things to do

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

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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 | @SobeSavvy

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!

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

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

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

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

Attraction| Cameron Art Museum

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

~Matt Budd, Director of Marketing CAM

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

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

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

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

ABOUT | Hiroshi Sueyoshi

(American, b. Japan 1946) “Harmony”

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

Read more about this artist & art >> here

📍Cameron Art Museum

3201 S. 17th Street

Wilmington, NC 28412

BRUNCH | Cafe Chinois

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

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

📍Cafe Chinois

3710 College Rd Unit #123

Wilmington, NC 28412

Attraction | New Hanover County Arboretum

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

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

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

📍New Hanover County Arboretum

6206 Oleander Dr

Wilmington, NC 28403

Explore|Wilmington, NC

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

Annual Events that celebrate Asian culture include:

Places of Worship:

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

Specialty Grocers:

DINNER | Tandoori Bites

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

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

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

📍Tandoori Bites

1620 College Rd

Wilmington, NC 28403

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

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

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I recently took a 3 day trip to London with my #HeighPartyof3 , which consists of my husband, our daughter and me! While my husband and I had been there once before, this was our first time as a family. The purpose of the trip was to celebrate my birthday and our daughter’s 12th birthday! We called this our #LeosinLondon vacation and made plans to check out some attractions. With the help of sites like FeverUp.com and Lastminute.com, finding deals on things to do were simple! Here’s some attractions we enjoyed during our trip:

Dalí Cybernetics: The Immersive Experience

One of my favorite artists of all time is the unique character that was Salvador Dali. His famous style of surrealism captured the essence of bending time and decay. While on holiday in London, I had the pleasure and joy of spending time at the exhibit called Dali:Cybernetics The Immersive Experience. This multi layered exhibit had short films, virtual reality, 360 degree immersive room and more. My family and I had a great time checking out his whimsical pieces of art and some of his serious works regarding nuclear war. Dali was truly one of a kind and this exhibit showcases his spirit and his works quite well. If you are visiting London, you have until Sept 3 to catch this. But if you do miss it, be sure to check out what other London experiences are offered by Feverup.com and follow along via social media with #DaliCybernetics & instagram page @dalicybernetics and @fever_uk

Madame Tussauds London

Madame Tussauds has popularized real life wax replicas of famous figures since 1835. Having visited the museums in Wash DC and San Francisco, we were thrilled to finally visit the flagship in London. It did not disappoint. This location is immense, with multiple floors and unique indoor attractions like a 4D show and an actual car ride that takes visitors on a wax figure history lesson. Marvel and Star Wars are all represented here along with far too many famous figures to name them all. We love taking pics with the figures and hubby enjoys attempting to imitate their poses. Allow yourself plenty of time to wander and run into movie stars and icons like Beyoncé and Madonna. So much fun was had here and these memories will last a lifetime! Follow along on social @madametussauds and #MadameTussaudsLondon. For ticket info: https://www.madametussauds.com/london/

lastminute.com London Eye

The London Eye has quickly become another iconic structure in not only London but across the globe. When it was built, laid flat it spanned across the entire width of the Thames River. It is the worlds largest “cantilever” (do NOT call it a Ferris Wheel !) Each full rotation takes a little over 30 min. During that time we had a 360 degree of not only greater London but of an entire span of England. To view Big Ben from above was a unique opportunity. There is a narration running so guests never have to wonder what is it that they are viewing at any given time. Make sure on your trip London you take a ride on the London Eye to see London like you have never before. Follow on social @theLondoneye and #EyeLoveLondon. For tickets go to: https://www.londoneye.com/

@CarolinaBallet Presents The Nutcracker Review + Giveaway! Win 2 Tix 12/29 @DPAC #NC #FamilyFun #Arts

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On Sunday December 16, SobeSavvy.com celebrated the 18th annual performance of Carolina Ballet’s The Nutcracker presented by PNC with magic sponsored by WRAL-TV. This family friendly show, performed at Raleigh Memorial Auditorium has become a Mommy & Me tradition for us. We both love performing arts and enjoyed seeing magic combined with ballet in this wonderful show featuring Tchaikovsky’s incredible music. Choreographed by Robert Weiss, Carolina Ballet presents The Nutcracker is not only “Magical.Magnificent.Mysterious”, but Unique because it features grand illusions by world renowned magician Rick Thomas as well as a live music by the Chamber Orchestra of the Triangle!

