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Things to Do in #WilmingtonNC for the Day to Celebrate #AAPIHeritageMonth in May @WilmingtonNCoast

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Recently my #HeighPartyof3 returned to the city of Wilmington, NC …one of our favorite roadtrips from Raleigh, NC (ICYMI …Check out past blog posts>>here << of our travels to Wilmington NC and Island Beaches). The reason for this visit was to celebrate the diversity, history, beauty, and culture of Asian American and Pacific Islanders during AAPI Heritage Month in May.

South Asians began to arrive in Wilmington sometime in the 1970s and hence they have a relatively short history of living in this area. Over the past three decades their presence has grown. Many of Wilmington’s earliest South Asian residents are physicians in different specialties, ranging from cardiology to geriatrics to dentistry. ( Source: UNCW associate professor Venkat Dhulipala dhulipalav@uncw.edu)

Here are the places we visited during our #SundayFunday Day Trip to Wilmington NC for AAPI Heritage Month:

Attraction| Cameron Art Museum

The work of AAPI artists has long been part of CAM’s history and integral to our permanent collection from the early days of the museum

~Matt Budd, Director of Marketing CAM

Cameron Art Museum is one of the many gems of Wilmington. Built on the grounds of the decisive Civil War Battle Of Forks Road, this facility perfectly balances the past, present and future. My family and I try to visit here once or twice a year as they always have some new exhibit of interest.

May being AAPI Heritage Month meant we visited to see the art on display featuring AAPI artists. Permanently on view on their museum grounds are two site specific art works by two well-known AAPI artists: Mel Chin’s The Structure of Things Given and Held which is installed near the CAM café courtyard and Hiroshi Sueyoshi’s  Harmony which is visible from 17th street.  

ABOUT | Mel Chin (American, b. 1951). The Structure of Things Given and Held, 2008-2009 Bronze

Made of bronze and standing over 18 feet tall, the piece is only eighteen inches wide and has an airiness about it. It includes two girls, one girl with her hand open (“given”) and the other girl with her hand closed (“held”), balancing a partially erased house on their heads. The artist intended this work as “a meditation on the illusiveness of memory.” The artist asked twin sisters Mary Anne Massey and Allen Wright (both share their maiden name Keith) to sketch the house they grew up in and incorporated the similarities and differences in their memory. Mel Chin is a recipient of the prestigious MacArthur Fellowship (“genius grant”) and currently lives in Yancey County, NC near Tennessee.

ABOUT | Hiroshi Sueyoshi

(American, b. Japan 1946) “Harmony”

Hiroshi Sueyoshi moved from Tokyo, Japan to Asheboro/Seagrove, North Carolina in 1971 before moving to Wilmington in 1978. He is one of Wilmington, NC’s most accomplished artists and was awarded the NC Living Treasure Award by UNCW in 2006. Harmony is a 17-foot sculpture of red, yellow and blue panels, interlocking steel figures that are abstractions of a man, woman and child. Each figure depends on the other structurally and is perhaps an artistic choice that is symbolic of the emotional bonds of a family. The artist created the piece for a design competition for David Swain of Wilmington developers Swain and Associates. It stood at The Forum Shopping Center in Wilmington NC from 2000- 2020, until it found a permanent home at Cameron Art Museum in 2020. He served as artist in residence at Cameron Art Museum from 2006- 2015.

Read more about this artist & art >> here

📍Cameron Art Museum

3201 S. 17th Street

Wilmington, NC 28412

BRUNCH | Cafe Chinois

Located just near CAM, this restaurant is a personal art gallery of Mrs Niki (who also owns Indochine) where you can enjoy all the flavors of the East! In the mood for some Chinese or maybe Thai or maybe some Vietnamese? Well you are in luck for all of the above in one spot. That spot is called Cafe Chinois in Wilmington.

Asian fusion is what they do and I am here to attest, they do it all well. We dined here for Sunday brunch and it was delightful! Unbelievable Asian inspired decor and ambiance. Stellar service and the food was great. Dumplings, fried rice and some of the best steak I have ever had melted in my mouth. Inventive cocktail menu and great wine choices were also available. Never have to choose between different genres of Asian restaurants again because Cafe Chinois does it all!

