Trip Ideas for a Weekend Beach Getaway in Carolina Beach

May 22, 2025SobeSavvy Leave a comment

Mother’s Day has passed but when asked what did I want to do..my answer was simple: a Getaway! Fun in the Sun me please! So we decided to roadtrip to NC Coast- specifically Carolina Beach!

It took us just 2.5 hours to drive and arrive at our air bnb, a charming 2 bedroom cottage home conveniently located to the beach, boardwalk and lake. We settled in and were ready for the fun to begin! Take a look at these trip ideas that my #HeighPartyof3 enjoyed during our weekend stay:

FRIDAY

EATS|Island Burgers & Bites @Islandburgersbites

We chose this local favorite not only because of its reputation for having the best burger, but it just opened in a new location which was convenient to the marina that we were leaving from for our sunset cruise. May is also #NationalBurgerMonth, so let’s celebrate with amazing eats shall we! I ordered the bacon cheeseburger and it what makes this burger extraordinary is the candied bacon! The burger is juicy, made to order and was so goooood!

TOUR|Sunset Cruise/Island Cruises @island_cruises_nc

A great way to explore the island is by water. I highly recommend booking a sunset cruise for beautiful views and relaxing vibes! Here’s what to bring:

· Photo ID required for all alcohol purchases. Yes, they have a full service bar!

· Sunglasses & Sunscreen

· Dancing Shoes because they have line dancing/upbeat music as well as relaxing music

· A camera to capture the breathtaking sunset

SATURDAY

BRUNCH|BRUNCHES @brunchescb

If brunch is your favorite meal of the day, you are gonna want to check out the menu at Brunches. From Breakfast Tacos, Nutella French Toast to (my personal fave) Chicken & Waffles, they have something for everyone! Head to the rooftop bar for views of the Intracoastal Waterway and Beach and make sure to have one of their variety of Mimosas!

CELEBRATE|#CB100 Centennial Celebration @carolinabeachnc

From now until September 7th, you can celebrate Carolina Beach turning 100! There are festive events and programs planned to honor both the past & present of Carolina Beach. Some of the ways we chose to celebrate:

• Snap a Pic with I ♥️ CB sculpture

• Take the Free, Self- Guided Then & Now Walking Tour

• Attend CB100 MuralFest, which features 16 local Artists and 2 schools to celebrate Carolina Beach & its 100th birthday through art. Artist will paint on 10′ x 4′ panels to be displayed on the Stingray Stage at the Lake throughout the Summer. Most of the work will be painted LIVE during the event weekend of May 17-18. The 18 panels will be auctioned off in September, with Artists keeping 50% of winning bid.

The weekend of May 17-18th also included Artist & Vendor Booths, Food Trucks, and other festivities. It was a fantastic way to support the art community. If you missed MuralFest, you can check out many of the murals around Carolina Beach as part of the “Art for wALL” mission by Carolina Beach Mural Project.

• Dine at one of the local restaurants that feature centennial-themed cocktails and dishes like Michael’s Seafood.

LUNCH|Michael’s Seafood Restaurant @michaelsseafood.cb

Michaels Seafood Restaurant is in institution in the Carolina Beach area. Known for its award-winning seafood chowder, this restaurant is family friendly and currently a part of the CB100 Centennial Food & Beverage program with Carolina Beach’s restaurants & bars.

Inspired by cocktails and menu items from the 1920’s, highlighted Centennial Menu Specials will be available at Michael’s Seafood, through Sept 7th.

I ordered both specials:

•The Century Spark Cocktail Special- (A French 75 inspired cocktail for CB’s 100th Birthday) made with Gin, Chambord, lemon and champagne

•Pearls and Prawns- (5) Oysters topped with our creamy spinach & bacon Rockefeller sauce, finished with toasted parmesan breadcrumbs, coupled with two jumbo old bay shrimp cocktail.

DINNER| Salt Fish Restaurant and Tiki Bar @cbsaltfish

If you want to ‘Dine Like a Local’, reservations are recommended at Salt Fish Restaurant and Tiki Bar. This hidden gem is known for its Tiki Cocktails and Caribbean/Polynesian inspired cuisine.

