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Events in North Carolina

#FitnessMonday Alert! Free Rides @CycleBar ‘s new studio #CaryNC #AlstonTownCenter ~Sign Up Today!

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A month ago I shared my review of Cycle Bar, a new concept in premium indoor cycling that offers a high energy workout in a concert-like atmosphere. Well guess what Cary residents, a new one is opening Thursday, Jan. 19 in the new Alston Town Center at Route 55 and I-540 – just in time to help locals stick with their healthy New Year’s resolutions.

As part of its grand opening, the boutique fitness studio is inviting the community to try a CycleBar class for free from Jan. 19 through Jan. 29 – offering a total of 2,500 FREE rides! The classes are an awesome 50-minute workout for all skill levels and ages. To take advantage of one of the free rides, registration is required and offered first-come, first-serve starting Jan. 9 at alston.cyclebar.com/schedule.

“CycleBar®’s invigorating and multi-sensory classes bring a new type of personalized workout experience for locals of all ages and fitness levels,” said Joseph Cece, local franchise owner. “I am proud to bring this energizing and community-centered boutique fitness opportunity to Cary this month!

 

The 2,300-square-foot boutique studio, owned by avid cyclist and former CEO of Global Knowledge of Cary Joseph Cece, will offer riders a low-impact and high-intensity exercise method. CycleBar® offers a pay-per-class model, with no membership necessary. Concierge service and amenities include free towels, water bottles, showers, lockers and shoes.

The dynamic classes take place in a state-of-the-art CycleTheatre® and are led by CycleStar® instructors who take participants through a 50-minute high energy ride. The CycleTheatre® features tiers for 48 bikes plus LED lighting, wide-screen graphics and state-of-the-art audio with a DJ booth. Riders can also track performance data via CycleStats® and can download music used in the class session. After class, riders cool down with fresh fruit and water, while aromatherapy helps guests relax throughout the facility.

CycleBar® also does more than just help people stay in shape, it gives them the opportunity to work out to support a cause through philanthropic CycleGiving® events that regularly take place at the studios. In 2015, CycleBar® supported Susan G. Komen to raise funds for breast cancer awareness, the American Heart Association to raise funds for heart disease research and prevention and The Movember Foundation to raise awareness for men’s health and well-being.

Stay up to date and follow CycleBar Alston on Facebook . Feel free to spread this #FitnessMonday news and share that CycleBar is opening in Cary, NC plus giving away Free Rides! Sign up before the seats are all gone and be sure to tell them know Leslie at SobeSavvy.com sent you to Rock Your Ride!  

#FoodieFriday Spotlight on #CLTFood | Where to Eat & More #Charlotte #CLT #charlottesgotalot 

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Note: This post was sponsored in part by the Charlotte Regional Visitors Authority. All opinions and photos are my own.

To celebrate the end of 2016, my family and I went on a road trip down to Charlotte, NC. Besides all the great cultural and sports attractions that North Carolina’s biggest city encompasses, I was there for a more basic reason: to eat !  Charlotte has quite the cuisine scene and this foodie was focused on eating like a Queen in the Queen City! 

American Girl Dining SouthPark Mall

First, I made plans to have lunch with my little princess and her favorite doll at the bistro inside the American Girl Store at SouthPark Mall. It was quite a unique experience, which you can read my full review here. Not only was it a fun time, but the kid friendly menu had tasty options for us adults too. A reservation is definitely necessary as this place is popular. Be sure to end your meal on a sweet note and order dessert. They’ll even bring a cupcake out for your child to decorate for their doll to enjoy!

Dinner at Sea Level NC  

Since it was NYE, an early dinner in Uptown was the perfect choice. I love fresh seafood and Sea Level NC delivered just that! Service was friendly and professional. Never underestimate how important southern hospitality is to a restaurant experience.Their decor is modern and understated stylish. Lots of exposed brick and wood. 

They have a incredible farm to fork raw oyster menu sourced from North Carolina and all over the country. It changes constantly depending on the season and what’s available. All fresh and delectable. 

