North Hills

Tips for a Self-Care Staycation in Raleigh, NC ft. @achotelraleigh @level7roofbar and more in @visitnorthhills + GIVEAWAY 🎉

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Tips for a Staycation in Raleigh, NC

Tips for a Staycation in Raleigh, NC | Photo Credit: @SobeSavvy for SobeSavvy.com

Hi..my name is Leslie. I am a 47 year old mother to a lovely daughter age 9 and married to a wonderful husband for all most 22 years. And while I love them dearly, after us all being at home together for work, school and everything in between, this mama NEEDED a self-care break. I knew just the place where I could relax, recharge and reward myself! I headed to North Hills in Raleigh,NC where there are plenty of options to STAY, EAT, PLAY for a nice getaway! I want to share some tips on planning your next self-care getaway, PLUS giveaway some 2 gift cards to 2 lucky readers/followers to use for their staycation/vacation/momcation/solocation/daycation or whatever you want to call it..remember, you deserve it! Details in how to enter to follow, but first here are some tips:

STAY

AC Hotel Raleigh North Hills

Part of self-care for me is taking time out for oneself, getting good sleep, being in a clean environment and having personal space to be creative. AC Hotel Raleigh provides all of that along with being convenient to everything North Hills has to offer. After my one night stay, I woke up renewed and ready to seize the day! Check out my IG post/photos to get an inside look of the King w/sofa bed guest room:

You can literally walk out of the hotel doors to many options for dining and entertainment or opt to stay in and head up to their Level7 rooftop bar! They offer good drinks, good food and good vibes making it the perfect hangout spot!

Take a look at my IG reel to get a feel of what Level7 is like on a Sunday night:

I made sure before checking out to utilize their fantastic fitness center and I may have stayed in their waterfall shower much longer than I would at home. I loved the green tea/lemongrass shower gel which smelled so good!

EAT

STIR Raleigh

Across the street from the AC Hotel Raleigh is one of my favorite restaurants in North Hills, named STIR Raleigh. From the creative cocktails, to the flavorful food along with the beautiful decor and great staff, I love dining there. Sit inside or outside and just treat your tastebuds to something amazing from their menu.

#SobeSavvyGiveaway: Speaking of a treat, here is your chance to enter GIVEAWAY #1 for a $50 gift card to STIR Raleigh! *no IG, no problem. Just comment on this blog post what you would have at STIR

Here are some other nearby dining suggestions that I enjoyed during my staycation in North Hills.

For breakfast: Another Broken Egg

For Lunch/Dinner: bartaco

PLAY

Kings Dining & Entertainment

Right next to the AC Hotel Raleigh is KINGS Dining and Entertainment. I actually went there prior to check in to past the time as well as enjoy a bit of Sunday Funday! They offered a couple of drink specials and I ordered the Tequila Sunrise, which was just $4! I paired it with some wings and played a few games. Families were bowling, friends were shooting pool and I saw some few couples on a date! If you want some fun on your staycation agenda, I recommend going to KINGS in North Hills.

PLAY

#NorthHillsArt

Tour public art for free during your stay in North Hills by taking an Art Walk >>click here for full listing! One of the perks of being a hotel guest at AC HOTEL Raleigh is the use of a free bicycle during your stay. I had so much fun riding around and exploring North Hills!

SobeSavvy Tip: I made an appointment on a whim for a mani -pedi service at Midtown Nail Spa in North Hills. It’s steps away from AC Hotel Raleigh and across from Another Broken Egg. I enjoyed complimentary Sangria and Vinnie gave great customer service. Getting pampered while on a self-care staycation is a must!

https://www.instagram.com/p/CQHVXO3nVet/?utm_medium=copy_link

GIVEAWAY

As you can see, North Hills is “The Place To Be” in Raleigh, NC and the perfect place to enjoy a Self-Care Staycation! I hope this blog post has inspired you take some time for yourself and delight in a change of scenery. Use my tips and discover some places to enjoy on your own in North Hills. They have plenty of shopping options as well to enjoy some retail therapy and I’d like to giveaway a giftcard for 1 lucky winner to do just that!

#SobeSavvyGiveaway: Here is your chance to enter GIVEAWAY #2 for a $50 gift card to use at almost any store, restaurant or salon in North Hills! *(some exceptions apply). To enter, like and comment on this blog post where you would go in North Hills. For an extra entry, share this blog post via IG, FACEBOOK, Twitter, Pinterest and tag @SobeSavvy |SobeSavvy.com

A random winner will be chosen Monday, June 21, 2021 at noon.