My daughter, fondly referred to as #outandaboutAva, first saw this perfomance in 2016 when she was 5 years old. Now that she is 7 and has read The Nutcracker story, seen the Disney movie: The Nutcracker and the Four Realms, and learned the music in school, she was so excited to see this holiday classic! Carolina Ballet does an outstanding job working with the children from ballet schools across the Triangle as well as their own, The School of Carolina Ballet to perform this magical tale of holiday adventure based on a novel by E.T.A. Hoffman. The Nutcracker is one of the most recognizable scores in the ballet repertoire and definitely a performance the whole family should see because it appeals to the child in everyone!

What is The Nutcracker about?

This enchanting tale, in which toys come to life and treats dance with delight, follows young Clara and her prince as they journey to the Land Of Sweets. It begins when young Clara receives a nutcracker from her godfather, a wizardly toymaker named Drosselmeyer. Sneaking downstairs to see the toy after everyone else has gone to bed, she suddenly finds herself caught in the middle of a pitched battle between the toys and an army of mice. After saving the nutcracker with a well-thrown shoe to the Mouse King’s head, Clara and her now-living prince venture into the Land of Snow and the Land of Sweets to celebrate. Throughout their adventures, Tchaikovsky’s dazzling inventiveness propels the dances of nimble flowers and regal fairy queens. The “Waltz of the Snowflakes” floats weightlessly whereas the “Dance of the Sugarplum Fairy” tiptoes to the haunting, music-box chimes of a celesta. A medley of exotic national dances—including a Spanish bolero and Russian Trepak—add to the phantasmagoric celebration before the whole dream ends, as all dreams must.

When and Where is it playing?

Dates: December 14, 2018 – December 23, 2018 at Raleigh Memorial Auditorium at Duke Energy Center for the Performing Arts in Downtown Raleigh at 3401 Atlantic Ave., Raleigh, NC 27604

Dates: December 29, 2018 – December 30, 2018 at DPAC- Durham Performing Arts Center in Downtown Durham at 123 Vivian St., Durhan, NC 27701

*See website>> CarolinaBallet.com or call 919.719.0900 for dates/times/prices

SobeSavvy Tip: Before/After the show or during intermission, you can get some holiday shopping done at The Nutcracker Boutique. You’ll find a variety of things like ornaments, socks or even a nutcracker of your very home to take home to be apart of your family traditions for years to come!

Enter to WIN 2 Tickets !!

Carolina Ballet presents The Nutcracker and SobeSavvy.com have teamed up to share a #SobeSavvygiveaway with you and give one winner a holiday memory that you will never forget!

Enter for a chance to be awed by the magic and choreography of Carolina Ballet and win (2) tickets to Carolina Ballet: The Nutcracker at DPAC on Sat 12/29 at 7pm.

To Enter:

💥 Like this post

💥 Leave comment below why you’d like to go

💥💥 Bonus entry if you leave comment on the Instagram post below + Follow @SobeSavvy

https://www.instagram.com/p/BrLnEechNwa/?utm_source=ig_share_sheet&igshid=1woncstnowlax

Winner will be chosen by random.org on Dec.19, 2018 at noon.

Good Luck!

Update: Contest Closed. Congrats to Valerie Contreras, @hellominimama ! Have a wonderful time!

#NC Holiday Happenings | #NCChineseLanternFestival @BoothAmp #KokaBooth in Cary Opens Nov 24 -Get Tix Now! 

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North Carolina Chinese Lantern Festival Guide

Looking to experience something magical with your family this holiday
season? Look no further than the North Carolina Chinese Lantern Festival at the Koko Booth Amphitheatre in Cary,NC. Back for it’s third year, SobeSavvy.com attended a media preview of this delightful exhibition and enjoyed learning what it takes to make these larger-than-life holiday lanterns! 

North Carolina Chinese Lantern Festival |CHINESE LANTERN-Traditional Lamp and Palace Lanterns are very distinctive to the handicrafts which represent happiness.

