Aloft Hotel Soon to Be a Reality in Downtown Durham

Congratulations to Capitol Broadcasting Company (my employer) on the "topping out" event yesterday at American Tobacco Campus. I am thrilled to have another Starwoods (my hotel brands of choice) property coming to the Triangle - especially the youthful, trendy Aloft brand.

Here are a few pictures of the guys with the plans signing steel that will be at the rooftop of the six-story, 134-room boutique hotel.




From left, you have Jim Goodmon, Michael Goodmon, Russ Jones, Robert "Roddy" Jones and Jay Mahan.

Read more on yesterday's event and the planned hotel at TBJ: http://www.bizjournals.com/triangle/blog/real-estate/2014/10/downtown-durham-aloft-hotel-american-tobacco-campu.html.

Date Night: Raleigh Road Outdoor Theatre

Gather around to hear the story of a time and place where people went to "drive-in" movie theaters rather than megaplexes to see a movie on the big screen...

See all the pictures here!

On Saturday night, Johnnie Bud and I made the hour+ drive from just south of Downtown Raleigh to Henderson, NC (44.8 miles to be exact) to check out Raleigh Road Outdoor Theatre, one of the only six remaining drive in movie theatres left in the United States. The rain from earlier in the day had moved out of the area for the most part (ran into one small shower on the way to the theatre), but the movies are shown rain or shine and both the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles and Guardians of the Galaxy were playing, so we figured no better night to go!

Not considering the investment of the drive itself, this place is a great value. They are open almost every Friday, Saturday and Sunday night between March and December and all evenings are double feature movies for one price per person attending, rather than per vehicle - which was totally fine by just the two of us. The two tickets we purchased online before leaving home were only $16.70 total - that's only $8.35 per person to see two new movies! The concessions sold on site are also incredibly value priced, probably 1/4 to 1/3 of the cost of a large Raleigh-area movie theater complex. You definitely cannot get a small popcorn and soda at a modern movie theater for less than $5.00!

The incredible deals on the movies and concessions does leave the facility itself with much to be desired. The concession trailer, food pick-up area and restrooms (only one restroom for each gender) were incredibly dated and don't seem to have been well-maintained in recent years. The movie screen itself and sound quality were great, however. The sound is played via 90.3 FM in your car, or you can roll your windows down and listen to the sound played via various speakers located all over the property. Which brings me to one our only chief complaint of the evening... the people parked on both sides of us had really lost all good movie-going sense.

The family to our left chose to bring a young baby who cried and made noise the entire time. No exaggerating here - this happened even through the 10:30 p.m.-12:30 a.m. second movie! Not only did they not walk away from the viewing area with the crying child, but they also stayed through the late show. We finally had to roll up our windows and listen to the audio during the second show through our car's radio, which was less than ideal because Johnnie Bud had to crank the car every 10 minutes when the accessory status automatically turned itself off. The family to our right chose to smoke and were offended when other patrons came over and asked them to stop because their smoke was blowing in other vehicles. (In their defense, the offended other vehicles did not politely make their request. So everyone was just rude. Welcome to Henderson, I guess!) Their children also talked through the entirety of both films.

So at the end of the day, the only real downside to this date night were some crummy other attendees, but all in all, we thought the movie-watching experience was very cool and we'll definitely be back when there are more movies being shown that we want to see at a great price from a neat vantage point.

Visit the Raleigh Road Outdoor Theatre website for weekly updates about what's being shown during the upcoming weekend and enjoy your trip just outside of town!

Really Tasty Retreats Happening at O.Henry and Proximity Hotels in Greensboro

By far, two of my favorite boutique hotel concepts in NC (and the country), O.Henry Hotel and Proximity Hotel in Greensboro will play host to a few very innovative, and tasty, weekend getaways this summer and fall.

