest natural habitat zoo, devoted to saving species and assisting with global efforts. Debbie Foster Fuchs of the North Carolina Zoo PR team was our host/guide providing us with information about NC Zoo which included a behind-the-scenes look. It was great to see how the animals connect with nature and the many ways this zoo is devoted to animal conservation. No wonder the North Carolina Zoo is accredited by the Association of Zoos & Aquariums. It truly is a unique family-friendly experience that we enjoy coming to. To learn more about the NC Zoo, check out my last blog post (here) about our family visit and plan your next adventure at NCZoo.org!
With Downtown Asheboro being just five minutes from the zoo, we headed there to check out their selections for lunch. Although there were many nice options all in close proximity, we chose Taco Loco(located at 138 Sunset Ave) because of the recommendation of it’s “fresh, lively interior with fresh-Mex favorites”. My family enjoyed the authentic cuisine and fast/friendly service of the restaurant as well as the charming atmosphere that Downtown Asheboro has to offer.
After lunch, it was time to head to the Handmade Pottery Capital of the USA aka Seagrove, NC. The 15th Annual Celebration of Seagrove Potters Fall Festival show was happening and we took advantage of the opportunity to meet potters, see live demos and do some shopping! The sales event took place at the Thompson Arts and Event Hall at Historic Luck’s Cannery located on NC Pottery Highway. If you would like to get some exclusively Seagrove made pottery, here is a ➡️ media guide link for exploring potter studios, annual events and to do tips for discovering Seagrove, America’s largest community of working potters, any time of the year!
Visit Seagrove NC
SobeSavvy Tip: Please note that almost every day can be a studio tour in Seagrove. You don’t have to wait for an event like the Celebration of Seagrove Potters to stop and visit potters in their working spaces. Some of the potters take January off, so that’s not the BEST time to come, but if you do come in January, the Visitor Center team can guide you to someone who is open….or you can call for appointments. Wed-Sat are the best “potter-hopping” days of the week. Visit DiscoverSeagrove.com for more info!
On the way home to Raleigh,NC from Seagrove, we made a stop along the way at Millstone Creek Orchards. Located in Ramseur, NC , this u-pick family farm offers many varieties of in season produce as well as delicious bakery/ Cannery items for purchase at the Apple Barn Country Store. I highly recommend going for the hot cider and the made fresh to order Apple Cider Donuts! It was the perfect sweet ending to our visit to The Heart of North Carolina.
Whether you are an outdoor enthusiast, a foodie, enjoy pottery or just some good ole family fun, visiting the Heart of North Carolina has something for everyone! Check out their event calendar here: https://www.heartofnorthcarolina.com/calendar/
Thanks for having SobeSavvy.com Visit the Heart of North Carolina ❤️
Grammy and Juno award winning jazz star Diana Krall performed at the DPAC last night during her North American Tour. Jazz lovers around the world have been enthralled with her unique delivery of jazz standards and original songs since the late 90’s.
Due to COVID, this is her first tour in almost 3 years. She performed to an almost sold out crowd as a quartet. Many singers these days need all sorts of bells and whistles so her stripped down set reinforced the fact that she is a jazz singer of the highest caliber. Her catalog of songs is so deep there was no way she could sing all of her hits. What she chose was more than satisfying. See Setlist here Diana Krall Average Setlists of year: 2022 | setlist.fm
She mentioned more than once how ecstatic she was to be back on stage and able to perform in front of audiences again. Every band member got a chance to highlight their instrument command to roaring audience approval!
TOUR INFORMATION
Diana Krall is more than a smoky voice and accomplished pianist. She is a force, a vibe and a mood. Below are the next couple of tour dates before she picks it up again on a European leg next spring.
As always, the DPAC is one of the best venues ever for seating and acoustics. It was a true pleasure to see a world class artist at a world class venue. To see who is coming to the DPAC next, check out their website at http://www.DPACNC.com
Read SobeSavvy.com for Savvy Tips for a DC Family Getaway
My daughter loves the DMV area and for a Elementary School Graduation gift we packed her bags and surprised her with an instant road-trip to DC!
What makes DC an ideal destination for a family trip? With so many free museums and attractions, you can have fun while learning in our nation’s capital!
STAY | Archer Hotel Falls Church
Stay Above The Rest…..Archer Hotel Falls Church
When staying in the DC metro we made our base camp the Archer Hotel Falls Church in the Mosaic District of Fairfax. Located just 10 miles from Washington, DC, Archer Hotel was formerly a Hyatt House but is currently in its final renovation rebranding as The Archer Hotel. They are small boutique chain of hotels with 8 properties in the nation. Chic rooms and suites are the name of the game with thoughtful public spaces and fast WI Fi throughout the property. Our one bedroom had a great design and space with a full kitchen. We also had a great workout in their modern fitness center which also has a Peloton Bike for guest usage. Later this year a bar/lounge called “AKB” is slated to open adjacent to the lobby.
The Mosaic District is a modern shopping and dining destination all in one compact area in Fairfax where everything is within walking distance of it all! National chains like Target and Sephora are present. Boutique stores, plus over a dozen restaurants are here also. Coffee and ice cream spots are also up and down the street. Lively public park areas and even free outdoor movies are shown every Thursday night in the Summer. The Mosaic area attracts folks from the entire area who want an all-in- one afternoon or evening. We love this area in Fairfax just 10 miles from the DC area.
SobeSavvy Tip: Be sure to check out there events calendar to see what cool things they have in store to enjoy outdoors. We went to the 1st annual Pride Parade during our visit!
My husband and I have lived in the metro area and are both from Baltimore so we have spent alot of time in DC. That leads unfortunately to takinbg for granted things you pass by every day during the hustle and bustle of life. Old Town Trolley Tours, brought to you by the Historic Tours of America, brings to life monuments, buildings and the political history of Washington DC. Our informative guide/driver managed to weave together facts and humor in a manner guests of all ages seemed to enjoy. Our stop at the Lincoln Memorial was a highlight. We hiked to the very top to get up and close to the most famous statue of our 16th President. It also afforded and breathtaking view of the National Mall. We even managed to get a good pic of the reflection of the Washington Monumnet in the reflecting pool {hence the name!}.
Next stop : Arlington Cemetery …….
With over 400K graves, the Arlington National Cemetery Tour is a solemn reminder of all those who not only gave their life in wars and conflicts, but it is also the resting place of numerous Americans who made a significant contribution to this nation and her history. John F Kennedy may be the most famous. His eternal flame signifies the hope he had for a better nation. We also paid our respects to the final resting place of Thurgood Marshall and Ruth Bader Gingsberg.
SobeSavvy Tip: Make sure you check out the welcome center which goes into the cemetery’s history and origin.
We had a blast visiting both the VA and DC area and hope you are inspired by these tips. Thanks for reading about our experiences and memories made in the District. Until next time….😘 Be sure to follow @sobesavvy
#HeighPartyof3 Takes DC | photo credit SobeSavvy.com
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