📍Cafe Chinois

3710 College Rd Unit #123

Wilmington, NC 28412

Attraction | New Hanover County Arboretum

New Hanover County Arboretum features a Japanese Garden with a Japanese tea house, koi pond, statues, trees and plants indigenous to Japan that grow well in Wilmington’s similar climate. 

Did you know? …There are two traditional-style Japanese teahouses in southeastern North Carolina: one at Ashs Japanese Maple Nursery in Hampstead and the other at the New Hanover County Cooperative Extension Arboretum in Wilmington. The design plans were sent back and forth to Japan to ensure accuracy.

Throughout the county there are fine examples of Asian foliage to include Japanese maples, Japanese camellias, Chinese Jasmine, Japanese Plum and persimmon trees, Chinese chestnut trees, Asian pear trees..just to name a few. Visit this attraction for FREE and experience its beauty!

📍New Hanover County Arboretum

6206 Oleander Dr

Wilmington, NC 28403

Explore|Wilmington, NC

Thanks to Wilmington and Beaches Convention & Visitors Bureau, there is always helpful information on their website to gather before we visit. Here’s some information and places to explore before your next visit!

Annual Events that celebrate Asian culture include:

Places of Worship:

  • Chua Tung Lam Temple (Gordon Rd.)
  • Wilmington Korean Baptist Church (College Rd.) *also near Cafe Chinois
  • Wilmington Peace Baptist Church (Military Cutoff Dr.)

Specialty Grocers:

DINNER | Tandoori Bites

For authentic Indian food, you can’t go wrong with Tandoori Bites for lunch or dinner! We came for an early dinner and ordered the following from the menu:

  • Garlic Naan
  • Butter Chicken
  • Chicken Tikka Masala
  • Tandoori Lamb Chops

Everything was perfectly cooked and bursting with flavor. Order wine or a Rupee beer, which paired well with all the delicious dishes and make a toast to #AAPI #AAPIHeritageMonth!

📍Tandoori Bites

1620 College Rd

Wilmington, NC 28403

Thank you for reading and I hope this inspires you to visit Wilmington NC in May or anytime to celebrate and support #AAPI businesses ❤️

Where to STAY-EAT-PLAY for a Full Moon Getaway in @WilmingtoNCoast @WrightsvilleNC ft. @Blockade_Runner

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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 Moon Getaway!

STAY | Blockade Runner Beach Resort

Located in Wrightsville Beach, Blockade Runner Beach Resort has 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!

EAT | Sips and Bites

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

🦪 Enjoy coastal delicacies like oysters

🍻 and #drinklocal craft beer paired w/

🍕 pizza at Wrightsville Beach Brewery

🍹 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 SEABIRD is a must! A coastal getaway isn’t complete without experiencing quality seafood, cocktails, coffee and more from James Beard nominated, Chef Dean Neff!

PLAY | To Do Activities

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 Oak just 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.

Looking for Family Fun in London? Check out these Must Do Attractions from @fever_uk @MadameTussauds @TheLondonEye

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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 London

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/

lastminute.com London Eye

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/

A 3 Day Family Fun Itinerary in Wilmington, NC and Beaches @WilmingtoNCoast @WrightsvilleBeachNC

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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.

This resort has all you need for a memorable stay including an on-site restaurant, Solstice Kitchen + Cocktails.

Per their website:

“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 CFCC
Leslie 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.

https://videopress.com/v/vzAT08H8?resizeToParent=true&cover=true&preloadContent=metadata&useAverageColor=true
Thanks for the memories Wilmington,NC and Beaches

Spend the Day in @TheHeartofNC with these Fall/Winter Things To Do in #AsheboroNC #RandolphCounty ft. @NCZoo @SeagrovePotters @MillstoneCreek

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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!

LUNCH-Downtown Asheboro

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!

Millstone Creek Orchards

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.

SobeSavvy Tip: Millstone Orchards Creek has some upcoming holiday events and and activities that you don’t want to miss. Visit https://www.millstonecreekorchards.com/christmas-at-mco for details!

Make plans to visit The Orchard this Christmas!

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 ❤️

Travel | Savvy Tips for a DC Family Getaway

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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.