Hundreds of artistic hand-made lantern displays are spread throughout the expansive grounds, including the spectacular 200-foot Floating Chinese Dragon on Symphony Lake. Each of these magnificient lanterns are shipped from China where artisans hand make the silk fabrics that cover a steel frame. These frames are then lit underneath to give them a bright colorful and warm lighting
effect that is spectacular to see up close! The color red is found throughout most displays due to that color in particular means good fortune in Chinese culture.

North Carolina Chinese Lantern Festival | THE CHINESE LANTERN GALLERY – Since lantern handicraft appeared 2000 years ago, every year before and after the Lantern Festival on the 15th day of the first month of the Chinese lunar calendar, people would hang up the red lanterns, which symbolize reunion and happiness, to create a festive atmosphere


Last year, my family and I attended the opening night in 2016 and was amazed at the beauty and artistry of Chinese cutlure displayed in an authentic way. There are hundreds of all-new lantern displays for the whole family to enjoy! Our daughter really enjoy seeing the animals, flowers, shapes and even Santa all aglow! Some of them even spin, twirl and move! Her favorite was the PANDA PARADISE, which we learned that pandas are a symbol of peace in China.

North Carolina Chinese Lantern Festival | PANDAS !

Festival Admission includes Chinese cultural performances, martial arts as well as artisan craft-making. Three performances take place each night where visitors will get a chance to see traditional dance, acrobatics, drum performances and more. We got a chance to have a sneak peek of Chinese Cupe Diablo, which is a form of juggling that has evolved from 12th Century Chinese yo-yo, consisting of an axle and two discs spun using string attached to two hand sticks. Check out my short video clip below : 

SobeSavvy Tip: See Daily Chinese Cultural Art Performances: Tuesday thru Sunday 6:30P | 7:30P |8:30P    

EVENT DATES/TIMES

November 24, 2017 – January 14, 2018
Tuesdays – Sundays: 6pm – 10pm (Closed Mondays. Except Dec 25 & Jan 1)

CLICK HERE TO PURCHASE TICKETS ONLINE!

To purchase tickets over the phone, call ETIX at 1-800-514-3849

In person at the venue Box Office:

BOX OFFICE HOURS
Tuesday-Friday 12 p.m.-6 p.m. EST
On Festival Days (Nov 24 – Jan 14):  Tuesday-Friday 3 p.m. – 9 p.m. EST
Saturday-Sunday 6 p.m. – 9 p.m. EST
Closed Mondays

Ticket Prices
Kids 2 and under FREE
Ages 3 – 17 – $10.00
Adults ages 18+ – $15.00

PARKING IS FREE at the venue

HOLIDAY TREATS
Venue Concession Stands will be open selling a variety of food, beverages & Holiday Treats.


DISCOUNTS
Discounts available on SELECT nights only: TUESDAY-THURSDAY & SUNDAYS:
$12.00 FOR SENIORS 55+, COLLEGE STUDENTS WITH ID & MEMBER OF THE MILITARY WITH ID
We offer no discounts on Friday, Saturday & Holidays nights. (Holidays are December 24, 25, 31 & January 1) 

North Carolina Chinese Lantern Festival | Media Preview Recap by SobeSavvy.com

I definitely recommend you adding this to your holiday to do list of events to check out on the Triangle. Go see why the North Carolina Chinese Lantern Festival has quickly become a popular holiday tradition. Bring your family, tell your friends and see this wonderful display of Chinese culture before it ends! 

Check out my video photo recap here from the media preview night! Enjoy and be sure to tag your photos including #KokaBooth and #NCChineseLanternFestival ! 

Recap|Open House @HubbsCornMaze + Enter Giveaway to win #familyfun day! #10yearsofhubbs #VisitNCFarms

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On Tuesday, September 19, 2017 SobeSavvy.com was invited to join Media, Corporations and County Officials to Hubb’s Farm & Corn Maze Open House with Lunch on the Farm. It was my first time visiting their farm, located in Clinton, NC, and I (along with my guest Cecilia from Food Diary of a City Girl) had a blast! Take a look at the youtube video below to see how we all embraced our inner child at the Open House!

https://youtu.be/n0thUhdNNUY

I’m giving one lucky reader a chance to have a blast with their family and win a ‘Crops of Fun’ day this Fall at Hubb’s Farm and enjoy their upcoming family events. (Keep reading for details on how to enter the giveaway.) But first let me share with you why Hubb’s Farm should be on your to -do list of Fall Fun activities.