Good Luck!

Thank you for reading and I hope a staycation/vacation is in your future! Until next time….

Wish You Were Here art mural

Leslie Heigh , Founder of SobeSavvy.com kicks of her Raleigh, NC Staycation in front of the Wish You Were Here Art Mural in North Hills | photo credit: SobeSavvy.com, @sobesavvy

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Where to Eat in Raleigh for Triangle Restaurant Week|41Hundred @41hundredlounge @TriRestWeek @VisitNorthHills

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41Hundred Dinner Menu for Triangle Restaurant Week Jan 2020

Foodies get ready! Triangle Restaurant Week is here, beginning Monday (Jan. 20-26, 2020) and we get to enjoy menu deals for lunch and dinner at some of our favorite restaurants. This is a good time to make your reservations at places you’ve always wanted to try. Or perhaps return to a restaurant you may have been to before but can now try something new and different from the menu. Since there are so many premier places to choose from, I thought I would help by giving you a my review of the special menu from one of my favorite restaurants, 41Hundred.

About 41Hundred |Located at 4100 Main at North Hills St. in Raleigh, 41Hundred is the new concept inside of the Renaissance Raleigh North Hills Hotel. 41Hundred offers simply sophisticated, international cuisine crafted by Executive Chef Kevin Smith and team.

DINNER MENU

Known for their memorable food and drink selections, 41Hundred is all about using fresh, local high quality ingredients in their dishes. You can expect food that is simple, yet beautifully prepared and full of flavor. Triangle Restaurant Week is a great opportunity to experience 41Hundred‘s culinary chops at a great value. For $30 p/p, here is what is offered on their special dinner menu:

• First Course

Although my guest, the beautiful Anna Haddock, & I had dined at 41Hundred before, we were both excited to try what was on the menu. Our server was helpful and ready to answer any questions for us. The Seafood Gumbo was the perfect start for both of us on this winter evening. Not only did it warm my heart but left an impression on my soul! It had a nice amount of flavor and was chock full of shrimp, crab, sausage, baby scallops & okra. One Word: AMAZING

• Second Course

No matter if you are doing Whole 30, Paleo, Keto, or you are a meat-lover, a seafoodie or vegetarian, you’ll find something you’ll like on this menu. I ordered the Sea Bass, not only because I love seafood but the candied bacon listed as one of the ingredients used in this dish was calling my name! It was served with smoked fontina grits, king trumpet mushrooms and pomodoro. Each bite was better than the last. One Word: INCREDIBLE

If you love a nice tender piece of meat that falls of its bone, order the Osso Buco. It is prepared with a saffron sweet pea risotto, roasted baby vegetables and love. We were both impressed by the portion size and how tasty it was! One Word: SATISFYING

• Third Course

Whatever you do remember the following Four Words: SAVE👏 ROOM👏 FOR👏 DESSERT. 41Hundred has two options on their TRW menu, one of them I recognized from their regular menu: The Blueberry Cobbler Cheesecake. The berry compote added a nice tart freshness to the sweet and creamy cheesecake. We loved it!

The second dessert option was created by the sous chef and is called The Impossible Cake. It is a chocolate cake layered with a caramel custard, similar to a flan on top. It comes with caramel sauce, whipped cream and bourbon pecans. We both enjoyed the combination of flavors.

**SobeSavvy Tip: Did you know you can stop in for lunch at 41Hundred during Triangle Restaurant Week and enjoy 3 courses for just $15 p/p?! Take a look at this fantastic menu ⤵️

Overall our dining experience was a great one filled with new foodie memories! Not only did we enjoy the service, but the 3 course meal from 41Hundred left a lasting good impression! **What dish is calling you in to dine at 41Hundred for TRIANGLE RESTAURANT WEEK? Let me know in the comments below and thanks for reading!

**Also, be sure to follow me on social media and stay tuned all week to see more of SobeSavvy.com’s Triangle Restaurant Week options. Up Next: STIR Raleigh
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📍41Hundred

4100 Main at North Hills Street

Raleigh, NC 27609

Connect with 41Hundred on Instagram, Facebook and Twitter.