We tried the Aloha Pork Chop ~ a 10 oz bone-in chop served with Hawaiian sticky glaze, coconut collards, black beans, coconut rice. The Fresh Catch of the evening was Seabass and it was recommended to get it blackened. Both of our entrees satisfied our tastebuds and kept us wanting more!

From great food & cocktails to excellent service..we definitely would recommend making reservations for a memorable dinner.

SUNDAY Funday

EXPLORE|Pleasure Island Rentals @pleasureislandrentals

A great way to get around like a local is by renting a bike from Pleasure Island Rentals. Open from 9am- 8pm, they have daily rates for bikes rentals, a variety of sizes/styles and every bike rental includes helmets, locks, and baskets FREE of charge! This was a fun way to be active, explore the area and celebrate #NationalBikeMonth by simply riding a bike! Carolina Beach has an Island Greenway system of off-street trails, parks and scenic areas which made it very safe and convenient for families. Along the way, stop and see the beautiful murals. Here’s a handy map courtesy of Carolina Beach Mural Project.

RELAX at CAROLINA BEACH

Take some time to unwind at Carolina Beach, recognized as one of the “Prettiest Beach Towns in the South” by Southern Living. We headed to the sand with our own beach chairs, blanket and books in hand to enjoy some Vitamin Sea! No chairs, no problem- the same place we rented bikes from, also does beach chair/ umbrella rentals: Pleasure Island Rentals

SNACKS| The Veggie Wagon Carolina Beach @theveggiewaggon

Grab your beach day snacks from The Veggie Wagon, an island market featuring local produce, sandwiches, beer, coffee and their infamous milkshakes! Open from 8am-7pm Mon-Sun, this local favorite checks off all the boxes: you can shop small, support local and grab some goodness to go!

PLAY| Shipwreck Neon Mini Golf @shipwreckneonmini

If you are looking for some indoor fun, AC and a break from the sun … check out Shipwreck Neon Mini Golf. This indoor golf course has two different themes: Under the Sea and Pirate Adventures. Both sides were designed with good times in mind and fun for the whole family!

I enjoyed our weekend in the sun and having some family fun with my loved ones. Carolina Beach is always a good idea for a NC Beach getaway! I hope these ideas make it on your to do list to enjoy 😊.

Concert REVIEW | Kehlani Mesmerizes Fans on the Crash World Tour in Raleigh, NC with special guests FLO & Anycia #CrashTour #LiveNation

October 2, 2024SobeSavvy 1 Comment

On ‘Nights Like This’, you can expect an eargasmic experience from KEHLANI at the CRASH WORLD TOUR with special guests FLO & ANYCIA!

The #CrashTour came to Raleigh, NC on OCTOBER 1, 2024 | TUESDAY 7:30 PM at RED HAT AMPHITHEATER. We were all ready for the kind of good ‘Distraction’ our soul needs by way of good music and good vibes. The concert opening acts, girl group FLO and rapper, Anyica both gave fantastic performances.

Then Kehlani came to the stage and started singing “Next 2 You” and from that moment you knew it was going to be a magical night! The crowd was mesmerized by the presence of Kehlani. One fan shared with me that many of the songs helped her get through some tough moments in her life. The setlist consisted of old hits, new faves and at the Raleigh show there was even a proposal to “Marry You”.

🎶 Here’s a Spotify playlist of Kehlani’s setlist from Crash World Tour 2024: https://open.spotify.com/playlist/44CJwAYG80YQfxV8794bot?si=MlUrc1XKTLa5qrEUIUpxlg&pi=u-xjJQ5kN4QLGN

‘Can I’ just tell you that the whole show was beyond amazing! The Band, The Dancers and of course Kehlani is an incredibly beautiful & talented performer who really knows how to connect to the audience. We all truly wanted to stay ‘After Hours’, because even with the light rain no one wanted to leave. Such high energy!

If you enjoy live music with lyrics that make you feel and sends chills thru your whole being, then you must get your ticket >> https://www.kehlani.com/ Produced by Live Nation, the 31-city tour (which goes until November 2nd, 2024) was highly anticipated following the release of Kehlani’s new album, CRASH. The songs on the album have a beautiful sound and stories that we all can relate to.

