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

February 4, 2023SobeSavvy 2 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.

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

November 29, 2022SobeSavvy Leave a comment

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 ❤️

Girls Trip Travel Guide @WilmingtoNCoast @CarolinaBeachNC

June 1, 2022SobeSavvy Leave a 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/

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

April 25, 2022SobeSavvy 2 Comments

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

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

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

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 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

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

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

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

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

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

Experience Family Fun at Immersive Van Gogh Exhibit Charlotte #VangoghCLT @Blumenthalarts @goghCLT

July 9, 2021SobeSavvy Leave a comment

Vincent Van Gogh is without question one of the top 5 most well known artists to ever have lived. A failure during his short lifetime, only to be celebrated the world over in death. That celebration has now culminated in a multi media experience called “Immersive Van Gogh”. This exhibit is currently in numerous major cities in The U.S. and opening in even more this fall.

Per their website”, You will be immersed in Van Gogh’s works – from his sunny landscapes and night scenes to his portraits and still life paintings. The installation includes the Mangeurs de pommes de terre (The Potato Eaters, 1885), the Nuit étoilée (Starry Night, 1889), Les Tournesols (Sunflowers, 1888), and La Chambre à coucher (The Bedroom, 1889), and so much more.“

https://www.instagram.com/p/CQ37bZPHt1c/?utm_medium=copy_link

We had the pleasure of experiencing this unique creation of a event at their Charlotte location in the Camp North End section of the city. This location, which is a fast growing creative artist hub was the perfect fit for Immersive Van Gogh.

The setting was actually a former Ford Model T factory! It was expansive with high ceilings and never seemed crowded.

It opened on June 17,2021 and is slated to run at least until September 12. Think giant digital installations projecting some of Van Gogh’s most famous paintings. My soon to be 10 year old remembered some of his works from her art class in kindergarten and first grade. She was so excited to see of his works literally come to life and like all guests become “immersed” in the art.

Some folks sat on the floor, while others opted for a bench or chair seat. Since we had VIP tickets, a cute Van Gogh seat pad was included with our ticket. My daughter commented that Dad seems to be meditating on the floor while enjoying the experience. The music was curated with each scene/painting and went together perfectly.

What we loved is that the whole shows ran on a loop, since we came in mid-show we ended up not missing a thing. Guests can stay as long or as short as they please.

Afterwards we browsed their rather large gift shop area that had everything Van Gogh you could imagine. Selfie and picture opportunities were everywhere. So much though went into all the art pieces sprinkled throughout the venue. From giant sunflowers to an oversized faux paint bucket and brush!

They also have a coffee and snack shop on premise. From the moment we entered until we left, we were truly immersed in Van Gogh. Get your tickets now as they are timed and are filling up quickly.

Purchase Tickets for Charlotte, NC exhibit >>>https://vangoghclt.com/

For more info Follow on Social Media @VanGoghCLT👀Watch my YOUTUBE video recap of our family fun experiencing at Immersive Van Gogh Exhbit Charlotte!

https://youtu.be/TO4BT6vC5mk

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

June 16, 2021SobeSavvy 14 Comments

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.

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!

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!

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

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

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.

Want a change of scenery? Here’s where to STAY, EAT, EXPLORE in @WilmingtonNCoast! #travel #familytravel #WilmingtonNC #CarolinaBeachNC #SobeSavvy

December 4, 2020SobeSavvy 2 Comments

2020 has been a unique year to say the least. Challenges that none of us could have guessed a year ago have filled all of our lives since March. Like many of you, home school and working from home has become a mainstay. My #HeighPartyof3 family were in need of a change of scenery, so we opted for a roadtrip to Wilmington, NC over this past Thanksgiving Day weekend. If you are not familiar with Wilmington, it’s an iconic coastal city that is both urban and beachy at the same time with a down home friendliness and great food and hospitality scene. We have visited this destination a few times (read about past visits: here) and our familiarity made the choice that much easier. If you are in need of a change of scenery, here’s where to STAY, EAT, EXPLORE in Wilmington, NC!

STAY

Social distancing is a invented term due to COVID-19 and picking a place that takes that seriously led us to Embassy Suites by Hilton Wilmington Riverfront. They have instituted a industry leading room cleaning sanitation program called Clean Stay. They have partnered with Lysol to ensure the highest level of cleanliness at the property.