#FoodieFriday | Family Dining at FIREBIRDS Wood Fired Grill #NorthHills @FirebirdsGrill #Raleigh

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Happy Friday! Time for another drool-worthy Foodie Friday Feature. This time I am highlighting Firebirds Wood Fired Grill. Have you ever been? We have three locations here in the Triangle [Durham/Southpoint Mall, Morrisville and Raleigh/North Hills]. I had gone before to enjoy their Happy Hour but I did not know about their amazing Kids Menu! I learned more about the restaurant at the North Hills Block Party event and was interested in dining there with my family. We went there for lunch on Sunday prior to seeing The Nutcracker and The Four Realms and had an enjoyable experience. From the great service to the tastiness of the food and the welcoming atmosphere, I would definitely recommend dining at Firebirds!

Drinks/Appetizer

With a full bar featuring an extensive wine list and creative cocktails, there are so many beverage choices to choose from. Our waiter kindly suggested we try a few of their non-alcoholic craft beverages. I am so glad he did because the Strawberry Basil Cooler and Wild Berry Ginger Craft Soda were both refreshing.

Firebirds partners with an organization called “Alex’s Lemondade Stand“. They contribute a portion of every lemonade sale to this pediatric cancer foundation. So naturally we ordered a lemonade for our daughter!

We had the Lobster Spinach Queso as a shareable appetizer. Chunks of lobster and fresh spinach in delicious high quality queso cheese with bell peppers. Tri-colored tortilla chips came with it. Simply one of the best quesos I have ever had! Three words of advice: ORDER.THIS.APPETIZER.

Recommended: Lobster Spinach Queso

https://www.instagram.com/p/BpzxNxGn-wQ/?utm_source=ig_share_sheet&igshid=z9bi4ra8euld

Kids Menu

I was very happy to see that the food offered to little ones are from a KidsLiveWell approved menu. Not many restaurants have this healthy recognition for most of the items on their kids menu, so I am pleased to see this and spread the word to other parents!

The Kids Live Well program verifies that certain kids dishes meets or exceed child nutritional standards. They have 5 entrees and 3 sides that meet this standard. Their kids menu has everything from shrimp tacos and wood grilled mahi to ribs. My daughter wanted the ribs. They came fall- off -the -bone tender with a honey barbeque sauce. She chose fresh fruit and brocolli for healthy sides. Fries came out in error so it was a bonus side for her.

Speaking of bonus, the Kids Menu itself is a mini activity book unlike anothet focusing on important values and interviews from Kid Heros. For more Kids Fun Visit FIREBIRDSKIDS.COM

Entreés

If I had to describe their entrees with one word it would be delicious. Firebirds offers so many yummy options on their menu and what we each ordered was tasty, flavorful, and satisfying!

My husband went with their Filet Mignon which was cooked to a perfect medium at his request. It came tender with a side of mashed potatoes and port mushrooms. Every steak they serve is aged a minimum of 21 days.Top quality and great taste.

Recommended: Filet Mignon is a staple on the menu. Their kitchen is a scratch kitchen and all of their steaks and seafood are hand-cut in house.

I went with the wood grilled salmon. It was basted with key lime butter and veggies. At my waiter’s suggestion, I got it chile rubbed style. In fact he advised that you can request anything on the menu to be chile rubbed. I added a skewer of shrimp and a side of Southwest Au Gratin Potatoes. We all enjoyed the gooey baked goodness of that side dish!

Dessert

Four Words.: SAVE.ROOM.FOR.DESSERT ! Firebirds offers an array of terrific desserts like Warm Chocolate Brownies, Key Lime Pie, Chocolate Cake and a White Chocolate Mousse. But me and my sweet tooth are here to testify that their Creme Brulee Cheesecake will knock your socks off ! Such a fantasic sweet ending to a fantastic meal!

Recommended: Crème Brulee Cheesecake

SobeSavvy Tip: Firebirds offers dishes featuring ingredients for that season. The next seasonal feature is not until their Winter Features which will launch on November 28th. Be sure to mark your calenders and make reservations [on OpenTable] today! Plus, join the Firebirds Inner Circle for updates. Check out more from Firebirds on their website.

Also Firebirds is honoring our Veterans on Monday with this awesome deal⤵️

Firebirds is an excellent choice for a date night, meeting with friends, celebrating a special occassion or simply dining with family in a nice casual setting. Adults and kids can find alot to love about Firebirds. I know we enjoyed everything about our meal and look forward to dining here again!