Ooh baby I like it raw..in my ODB voice..lol, but if you dont’t and prefer something steamed, try the mussels. Plump and tasty. Mussel rule #108 don’t forget to use the bread for sopping up the mussel broth made with white wine and garlic butter !

Wash them down with a beer or glass of wine from their extensive drink menu or a  order craft cocktail called Melting NY Sour. It was what my husband called a “man’s drink”.

Their daily seafood catches and delicious dishes, like their classic Lobster roll make this restaurant a must try for visitors and locals. Huge hunks of lobster on greens and a remoulade sauce on a lightly toasted bread was fantastic. They let the lobster just be lobster. Why mess with perfection?!

Midwood Smokehouse Ballantyne

Midwood Smokehouse has quickly become a BBQ institution in Charlotte. We had the pleasure of dining at their Ballyntyne location in Charlotte on New Years Day for dinner. North Carolina and Charlotte in general have a lot of BBQ restauarants, but when restaurateur Frank Scibelli toured barbeque joints in Texas, he picked up invaluable tips.For starters, they burn hickory logs 24 hours a day to smoke their meats in a one of a kind ,old school manual commercial smoker. The general manager was kind enough to give me a tour of the kitchen where all the magic happens. Someone has to feed the smoker constantly to keep the fire going and maintain a even temperature in the smoker at all times. That takes a lot of work . More art than science and it shows in their food.We started with some smoked wings. Dry on the outside but moist and flavorful inside. 

I had a new years special that is not normally on their menu. Pork shoulder, collard greens, black eyed peas and jalapeno cornbread. This is traditional meal to be eaten for good luck to start 2017. They should start a tradition and keep this entree on the menu! It’s was that good.

One side dish you can always find on the menu is the mac and cheese. I do not know what cheeses were used but there was plenty of it throughout ! I have no doubt this was made with love.

Service was prompt, informative and friendly. The manager demanded we try some brisket before we departed , so we managed to try a few bites. WOW ! tender, tasty and perfect mix of lean and fat.Midwood is now our “GO TO ” spot when we are in Charlotte and craving REAL BBQ . Take it from their mascot, the Notorious P.I.G ..they smoke the good stuff!

After a great dinner, we headed back to our hotel at Homewood Suites by Hilton in Ballantyne. It is conveniently close (within walking distance) to the restaurant and a great choice of lodging when staying in Charlotte. Check out my video to see why : https://youtu.be/YqoCw2QHhuk

Holidays on Ice at the NASCAR Hall of Fame Plaza

Although it rained most of our visit, on our last day, I got to work off some of that good eating by ice skating. Located outside the
Nascar Hall Of Fame, Charlotte’s outdoor ice rink is perfect for families, date nights or fun outings with friends. 

None of us had ever been ice skating before so this was an exciting family first! Skates on.Stand up. Let’s skate. If it was only that easy !! Luckily a few kind teenagers helped us onto the ice. We all held on to the bannister and laughed alot. Holiday on Ice is definitely a holiday tradition that both skaters and non-skaters can enjoy. Afterwards, we celebrated by having our picture taken with the giant polar bear and next to a NASCAR sign of course!

Thank you to our friends at Homewood Suites by Hilton Charlotte Ballantyne, American Girl brand and a very special thanks to the CRVA for the warm welcome to Charlotte! We made great memories, discovered amazing places to dine, learned that the Queen City is a haven for foodies and that Charlotte’s got a lot.

@CarolinaBallet Presents The Nutcracker Review + Giveaway,Win 2 Tix 12/16 show #NC #FamilyFun 

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Photo Credits: Carolina Ballet

On Saturday​ December 10 , SobeSavvy.com joined other ballet lovers in celebrating the 15th anniversary of Carolina Ballet’s version of The Nutcracker. This family friendly show, performed today at DPAC, is totally unique: it’s the only one that features illusions from world-renowned magician Rick Thomas. We got to experience breathtaking ballet, mind blowing illusions and see our favorite characters levitate, disappear, and reappear!