Savor the South Weekend: September 26-28 Authors from UNC Press Savor the South Cookbook will join Quaintance-Weaver Restaurants & Hotels Chef Leigh Hesling and Chef Jay Pierce for an evening of what is sure to be incredible food and beverage, and highly entertaining conversations, at the O.Henry Hotel. One-night package includes accommodations, two tickets to Friday's farm-to-fork dinner, breakfast on Saturday, Saturday's Tasting Extravaganza lunch, and a cookbook is $295/person, double occupancy. A two-night package is also available and includes additional meals and entrance to the Bourbon & Bluegrass Bacchanal Dinner for $449/person.
(Image via OHenryHotel.com)

Sustainable Summer Weekend Getaway: May 30-September 1 Check in at 2 p.m. at the Proximity Hotel (or earlier if available) and spend the afternoon traveling nearby greenways via complimentary bicycles or lounging by the property's infinity-style pool. A $30 voucher for breakfast or dinner at Print Works Bistro is included. Available Fridays and Saturdays, May 30-September 1 (some blackout dates apply) for $219, plus taxes.
(Image via ProximityHotel.com)

Weekend Rail Getaway Package Ride the Amtrak train to Greensboro and Proximity Hotel will pick you up at the historic depot! A sustainable weekend getaway at America's first LEED Platinum-certified hotel and restaurant includes overnight accommodations in a Loft King Room on a Friday, Saturday or Sunday night, as well as a $50 dining voucher for Print Works Bistro, as well as breakfast in bed the following morning, for only $249, plus taxes.

If you can swing the investment in these weekend indulgences, my personal experience from a quick visit to both properties' restaurants back in March says "ABSOLUTELY! DO THIS!" Enjoy.

I've Got Beach Fever

I have not been to the beach yet this summer (unless you count the whirlwind weekend at the end of April for Brianne's wedding - be we barely saw the beach... there was other fun to be had!).



Here's hoping that every weekend in August I'll be at the coast. I can't believe these pictures were taken in August of 2007! I stumbled upon them on my computer tonight and it stirred up this wicked beach fever I've been suffering from for months now...







Other than the NC coast, Nick and I will be heading to Clearwater, Florida over Labor Day Weekend for Jen and Trey's wedding (congrats, y'all!). Anyone got any suggestions for places in the St. Pete/Clearwater area of Florida that we should check out during the long weekend?

Royal Wedding?

Move over, William and Kate - this weekend is all about Drew and Brianne!

Another love of my life is marrying the love of her life this weekend and I'm so excited to be making my way to Ocean Isle Beach in just a few short hours (after a Friday morning full of work) for a weekend full of rehearsals, dinner, doing my girlfriend duty once more of lookin' good in a bridesmaid dress, a ceremony, and a rockin' coastal reception!



Congrats, Bri and Drew!!! I loooooove you two! :-*

(Yes, B*Money is one of the few people in this world that I'd miss the TBMF for - and yes, I do expect texts, calls, and pictures from those of you dancing on a cooler in a field in Garner on Saturday!)

Happy New Year!

Nick and I went to Nashville this past week/weekend for a few days, so I didn't get a chance to wish everyone a Happy New Year's Eve... or even New Year's Day. However, I don't believe January 2nd is too late to start the year off right!

We have dinner at my parents' house every Sunday, so of course tonight we had to have our traditional New Year's dinner: pork, greens, black-eyed peas, potatoes, and cake. Nom, nom, nom - it is by far my favorite meal of the year!

When Nick and I were driving back to Raleigh from Nashville yesterday, we were curious about the tradition behind the New Year's meal and found this great resource on Epicurious (thank you, Google), that I wanted to share: Lucky Foods for the New Year.

Greens and black-eyed peas (or legumes) are symbolic of economic good fortune or wealth, pork symbolizes progress, and so on. Next year, I'm adding wine to the menu since the article covers the superstition of grapes, too!

Welcome to 2011 and best wishes for a wonderful year, y'all!

Sunday Funday: Pi Phi Love

(Click to enlarge.)

