SobeSavvy.Com says “Sip and Stay” @AloftDurhamDTN #WXYZBAR @DowntownDurham @AloftHotels @SPG #soNCsavvy #Travel #Durham

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Downtown Durham, NC is currently in the midst of a renaissance. Construction is everywhere. From new streetscapes to food truck meetups, the “Bull City” is buzzing with activity. New dining, entertainment and lodging choices abound. The excitement is palpable. A big part of that excitement is a new hotel named Aloft http://www.aloftdurhamdowntown.com/ It is adjacent to the American Tobacco campus/Durham ballpark.

It’s a unique boutique concept hotel owned by the Starwood Group {Sheraton, W Hotels are two of their major brands}.It’s basically connected to the much acclaimed DPAC venue. It’s proximity to that venue was the reason for my overnight stay there recently. I was in Durham to see the premier of The Sound Of Music http://atomic-temporary-51558291.wpcomstaging.com/2015/12/02/sobesavvy-com-recaps-opening-night-dpac-soundofmusic-onlyatdpac-suntrustbroadway-thesoundofmusictour/and didn’t want to drive back to Raleigh after the show let out. So I checked into Aloft that afternoon a few hrs before showtime.

Their lobby already had a gorgeous Christmas tree up. Their public spaces are meant to be fun and functional. High speed WiFi is throughout the property including all guestrooms. Aloft hotels have a unique name for each amenity. “Splash” is the pool. “Recharge” is the gym and “Refuel” is their lobby snack bar area. My room was spacious and did I mention very stylish. High ceilings gave the space a very open feeling {like an actual loft} and being environmentally conscious, Aloft hotels eschews individual shampoo/conditioner bottles for bulk containers attached to the shower wall. This is a part of their” Make A Green Choice (MAGC) program. According to their website..”Starwood’s guest-facing sustainability program in which our guests can choose to help reduce our environmental footprint. Any guest at a participating Starwood property can Make A Green Choice by foregoing full housekeeping for up to three days in a row (excluding their check-out day). For each night a guest opts into MAGC, they receive 250-500 Starpoints or a $5″.

So style and conservation are not mutually exclusive ! I had a few drinks at the WXYZ Bar. They have a great cocktail and bites menu. I also managed to sink a few balls on their cool pool table. Live local bands also play there sometimes. The lobby ended up being a hangout and play area. I loved it ! So if ever in downtown Durham and looking for a very nice spot to hang your stylish hat for a night or two, Aloft is your home away from home.

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SobeSavvy.Com Recaps Opening Night @DPAC @SoundofMusic #OnlyatDPAC #SunTrustBroadway #TheSoundofMusicTour

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The Sound of Music opened at DPAC on December 1 and runs through December 6.SobeSavvy.Com was there opening night to kick off the Holiday Season and sang along to all of the favorite tunes!

THE WORLD’S MOST BELOVED MUSICAL IS CELEBRATED IN A LAVISH NEW STAGE PRODUCTION

The Hills Are Alive! A brand new production of Rodgers & Hammerstein’s THE SOUND OF MUSIC, directed by three-time Tony Award® winning Director Jack O’Brien, is currently playing at Durham’s DPAC. The spirited romantic and beloved musical story of Maria and the Von Trapp Family will once again thrill audiences with its Tony®, Grammy® and Academy Award® winning Best Score, including “My Favorite Things,” “Do- Re-Mi,” “Climb Ev’ry Mountain,” “Edelweiss” and the title song.

THE SOUND OF MUSIC enjoyed extraordinary success as the first live television production of a musical in over 50 years when “THE SOUND OF MUSIC Live!” aired on NBC in December,2013 (seen by over 44 million people); 2015 marks the 50th anniversary of the film version, which continues to be the most successful movie musical in history.