My daughter just had The Nutcracker story read to her at school as well as learned the music in class, so the timing was perfect to introduce her to this holiday classic. Carolina Ballet, under the direction of CEO/Artistic director Robert Weiss, does an outstanding job performing this magical tale of holiday adventure based on a novel by E.T.A. Hoffman. The Nutcracker is one of the most recognizable scores in the ballet repertoire and definitely a performance everyone should see! 

In case you need a refresher of what The Nutcracker is about, here is a quick synopsis:

It begins when young Clara receives a nutcracker from her godfather, a wizardly toymaker named Drosselmeyer. Sneaking downstairs to see the toy after everyone else has gone to bed, she suddenly finds herself caught in the middle of a pitched battle between the toys and an army of mice. After saving the nutcracker with a well-thrown shoe to the Mouse King’s head, Clara and her now-living prince venture into the Land of Snow and the Land of Sweets to celebrate. Throughout their adventures, Tchaikovsky’s dazzling inventiveness propels the dances of nimble flowers and regal fairy queens. The “Waltz of the Snowflakes” floats weightlessly whereas the “Dance of the Sugarplum Fairy” tiptoes to the haunting, music-box chimes of a celesta. A medley of exotic national dances—including a Spanish bolero and Russian Trepak—add to the phantasmagoric celebration before the whole dream ends, as all dreams must. 

This was my first time taking #outandaboutAva to see Carolina Ballet presents The Nutcracker and to share the moment with her will be a holiday memory that I will never forget!

Now I would like to give you the chance to be awed by the magic and choreography of Carolina Ballet and giveaway 2 tickets to see The Nutcracker perform on Friday December 16, 7pm at Raleigh Memorial Auditorium. 1 winner will be randomly selected on December 14th at noon. Enter by leaving a comment below sharing why you want to go! 

Good Luck! 

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#Raleigh, Don’t Miss @DisneyonIce #FollowYourHeart this weekend @PNCArena ~Opening Night Review

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​Disclosure: I received complimentary tickets to review the show, however any opinions are my own.

Disney fans rejoice and Follow Your Heart to see Disney On Ice! now performing at the PNC Arena until Sunday, December 11, 2016. We got a chance to attend the opening night and see Dory find her way to the ice for the first time ever!

My daughter, fondly referred to as #OutandAboutAva was so excited to see all her favorite characters reunite and loved the show! Since kids are encouraged to come dressed as their favorite Disney character, she was so happy to wear this beautiful Enchanted Ice Princess Dress from JustPretendKids.com in honor of Queen Elsa ! This costume dress is made to impress and simply gorgeous for this family fun event. She said she felt like a pretty princess and wished she could go ice skating too!

Disney on Ice Follow Your Heart is a celebration of true friendship ! New pals Dory and Hank from Finding Dory came out of the sea to dazzle us with their skating skills. 

We got a chance to cheer with the Emotions from Inside Out, The Toy Story gang and see Disney Princesses achieve their dreams ! I was most impressed with Ariel and her aerial performance. I won’t give too much away but her and Rapunzel must moonlight for Cirque du Soleil ! And I didn’t know Princess Tiana from the Princess and the Frog had such amazing skating skills. Check her out!

https://www.instagram.com/p/BNxtzbvDAgf/
Of course you can’t have an ice skating show without the stars of Frozen there. Olaf performed “In Summer” complete with dancing flowers, butterflys and bees. He joined Anna and Elsa for a wonderful performance filled with cold snow, warm hugs and true love.

Speaking of true love, everyone’s favorite couple Mickey and Minnie were there as well as friends Donald and Goofy. Produced by Feld Entertainment, this high quality show was filled with fun thrills and amazing acts. My family and I thought the show was amazing and magical. It definitely was a night to remember and a show you must see ! 

Tickets are on sale and can be purchased here. This show is recommended for all ages, so make your family fun plans NOW and get ready to discover the magic of Disney on Ice ! 

