Dolphins swimming by during breakfast. Kayaking past wild horses before lunch. Savoring local Bites & Blues in the afternoon. Dancing to live music in the evening. Does a couple’s getaway from Raleigh get much better than the Crystal Coast? Enjoying a drink at Moonrakers, Beaufort Last weekend, Craig and I escaped from the kids for a well-earned parent break to Beaufort and Morehead City, and it just happened to be our 22nd wedding anniversary. Fun events and live music were the focal point of this trip, adding an extra dash of excitement to our romantic Spring getaway. With its Southern O ..read more

New to Raleigh? Allow me to introduce you to North Hills, one of the best places in Raleigh for boutique shopping, restaurants, cafes, bars, wellness studios, entertainment and events. It’s a place you’ll find us often, and it continues to evolve for the better! Main District in North Hills If you’ve recently moved to Raleigh or are visiting for the first time and are looking for weekend plans or a place to base yourself, this first-timers guide to North Hills highlights why we think this district just north of downtown Raleigh is one of the best destinations in Wake County! Table Of Contents ..read more

In a world brimming with screens and digital distractions, finding wholesome, enchanting entertainment for the whole family can sometimes feel like searching for a needle in a haystack. But fear not, nestled in the heart of Wake County lies an experience that will transcend you to a realm of timeless elegance and whimsy – the Cary Ballet Company dance performance. Photo credit to Cary Ballet Company. Who Cares? Choreography by George Balanchine © The George Balanchine Trust This is not an invitation to don ballet slippers and plie the night away. This is an invitation to sit in the comfy chair ..read more

What an exciting weekend of NC State basketball we have coming up, with both the men’s and women’s teams competing in the Final Four of March Madness in Phoenix! The Players Retreat If you’re in Raleigh and looking to cheer on the Pack surrounded by other Wolfpack fans, why not join in on all the fun at one of the classic NC State bars near campus – and be close to the iconic Belltower when they light it red! Raleigh isn’t just the home of NC State University; it’s also packed with top-notch college sports bars where you can soak up the excitement of the game alongside fellow students, alumni ..read more

When people think of theme parks near Raleigh NC, they are usually thinking about Carowinds. It’s by far the most famous theme park, with the tallest, longest, and fastest rollercoaster in the USA. Although we loved Carowinds, there are many other theme parks and amusement parks that don’t get the bells and whistles that Carowinds does. That’s why I wrote this guide, to help you decide which theme park or amusement park to visit from our home in Raleigh. The Best Theme Parks & Amusement Parks Near Raleigh Carowinds Amusement Park in Charlotte, NC Hours: 10.00 am – 8.00 pm daily (unless ..read more

As an Australian who grew up on the beaches near Sydney, I can’t recommend beach life enough. And if you’re looking for a beach getaway to experience some sun, sand and seclusion, then one of the best places is on the Outer Banks beaches – only a 4-hour drive from Raleigh! Having fun near Jennette’s Pier at Nags Head Beach. The Outer Banks are a barrier of islands that connect North Carolina to the Atlantic Ocean and are famous for being the first stretch of land to be settled by Sir Walter Raleigh. Not only is this region an important destination for history, but it’s also an area of stunning ..read more

If you’re looking for the best sports bars in Raleigh at any time of year, look no further, you’ve come to the right page. I’ve gladly done all the important research for you! Carolina Ale House, downtown Raleigh As a long-time sports addict who played professional Rugby in my native Australia, one of the things I love about living in Raleigh and the USA is the sports bar scene, and we’ve got some fun bars here being a college town! In case you don’t know, this is traditionally an ACC basketball area with NC State, UNC and Duke all within 45-minutes of each other. We also have the Carolina Hur ..read more

One of our favorite getaways from Raleigh is to the opulent Biltmore Estate, also known as America’s largest home! We love a stately home – they are a great way to gain an insight into the lifestyles of the wealthy and extravagant, as well as showcase some of the finest, classical architecture in the country. Chihuly sculpture on the lawn The Biltmore Estate in Asheville NC is the castle of all castles. This French-chateaux-inspired mansion has 250 rooms and four floors and sits on a property that spans 8,000 acres (that’s 13 square miles – pretty big!) If you’re thinking about taking a trip o ..read more

Looking to spend quality time with your furry companion in Raleigh? The City of Oaks is currently ranked #8 for most pet-friendly cities according to a report by WalletHub, so if you’re looking for places to venture to with your pets – you won’t find much more pet-friendly than Raleigh, NC. Trails are popular with pets From scenic parks and pet-friendly cafes to welcoming hotels and breweries, Raleigh offers plenty of places for you and your four-legged friend to explore, enjoy, and create lasting memories together. We are recent pet owners ourselves, two cats, and while most of this arti ..read more

As the vibrant colors of spring begin to paint the landscape, we dust off the sandals, pull the bathers from the depths of the closet, and start walking towards adventurous horizons. I. Am. Ready. Whether you’re yearning for a spontaneous road trip or dreaming of jet-setting to distant shores, Raleigh, North Carolina is a springboard to endless possibilities. Biking around Ocracoke was amazing! To help you explore this brighter more fragrant season, we’re sharing a list of our Spring break destinations from charming coastal getaways to mountain retreats, and even international escapades. As sp ..read more