SobeSavvy Tip: Sign up with email & text and get 20% off your next stay plus news and exclusive offers>> http://www.archerhotel.com/falls-church

DISCOVER | The Mosaic District

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!

EXPLORE | Historic DC Tours

All aboard the Old Town Trolley Tour…

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.

Also, make reservations in advance and save with a package for both tours >> https://www.trolleytours.com/washington-dc/tickets

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

Girls Trip Travel Guide @WilmingtoNCoast @CarolinaBeachNC

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If you have been following me for awhile, you know that I love to travel and am very fond of NC’s coast. Specifically Wilmington NC’s Historic River District & Island Beaches. I have visited and enjoyed many of it’s family friendly options, so I was really excited to plan a Girl’s Trip. After reading my prior blog posts about Wilmington, my friend wanted to experience it together. Here is a look at our 24 hour itinerary that I organized via TripIt app.

STAY | Aloft Wilmington Coastline Center

My Top 3 reasons for choosing ALOFT Wilmington are as follows:

1. It’s new (just opened Nov 2021) and modern

2. It’s convenient to the Riverfront, Downtown Wilmington, so could walk to most places

3. Full service– has gym, restaurant, bar, rooftop bistro and a coffee bar onsite

DINE | Sips & Eats

If you are a seafood lover like me, then you must dine at Seabird in Wilmington, NC

My friend and I are both foodies, so we were looking forward to dining out during our trip. Our number one focus for cuisine was seafood. We knew that being on the coast was going to be our opportunity to eat local and enjoy fresh seafood. But first…. coffee. Casa Blanca Coffee Roasters (in addition to their amazing coffee, we loved the avocado toast) , Aloft Coffee Bar, and Bespoke Coffee and Dry Goods are just a few places where you can enjoy a great cup of coffee and more in Wilmington.

Casa Blanca, Aloft Coffee Bar, Bespoke Coffee

Dinner reservations are a must at Seabird in Downtown Wilmington. We enjoyed wine perfectly paired with NC oysters, fresh seafood dishes created by Chef Dean Neff and great service at this restaurant.

Raw & Baked NC Oysters + SoftShell Crab at Seabird

For after dinner cocktails, we headed to Cloud 9 Rooftop Bar. There was live entertainment in addition to a nice atmosphere. If you want a small bite, they have a bar menu also. We could walk back to our hotel from there, which was a plus.

Chilling on Cloud 9

At Carolina Beach, we enjoyed lunch at Ocean Grill and Tiki Bar. With oceanfront views, a fun bar area and delicious coastal fare, this restaurant combines the best of beach eats.

Eat and Drink Local at Ocean Grill and Tiki Bar

PLAY | Things To Do

From strawberry picking, shopping local and having fun at the beach~ there’s so much fun to be had in Wilmington,NC and Carolina Beach

We arrived on National Strawberry Picking Day, so the first thing on our to do list was to visit a pick-your-own strawberry farm just outside the city limits Lewis Nursery and Farms with homemade strawberry ice cream and a plant shop.

That evening we checked out a comedy show at Dead Crow Comedy Room and the next day got our steps in along the Riverwalk.

Downtown Wilmington~ Dead Crow Comedy Room & Riverwalk

What’s a girls trip without shopping?! We both love to shop local and picked up some artisan goods at the Riverfront Farmers Market on Saturday morning.

Shop jewelry, teas,candles and more at the Riverfront Farmers Market

No trip to the coast is complete without spending some time near the water. As we made our way to the sand, we stopped at the Carolina Beach Boardwalk to take in the sights and have a classic glazed donut from Britts Donuts.

B is for Boardwalk and Britts Donuts

Spending a relaxing day at the beach was just what we needed. No chairs, no problem. Being able to rent an umbrella and chairs from Tony Silvagni Surf Schools was such a convenience for us. They provided great customer service and made our time at the beach very comfortable.