See more fun videos here : https://youtu.be/Q4giHJCmb3M

#TransformationTuesday spotlight on @CB_BrierCreek Premium #IndoorCycling in #Raleigh #CycleBar

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Looking to transform your body into a healthier you and have fun while doing it? Well CycleBar Brier Creek is just the place! I had a chance to check out a few of their spin classes at their premium indoor cycling studio located in the Brier Creek Shopping Center (next to AppleBee’s) and let me tell you it’s like a party on a bike with all the benefits of an awesome workout.

When I started going to CycleBar late November, everyone had the same question: Is it crazy intense ? My reply: it is intense but you would be crazy to not challenge yourself! That’s what a great cardio fitness workout does. Working out shouldn’t be something you dread – it should calm your mind, elevate your mood and revive your senses. That is what they do at CycleBar with fitness classes that feel part sanctuary, part concert.

With spinning, the instructors known as the CycleStars, guide you and suggest how intense you can go. However, you go at your own pace and adjust to what you feel comfortable with. No need to feel intimidated..it’s just you and your bike. The atmosphere is so fun, they want you to enjoy it so you will come back and rock the ride each and every time.  Coming to CycleBar Brier Creek has helped me stay on track with my fitness goals! 
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Here is some background on CycleBar Brier Creek: 

  • It’s fairly new..just opened April 2016. The bikes are state of the art!
  • All ages and skill levels are welcomed.Owner, Christie Meyers and her team of CycleStars go out of their way to provide great customer service. It’s quite the family atmosphere!
  • This premium indoor cycling studio offers a one time 30 min Free Intro session, 50-minute rides and 75-minute rides. They offer special deals and packages at affordable prices.
  • Amenities provided such as locker room and toiletries for riders to use,free shoes, complimentary water bottle and snacks. 
  • This is not your average spin class – they offer different kinds of themed rides such as our Hip Hop/Rap ride, Wine Down Wednesdays, Throwback Thursdays, Happy Hour on Fridays and Sunday Brunch..complete with Mimosas!


CycleBar is expanding throughout the Triangle and getting a new studio in Cary, NC. The Alston location will be giving away free rides and has some fun Grand Opening things planned. Be sure to sign up here to stay in the know! Follow @CB_ BrierCreek on Twitter/Instagram, hashtag #cyclebarbriercreek to see what the CB Nation is up to and stay informed at CycleBar.com ! 


Although Brier Creek is not that close to me, I like the convenient schedule they offer every day of the week and that there are no memberships…you just pay as you go. Now that you know what to expect, why not sign up HERE for a First time ride free 30 min session or use promo code “FreeRide” and get one 50 min complimentary ride. Be sure to stop by their CB boutique where they have plenty of Cycle Bar fitness apparel for you to rock your ride in style! 

PS ~You still have until the end of today, midnight EST to enter my giveaway for a 3 ride pass to take 3 free spin classes at Cycle Bar Brier Creek ! 

Dont’t wait…Get your resolutions and transformations started now. Good luck! 

Have you ever been to a spin/indoor cycling class ? Share your experience and Comment below if you would like to MEET ME at THE BAR..Cycle Bar that is! 

#RudolphTheMusical goes down in history thru 12/24 @DECRaleigh @BroadwaySouth

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​You know Dasher and Dancer and Prancer and Vixen

Comet and Cupid and Donner and Blitzen

But do you recall

The most famous reindeer of all?
Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer..

We all know and love the song that goes along with the animated television story of “Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer” ! Now is your chance to fall in love all over again with Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer The Musical, now playing at Duke Energy Center for the Performing Arts as part of Broadway Series South. My lil one wore her antlers gleefully and we were on our way to A.J.Fletcher Opera Theater to see this all time favorite holiday classic brought to life on stage! 

Before the show, we checked the adorable gifts and plush toys that were for sale and also took the opportunity to take photos with the larger than life characters from the special including Bumble the Abominable Snow Monster, and, of course, Rudolph!

We all grew up watching this all time favorite cartoon special every single year at Christmas time. Now you can experience it live on stage ! This broadway caliber performance transported the audience all the way to the North Pole to Santa’s workshop . This is where all the drama on stage takes place. Kids of all ages were in the audience this afternoon to experience the wonder that this story truly is.