Tickets are going fast and are now on sale with seats starting at $30 via online at http://www.DPACNC.COM http://www.Ticketmaster.com or call the box office directly at 919-680-2787

Watch the cast of The Sound of Music describe the show in one word here :

Art should be enjoyed with all of your senses undivided attention,thus no cameras are allowed. However, I was able to capture these fun pics during intermission. Don’t miss your chance to see this awesome production !

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To view more on the red carpet photos (courtesy of DPAC) from tonight’s event go to www.flickr.com/photos/dpacnc !

Remember to connect with DPAC and stay informed !
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/DPACNC

Twitter: @DPAC https://twitter.com/dpac

Instagram: @DPACnc https://instagram.com/dpacnc

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#SobeSavvy .Com shares a #HiltonStory @Homewoodsuites @HiltonHotels #Charlotte #NC #Travel~#soNCsavvy #soTravelsavvy Recap

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My family and I just spent some time during the Thanksgiving weekend in the Queen City” of Charlotte, NC. Some good friends of ours recommended the Ballantyne area of Charlotte, known for its location to attractions, shopping and peacefulness. After looking at a few choices we decided that we would stay at the Homewood Suites
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This new all suite property is located within the fabulous Toringdon Circle and Ballantyne Village Shopping area. The hotel is within easy walking distance of various restaurants and wine bars. Upon pulling up I could tell this was not a “normal” Homewood Suites experience {although the normal experience is usually very nice also !}. A scenic water display was adjacent to the driveway.
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Upon entering, the modern huge public lobby/dining areas reminded me of a luxurious mountain lodge. Replete with fireplace and woodsy accents. I loved the little private alcoves in the lobby where you could relax with your own flat screen and enot a cup of coffee, hot tea or my lil girl’s favorite, hot cocoa! The business center has full size Apple Macs for their guests to utilize.
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Check in was friendly with a dash of that famous southern charm that Charlotte is known for. Our suite was very modern and of a trendy design aesthetic. Big and roomy for us 3. Full kitchen with beautiful granite counters. The bed was very comfortable and so were the pillows. All the furnishings had a very high end feel to them. The shower reminded me of a spa alcove. I wanted to just cocoon in the suite all day but I had to get a work out in. The gym was perfect. New Precor machines and plenty of free weights. I could have also chosen to take advantage of a free pass the hotel has arranged with the LA Fitness gym within walking distance of the hotel in the shopping center. Maybe next time.
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Due to it being late November we couldn’t take advantage of their attractive outdoor pool and grilling area.
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We had to get an early start the next morning, but not before indulging in the awesome free breakfast buffet. Make your own waffle station. Various eggs and meat choices. The oatmeal was great. My little one gives the waffles a big thumbs up!
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Great stay at a great property. It’s near the Ballyntyne corporate center. So whether in this part of Charlotte for work or play this Homewood Suites IS my base camp on every trip to the Queen City. Make it yours too !
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#Raleigh, Win Tix to see @MonicaBrown #CodeRedExperience Tour! w/ @IamRicoLove @RitzRaleigh on 11/28! #soNCsavvy GiveAway

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Monica is bringing Code Red to Raleigh on November 28, 2015 at The Ritz and SobeSavvy.Com has 2 GA Tickets to giveaway to one lucky fan !  Comment below why you want to go and I will randomly choose a winner on November 20th!

In anticipation of her upcoming album, the R&B songstress kicks off “The Code Red Experience” , a 22-date trek starting Nov. 12 in Las Vegas. The tour travels across the country before concluding in New York City on Dec. 13. She will be joined by special guest Rico Love.

“Join us for The Code RED Experience…. @iamricolove & I live and breathe for the depth, honesty & passion that embodies real music,” wrote Monica on Instagram. “Each night we will take you on a musical journey.”

Monica’s eighth album Code Red is due later this year featuring the Lil Wayne-assisted single “Just Right for Me,” for which she recently shot a video at Weezy’s skatepark in Miami.