Thank you to Firebirds for hosting SobeSavvy.com at your Raleigh North Hills location for Lunch. My opinions of the dining experience are 100% my own!

FIREBIRDS Wood Fired Grill

North Hills

4350 Lassiter At NORTH HILLS Ave. Ste 118, Raleigh,NC 27609

919.788.8778

Raleigh.FirebirdsRestaurants.com

Looking for a #SundayFunday #Staycation in #Raleigh ? Visit #NorthHills + @RenRaleigh #renhotels

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Disclaimer: This post is in partnership with Renaissance Raleigh North Hills Hotel, however the opinions/photos 100% are my own.

People like to ask the question: If you could pack up and go on a mini vacation, where would you go? For me, sometimes the fun can be found right in your own city! I shared in a previous post that North Hills is a great place to Stay, Eat, Play when looking for a staycation getaway. Well last Sunday, I revisted North Hills and checked into the newly renovated Renaissance Raleigh North Hills Hotel.

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SUNDAY FUNDAY + Things to Do 

If you follow my Instagram @SobeSavvy and checked out my Instastories, you may have seen the shopping and dining fun I had in North Hills. My family and I strolled along before picking up my birthday freebie at Sephora. We then made a lunch stop at one of our favorite pizza spots, Pielogy before checking in. There are just so many ways to spend the day in North Hills and Renaissance Raleigh is conveniently close to all of the exciting things to do!

Renaissance Raleigh is just steps away from endless shopping, dining and exciting entertainment in the coveted North Hills

In addition to family fun options, there are plenty of date nights spots and places to go with your girlfriends in North Hills.  I met 
up with 2 friends to enjoy Level 7 Rooftop Bar‘s latest cocktail, Frosé which is Frozen Rosé Wine. It left a great impression on us ladies which I shared on video>>here. 

Say Frosé ! @Level 7 Rooftop Bar                                          

I also met up with some fellow NC Bloggers for a “Bloggers and Bar Bites” sampling event at BoneFish Grill which I had the pleasure of hosting. They have new menu items on their hand-crafted Happy Hour (which is EVERYDAY) that you can read more about >>here. After all the Sunday Funday was had, it was nice to not have to drive home but to enjoy an overnight stay right there at Renaissance Raleigh North Hills Hotel.

STAY

The Renaissance Raleigh North Hills Hotel is a four star property with 229 rooms, meeting spaces and a new bar/restaurant/lounge named 41Hundred. In case you missed it, read about the Grand Opening >> here and the many reasons you should drink and dine there.
The entire hotel recently went through a renovation, so I thought it would be great to feature and share with my local SobeSavvy readers who want to know where to go for staycation. I had a chance to experience their luxury hospitality with my husband and our daughter and it was such a wonderful stay!

Renaissance Raleigh North Hills Hotel Lobby | Photo Credit: Barry Heigh, SobeSavvy.com

The bright and airy lobby had flowing ceiling artwork and this beautiful spiral staircase that was ideal for a fun mini-photo shoot before my night out with the girls!

The lovely staircase at the Renaissance Raleigh is the perfect place to make a Grand Entrance

Lobby Level of Renaissance Raleigh

Check in was quick and friendly. Our room, a 2 Queen + sofabed type, was very spacious and our daughter, who is fondly referred to on the blog as #outandaboutAva, made herself right at home! 

Our Princess, #outandaboutAva , enjoys a Queen size bed !

Sofabed + 7th Floor Views at Renaissance Raleigh North Hills Hotel

The room decor had a style that while modern was still classic. My husband realized that we did not have to tune into our daughtet’s tablet for her favorite shows because their state of the art flat smart TV screen allowed us to sign into our Netflix account just as if we were home! There was also plenty of connectivity throughout the room for all of our laptops, tablets and cellphones. 

In room work space at Renaissance Raleigh

So our daughter liked the beds, my husband was fond of the technology, as for me my favorite thing was the bathroom shower. It was A-MAZING! Besides the normal showerhead, it had two separate horizontal water jets which basically gives you a back massage while showering. Pure bliss.Their Aveda products were just the icing on the cake for me as far as amenities.

WORK + PLAY 

The second floor of the lobby is what I like to refer to as their ‘living lounge’. It’s part contemporary living room, part modern lounge with an open space which includes plenty of comfy couches, a ping pong table and a couple of connect five board games set up for anyone to use them while socializing and having a few drinks. Another reason this refined lounge area represents ‘living” to me is because of the use of outdoor elements for indoor decor. 