There was plenty of dancing and singing. All of your favorite characters from the cartoon were there. From the abominable snowman to the Elf who wants to be dentist were well represented ! This musical truly brought the cartoon to life. My 5 yr old laughed with delight every single time Rudolph’s nose lit up crimson red ! The show was 75 min with a 10 min intermission. My favorite scene was on the island of misfit toys. It had a deeper message that there is no such things as misfits, there are just some people that are just different than others.

The play hit a crescendo when it appeared that due to dangerous weather conditions, Santa was gong to have to cancel Christmas..but you know the rest !!

The last scene actually had REAL snow falling on the audience and suffice to say,my little girl LOVED,LOVED, LOVED that special effect.

Grab mom, grab Grandma {Or Nana} and ALL the kids and adults and buy your tickets now to Rudolph The Musical. It is the absolute must do for this holiday season !!

Now thru Dec 24, grab your family, young and old to see the greatest Christmas tale ever told ! Come dressed in your holiday pjs or wear a Santa’s hat to this family fun show filled with singing, dancing and great acting! Santa and Mrs. Claus, Hermey the Elf, Bumble the Abominable Snow Monster, Clarice, Yukon Cornelius and Rudolph all came to life !

Win 3 Ride Pass to #SpinClass @CB_BrierCreek #GivingTuesday #SobeSavvyGiveaway 

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This #GivingTuesday, SobeSavvy.com is kicking off the giving season by giving away a free 3 ride pass to spin class at Cycle Bar Brier Creek. Tis’ the season to give back and get back to a healthier you!

I have been able to go check out CycleBar for myself and can’t wait to give my full review soon but before I do, I am hosting this giveaway for 1 lucky reader to win a 3 ride pass to attend any of their classes! That’s three spin classes to burn off that Thanksgiving feast and get you into gear for the New Year.

Here’s what you can expect at CycleBar Brier Creek:

  •       CycleBar is a low-impact and high-intensity exercise method, offering an intoxicating sense of community in state-of-the-art studios with concierge-level service, premium amenities and pay-per-class options.
  • ·         The dynamic cycling classes offer a multi-sensory workout in a concert-like atmosphere, where experienced instructors take participants through a 50-minute high-energy ride.

  • ·        The studio features tiers for the bikes plus LED lighting, wide-screen graphics and state-of-the-art audio with a DJ booth.

  • ·         CycleBar classes are invigorating and fun, with themed rides for charity fundraising, Throwback Thursdays, Happy Hour on Fridays, artist-specific playlists and more.

  • ·         After a class, riders cool down with complimentary fresh fruit, water, and if its Sunday, free mimosas after the Brunch themed ride!

  • ·         Riders can also easily track performance data via CycleStats and download music used in the class session. 

    To learn more about CycleBar in Brier Creek, visit briercreek.cyclebar.com 

         See below to enter today for this awesome giveaway! Winner will be chosen at random on 12/6/16 ..Good Luck!

    ENTER HERE

    #HipHopNutcracker Performs @DPAC ~It’s a Must-See Holiday Classic with a Modern Twist! 

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    On Saturday, November 26, 2016 , The Hip Hop Nutcracker blazed the stage at the Durham Performing Arts Center and entertained a sold-out crowd! Just like Hamilton is doing so well on Broadway, it is no surprise that this show is appealing to the masses.In the spirit of Hip Hop, I decided to give you my recap of this evening’s performance in a non-traditional way. I thought I would have a little fun giving you a poetic review. Enjoy!

    Headed to the DPAC to see a show

    With Special guest MC Kurtis Blow

    You know him as a trail blazing rapper

    Tonight he opened for The Hip Hop Nutcracker

    A holiday mash-up for the whole family

    Combined Tchaikovsky’s Music with Hip Hop choreography

    Classic, Comtemporary, Timeless ,Cool

    The Hip Hop Nutcracker nicely blends old & new school

    Choreographed by Jennifer Weber, who also directed
    A supercharged cast of dancers , who all perfected

    Transporting the audience to NYC on NYE

    With superb production and digital scenery

    It’s a love story, a celebration

    A magical classic for this generation

    A DJ and a Violinist also made an appearance

    Everyone should go see this one of a kind experience! 