Hubb’s Farm ‘Crops of Fun’

Hubb’s Farm 10th annual Fall Festival and Corn Maze is under way with two new additions to the popular attraction – Paydirt Pete’s Treasure Mine, where visitors “mine” for treasures, and a mini zip line. During the open house, we all had a chance to experience all the activities but mining for treasure was unique. I not only hit ‘paydirt’ but got to take the gemstones I learned about and discovered home with me as a nice souvenir.

Paydirt Pete’s Treasure Mine at Hubb’s Farm

  

Mini Zipline at Hubb’s Farm

          

The 10-acre corn maze promotes this year’s theme: Carolina Gold Rush, celebrating the discovery of gold in America, which occurred in North Carolina. Hubb’s Farm bills itself as “Growing Crops of Fun,” with activities that include a pumpkin patch, tractor-drawn hayride, a double-barrel 17-foot giant slide, a giant jump pillow, Rope Mountain, Cranky the Combine, Animal Acres, “Crops of Fun” Play Land, Toddler Town, Giant Sand Box, House of Corn, Human Foosball, the Hubb’s Express Train Ride, a covered picnic area and more. I especially appreciated how clean the farm was and how thoughtful they were to include a ‘Baby Hubb’ area for new moms to have a comfortable place of their own!

The Baby Hubb at Hubb’s Farm

Now that you know some of what to expect at Hubb’s Farm, make plans to attend the Fall Festival event, held each weekend through Nov. 11 with the farm opening on Fridays from 6-10 p.m., Saturdays from noon-10 p.m., and Sundays 1-6 p.m. In addition to the fun themed weekend activities, Hubb’s Farm promotes education with school tours for kindergarden-3rd graders in the fall and spring. Each school tour includes educational elements from history to math.

Events at Hubb’s Farm

Themed weekends include: Hay Bale Festival, Sept. 23-24; First Responders’ Weekend with Blood Drive, Sept. 30-Oct. 1; Thank A Farmer Weekend and Overalls Pageant, Oct. 7-8; Pirate Invasion, Oct. 14-15; Freedom USA Weekend, Oct. 21-22; Scarecrow Express and Halloween at Hubb’s, Oct. 28-29; Tough As A Farmer Competition, Nov. 4; Smashing Pumpkins Sunday, Nov. 5; and Last Dance, Nov. 11. 

Map of Hubb’s Farm

It was a pleasure to meet Tammy and John Peterson, who started Hubb’s Corn Maze shortly after the birth of their son, Luke, 10 years ago. Tammy grew up on the farm, but John had never been to a corn maze. “We are creative people and we were asking ourselves, ‘What can we do for a youngster?” and also, we knew there was a lack of things to do in Sampson County. We wanted something for families to do.” Being the creative people that they are, the corn maze evolved into “Crops of Fun,” a whirlwind of entertainment activities involving three seasons – fall, Christmas and spring. 

Tammy Peterson speaks to media guests during Hubb’s Farm Open House

          
SobeSavvy Tip :  Make sure to shop for your pumpkins while on the farm. They have many varieties and great prices!

Pumpkins for Sale at Hubb’s Farm

Now that you have learned about how great Hubb’s Farm is, check out the giveaway details:

#SobeSavvyGIVEAWAY – One reader will win (1) Family Pass Silver-good for a one day visit to Hubb’s Farm Fall Festival and Corn Maze Sept. 16- Nov., 11, 2017
Click>>HERE<< to enter. Contest ends 9/27 and winner will be chosen randomly. 

#SobeSavvyGiveaway to Hubb’s Farm for the day!

For more information, contact the farm at http://www.hubbsfarmnc.com . I look forward to returning with my family and hope you are inspired to check out Hubb’s Farm, one of the state’s largest agri-tourism farms, this Fall! Don’t forget to spread the word and enter the giveaway.

GOOD LUCK! *Giveaway has ended. Congrats to K.Massey and family! Enjoy!*

Hubb’s Farm

10276 US Hwy 421 N

Clinton, NC 28328 

info@hubbsfarmnc.com

910.564.6709

Special thanks to Hubb’s Farm for hosting us and partnering with SobeSavvy.com to facilitate this awesome giveaway!