Man, I miss college. And I seriously miss every single one of these gorgeous ladies. This picture, ladies and gentlemen, is my senior class of the NC Delta Chapter of Pi Beta Phi.

The only thing that's missing? A few rockstar juniors (paging Hannah, Rach, Sesh, Sarah, Regina, Ave, Liv, and any other baller-ettes I have accidentally left off the list!).

So, with that said, I dedicate today's Sunday Funday to my college sisters. I love you all and I hope life is being fabulous to each and every one of you - even those of you who I do not have the pleasure of seeing regularly :-(

Heading to Natty Green's in a bit with Adrianne (who I just realized is not pictured... A - where were you?) to wish Ashton (top left corner) bon voyage as she sets her sails for Italy for an extended period of her life! (Let's wish her the best and extra luck in finding a place to live that will accommodate guests... because I'm going to visit!)



Above: One of my favorite Ashton and Lil Lisa pictures. So us.

Welcome to Alum Status, Sis!

I swear NCSU made the grad attire red just so she couldn't reuse mine (which was black).

And while she may be an undergrad alum, she's heading back to NCSU in the fall for four more years. At the end of those four years and a board certification or two, you may call her Dr. Mandy and you will take your puppies and kitties to her for all their TLC and veterinary needs... when she's not taking care of the Army's animals!



If you didn't know, I'm her official part-time paparazzi. You can peruse 153 photos here :-)

PS - I realize I'm a weekend and some change late on this post, but the day after graduation she and her pals hopped on a cruise from Florida to Mexico, then she came home and hopped in a car bound for Atlantic City, and then flies back tomorrow and then goes to D.C. for the weekend... so she won't see this until next week (or today on facebook) anyways. Who knew she'd graduate and become a lady of leisure?

Vegas - Round Two

Remember Round 1? That was bachelorette party style.

Round 2 this past weekend was "couples style", if you will.

	Hotel: Mandalay Bay. They pump a smell into Mandalay Bay. Whatever it is, I'd like to buy it... by the gallon! {Image: About.com travel}
	Hotel Pool: Beach at Mandalay. 99 degrees F, no humidity!
	Dinner #1: 9 Fine Irishmen (at New York, New York). Good, but way too much food went to waste. (Portions are out of control in Vegas dining.)
	Show: Ka. If you do anything in Vegas, go see Ka at MGM Grand! {Image: Ka official site.}
	Daily Distraction: Auto Collection at the Imperial.
	Dinner #3: VooDoo Steak & Lounge. Kick ass view of the Vegas Strip from the rooftop bar at Rio (That's for you, Ashton!). Rivals the view from Mix at THE hotel at Mandalay Bay.

A few pics on facebook, mostly of cars from The Auto Collections at the Imperial.

By the way, a lady won $700,000+ on a slot machine at Monte Carlo while we were there. It wasn't this girl. I lost $2.00 on slots - playing a whopping two times. Bummer.

PS: I'm sick now (thank you crappy recycled air on the 5-hour flight home), another bummer.

Ok, someone take me back to Vegas!

Red, Merlot, or Muscadine?

Lisa S. shared Old North State Winery with those of us in her networks on facebook this week and I thought I'd pass it along here, too. She swears by Restless Soul and says it makes a great table red.

Restless Soul
This blend of Malbec, Tannat, and Cabernet Sauvignon is combined in just the right proportions to emphasize the wonderful fruity character of this complex Bordeaux style red wine. - $10.00Have any of you NC people sampled any of their wide selection of wines or dined at the bistro in Mt. Airy?

Share the details!

PS - In case you might not have noticed, NC has a wonderful state-wide wine industry. Check out the Visit NC Wines website and find out where you can check out some local offerings near home, vacation, or even make day trips out of!

Such Cool News for Downtown Raleigh

This past weekend the R-Line* was launched. This week, NC State ties into the R-Line with WolfProwl.