Lounge Area | Renaissance Raleigh North Hills Hotel

Family Fun Spaces at Renaissance Raleigh North Hills Hotel

My daughter turned to Disney Channel and we played a few games of connect four +ping pong! This use of space is fun and creative. They also have various size boardroom and conference areas for you to book your corporate needs.

Exterior of Pavane Boardroom at Renaissance Raleigh

DINE

After a restful night, we enjoyed a wonderful breakfast buffet in their unique lobby restaurant, 41Hundred. 

Breakfast Buffet at 41Hundred Restaurant | Renaissance Raleigh Hotel

There were plenty of choices on the buffet which includes the option of made to order omelettes, pancakes or french toast from the a la carte menu.  The variety of fresh fruit and pastries on the buffet caught our eyes as well. Everything was delicious! My husband who is a breakfast enthusiast, said their “Breakfast was fit for a King” ! Yep, my King’s breakfast stamp of approval means alot. Dining here was a great way to start the day prior to check out. 

Rise & Dine ! Enjoying the Breakfast Buffet at 41Hundred Restaurant,Renaissance Raleigh North Hills Hotel

My #HeighPartyof3 enjoyed our staycation here. Good Food ✔ Comfortable Beds✔ Great Service✔ Awesome Amenites✔ Convenient Location✔…they had all the bases covered and hit a home run in our minds! When seeking a local staycation hotel, make Renaissance Raleigh North Hills Hotel one of your top choices.

Exterior View Renaissance Raleigh North Hills Hotel

Renaissance Raleigh North Hills Hotel

4100 Main St at North Hills

RALEIGH, NC 27609

Looking for a daily #HappyHour in #Raleigh ? Try @BoneFishGrill #BoneFishHH Cocktails🍹+Bar Bites🍴

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Disclaimer: Thanks to Bonefish Grill in Raleigh North Hills for hosting me, along with fellow Raleigh/Durham bloggers for my #SobeSavvyEats series. Complimentary bar bites + cocktails were provided for our #SundayFunday meetup, however my opinion for this review is 100% my own.

#SobeSavvyEats Event~ ‘Bloggers & Bar Bites’ Happy Hour ~BoneFish Grill Raleigh, NC

Yesterday was a ‘Sunday Funday’ I will never forget thanks to seven blogger baes and one of my favorite restaurants! After a long year of studying, I wanted to celebrate the passing of my CPC exam with some fellow foodie friends, who are also NC Bloggers/Influencers. After hearing about the New Hand-Crafted Happy Hour menu at Bonefish Grill, I knew that would be the perfect place to meetup! 

A high top table for our large group was reserved in the bar area (which is generally first come, first served seating). After being greeted by staff, it was time to put in our drink order. 


COCKTAILS | Tonight we had two options to try:  Fresh Watermelon Martini or..

.. Sparkling Blue Hawaiian Martini 

Both of these cocktails were refreshing, made with fresh ingredients and beautiful to the eye. Not only did they look good but it was love at first sip for me! If you are looking for eternal summer in a glass, these are the cocktails to choose. 

BAR BITES | The menu consisted of these six $6 items ranging from seafood to beef.

Everyone enjoyed the variety of options on the bar bites menu and I discovered some personal faves that I can’t wait to eat again! Take a look at what BoneFish Grill is offering up during Happy Hour, daily from 4pm-6:30pm:

Crispy Cod Sliders

~  Fresh Alaskan Cod served on 2 potato buns with lettuce, tomato and a signature sauce. This is no McDonald’s fish filet. It’s a healthier, tastier option for fish sandwich lovers.

Wagyu Beef Sliders  

~  Want some meat instead? Order the beef sliders! You can’t go wrong with these because its made from Wagyu Beef which makes for 2 juicy mini burgers.

Crispy Au Gratin Bites

~  Every good bar menu requires something starchy right?! Get your carb fix with these cheesy potato bites. Those who do not eat bacon did not try them but those of us who did really liked the crispy au gratin bites, which comes with 2 sauces for your dipping pleasure.

Ahi Tuna Poke 

~  We had a self-proclaimed ‘poke snob’ amongst us, as well as someone who never tried raw tuna before who gave this dish a thumbs up! This dish paired with the Sparkling Blue Hawaiian drink will transport your tastebuds to a beach in Hawaii. This was one of my favorites.