Getting some Vitamin Sea at Carolina Beach

Grateful for the memories made and the opportunity to share this trip guide with you! I hope you are inspired to make your way to Wilmington,NC & Carolina Beach soon. For more ideas be sure to visit https://www.wilmingtonandbeaches.com/

Spring Over To @WilmingtoNCoast and Follow This Family Friendly List Of Things To Do

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Spring has sprung in Wilmington,NC and I thought it would be a great idea to hop over during Easter weekend for a chance to explore the many things to do with my Heigh Party of 3 crew. It’s an easy two hour drive from Raleigh,NC, so for us we truly enjoy the chance to visit the Wilmington River District & Island Beaches.

Get your Official Visitors Guide at WilmingtonNCVisitorGuide.com

If you are traveling to Wilmington soon, check out my list of family friendly things to do in the springtime or anytime!

1. Airlie Gardens

Get outside and enjoy nature
Airlie Gardens

These expansive gardens are truly a jewel of this region. Acres upon acres of blooming flowers, ponds and wildlife are all here. Our daughter had fun using her ‘plant app’ to snap photos of flowers/plants and in return it would identify it. Make sure you check out The Bottle Chapel during your visit. It is a one of a kind structure designed with over 4,000 colorful glass bottles!

2. Fish House Grill

Lunch with water views is always a good idea
FISH HOUSE GRILL

Located on the intracoastal, this seafood restaurant doesn’t disappoint. Their food pairs well with the view. Great drinks, mahi tacos and their soft shell crab sandwich was fresh and delicious!

Soft Shell Crab Sandwich at Fish House Grill

3. Practical Magic Store

Candle Shopping
Practical Magic Store

With the full moon happening on the day of our arrival, I thought it would be cool to get some ritual tools. This store had more than I could ever imagine! From candles, clothing, teas,herbs, all types of gems, books, crystals and more. It is one of the most interesting stores to be found in Wilmington.

Crystals and Gemstones Galore can be found at the Practical Magic Store!

4. Embassy Suites by Hilton Wilmington Riverfront

Embassy Suites by Hilton Wilmington Riverfront

Embassy Suites By Hilton Wilmington Riverfront is a great base camp for families when visiting the area. It’s an all suite property with indoor pool and a mini Starbucks in the lobby! Besides great views of the Cape Fear River/ marina, this property provides spacious rooms and a comfortable sofa bed for our kid. For us parents, we enjoyed the manager’s reception,where we each received 2 complimentary cocktails!

Cheers to a wonderful stay at Embassy Suites by Hilton Wilmington Riverfront

5. Wilmington Riverwalk

Stroll the scenic Riverwalk
Wilmington Riverwalk

One of our favorite reasons for staying on the riverfront means that we can enjoy scenic walks along the two- mile Riverwalk. We always take a leisurely morning stroll or jog on the river when we visit. You get a front row seat to history, Battleship North Carolina, leisure boats, bird wildlife and all the shops, restaurants and hotels that line this iconic waterway walk. There are informative markers and seats along the way if you want to take a break and watch the river flow by.

Let’s Stroll along The Wilmington Riverwalk

6. Carolina Candy Company & Gifts

The dark chocolate almond toffee is my fave
Carolina Candy Company

Looking for a sweet local treat? Stop by Carolina Candy company where toffee rules the day. They make small batch toffee on the premise and only use all natural ingredients (no fructose here) Milk Chocolate , Caramel, Dark Chocolate Toffee and more are here to satisfy your sweet toffee tooth. Super friendly service and MAYBE if you ask nicely they may let you sample a few before deciding which one to purchase!

Pair it with wine, cheese or enjoy it on its own

7. The Veggie Wagon

Welcome to The Veggie Wagon

Headed to the Carolina Beach and looking for a quick snack to eat? Make sure you stop by The Veggie Wagon for all sorts of grab n go goodness. Fresh sandwiches, salads and even locally made soaps can be found at The Veggie Wagon. Plus the hand spun milkshakes are a kid pleaser!

8. Fort Fisher State Recreation Park

We drove down to Fort Fisher State Recreation Park as dusk approached. The weather was not the best but the ocean breeze is always a welcome sensation. This beach is enjoyed by locals and visitors alike because it is separate from the busier beach areas. My husband is a history buff and he read all the historical
markers as this area was active during the Civil War. Whether you go for the sea, sand or history, there’s something for everyone at Fort Fisher State Recreation Park.