This hotel’s proximity to the riverwalk and historic downtown makes this a awesome choice for those wanting to explore this part of Wilmington on foot. Hubby took a jogging map the hotel has and went for a birthday morning 3 mile run! We had a spacious modern suite with a enviable Cape Fear River view. Great stay at a nice property!

STEAM Restaurant & Bar, located inside the Embassy Suites Wilmington Riverfront had a special Thanksgiving Brunch. The STEAM staff served the buffet with socially distanced tables and sanitized protocols in place. We had a table with no one in our immediate area so we got a chance to relax and enjoy a turkey dinner along with some locally sourced oysters and shrimp! Great service and wine/cocktail list made this a great choice.

EAT

In addition to STEAM , there are amazing family dining options in the area that offer takeout as well as dining in with Covid safety measures in place. Here are some places we enjoyed:

Hops Supply Co.: We had eaten a heavy “thanksgiving” at lunch time and didn’t quite think about the fact that almost NOTHING is open after 3 or 4 on Thanksgiving and needed a place to get something light. Enter Hops Supply Co. A restaurant that happens to be THE place in Wilmington for craft beer, wine on tap and food of course !We opted for curbside pickup of their Bistro Salad and a side order of asparagus. The.salad.was.everything !! Enough for two and incredibly good. The candied walnuts and blue cheese crumble combined with their incredible balsamic vinaigrette equaled perfection. When times get more back to normal I look forward to returning to try their beer and other food selections.

Slice of Life Pizzeria & Pub: Everyone likes pizza but my husband and daughter LOVE pizza. Lucky for them {and me} that one of the best pizza places ever at Slice Of Life. Voted Best Pizza and Best Late Nite Eatery in Wilmington for several years in a row, Slice Of Life got the unofficial stamp of approval from a 9 year old. You can customize a pizza with their myriad of toppings. We opted for half cheese and half Pineapple ham and mushroom. Simple perfection. We will definitely return!

The Basics: Located in the heart of everything downtown on Front street is The Basics. This mainstay has been a dining favorite for years. Everything from a casual breakfast to a dress up for dinner party can be had in this one restaurant. We had celebrated my birthday here a few years ago abd returned for breakfast this time. Shrimp and Grits, Chicken Biscuit and pancakes for the not so little one were ordered up this time. A few daytime cocktails included a Tequila Sunrise that was simply perfect.Yum Yum Yum. Just look at these pics and they say it all. There is nothing Basic about The Basics!

EXPLORE

Wilmington Riverwalk: Wilmington’s iconic riverwalk has been under construction for a few years now. It’s popularity had taken a toll and they are now renovating and expanding this wonderful walkway that doubles as a jogging route. We enjoyed taking walks during our stay here and made a fun IG reels video (that you can watch: here) to take you along the Riverwalk with us! Hugging the Cape Fear River this walkway gives visitors a great way to experience what I call the “backside” of downtown. Restaurants, shops and hotels line the riverwalk as well and you can see some of the most beautiful sunsets from here. You could also book a cruise tour aboard The Henrietta riverboat to learn more about Wilmington.

Carolina Beach: One of the best features of Wilmington is it’s proximity to many beach areas within a 30 min drive from downtown. Carolina Beach is one of them. We took a stroll along the boardwalk, enjoyed gelato while sitting in one of the swings and simply enjoyed being outside with nature. A walk on the beach is all that we needed to get some relaxing time together and a change of scenery.

Wilmington Tours: History is everywhere in Wilmington and sometimes it can be hard to figure out where to start when it comes to exploring historic Wilmington. Enter the Wilmington Tours App. Located in the Google Play store, this app features 5 full length city tours that include: African-American History, Pub Crawl Wilmington, Civil War Wilmington, 2nd Street to the River, and 3rd Street & East. We downloaded the African American Tour and since it was raining we drove to some of the historic sites that included the home of one of Wilmington’s most prominent black families, a rare intact urban slave quarters and different street corners of significance. This interactive tour is highly informative and literally made history come to life. I highly recommend this app for any visitor to learn about the history of Wilmington. Next time we will choose another tour from this amazing app!

Airlie Gardens: These public gardens are 67 acres of natural historic beauty. Airlie Gardens are a treasure not just of Wilmington or Hanover County but a treasure of all of North Carolina. While these gardens are beautiful any day of the year, we went for their annual “Enchanted Airlie” Holiday light spectacular. This is the hot ticket since 2005 and this year, while a little different still was as popular as ever. Timed tickets ensured it was not too crowded. Over a million lights adorned natural and man made things throughout. Different themes could be found everywhere. We all loved “Swan Lake” and the butterfly house exhbit. So many colors and with Holiday tunes playing, everyone was into kicking off the Christmas season! It even “snowed”. My daughter simply loved the whimsical atmosphere of it all and it will be a treasured memory.