Calamari 

~  I liked the asian twist on this classic dish. Instead of marinara or cocktail sauce, you get a sweet/spicy sauce on the side. Not too greasy and flash fried with peppers and asian noodles, this is a great dish to share with other calamari fans.

Prince Edward Island Mussels Josephine 

~  Although this is a nice sharing portion, this is one bar bite I did not want to share! Simply because I love mussels and these were my favorite out of everything we tried. You are going to want some of BoneFish Grill’s bread to dip in the flavorful broth and enjoy…by yourself!

SOBESAVVY TIP: Today only, All Day enjoy $5 Martini Mondays

I am happy to advise I will be back for the Hand-Crafted Happy Hour ! The all-new menu items and hand-crafted cocktails are something you are going to want to enjoy with family, friends, co-workers, loved ones or even by yourself (if you don’t want to share the mussels like me~lol). It starts daily at 4p.m. and end times vary by location. Please check your location page for location-specific Happy Hour offerings and times. Prices, product availability, participation and hours may vary by location.
Again, Cheers to everyone who joined me for a #SobeSavvyEats Sunday Funday and special thanks to BoneFish Grill ! The new Hand-crafted Happy Hour is not to be missed!

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Also, check out my fun video recap on YouTube : https://youtu.be/LNHMfyr6sT8

Bonefish Grill 
4421 Six Forks Rd

Raleigh, NC 27609

4 Reasons Why You Don’t Wanna Miss the Grand Opening @41HundredLounge on 7/25 @RenRaleigh

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Raleigh..and the surrounding Triangle,have you heard?! A new, multi-level bar is celebrating it’s grand opening tomorrow and let me tell you: YOU DON’T WANT TO MISS IT ! Step inside and experience the new 41Hundred Restaurant & Lounge!

I had the chance to enjoy a media lunch and a sneak peak tour of the beautiful 41Hundred, located at 4100 Main St. at North Hills inside the renovated Renaissance Raleigh North Hills Hotel. We got to meet excutive Chef Dean Thompson and tried some of his crafted sharable plates described as “simple sophisticated, international cuisine”. During the tour (see some of my photos here), he encouraged us all to tell everyone to come out to the grand opening celebration! Here are 4 Reasons Why:

  1. THE AMBIANCE The new 41Hundred and 41Hundred Lounge has a lobby level and upstairs. I would describe both areas as having a casual ambiance and suitable for hotel guests, North Hill visitors and locals. They wanted to create an uncomplicated space that brings the outdoors inside and I believe they suceeded!
  2. THE FULL BARThis is a stylish bar area I would bring anyone to who enjoys good libations. Step to the bar, order beer, wine, a cocktail or drop by for their house-aged whiskey. Come watch a game on any of their number of flat screen tvs or plug in to any of their usb outlets. And ladies whether you are there to work or werk, there are purse hooks by the bar. I love that kind of attention to detail, don’t you?!
  3. THE FOODThe food we got to sample was from the sharable plates menu.  They offer unique dishes like oxtail poutine and took my taste buds on a journey to Korea with their Korean BBQ wings (pictured above) and my fave dish tuna poke had me on the beaches of Hawaii!And if you just want to satisfy your sweet tooth try the Chef’s Hot Cheesecake or the locally made ice cream exclusively sold there. Come get a taste of shareable plates, you won’t want to share! 


  4. IT’S FREE !

As per the flyer, come out and enjoy complimentary bites from the 41 hundred menu and drink samples from Topo Distillery, Bombshell Beet Company & Aviator Brewing Company. 

I plan to be there to support and celebrate! Be sure to follow @SobeSavvy Twitter/IG/Facebook for event highlights. Come out and see why this is not your average hotel bar for yourself. Hope to see you there !

#Raleigh Summer Staycation Ideas | Where to STAY,EAT,PLAY #NorthHills @achotelsraleigh @level7roofbar

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Disclaimer: I was given a complimentary stay at the AC Hotels Marriott Raleigh and hosted by Level 7 to provide my perspective and share my thoughts. All opinions expressed in my review are honest and my own.

A recent study came out from wallet.hub that listed 2017’s Best & Worst Cities for Staycation and I was surprised that Raleigh did not make the Top 10 list! I’d like to change that by providing a Where to stay -eat-play Staycation guide for some of my fave areas in the Triangle. First area I’d like to share is Raleigh’s Midtown area-North Hills and it’s newest hotel, AC Hotel by Marriott.