Check out some of my favorite moments from the concert and if you were there I’d love to hear what you thought of the show (or your fave Kehlani song) in the comments below! ⬇️

TikTok Recap : https://www.tiktok.com/t/ZP8RsjcS8/

X/Twitter Recap: https://x.com/sobesavvy/status/1841488675126874351?s=46

👀Watch YouTube Vlog ⤵️

Recap | Kehlani Crash World Tour

RECAP | Beer, Bourbon & BBQ Festival 2024 in Cary, NC @beerbourbonbbq @drinkeatrelax

August 4, 2024SobeSavvy Leave a comment

Cary, NC was the place to be this weekend for the Beer, Bourbon & BBQ Festival!

I attended both Friday August 2nd & Saturday August 3rd sessions (see IG reel: here & here) and it was a great 2️⃣ days of beer sippin’, bourbon tastin’, music listenin’, cigar smokin’, and barbeque eatin’. It’s a fun event that everyone should add to their go-to list!

Back for its 16th year, this event is held at the Koka Booth Amphitheater , which is a lovely outside venue with beautiful lake views and plenty of space to sit on the grass if you choose. No matter if it rains or shines, they still go on with the event! Guests received:

🍺 A Souvenir Glass to enjoy All You Care To Taste Beer and Bourbon Tastings as you stroll from table to table.

♨️ BBQ Galore! A great barbeque selection from the various vendors onsite – pulled pork from whole hogs, ribs, brisket, chickens, sausages and all the fixins’ you can imagine! (I recommend going VIP on Friday, which includes a BBQ Dinner plate)

🐖 The SHRINE OF SWINE is back! Enjoy whole hogs during each session.

🥃 Enjoy seminars in the Tasting Theater with Master Distillers & Brewmasters

😃 GAME IT: The Cochon Carnival is loaded with fun activities and games to keep everyone challenged. Connect four, giant jenga, cornhole, and more……

💃🏻 DANCE: Listen To Live Rock & Blues Music and great Bluegrass on The Main Stage.

🛍️ SHOP: Browse Cool Exhibits of Brewerania, Hot sauces, BBQ accessories, cookware and more!

Plus, what makes this event better each year is that there are always a few surprises!

—-WATCH my YOUTUBE recap video here :

Beer, Bourbon, & BBQ Festival 2024 ~ Cary,NC ~ 📸 SobeSavvy.com |

I had a good time and it was the perfect way to kickoff my birthday month 🎉 enjoying good food, good drinks and good times! Be sure to check out Drink Eat Relax to see what fun festivals are coming up!

Disney’s @TheLionKing is back @DPAC 5/16 – 6/9/24 ! #TheLionKingMusical #OnlyAtDPAC #TruistBroadway

May 16, 2024SobeSavvy Leave a comment

Disney’s THE LION KING has returned to The Triangle on Thursday, May 16 And Play for Four Weeks Through Sunday, June 9th at DPAC !

I attended the media night of the long-awaited return engagement of Disney’s THE LION KING on Thursday, May 17th at 7:30 p.m. The show’s four-week premiere engagement in 2011 & five-week in 2016 played a sold-out run at DPAC, so I was excited to experience this beloved Broadway Hit again but this time with our 12 year old daughter!

The movie is a family fave, and to see the story of Simba, Mufasa’s noble son come to life is quite amazing! The music, the costumes, the creativity used to make the audience apart of the circle of life is why THE LION KING remains ascendant as one of the most popular stage musicals in the world. See a preview and get a peek of the show below:

https://youtu.be/Dx8Rfpc8Sqk?si=WjI1ZNDPwVBeIB1R

The Show of a Lifetime

ABOUT THE LION KING

Since its Broadway premiere on November 13, 1997, more than 100 million people have experienced the phenomenon of Disney’s THE LION KING ane now you can too! Tony Award winning director Julie Taymor brings THE LION KING story to life with an amazing backdrop of stunning visuals with one of the most imaginative creative teams on Broadway

THE LION KING is the winner of six Tony Awards®: Best Musical, Best Scenic Design, Best Costume Design, Best Lighting Design, Best Choreography and Best Direction of a Musical. The Broadway score features Elton John and Tim Rice’s music from The Lion King animated film along with new songs and additional musical material. The resulting sound of THE LION KING is a fusion of Western popular music and the distinctive sounds and rhythms of Africa, ranging from the Academy Award®-winning song “Can You Feel the Love Tonight” to the haunting ballad “Shadowland.”