Via The Howl - an email from NCSU's Student Body President

WolfProwl - NC State's connection to downtown Raleigh
For years, students have been seeking a way to access the incredible entertainment district that is downtown Raleigh. Starting this Thursday, WolfProwl will make that connection for thousands of NC State students.

Service will run 9pm-3am every Thurs.-Sat. and tie into the "R-line" downtown circulator serving:
-Glenwood South
-Convention Center
-Fayetteville Street
-Moore Square & more

Tapping existing Werewolf routes, service will include:
-Main Campus
-Hillsborough St.
-Greek Village
-Wolf Village
-Avent Ferry Rd.
-Gorman St. & more

Service will run approximately every 30 minutes. Until more definitive arrival/departure times are known, riders can use the online Transloc service to find their bus. For more info, maps, & rules, click here: http://ncsu.edu/wolfline.

Student government is hosting a kickoff event will at 8:30pm Thursday on the steps of Talley - click here for info: http://facebook.com/event.php?eid=50513004804.There are already tons of online updates about R-Line, so check those out, too!

*Here's a quick definition of the R-Line from the City of Raleigh:"The R-Line will connect employees, residents, conventioneers and other visitors in the central business district to retail and entertainment venues, restaurants and parking. Two environmentally friendly hybrid electric buses, both with 36 seats, will be used on the route.

The R-Line will run every 10 to 15 minutes. Hours of operation for the new service will be 7 a.m. to 11 p.m. Monday through Wednesday, 7 a.m. to 2:15 a.m. Thursday through Saturday, and 1 p.m. to 8 p.m. on Sunday."Yay!

Viva Las Vegas!

The girls and I had a blast!

(Click to enlarge)Here's my list of don't miss places and sights (note: it's mostly bars - which I figure is ok, because since there are so many, you'll need to know which are worth going to).

Sigfried & Roy's Secret Garden
Located at Mirage
Only $15 and some very, very cool creatures. Lions, tigers, dolphins... all in a non-performing environment.





Forty-Deuce
Located at Mandalay Bay
A hidden gem in the nightlife scene. Literally - hidden. Luckily, the Director of VIP Services found us wandering Mandalay and offered us a round of champagne. I wish we had started the night at this place!


Stack
Located at Mirage
A very cool steak house with lots of delicious choices for people like me who don't want steak all the time. Also had some affordable $30 three-course options, etc. which is important in a town where you could easily spend $100 on dinner for one.


Mix
Located at Mandalay Bay... on the 64th floor.
One of the best views in town - period. And not painfully over-crowded like super-trendy Pure and Tao bars/clubs.



Playboy Club / Moon
Located at Palms
Fun bars, personable bartenders. I was shocked how many people in the service industry who were working for tips just sucked in this town. Not at the Playboy club, though! The Bunnies are dealers, but the male bartenders were cool, too! Moon would have been awesome had the retractable roof been open.


Minus 5 (-5) Lounge
Located at Mandalay Bay
There are a few located around the world. I didn't get to go there, but walked past it enough to want to. The front is very lodge bar looking and the other part is surrounded by ice. I hate the cold, so the free drink passes that were being passed out by the promoter and PENGUIN that Lisa S. and I walked by would have to hook up a lot of anti-freeze (drinks) for me to stay long.

Hard Rock Hotel
Very cool music industry displays... everywhere. Kenny Chesney will be having a concert in their in-house concert hall (The Joint) at the end of April - I bet it will be awesome.







Christian Audigier
Located at TI (Treasure Island)
Fashionable rock n' roll-themed bar . This was in our hotel and we didn't get a chance to go, but based on seeing it in passing and it's branding/image... I will for sure next time. I'll also be dropping my business card for Buckhead because they apparently have an awesome service industry night.All in all, Forty Deuce and Mix were my favorites for bars.

PS - We HAD to go to Coyote Ugly because as all 80's babies, we love the movie. Everyone who told me it sucked... was right. It was one of those "Cool, I've been there. Once was enough."