STAY 

We checked into the brand new AC Hotel by Marriott, located in the trendy North Hills area of Raleigh. This select brand of hotel
in the Marriott family is unlike any of their others. Stylish and functional is how I would describe this place. The design is open showcasing simplicity at its best. Their website describes it as ” It’s an experience that has been designed to give you the essentials”.

Some hotel highlights:

  • Nice minimalist rooms with a sofa bed (suitable for our 5yr old) and great rain showerheads. We requested an accessible room as those have a bathtub. 
  • Beautifully functional gym area with an actual professional grade spinning/cycling bike
  • Artsy public spaces. European sleek feel abounds everywhere.

Great place for business travelers and couples alike. Although we were there with our little one, this brand is not specifically marketed to families like some of their other properties. However, our daughter and her cabbage patch kid enjoyed their stay! 

AC Hotels Raleigh North Hills 

101 Park at North Hills St             Raleigh, NC 27609

EAT….and Drink!


Inside the AC Hotels Raleigh North Hills, lies Level7, the new hotspot rooftop bar accessible to hotel guests, visitors and locals. Guests take an elevator ride to the 7th Floor which leads to both an indoor space (AC Lounge) and outdoor rooftop bar (Level 7).  

The beautiful AC Lounge indoor space resembles a gorgeous living room/bar , while Level 7 allows you to step out onto the open air patio, with oversized bone white lamps, comfy loungers and sofas.  

We got to sample the Level 7 experience
at dusk this past Saturday and despite the rains earlier that day, there was quite the scene. Some guests were sitting at the inside bar or enjoying the game on the big flat screen tvs outside. We decided to sit outside on the high top stools overlooking views of North Hills. 

They also have some community tables if you decide to come with a small group of friends to enjoy inventive craft cocktails and tapas. The outside also has their own exclusive bar so guests never need to go back inside to keep “hydrated”.

Their carefully curated cocktail menu caught our attention as it has so many interesting choices. Choosing one was a challenge so we decided to have a pair a piece. The management gave us a sneak peek at their brand new updated cocktail list. If you love margaritas, be sure to order the following:Midtown Margarita – Casaamigos Anejo, St Germain, Lemon juice and Blood Orange. It was an amazing twist on a all time classic!

I also tried the Raspberry Lemonade– Vodka, LemonJuice, Fresh raspberries and Peychaud’s and my husband enjoyed his cocktail called…

Lassiter– Basil Hayden, Black Walnut Bitters, Simple Syrup and Lemon Peel
All drinks were awesome and went even better with some of their tapas plates. We had a variety of samples from their eclectic choices. Here are some you must try:

  • Charcuterie platter

  • Roasted wings made with their in house made spice rub
  • Pork belly served with yellow rice                                                                 We took advantage of having a few hours to ourselves while our little one was at a Parent’s Night Out event. This is a perfect date night spot to enjoy cocktails and conversation while relaxing and enjoying small bites with a view.

Level 7 Roof Bar/AC Lounge

102 Park at North Hills St 

Raleigh,NC 27609

More Dining Options Nearby

Zoe’s Kitchen : Casual, Family-Friendly Mediteranean Fare. Open for lunch and dinner. Serves Beer and Wine. Has outside seating. (We dined here for an early dinner with our daughter after check-in. Because of their healthy kid’s menu options, this place is a family favorite. Read my review here)

Bonefish Grill : This restaurant is known for its amazing seafood lunch and dinner  options but do you know they serve Sunday Brunch? That’s where we dined after checking out of the hotel at noon. (See here for past review of Sunday Brunch) Reservations are recommended.

PLAY


If you have ever been to North Hills , then you know there are plenty of spaces to play, shopping….

…restaurants, movies and more! Right next to the hotel is Kings Bowl America, which has bowling, billiards, shuffleboard, darts and more. Food and drinks are available too at this entertainment complex.  Its fun for the whole family! 

One of our fave places to let our little one run around while we sit on a bench nearby is a little grassy area right near Ben and Jerry’s and Starbucks. It’s a popular play spot for families.

This Summer or anytime you need a Staycation, and prefer a place with one stop shopping, dining, lodging and play options, consider planning a stay in North Hills, Raleigh’s Midtown and leave with memories and a smile!

Thank you to the management and staff at AC Hotel Raleigh and Level 7 for your wonderful service. Until next time…

WHERE DO YOU PLAN TO VACATION/STAYCATION THIS SUMMER? Share below and Safe Travels!