Leslie H. ,Founder SobeSavvy.com ~Posing with Pumpkins at Hubb’s Farm

Join @GildenOnline #EspirtdeShe 5k/10K Race #CaryNC on 5/13 + #EDSCary Registration Discount Code

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Today’s #WellnessWednesday share is for ladies only. Ever wanted to participate in a 5K or 10K that celebrates all women? Well now’s your chance to register for the 5th annual Gildan Esprit de She Cary 5K/10K run happening May 13, 2017! 

This race draws inspirational female runners–including a two-time heart attack survivor, a woman running with her twin sister to come back after pneumonia, an amputee, and many others. In fact, since it’s the day before Mother’s Day, many moms and daughters have participated, including one mom running with her 5-year-old, and three best friends running with their three 15–year–olds. Here are the details:

Gildan Esprit De She – The Spirit of Her Race
Series – returns to Cary, NC for 5th annual 5K/10K run 

Registration open
for nation’s premiere fitness event series for women, hosted at Koka
Booth Amphitheatre on Saturday, May 13

 Inside of every woman – no matter what
age – lies the spirit of courage, determination, strength, fearlessness and
power – you just have to let her out. As the nation’s premier designer event
series for women, there is a race for every pace and passion. And, you’re
invited to Gildan
Esprit de She 5K/10K Cary presented by Burt’s Bees, happening May 13, 2017 from 7am-noon
at the Koka Booth Amphitheatre
just 15 minutes from downtown Raleigh.

From fashionable freebies to the signature
Bubbly Bar, treat yourself to a designer experience celebrating the spirit of her in the company of
truly inspirational women.

It’s a morning that includes a designer race
experience, high value participant gear, Lifestyle Market including the post-race
Bubbly Bar and more! Whether
getting in shape, setting a good example for your kids, or challenging yourself
to reach a new personal best–runners,
joggers and walkers, you won’t want to miss Gildan Esprit de She presented by Burt’s Bees Cary, NC.

This event begins with a timed 5K or 10K run and ends
with a post-race lifestyle market of festive proportions. Participants salute
their success with a drink at our signature Bubbly Bar and enjoy healthy eats
and energetic live music while enjoying the popular Beauty Bar powered by
LifeSpa and the many experiences brought to life by our event partners.

Produced by LifeTime Fitness, Gildan Esprit
de She presented by Burt’s Bees is teaming up with top national brands to give
participants an unforgettable race experience. The generous support of title
sponsor Gildan, presenting sponsor Burt’s Bees, and sponsors J. R. Watkins,
Lorissa’s Kitchen, Experience Life!, Athlinks, LifeSpa and Gatorade Endurance
make this event possible. In addition, charity partner, Girls on the Run of the
Triangle, will be participating in the event and collecting donations.

To
register: 

http://espritdeshe.com/cary-nc/register/

Cost per registrant ranges from $25-$45
per person depending on race

 About Gildan Esprit de She – The Spirit
of Her Event Series: Gildan Esprit
de She – The Spirit of Her Event Series is the nation’s premier designer event
series for women offering a race and fitness event for every pace and passion.
Hosting events in 10 cities across the United States, Gildan Esprit de She
hosts 5K/10K fitness-inspired “happy hour” runs, weekend runs, Triathlons
Duathlons and in-club fitness lifestyle celebrations, all with the signature
Gildan Esprit de She Lifestyle Market. Owned and operated by Life TimeSM
– Healthy Way of Life, the series was founded in 2013 and is currently in its
fifth event season.

Social Media:

https://www.facebook.com/EspritdeShe/

https://twitter.com/EspritdeShe

https://www.instagram.com/espritdeshe/

Snapchat UN:
espritdeshe

Hashtags:
#EspritdeShe and #EDSCary

 

SOBESAVVY TIP: For those of you who want to join in, I am providing my readers with a discount code to use. Register NOW and get $5 off  when you enter this code: SavvyCaryGEDS17 

If I didn’t have a Mother’s Day weekend getaway planned, I would have enjoyed this. Please have fun and run for me ladies! I am there in spirit. 

Thanks for reading and feel free to share the discount registration code!