Tickets are on sale NOW for
Nov. 28 – Raleigh, NC – Ritz
See here : http://m.concerts.livenation.com/event/0E004F4D1584AB69

There is even a Groupon tix deal up for grabs available here: https://www.groupon.com/deals/gl-monica-8?c=LNSM_CT_Raleigh_Monica_fb_ss_111115

I wish I was going to see this songtress as this show is not to be missed! So whomever wins, enjoy for me and please tag #sobesavvygiveaway in your pics ~Good Luck!

#OutandaboutAva Recaps #Wild Kratts Live! @DPAC @WILDKrattsOffic #FamilyFun #SundayFunday

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The wildly popular PBS KIDS® television show named WILD KRATTS, brought their creature power alive on stage at the DPAC http://www.dpacnc.com on Sunday November 8, 2015 for two shows 1:00p.m. and 4:30p.m.

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When I saw the flier for the show, I knew this was a family fun event not to be missed! Animated Kratt Brothers, Martin and Chris “come to real life” in a classic Wild Kratts story. Off “To the Creature Rescue!” went the Emmy® nominated Kratt Brothers who activated some fan favorite Creature Power Suits to confront a comic villain. Through hilarious pratfalls and amazing animal ‘wow facts’ and videos the Wild Kratts team rescues their favorite invention from Zach’s clutches so the animals of the creature world are safe once again.
Many young fans in the audience were ready to activate their Creature Power Suits and join in on the adventure! And if you didn’t come with your own suit, you could buy many items at the show!

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Wild Kratts LIVE! was created for the stage by the imaginative minds of Martin Kratt and Chris Kratt from  Zooboomafoo, Kratt’s Creatures and Be the Creature. The Kratt Brothers’ national tours draw tens of thousands of creature-crazy kids and their families.It benefits their not-for-profit Kratt Brothers Creature Hero Society. Their company has successfully protected critical wildlife habitats through the creation of nature reserves.

Here are their upcoming tour dates :
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Now in it’s fourth season, Wild Kratts was created and developed by real life brothers and zoologists Martin and Chris Kratt (both nominated for Daytime Emmy® Awards for Outstanding Writing in a Children’s Animated Series).  Wild Kratts features the brothers on incredible expeditions to meet wild creatures from the far corners of the earth. Diving into the habitats of these unusual animals with the use of futuristic technology and Creature Powers Suits that allow the brothers to take their funny and exciting adventures to where they’ve never gone before.  Wild Kratts has received numerous awards since it’s inception in 2011 including Parents Choice, Kidscreen, Aurora and 2 Emmy® nominations. The series is a co-production of The Kratt Brothers Company and 9 Story Entertainment.

For more about Kratt Brothers Company, Go to http://www.krattbrothers.com  
https://www.facebook.com/wildkrattsofficial

and follow at https://twitter.com/WildKrattsOffic

My daughter, age 4 was on the edge of her seat and enjoyed the hour long show, which included an intermission.

What made it even more special was the chance to meet and greet the Kratt brothers after the show! #OutandAboutAva even got an autographed picture from Chris Kratt as a cool momento. I highly recommend this show. It was both educational and fun for the whole family!

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https://instagram.com/p/91zhr9iXKx/

#PattiLaBelle Live #Concert @MsPattiPatti @DPAC #OnlyAtDPAC #soNCsavvy Recap by #SobeSavvy .com!

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On Saturday November 7, 2015 The Godmother of Soul..PATTI LABELLE, a Two-time Grammy® Award-winning singer, New York Times bestselling author, and three-time Emmy® Award-nominated actress returned to Durham, NC after her last performance at DPAC in 2014 sold out quickly! Known for bringing her heart, soul and songs to the stage, Ms.Say My Name ” Patti Patti” did not disappoint her fans at DPAC Durham Performing Arts Center. Her stage was fit for the royalty for which she is. There was fresh flowers by the piano, an assortment of high heels and a chaise lounge as seen here .