4 Places to Brunch on Mother’s Day in #Raleigh |@seasons52 @simplycrepes @bonefishgrill @ncartmuseum 

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Raise your hand if you think Mimosas and Moms go together like Sundays and Brunch! Eating brunch is one of my favorite activities no matter what the occasion, so I have compiled a list of some of my favorite brunch spots here in Raleigh, NC. No matter your tastes, there is sure to be something on here that Moms will like. 

SEASONS 52 ~CrabTree Valley Mall                4325 Glenwood Ave- Raleigh, NC 27612

Head to Seasons 52 and experience the wonderful flavors of the season from their a la carte Mother’s Day Brunch Menu. Check out my review here to see more of what they have to offer. Don’t forget to toast to Mom with any of their amazing Brunch Sips! Then take her shopping at Crabtree Valley Mall since the restaurant is conveniently located there.

SIMPLY CREPES~Lafayette Village          8470 Honeycutt Road, Suite 110                    Raleigh, NC 27615

Breakfast is being served all day at Simply Crepes and seating is first come, first served at Raleigh. If the sun is shining, grab a seat on the patio and watch the kids play on the courtyard lawn at Lafayette Village. This place is a family favorite, which I shared in my past restaurant feature. I highly recommend the chicken and waffles on a crepe entree. So good!

IRIS RESTAURANT~ NC Museum of Art 2110 Blue Ridge Road                     Raleigh,NC 27607

Sunday Brunch here is popular on any given weekend partly because people enjoy the food as well as the beautiful atmosphere. The cuisine is innovative and the setting is an expression of art and nature. Read here how I spent the whole day with my family at the North Carolina Museum of Art and what we ate at #NCMAIris. Reservations to dine at Iris Restaurant are a must. Call 919-664-6838

BONEFISH GRILL~North Hills                4421 Six Forks Rd.                                 Raleigh, NC 27609  

If your Mom is like me and loves seafood, along with Brunch cocktails and libations, then I suggest your Mother’s Day Celebration be held at Bonefish Grill. Take a look at my Sunday Brunch review here and hopefully you are inspired to go this Sunday. Afterwards, walk off that brunch and go shopping or catch a movie at North Hills! 

Have you made Mother’s Day Plans? Where do you enjoy Sunday Brunch?

Hope you enjoyed my list and now have some ideas where to take Mom to eat on Mother’s Day for Brunch in Raleigh, NC ! 




#TastyTuesday Spotlight on @BoneFishGrill delicious #SundayBrunch @VisitNorthHills 

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Bonefish Grill https://www.bonefishgrill.com/ has been a mainstay of mine over the years. I used to live on the road almost 200 days a year. If I was working/living in a city then as long as they had a Bonefish Grill, I would be okay !!

The only thing Bonefish Grill was missing was my favorite meal of the week. Brunch. Spending the past 18 years living in Miami Beach, FL { the defacto king city of brunches} I became a expert at this meal. This past Sunday, my family and I headed to the always chic area of Raleigh called North Hills to do brunch the Bonefish Grill way. https://www.bonefishgrill.com/brunch-menu/brunch-favorites

Brunch without mimosas is just a sad breakfast! I am happy to report their mimosas/bellinis are just $5. What a great price for the crown jewel of brunch libations. They also have specialty drinks for a nominal price. I had the mimosa and hubby tried their blackberry sangria. It was out of this world. So we were well hydrated so food was up next.

 

Besides their inventive fresh seafood menu, Bonefish Grill also has stellar service. Our waitress was informative, cheery and efficient. Good service means I will return. Bad service means no matter how good the food is, I will be a one time guest.

They had a myriad of sweet and savory options on their menu. For some reason hubby and I both were in a eggy mood ! I ordered their crab omelette. It came with asparagus and a generous amount of REAL LUMP crab meat on top. Being from Maryland, I take my crabs serious so needless to say, my omelette vanished promptly !

Hubby ordered their twist on the crab benedict. They took traditional crab benedict and instead of ham/canadian bacon they used their uber popular Bang Bang Shrimp and put on an egg benedict ! Yes, it was as good as it sounds. Their hollandaise sauce had a little kick to it and it worked perfectly. I should thought of that !!

To sum it all up, Bonefish Grill is now in the Brunch game. The only question is are you coming to play ? You should.