    Photo Recap: Opening Night 2016 #NCChineseLanternFestival @BoothAmp #KokaBooth 

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    Get Ready, Get Set and Go…………….. make plans to see the NC Chinese Lantern Festival this holiday season! SobeSavvy.com was there along with many more for the kick off of opening night on November 28 at Cary’s Booth Amphitheatre. Now thru January 15, 2017, join thousands of people to see a magnificent display of art and culture.

    WHAT: The Festival displays hundreds of larger-than-life lanterns all aglow with thousands of LED lights, creating a mesmerizing feast for the eyes that takes about an hour to walk thru!

    WHEN: November 25, 2016 – January 15, 2017, Tuesdays – Sundays: 6pm – 10pm

    WHERE:  Koka Booth Amphitheatre in Cary, NC  *Parking will be free of charge in venue owned lots.

    WHO: Fun for the whole family!          Kids 2 and under free                                Buy Tix HERE

    Ages 3 – 17 – $10 , Adults ages 18+ – $15

    Groups: Contact Jessica at 919-459-8319 orjlevasseur@rprk.com for groups of 20 or more

    WHY: Why not?!  It is truly something that must be seen to believe. The Koka Booth Amphitheatre is turned into a mythical magical place with a two story pagoda entrance into this colorful world of lanterns.This bright lights festival features dozens and dozens of hand made silk animals, people and yes, even a ginormous dragon on Symphony Lake lit displays for all to look at in awe. The panda bear display is one of my little
    ones favorites. A pair of Pandas were even on a see-saw playing!

    https://www.instagram.com/p/BNQi_iQj58q/
    This year the festival has added cultural performances that grace the main stage at planned intervals.  Last years festival drew 52,000 people,so count on big crowds and big fun. They have some food booths and food trucks available if you get hungry. See why this great display of Chinese artistry should be a part of your family tradition every holiday season in the Triangle. Check out this cool video sneak peak:

    Here are some photos from opening night: 

    More photos can be seen here on SobeSavvy.com ‘s Facebook page. Also on social media, follow #ncchineselanternfestival to see pictures shared by visitors who attended this wonderful event! 

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    #Raleigh ,Celebrate the Holidays @NCSymphony ~A Kids’ Christmas Review & pre-Black Friday Sale

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    Thanksgiving is the beginining of the holiday season, so what better way to kick it off then by joining the North Carolina Symphony ! 

    Today #outandaboutAva and I joined other kids and their familes for A Kid’s Christmas… a one-hour singing and dancing celebration held at the beautiful Meymandi Concert Hall in Raleigh. Although the show started at 3pm , guests were encouraged to arrive early to meet the Snow Princesses and Santa! We also paid a visit to the popular Instrument Zoo located in the lobby and got a chance to try out orchestral instruments. Check it out..

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    A Kids’ Christmas featured music we all could enjoy from How the Grinch Stole Christmas, Frozen, The Polar Express and so much more ! It was so cute to see kids dressed in their jammies and/or their favorite Frozen character while singing along. The Triangle Youth Ballet was there to perform as well as the Raleigh Boy Choir, making this a very special event! Bravo to conductor David Glover and the NC Symphony as well for their wonderful performance. 

    If you are looking for something to do this weekend with your family, join your North Carolina Symphony for Thanksgiving Holiday Pops Weekend, where Santa will also be in the libby before the concert.

     Savvy Tip: Now until 11:59pm tonight , save 50% on Holiday Concerts using Promo Code: PBF17 ..stay tuned for more discounts on Black Friday & Cyber Monday ! Purchase tickets here

    In the true giving spirit of the holidays, NC Symphony is also collecting “Soup-to-Go” to help feed 1000 local kids at risk of hunger in the Triangle during any of the performances at Raleigh’s Meymandi Concert Hall. You can also take your donation in person to the North Carolina Symphony State Headquarters. For more information , call 919.733.2750

    Here are some pictures from today’s special event. Enjoy and Happy Thanksgiving !