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Photo Credit: DPAC

“It’s our extreme pleasure to bring the one and only Patti Labelle back to the DPAC stage”, says DOME Group CEO Sulaiman Mausi.  “She is a beloved icon who just has a special intimate way of connecting with her audiences and this show will be no exception!”

The word beautiful simply does not describe the incomparable force known to the world as Patti LaBelle. The soulful songbird’s name has become synonymous with grace, style, elegance and class. She is known for belting out classic rhythm and blues renditions, pop standards and spiritual sonnets. Patti is revered for her unique versatility and vocal range.

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Photo Credit: DPAC

At 71 years young, she holds command of the stage, STILL. Her performance thrills with a voice that sends chills up and down the spine EVERYTIME! As heard here singing, “If Only You Knew”
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She reminded her audience ” to not get it twisted” ,  she’s still got it and with quite a few songs, she did it First. Alot of fun moments during the show, such as bringing male audience members on stage…black, white,gay straight.. to sing Lady Marmalade with her. In this video, a fan not only got some impromptu singing lessons but a chance to dance  with Ms. LaBelle, a former Dancing With Stars star!
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In addition to her amazing career, which has spanned over 51 yrs, as an entertainer and entrepreneurial success, Ms. LaBelle’s work as a humanitarian is just as legendary.  While Ms. LaBelle’s celebrated career is respected world-wide, she has also endured and survived personal strife. Within a 10-year period, she lost her mother, three sisters and best friend to diabetes and cancer. She paid homage to her celebrity friends as well as family who are now resting peacefully, while singing “You Are My Friend”. It was a fitting finale to a wonderful evening at Durham Performing Arts Center
To find out what is up next at DPAC,  please go to www.DPACnc.com
#ONLYATDPAC !

Here are a few photos I took during this amazing night!

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Ms.Patti LaBelle stunned her audience by coming out into the audience to much of our surprse!

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A touching moment when Patti LaBelle’s #1 Fan got to meet her Idol

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Tears of Joy and Hugs from this #1 Fan !

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Thanks again DPAC and Ms. Patti LaBelle for an amazing night and wonderful opportunity to spend one night only with a living legend!

#OutandAboutAva enjoys #SundayFunday at #Adventurelanding @alraleigh #Familyfun #Raleigh ~#soNCsavvy Recap

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Being a recent transplant and arriving here in Raleigh with our 4 yr old, we both kept asking folks where we could take her so she can have a good time. We kept getting the same answer… ADVENTURE LANDING !

So on a beautiful Sunday autumn afternoon, we headed down Capital Blvd to experience for ourselves what this place is all about. It is a mini amusement park in the best sense. Miniature golf, Go Carts, arcade games and much more. It has no admission cost. It is pay as you play. We opted for the “Quest Pass”. You get 3 attractions for the low price of $16.99. You do not have to use all of the pass on one visit. We did miniature Golf and the Go Kart on that day.

The golf course brings back memories of 50’s Americana. Huge zoo animal statues scattered throughout the multi level course. Hippos and alligators. Zebras and giraffes lurking around every corner. My 4 yr old loved it. They even had small kid sized golf clubs for the little ones. We gave her a speed course in golfing techniques and putting ! Apparently it worked since she was the only one of us who actually had a hole in 1 !

Next up was the Go Kart. They have single and double Go Karts. After getting some expert instruction from their expert pit crew we were off. Racing around hairpin turns and blazing fast straightaways ! Adrenaline was pumping as we competed to see how many laps we all could do. The carts handled like an F-1 race car. My little one had a ball as her braids blew in the afternoon sunshine. What a rush !!

Next time we will do the arcade games or laser tag. Maybe we will do the batting cage and have lunch at their expansive food/snack bar. The possiblities are endless at Adventure Landing. What are YOU waiting for? If adventure is what you seek, I have found the place to quench it. Adventure Landing is great fun for the entire family!