👀Watch my full recap of opening night at Enchanted Airlie>> here.

We are thankful and grateful to be able to spend some quality time together and get a change of scenery in a neighboring city that we love to explore. This was our first time going to Wilmington,NC as a kick off to the holiday season and we may just make this a new family tradition! Before you go, be sure to check in with Wilmington and Beaches to plan your vacation. We hope that you are inspired to visit soon!

4 Places to Enjoy #NationalTakeAHikeDay in #RaleighNC @RaleighParks @WakeGovParks

November 17, 2020SobeSavvy 3 Comments

This year, National Take A Hike Day falls on November 17, 2020 and I am taking this opportunity to share with you some of our favorite places to take a hike! Why do we like to hike? The answer is simple, it’s a free, family-friendly activity that allows us to connect with nature in a fun way.We have always loved nature but 2020 has been a year that we have enjoyed this ideal social distancing activity so much more! Per Black People Who Hike, there is also health benefits to hiking. If you live in the Raleigh, NC area, here are 4 Places To Enjoy #NationalTakeAHikeDay !

Durant Nature Preserve

At 237 acres, Durant Nature Preserve is one of our favorite parks to enjoy the great outdoors. This massive, mostly undeveloped park has it all! A Butterfly garden, plentiful picnic areas and two lakes. We love taking a hike down to the fresh water stream to see all types of aquatic life in it’s original habitat. We have also spotted white tail deers! They have a multitude of mountain biking and hiking trails that are easy to moderate. If you like raw nature, then this park is for you.

Green Hills County Park

A park at a former landfill may sound weird but Wake County has made it work! Green Hills County Park is located off of Durant Rd near the recycle center. Wake County grassed over the mound and managed to have zero smelly emissions, so no worries for your senses. They built a 2 lane paved road that is 1 mile in diameter. One lane for walkers or bikers and the other lane (separated by a curb) for cars. The most unique aspect (besides building a park from a closed landfill) is visitors can hike up a steep gravel trail to THE top of the landfill, which also boasts the highest point in Wake County for a 360 degree view of ALL of Wake County. They have a few picnic tables and grassy area up there to spend some time. My husband likes to do some power jogs up and down the trail and so do others. This is indeed an awesome park to visit!

Falls Lake

Conviently located off of Falls Of Neuse Road, lies Falls Lake. This park is part of a 22 mile lake system that runs through northern Wake County. It is actually maintained by the state and US Army Corp Of Engineers, this man made lake is full of boaters, fisherman, paddle boarders and anything else you can do on the water. The Falls of Neuse entrance leads to the massive dam. You can hike various trails, paved and unpaved throughout this wonderful area. They have a great information center with maps that provide not only hiking but camping and boating information as well. We have hiked a portion of the famous NC “mountain to sea” trail which descends to the lake. Falls Lake is one of the most beautiful outdoor places to hike!

Annie Louise Wilkerson, MD Nature Preserve Park

We love hiking and learning and there is no better place to do both than at Annie Louise Wilkerson,MD Nature Preserve. It’s namesak, Annie Louise Wilkerson was a pioneering doctor in the Raleigh area for 52 years who bequeathed the 157 acres to the city with the stipulation that the land remained undeveloped and be a place of learning. There is an education center, a whimsical “troll/fairy trail for kids (grown kids also) and a great perimeter pond trail that we love to hike around. Butterflies, grasshoppers, birds and ladybugs abound everywhere! The Pond Trail is mostly low cut grass so running while hiking is encouraged! This is just a special happy place for the whole family to enjoy.

For more informaton on the above listed parks or to discover somewhere new to explore nature, check out Parks, Recreation and Cultural Resources | City of Raleigh and Wake County Parks, Recreation and Open Space. Thanks for reading and I hope you are inspired to enjoy the many ways to connect with nature on #NationalTakeAHikeDay (and everyday) in Raleigh,NC!

👀 Watch my YOUTUBE video which recaps some of our favorite moments/views at Durant Nature Preserve, Green County Hills Park, Falls Lake and Annie Louise Wilkerson, MD Nature Preserve Park.