Photo Recap @GreatGrapesFest 4/22 in #CaryNC @drinkeatrelax @BoothAmp by SobeSavvy.com #soNCsavvy

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On Saturday, April 22, 2017 Wine Lovers & Foodies came ready to “Uncork the Fun” at the 14th Annual Celebration of Great Grapes Wine and Food Festival in Cary, NC. Thanks to our friends at Drink Eat Relax, SobeSavvy.com attended the festival in order to give you an inside look of the sips, sights, the people, the pours and more! Here is my photo recap of some of what you missed…Cheers!

SIPS

Upon entering the event, we each got to take a souvenir tasting glass and stroll from tent to tent and table to table, tasting and sampling the rich heritage of North Carolina vines. Guests got to taste HUNDREDS of wines available from over 22 wineries…and even more were available for VIP ticketed guests.

If you wanted more after a sip or two and really loved the wine tasting, wine bottles were available for purchase to enjoy at the festival or later at home. 

SIGHTS

With plenty to see and lots to do, how much fun to be had at this festival totally depends on you! There was a free kids area, great live music,

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 fun festival eats,

*shoutout to my hometown of Baltimore where we all are raised on Old Bay

Arts and crafts….

and gourmet items to buy. 

Sights in the The VIP Area included the following:

 
The VIP Ticket option offers you early entrance into the event, a souvenir glass & bag and access to all the show tastings.  Plus you have access to the VIP area which features specialty higher-end wine selections not available elsewhere, free water and soft drinks, and featured food tastings (served Noon – 3pm). 

 

PEOPLE

Who goes to the Great Grapes Wine and Food Festival? Everyone. Babies, Kids, Moms & Dads, Friends, Family, Guys Day Out, Ladies Meetup, anyone celebrating life. Even non drinkers are welcome to enjoy the festival and can purchase a ‘designated driver’ ticket. I even saw a bride to be enjoying her bachelorette outing with her bridesmaids. How fun!

Guests are welcome to bring lawn chairs and blankets to enjoy the lawn. Bring the family, bring your friends and take a day to UNCORK THE FUN!

ITEMS ALLOWED
Lawn chairs & blankets
Sealed Bottles of water (1 per person) cameras
all bags are subject to seach

POURS

Line up to your choice of winery and explore a new wine and learn more with each pour. I really enjoyed talking to the vendors and hearing the passion behind their product. 

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In case you missed it..check out my photos of last year’s festival HERE !

It’s a fun event that is family friendly, so be sure not to miss in 2018! For more information please visit www.uncorkthefun.com. 

#outandaboutAva celebrates #NationalCrayonDay @SkyZone #SkyZoneRaleigh + @usfg coupon 

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*Disclaimer:  SobeSavvy.com was hosted by  US Family Guide and Sky Zone Raleigh, however the opinions are my own.

Hey Moms, Dads, Girls and Boys are you ready to JUMP for Joy ?! That’s what we did with invited friends and family at Sky Zone.  Our event- “Celebrate #NationalCrayonDay the #SobeSavvy Way” – was a theme party held for our little artist, #outandaboutAva, who loves to color!  

Sky Zone Raleigh is a trampoline park that is entertaining for the whole family! Got an upcoming birthday to plan for your little one and want to save time & money but splurge on FUN!? Then look no further than Sky Zone Raleigh where they offer several out-of-this-world birthday (and special event) party packages to make your party soar, literally!

Here is what we got with their Jump Around Package

1 Hour of Open Jump Time; includes SkySocks of all sizes!

Access to the Foam Zone and Sky Slam

2 large deep dish one-topping pizzas
1 bottle of water per guest

Party plates, napkins, cups and utensils

40 minutes in a private party room after your jump time 
Party room set up and clean up
Sky Zone party host available throughout your entire experience

Sky Zone Raleigh T-Shirt for ☆Ava 

Prior to the party, I sent out Evite invitations courtesy of Sky Zone and encouraged guests to fill out waivers prior to the event. This made check in go smooth and quick. The staff was well organized, friendly and welcoming when we arrived 30 mins before jump time. We used that time to learn the rules and to pre-game! Once we got our Sky Zone socks, we were ready to soar…. but first, a Sky Zone selfie! 

YOU SHOULD KNOW: 
– Sky Zone Raleigh does not allow outside food or beverages, with the exception of cake or cupcakes.