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#BadBoyReunion #NCCU Homecoming Concert @Dpac #soNCsavvy Recap by #SobeSavvy .Com !

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Durham, NC was the place to be last night as North Carolina Central University’s homecoming week heated up with The Reunion featuring Faith Evans, Mase, Total, Carl Thomas and Black Rob at DPAC !
Durham Performing Arts Center, has become the center for live entertainment in the Triangle.The concert, presented by The DOME Group L.L.C. , showcased all the favorite hits from the late 90’s, early 2000’s and even presented a special tribute to NCCU’s own Mike City.

“We’re honored to bring such an awesome tribute to the golden era of Hip-Hop and R&B,” says promoter and NCCU alum Sulaiman Mausi of The DOME Group, LLC. “This music was the soundtrack of our college days, cookouts and house parties. This night will be EPIC.”

Total opened the show and got the party started with existing members Kima Raynor, and Pamela Long.  Best known for their hits “Kissing You”, “Can’t You See” and “Trippin”, The New Jersey R&B trio made their first appearance singing the hook on The Notorious B.I.G.’s debut single, “Juicy”. Garnering attention for the new group, they were also featured on the original version of his next single “One More Chance.” Their debut single “Can‘t You See?” appeared on the soundtrack to 1995 motion picture “New Jersey Drive.” Total produced two more R&B top ten singles including “No One Else” and “Kissing You.”
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Up next, Black Rob who appears on the Bad Boy remix “Come See Me” is most known for his smash,  “Whoa” . He was also featured on several other Bad Boy releases including remixes “What About Us” and “Love Like This”, the song  “24 Hrs. to Live”, and albums by  Puff Daddy  & the Bad Boy Family and The Notorious B.I.G.

The mood then turned to grown and sexy as Carl Thomas hit the stage! He has over 4 million records sold, 2 Grammy® Nominations, a couple of Soul Train nominations and S.C.L.C. Image award. With the single “I Wish” released in late 1999, Carl topped the R&B charts for six consecutive weeks, creating strong interest in his debut album, Emotional. On the strength of this single, the album was certified platinum with over 1 million in sales. He still sounds as good as ever and thanked the crowd for coming out to support Black Music. He also used his platform to remind all that #BlackLivesMatter.
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Best known as Puff Daddy’s favorite sidekick, Mase secured his place as a Bad Boy label favorite through a series of guest appearances on hit singles by other artists. By the time he issued his debut album, the Bad Boy promotional machine had effectively already made him a star. His flow was slow and relaxed, and his raps often unabashedly simple, which helped make him especially popular with the younger segment of Puff Daddy’s pop-rap audience. Just before the release of his second album, he announced his retirement from rap to pursue a career in the ministry.
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The show’s headliner,  Faith Renée Evans is a multi-platinum Grammy® Award-winning recording artist, songwriter, arranger and record producer. With a music career spanning over two decades, Faith has released eight studio albums, with over 18 million albums sold and spawning over 30 singles. Faith has also performed on 20+ soundtracks and appeared at a host of guest appearances during her career. Faith Evans is a seven-time Grammy® nominee, winning “Best Rap Performance by a Duo or Group” in 1998 for “I’ll Be Missing You,” an homage to her late husband and hip-hop legend Notorious B.I.G.
https://instagram.com/p/9fF3EpiXFD/
https://instagram.com/p/9fGQXmiXF2/

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Faith Evans also invited her fans,also known as “Faithfuls” to sing along and join her on stage for her final song!  We all had a good time going back down memory lane and jamming to some of out favorite hits. Good music is indeed timeless and the Bad Boy Reunion proved just that !

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For more pics of who was on the red carpet at DPAC, view photos from the event at http://www.flickr.com/photos/dpacnc
Courtesy of DPAC!