Get some Vitamin Sea at Fort Fisher State Recreation Park

9. STEAM Restaurant and Bar

We enjoyed Easter Brunch at STEAM

Easter Brunch at STEAM, located inside the Embassy Suites )where we stayed), was not only convenient but it was very memorable in a great way. Their bright and airy atmosphere is always inviting and their food is always delicious. NC oysters, fresh local seafood and a juicy burger for our kid, left us all satisfied. But I am so happy we saved room for dessert because the bananas foster bread pudding was soooooo amazing! A sweet ending to a fantastic meal.

10. Cameron Art Museum

Support the Arts at Cameron Art Museum

Cameron Art Museum is another gem of the area. This museum always has some interesting art show/installations and this visit was no different. They have two new exhibits called “20 Years” , which features pieces of work by artists who have all had their work featured at the museum since it’s opening 20 years ago. Make sure you also check out “State Of The Art” which showcases artist either native or living in North Carolina. Watch my Cam Art Museum IG Reel to get a glimpse as to why you should at it to your trip itinerary the next time you and your family visit Wilmington.

All you need to know before you go can be found on this website : https://www.wilmingtonandbeaches.com/

There is so much to see and do, that I am already planning to return for a girls trip in May. Be sure to follow me on IG/Twitter/Facebook @SobeSavvy as I’m always happy to share and inspire your next adventure!

STAY Relax -Dine -Play at @HyattCentric SouthPark Charlotte #HyattCentricExplorer

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STAY | Hyatt Centric SouthPark Charlotte

Conveniently located in SouthPark’s premier shopping, dining and entertainment district, Hyatt Centric invites you to enjoy a fun, sophisticated stay in the heart of some of the best Charlotte has to offer. Being able to walk to SouthPark mall to go shopping, get pampered at Sassy Nail Bar and being steps away from Steak 48 made staying at this Hyatt Centric location ideal for my weekend getaway.

This 175-room lifestyle hotel features an all natural modern design that reflects Charlotte’s history and beauty. As soon as you walk in the lobby, there is a gorgeous curved centerpiece staircase, a colorful, metallic six-foot-tall peacock statue, and eclectic art such as a mural by local artist, Hillary Siber Edwards that features “100 porcelain gold ceramic mining pans intended to represent the 100 counties in North Carolina and the region’s history as the first documented gold discovery in the United States.”

There are two on-site dining options : MIZU, a rooftop restaurant where you can catch the sunset while enjoying dinner and bar service in a lounge setting …

…..and IRO, the hotel’s lobby restaurant where I enjoyed a tasty breakfast during my stay. Order the omelette your way or any of the other healthy options on the menu.

I also enjoyed the intentional details that went into making the rooms comfy for guests like dedicated reading lights on either side of the bed, USB outlets for device charging, large 55” televisions, rainfall showerheads, and more! Additional hotel amenities include meeting and event spaces, complimentary on-site parking, complimentary Wi-Fi and a rooftop fitness center featuring Peleton bikes.

I would definitely return and recommend for a wonderful place to relax, play, work, dine and stay >> @HyattCentric

For more info and to book your rooms go to hyattcentricsouthparkcharlotte.com

FAMILY TRAVEL | 3 Day STAY•EAT•PLAY Guide to San Francisco, CA

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San Francisco Family Travel Fun
By SobeSavvy.com

San Francisco is one of my favorite cities in the USA. There is a song that goes 🎶 I left my heart in San Francisco 🎶 but I now say I found my heart there because I love visiting. Our fondness for San Fran started in 2010 when my husband and I were working there as consultants and discovered we were pregnant! Our daughter is the heart we found and it was with great pleasure to take her for her first time back to the city where she so amusingly says “was stirred in the pot” ! 😅 Our 3 day itinerary took place over the MLK JR. Weekend and we planned an itinerary based on places we have explored before along with some new places to discover. We flew non-stop from RDU to SFO on United Airlines and was ready to roll after getting a rental car from Avis.

#HeighPartyof3 has arrived in SFO and we are ready to roll!