DPAC is such a wonderful venue to watch THE LION KING musical. You will leave feeling like you’ve just visited an African savanah! So get your passport, I mean tickets to experience this musical. With so much authenticity and appeal, this show is a sight to see!

For Ticket Information, go Online at DPACnc.com

· DPAC Ticket Center: 919.680.2787

123 Vivian Street, Durham, NC

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

November 10, 2023SobeSavvy 1 Comment

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.

Things to Do in #RaleighNC | Support the Arts and see BARBECUE Oct 18-29 2023 @theatreraleigh

October 23, 2023SobeSavvy Leave a comment

I recently went on a ‘Day Date’ with my hubby to catch a matinee of a production at Theatre Raleigh called BARBECUE. We had heard about the show from a newsletter that I received via email from The Triangle Friends of African American Arts , an organization that strives to expand awareness, understanding and support of African American arts and artists. I follow them as well as Theatre Raleigh to stay in the know about upcoming performances!

About BARBECUE

The grill is hot, the beer is chilled, and the table is set for a typical O’Mallery family barbecue. Barbecue centers on around the O’Mallerys, a dysfunctional group of siblings who come together for a barbecue in the park to stage an emergency intervention for their sister Barbara, whose drug habit has gotten out of hand. There are in fact two O’Mallery families, one white and one black. Each appear in different, yet similar scenes that juxtapose to create a dialogue about racial and family politics. Their ham-handed intervention ignites the fuse of this raucous and rollicking new comedy that skewers our warped view of the American family.

From Obie and Helen Hayes Award winner Robert O’Hara, this Barbecue serves up a healthy helping of sibling love and loathing.

Strong language and subject matter. Appropriate for 16+

Barbecue’s cast and crew include director Aurelia Belfield and actors Gerald Campbell, Lakeisha Coffey, Hazel Edmond, Ali Evarts, David Henderson, Kyma Lassiter, Jenny Latimer, Kelly Mizell, Julie Oliver and Eden Sharp.

Review

In a post show survey, I gave this show, ticketing & the lobby/bar experience ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ 5 stars!

We received an email prior to the show advising what to expect and also our tickets were sent electronically making it simple to just have scanned at the door upon arrival. We both enjoyed the LIVE pre-show music in the lobby courtesy of Colin Yates while sipping on their signature cocktail ‘The O’Mallery Intervention’ . Every good barbecue has drinks and snacks, so it was good to know that the theater had concessions for its patrons to enjoy in a spacious, beautiful lobby area. Patrons also were able to view and purchase paintings by Burlington, N.C.-painter Derrick Holloway, which will be displayed in the theatre’s lobby throughout the run of the show. There’s plenty of FREE Parking at Theatre Raleigh also so that deserves a bonus ⭐️!

Barbecue serves up the heat – with hot tempers, hot topics, and a family that’s a hot mess! While Barbeque was quite humorous and entertaining, the overall message I was left with was that familial dysfunction has no race or class. The play simply laid out that fact in the rawest way possible in using addiction as that vehicle.

Family Info-Share The Show

Theatre Raleigh is excited to provide “Share the Show”, an on site, show-themed theatre entertainment program for children of patrons.

This program is presented by Seed Art Share, a nonprofit based in the Triangle area with a mission to create community through interactive site-specific theatre performances, arts education, and parent-artist support programs Not only do their teaching artists provide an entertaining and safe environment for kids, but their staff of experienced arts integration professionals create show-specific, thematic activities that give children and parents a shared experience of the themes in the play.

The program for Barbecue will be available during our matinee performance on October 28th. Reservations are now open and only $25 per child!