– Sky Zone separates by size and age.  Any jumper age 4 and under is considered a toddler. For safety purposes toddlers are permitted to jump on Toddler Court and Foam Zone only. Only toddlers are permitted to jump on Toddler Court. 

Our party’s theme was just in time for National Crayon Day, which is celebrated today on 3/31. Everyone young and old loves to color, so we thought this would be a great idea. Since this was not a birthday party but a theme party, I asked that no one bring gifts for our daughter. Instead, each child brought 1 wrapped coloring book/1 box of crayons for a gift exchange. Check out one mom’s creative gift wrapping skills:

These days parties are not just for birthdays..you can celebrate anything, anytime at Sky Zone! Here is what my mom friends had to say when asked to share their thoughts on Sky Zone Raleigh

  • SkyZone does an awesome job keeping the kids active and involved. There is something for every age group!
  • The facility is really clean and well kept.

  • My son and I really enjoyed SkyZone. I enjoy that they keep the toddlers seperate from the big kids.
  • The party attendant (Jessica) was attentive and friendly. I felt great letting my child go free to jump and play.
  • SkyZone was amazing! My 2 yr old daughter had lots of fun and I enjoyed watching her play. The staff was very sweet and attentive.
  • Lots of fun, very clean, friendly staff

  • SkyZone is lots of fun! I like that kids and adults are separate for safety. 
  • Great party place for kids to run and play around. I liked separation by age and that parents can play with kids. Will definitely come back and consider having child’s birthday party here as well!

Everyone had an awesome time bouncing across their patented, all-trampoline, walled playing courts. As a mom who worked a 9 to 5 today, I enjoyed being able to let Skyzone Raleigh do the planning, set up (and cleaning up) for the party. For me saving time is priceless! I appreciated not having to do everything. This party was stress free, which made me jump for joy !

Thanks Sky Zone! 

Click here to see my fun video recap of our good times at Sky Zone! Find all the exciting details to schedule your party at http://www.skyzone.com/raleigh/Birthday-Parties! My SobeSavvy readers get to save with this coupon >>>>! Best Birthday Ever! – 15% off Jump Around Birthday Package

Ever been to Sky Zone before?  Tell me your experience below in the comments! Thanks for reading and feel free to share.

Win 2 Tix to @GreatGrapesFest 4/22 in #CaryNC @drinkeatrelax @BoothAmp #SobeSavvyGiveaway

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Hey Triangle Wine Lovers & Foodies..get ready to “Uncork the Fun” at the 14th Annual Celebration of Great Grapes Wine and Food Festival in Cary, NC on Saturday, April 22.
Thanks to our friends at Drink Eat Relax, SobeSavvy.com is giving away a pair of tickets to 1 lucky winner! Winner chosen randomly. Giveaway ends 4/5/17   Enter Here>>>> http://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/display/e33baee06/

Here are the details! 

TICKETS
VIP SESSION 11AM – 7PM
VIP SESSION TICKET:$49.00 plus Tax in advance/$55.00 Plus Tax on the Day of the event
Enjoy The VIP Area. The VIP Ticket option offers you early entrance into the event, a souvenir glass & bag and access to all the show tastings. Plus you have access to the VIP area which features specialty higher-end wine selections not available elsewhere, free water and soft drinks, and featured food tastings (served Noon – 3pm).

DESIGNATED DRIVER TICKET – NO ALCOHOL SAMPLING
D.D. TICKET $20.00 Plus Tax sold on the Day Of Event Only

REGULAR SESSION 12PM-7PM
REGULAR SESSION TICKET:$33.00 IN ADVANCE Plus Tax/$35.00 Plus Tax On the Day of Event

Guests are welcome to bring lawn chairs and blankets to enjoy the lawn. Bring the family, bring your friends and take a day to UNCORK THE FUN!

ITEMS ALLOWED
Lawn chairs & blankets
Sealed Bottles of water (1 per person) cameras
all bags are subject to seach

For more information please visitwww.uncorkthefun.com. Please drink responsibly.

In case you missed it..check out my photos of last year’s festival HERE ! It’s a fun event that is family friendly, so be sure not to miss! 

Good Luck..and see you at the 14th Annual Great Grapes Wine and Food Festival!