STAY | Le Méridien San Francisco

Check In to Le Méridien San Francisco

My husband chose Le Méridien San Francisco hotel not only because he is a Marriott Gold member but because of its central location. It’s located in the Financial District, which is not too touristy or crowded, especially on the weekends. Our one bedroom ‘City By The Bay’ suite offered a spacious, modern room with floor to ceiling windows & balcony views of the Bay Bridge & TransAmerica building, a comfortable sofa bed for our child and a separate king size bedroom for us. We utilized room service and also enjoyed bar bites/ handrafted cocktails from their on-site lounge, Bar 333. We could walk to many shopping and dining options as well as places like Chinatown, SOMA, and the Ferry Building, which is where we started on Day 1 to get something to eat.

EAT | Harborview Restaurant & Bar + more!

Dinner at Harborview Restaurant and Bar was a fantastic choice for delicious Dim Sum, Cocktails and Cantonese Cuisine with a view!

San Francisco is a foodie paradise because of the vast variety of choices. There is truly something for everyone but if you don’t have dim sum while in San Francisco, were you really there? We decided to try a place that we could walk to from our hotel and came highly recommended for its service and authentic Chinese cuisine. Feast your eyes on our wonderful dining experience at Harborview Restaurant & Bar ⤵️

BRUNCH-LUNCH-DINNER-DESSERT

Dungeness Crab, Clam Chowder, inside the Ferry Building, Pork Bun, Boba Tea

San Francisco is a place where you can let your foodie flag fly high and our tastebuds were ready for take off! Since we love seafood, we couldn’t help ourselves to have lots of it during our stay. Here are some of the places we enjoyed during our visit:

  • Ferry Building
  • Imperial Tea Court
  • Hog Island Oyster Co.
  • Good Luck Cafe & Deli
  • Fog Harbor Fish House
  • Biscoff Coffee Corner
  • Ghirardelli Square
  • Brioche Bakery & Cafe
  • Réveille Coffee Co.
  • The Lake Chalet Seafood Bar & Grill ( Oakland )
  • House of NanKing
Dirty Chai Latte, Clam Chowder in a Sourdough Bowl, Sweets in Ghirardelli Square, Sunday Brunch & Bread Pudding

PLAY | California Academy of Sciences & Madame Tussauds + more!

Welcome to the California Academy of Sciences

Adventure awaits at the California Academy of Sciences ! Here is where you and your family can experience 4 exhibits in one place. There’s an Aquarium, Rainforest, Natural History Museum, Planetarium as well as a cool Geology collection and Naturalist Center. No matter where you start, getting ready to learn, explore and leave like our kid did..with this smile!

#HeighPartyof3 at the Morrison Planetarium located in the California Academy of Sciences. We enjoyed this immersive experience!

Madame Tussauds San Francisco, located in Fisherman’s Wharf, is the place to go to see life like icons in wax. It’s remarkable to learn about the process and get information about the figures. My favorite thing to do is sing and dance with the musicians while my husband challenges us to a pose off with the celebrities. Our daughter loves taking selfies there and it’s a fun time for all! There are so many reasons why Madame Tussauds is the #worldsgreatestwaxmuseum, but you can get a glimpse here via my video.

Fun Times at Madame Tussauds San Francisco

Sightseeing Must Do’s

San Francisco is a vibe and a feast for the eyes! So scenic, so artsy, so eclectic and unique. You can get a taste of city and coastal life all in one visit. My husband loves the architecture of the city, while my daughter enjoyed seeing the Pacific Ocean for the first time. We did so much on Day 2 & Day 3 of the trip but here are some of the sights we enjoyed during our visit: 

  • Ferry Building/Bay Bridge
  • Chinatown
  • Yerba Buena Gardens
  • No Ceilings Mural
  • Embarcadero Center #ArtofEC
  • TransAmerica Building
  • Golden Gate Park
  • Pier 39/Sea Lions
  • Fisherman’s Wharf
  • Golden Gate Bridge
  • Visit Sausalito
  • Japantown
  • Lombard St
  • Hayes St
  • Painted Ladies/Alamo Square
  • Visit Oakland
  • Ocean Beach/ Pacific Ocean

We had an amazing time during our 3 day stay. The weather was great and hugging family/friends was a bonus! San Francisco owes us nothing. Fond memories were mad and fun was had by all. Until next time, enjoy this recap video of our trip and I hope you are inspired San Francisco soon!