For more information on this offering, to reserve your spot, and to learn more about Seed Art Share, please visit theatreraleigh.com/share-the-show

Theatre & Tickets Info

Theatre Raleigh is a professional, non-profit theater company based in Raleigh, N.C. dedicated to inclusion and diversity, enriching our community through innovative and intimate theatrical experiences. *Tax deductible donations are accepted to help bring magic to the stage! Donate >>>>here.

From Oct. 18-29, “Barbecue” performances will be 8 p.m. Wednesday-Saturday, 2 p.m. Saturday and 3 p.m. Sunday. Support the arts and purchase tickets at: theatreraleigh.secure.force.com/ticket/#/

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

February 4, 2023SobeSavvy 3 Comments

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

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!

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.

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!

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.

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.

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.

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Thanks for the memories Wilmington,NC and Beaches

Girls Trip Travel Guide @WilmingtoNCoast @CarolinaBeachNC

June 1, 2022SobeSavvy 1 Comment

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.

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.

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/

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

March 11, 2022SobeSavvy 1 Comment

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 | Fun Tips For Your Mountain Weekend Winter Vacay in Asheville, NC

January 22, 2021SobeSavvy Leave a comment

In our home, we try to apply this rule Long Weekends = Family Vacay
..and since we all had MLK Day off Monday + our daughter had no school on Tuesday due to a teacher workday,
it was the perfect reason to take a roadtrip and enjoy a change of scenery! This time we made plans to drive to Asheville, NC.

From Raleigh, NC it took us about 4 hours to arrive. Our 9 year old was so excited to have a mountain vacay and so were we! Although this is not our first time visiting AVL, it has been quite a few years and she doesn’t remember much. Our experience will be different, new memories will be made and a balance of fun and relaxtion is always on the agenda.
If you are planning a family trip to Asheville, NC this winter, take a look at our family vacay experience featuring some kid-friendly and family fun tips for you to enjoy!

Arrive | Saturday

SEE & SIP: We made a pit stop in Black Mountain, NC to see the Roberta Flack Mural located on the side of the Black Mountain Brewing building. I am a big fan of her music and was excited to see how they paid homage to this African American female artist! While there, make sure to have one of their unique beers that are brewed daily and see why this area is known for it’s craft beer culture and breweries. For the kids, they have chips and a food truck on the outside patio to grab snacks from.

SobeSavvy Tip: If you are bringing the family pet along, no worries… friendly dogs in leashes are allowed!

EAT: We were ready to eat lunch when we arrived to Asheville and Itto Ramen Bar & Tapas fit the bill because the menu offers something for the whole family. We started with some tasty tapas (my kid loved the Itto gyoza dumplings and Itto Buns were perfect for my family of 3 because you get 3 to an order). If you enjoy sushi, the Yellowtail Jalapeno is a must try! Want something deliciously fried: order the Crab Rangoon or Takoyaki Balls!

Also on the menu are salads, cocktails/drink menu, wine, beer, sake, desserts as well as signature ramen. It was nice to warm up with a bowl of ramen that features broth that has been cooked for 7 to 9 hours!
They make 3 vats of broth daily that make 300 broth bowls. If your kid loves slurping up noodles like ours, then you must try their house-made ramen. I tried the Itto House Special Ramen, which is brothless but still full of amazing flavors! I am still dreaming about how good that dish is.
There are many gluten free and vegan options on the menu and they are proudly serving local fresh veggies, pork from Hickory Gap Farms and local beer also. My husband and I ordered from the Itto cocktails menu and made a toast to celebrate our safe arrival to Asheville and this amazing dining experience at Itto Ramen Bar & Tapas.

STAY: After hearing about our friends and their 2 kids stay at the Asheville Cottages, I knew it would have the right mix of rustic & luxury that my family would be satisfied with. Wifi for the hubby, a fire pit to make s’mores for the kid and a private hot tub for me! Our vacation rental cabin exceeded our expectations and we felt right at home. We stayed in The Chestnut, which is one of their 1 bedroom cottages. Overall, it was clean, cozy, and comfortable. We loved the location and surrounding views of the woods. Having a full kitchen along with a gas grill on the back deck allowed us to enjoy making meals together just like we would at home. A few things I don’t have at home that I wish I did now that I’ve experienced it here are the King -sized Select Comfort Sleep Number Bed and heated bathroom floors/toilet seat/towel rack. With so many extras, I most definitely would recommend Asheville Cottages for your next stay!