Hey #Raleigh! Win 2 Tix to See the Ultimate Tribute to Billy Joel & Elton John Live @RitzRaleigh ! A #SobeSavvyGiveAway #soNCsavvy 

  
GIVEAWAY: 2 Tix to The Ultimate “Face To Face” Tribute Show -Billy Joel & Elton John Tribute Band at The Ritz on Friday Nov. 20th 9pm in Raleigh, NC! 

Elton John and Billy Joel tribute artists Joey Riedel and Michael John have joined forces to create The Ultimate Tribute Show .
The two capture both artists in their high energy, interactive Rock N Roll show.
The Face To Face Tribute concert events have been highly successful with all involved raving about the show and Joey and Michael’s intensity on stage.
Just like the original tour, each artist performs a solo set with a five to six piece Rock N Roll band, and then culminates the show with a Face to Face set which features both of them playing together on two pianos trading off lyrics on each song they perform.
Joey and Michael bring this experience to The Ultimate Tribute show adding sing-a-long parts and spontaneous humor. The Billy Joel Elton John Ultimate Tribute show is a night of hit songs, energetic performances, outrageous costumes, and true Rock N Roll at its finest!

Sounds fun ! So now all you need is a plus one to head over to the concert at The Ritz , located at 2820 Industrial Drive, Raleigh, NC 27609.  

To enter, leave a comment why you want to go. Winner will be randomly selected on Nov. 10th . Good luck! 

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#soNCsavvy goes on #Staycation ! Explore the romantic side of #Raleigh @RaleighMarriott #DTRMarriott @FallonsFlowers #DTR~ #Travel Recap

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Dieciséis Anos ?? Wow where did these 16 years go so fast, I asked my hubby. It was our anniversary and since we recently relocated to Raleigh we asked around about where could we do a memorable romantic overnight staycation. We kept getting the same answer..The Raleigh Marriott City Center http://www.marriott.com/hotels/travel/rdumc-raleigh-marriott-city-center/

In my former life as a healthcare consultant I had spent endless nights in Marriott properties, so I definitely heeded that advice and headed downtown for a nights stay. Being a new transplant to Raleigh I was always surprised as how vibrant the city center here is. People bound about. Popular Restaurants and trendy bars are everywhere. Rye, one of the hottest restaurants in the entire region just happens to be inside the Marriott. Downtown Raleigh also has various venues for plays and concerts and The Marriott City Center literally is in the center of it all. Convientely located on Fayettville St and connected to the Raleigh Convention Center, this property is ground zero for a downtown base for fun or romance. This is a full service property with an indoor pool and 15,000 sq feet of event space. They even have a concierge level of rooms with exclusive access to their concierge lounge and amenities. With that in mind, we headed downtown.

Check in was fast and efficient. The modern Lobby was stylish and bright. We found our suite to be luxurious but not garish. Marble bathroom and plush bedding was top notch. Our room had a great view of the Raleigh Skyline which came to life in the form of twinkling lights as the sun was setting.

Since it was our anniversary, also waiting in the room was a beautiful bright bouquet of flowers from the famous Fallons Flowers http://www.fallonsflowers.com/ They have been Raleigh’s premier florist for over 8 decades. Looking at these beautiful flowers I now know why. The arrangement was gorgeous! Fallon’s will be my Raleigh florist of choice going forward.

We had reserved their wonderful “romance package” room. They provided a bottle of Prosecco with a tray of chocolate covered strawberries. They also had 2 pouches of actual fresh red rose petals! We scattered them on the bed and spelled out how many years of marriage we were celebrating. What a great start. I took a quick swim in their rooftop pool and got dressed for a night out on the town. Before heading out we stopped by the bar at Rye for cocktail. Amazing bar atmosphere with attentive bartenders who explain how they make their cocktails out of fresh fruits and mixes.

The next morning we awoke with room service. A full breakfast was in order. They brought it up on time and as ordered. We both hated to say goodbye, but alas it was back to the real world. Until next time Marriott, until next time.

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