PS #2 - I can't believe I forgot the crowd favorite. O'Sheas. Count on my friends to find the beer pong in Vegas!

(All images linked to sources.)

Rehab...

....is where I will need to check myself into when I return to Raleigh next Monday night.

Can you guess where I'm going? Here's a hint:

That was one of the more exciting videos I could find in my 30 second YouTube search.

Well, other than:...but if I come back hitched, I'm willing to bet my tail is grass!

I'm heading out at the crack of down on Thursday and meeting in lovely Las Vegas with 8 of my favorite girls (and sisters) from college for E. Riley's bachelorette party - including fellow blogger, Adrianne! Lisa S. is coming in this weekend for a industry event next week and will be hopefully joining in with our 20-something shenanigans on Saturday night!

The nights have pretty much been planned out (Palms, Playboy Club, Coyote Ugly *I hear it's a sausage party, but what girls who grew up in the 90's/early 2000's didn't love that movie?*, Thunder from Down Under *sorry Mom!*, and Pure), but what do any of you former Vegas visitors recommend during the day?

In case you didn't know, my other blog is titled "I Like My Money Right Where I Can See It... Hanging In My Closet", so gambling is not ranking very high for me on the "I could do that all day" scale. Other suggestions?

I'm SO excited. AND a little worried about my liver.

Crap, I should've asked my Red Bull rep if he knew any of the Vegas team. I can see that coming in handy.

Calling All Region 2 Pi Phis!

I'm super excited to see that the power and ease of use of blogging technology is making its way up the Pi Phi ladder!

Just for you Region 2 alums (here's the map if you need to figure out just what region you're in), our quarterly newsletter just informed me that we have a blog for staying updated... sweet! Check out "Ring Ching" here.

For all other Pi Phis, here's hoping I'll see all of you in Texas this summer!

It's Always the Little Ones

I never participate in the tags and awards that social bloggers do (I really do appreciate you all for including me, but I try and keep this blog content-based so that each post is about more than just me), but when I saw this on Green Magsterpie's blog today... I just couldn't resist. Maybe it's my ridiculous love of pictures.

I also wanted to illustrate something very important: I'm a little girl (5' 2'')... so I can get away with a lot of things that some people never notice.

Case in point: my fourth picture album, the fourth picture in it:

Location: Bristol, TN/VA
Event: NAAAAAASCAR race with the boyfriend, Cole, Lindsey, and Cameron
Image: Me getting away with not having to carry my gravy biscuit.I think people underestimate me sometimes. Need proof? I also took this picture of my tactic... unnoticed.

Guess What Just Crossed the Mason-Dixon...

(Firefly Distillery)

Oh yes, that's right. All of you who hail from (or have moved) north of NC can now enjoy what we've been raving about all summer and fall: Firefly's sweet tea vodka!

Via text message from one of my favorite bride-to-be sisters, E. Riley (soon to be E. Riley-Dorn):

They're selling sweet tea vodka up here now!!!

(To which I replied - "Yes!!! Now I can come visit again!")

Haha yeah they sell it by the half gallon so come on!
By "up here", she means near Baltimore. And by half gallon, she means Little Lisa-sized (which she totally agrees is true, too).

Looking SO forward to some DC/MD visits!

PS - Yes, I know where wiki defines the Mason-Dixon line, but who are we kidding?

Hard Rock <3

I really want to go to this Three Doors Down benefit and I've never been to Biloxi, so I figure... why not?

As I was checking out Hard Rock's accommodations website, this caught my eye:

From the website: "Two select 'Pink Sheets' guestrooms at each hotel will be outfitted in special pink-hued Sleep Like A Rock bedding, with 25% of the nightly rate benefiting The Breast Cancer Research Foundation."Cool, huh? I think so. I'd so request the pink rooms. (Too bad they can't turn every room pink for the promo!)