SobeSavvy Tip: Before you go, we shopped for a few hot tub accessories on Amazon to bring with us like this hot tub light that changes colors and some inflatable drink holders !

https://www.instagram.com/p/CKPeOOBgDQX/?igshid=9iynztbgzvna

Sunday Funday

SEE: Located in Downtown Asheville, the Asheville Art Museum showcases 20th/21st century American Art along with a concentration on work with significance to the Southeast. After learning of it’s 24+ million expansion in 2019, this museum was on my must see list! From the glass facade to The Oculus, which features a 15 foot viewing window and all the amazing art, photography, crafts and glass being housed here amongst the galleries, there is so much to see! We spent our time looking at the various artworks in 10 different Exhibitions and learning about it’s Collection. Did you know that the Asheville Art Museum is a collecting institution and serves all 24 counties in Western NC? You can explore this museum both in person and virtually via their website!

SobeSavvy Tip: Families, make sure to take advantage of the programs and some of the fun activities available for kids while there. We printed their downloadable coloring sheets and note cards for the whole family to enjoy!

SobeSavvy Tip: Café access is free for Members or included with Museum admission. Members get a 10 percent discount with code AAMMember.

https://www.instagram.com/p/CKUGJi9nmnl/?igshid=q9ztcov8f038

DO: Add Hummingbird Candle Co. to your must do list when you visit Asheville for a unique candle-making experience. Shop and/or book an Interactive Candle Making Experience, with over 32 Scents to choose from using products that are earth-friendly. It’s the perfect Family (for kids age 7+) or Couples Date Night, Girls Night or Me Time fun anytime!

SobeSavvy Tip: Join the Insider Group for an Exclusive First Look at ALL of their NEW Items and Sales! You’ll receive 10% off your First Purchase TOO!

https://www.instagram.com/reel/CKKYNNvnXg6/?igshid=1cpfw4wawj4ms

Depart | Monday

READ: During our stay, I got to relax, relate and read! Here is a book recommendation to pick up before your next trip to Asheville: 📗EVEN AS WE BREATHE, the 1st novel published by a member of the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians, is partially set in Asheville,NC during WWII and tackles difficult social/cultural/ethnic divides.
Author Annette Saunooke Clapsaddle has definitely written a fictional page- turner and is a wonderful writer! I started reading this book before plus during our trip and it was the perfect vacation read.

SHOP: Ladies, (and all those who like to save & shop) I was happy to discover the Asheville Outlets were just minutes away from where we were staying. After we checked out of our cottage at 11am, we headed there to see what bargains we could find. I got a belted puffer coat with faux fur hood on clearance at Banana Republic orig $189.99 for just $25‼️ Old Navy had something for the whole fam and our kid loved her new combat boots from Famous Footwear. There were so many quality brands to shop from but so little time (since we were departing from Asheville). However, it will be at the top of my list our next trip here!

SobeSavvy Tip: Make sure to check out these coupons from the Asheville Outlets for extra shopping savings!

Honor MLK: Reverend Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. once said ” We know that to bring justice, love and friendship, we must build strong communities that foster these things.”
We learned via Facebook that the Burton Street Peace Gardens, where they have an area of art dedicated to
Dr. King, would be a good place to visit to see how they honor his words and legacy, while supporting the community.

Before you go, check out ExploreAsheville.com for some insight ahead of your trip. You can find the latest roundups and newsy tidbits with updated information for the current world we live in here.

This winter family vacay was enjoyed by all! From the joy our daughter had just being in the mountains, to my husband spending so much time in the hot tub that I nicknamed him Jacuzzi Joe to me having fun remaking this ” Let It Snow ” video, we truly enjoyed our time in Asheville, NC.