by Heidi Reid | Sep 25, 2023 | Do, October 2023
Don’t sleep on Raleigh’s newest luxury slumber party biz.
Ever dreamed of a boujee sleepover while you were roughin’ it in an old sleeping bag on your friend’s hard basement floor? If you think your slumber party days are over, think again. … Dream Big Slumber Parties is hitting snooze on old-school sleepover parties and counting sheep with flair instead. And, yes, adults, that means you can also relive your nostalgic overnights in style (!).
From indoor campouts (complete with a make-believe campfire!) to outdoor movie nights featuring inflatable lounge chairs and a concession stand, these perfectly planned parties are ideal for kiddos and grown-ups alike—think birthdays, bachelorette parties, girls’/guys’ nights and sorority events.
The brainchild of Raleigh native founders Whitney Hill and Lucy Nally—who are of an age where many of their friends are having children—dreamt up the idea in March, inspired by a passion for party planning and the desire to create an extravagant experience for their kids. “We both love throwing parties, creating special events and setting up an environment to make special memories happen,” says Hill of the recently launched concept.
Although the idea was originally geared toward tots, Hill and Nally leaped at the opp to expand the luxury camps to accommodate all age groups—because adults deserve to get in on the fun too. “As I was putting up the glamping tent to take pictures, I thought, ‘Maybe I want to have my own adult glamping girls’ night with some s’mores and maybe a picnic table,’” says Hill.
NTM the duo recognized the incredible growth the city has experienced in the past year and felt Raleighites were ready for their idea. “One thing about Raleigh that has really [become apparent] is how family-friendly it is,” says Nally. “So many services and companies are open for families. Both of us love our families and love creating great childhoods for our children.”
Whether it’s unwinding with a girls’ night or throwing the best birthday party ever, really who isn’t ready to catch some Z’s in style? @dreambigsp
by Heidi Reid | Sep 25, 2023 | Do, October 2023
Looking for an enticing outdoor escape? The hills of the High Country are calling…
“The future tells me go, but my mountain heart says stay.” If your heart belongs to the mountains a la country crooner/queen Dolly Parton, soothe it via a vacay to High Country. Nestled in the “Coolest Corner in North Carolina” amid the beautiful Blue Ridge Mountains and home to the highest town in eastern America (aka Beech Mountain), this area offers stunning views of the second-oldest mountain range on Earth, an array of high-altitude activities, plus fantastic food and drink ops galore.
A mere three-hour-ish ride from Raleigh, such gems as Blowing Rock, Boone, West Jefferson and more make for the ideal getaway to unplug and reground yourself in the woods or simply spend some QT with your people. Thrill-seekers can pounce on the area’s plethora of extreme sports, while a lineup of laid-back activities await for those who like to play it safe. Happy trails!
EAT
6th and Main
Grandma’s house vibes found. Settle down for dinner at this home-turned-restaurant mealtime mainstay where dinner feels at once like a warm hug and a sweet surprise. The cozy locally owned gem sources local ingredients to serve up specials on the regular—think fried chicken with a spicy pecan glaze, dynamite shrimp (it’ll blow you away), lobster bisque, and more mouthwatering meals. Ain’t nothin’ finer! Wilkesboro, 6thandmainrestaurant.com
New River Brewing Smokehouse and Eatery
Let the divine scent of smoked pulled pork beckon you off the beaten path to this “palpable and positive” father-and-son-founded brewery/smokehouse where meats reign supreme. Dig into jumbo wings, ribs, sandwiches, salads and more. Pro tip: The smokehouse fries topped with pulled pork, cheese and housemade Cheerwine BBQ sauce will send you. Holy smokes, indeed! West Jefferson, newriverbrewing.beer
Beech Mountain Brewing Co.
Brews and views? It doesn’t get much better than that. Take a seat out on the deck to enjoy impeccable vistas and the classic mountain resort menu with a succulent twist—perfect for skiers and snowboarders seeking a quick bite and/or a drink after shredding the gnar. Popular ops include the smashburger, brisket sandwich and loaded fries—plus, any of the brews, natch. Beech Mountain, beechmountainbrewingco.com
DRINK
Call Family Distillers
It’s all smooth sipping at the 2023 NCRLA Distillery of the Year, with a history tracing back to the 1800s (!)—plus a boost from Willie Clay Call, aka “The Uncatchable” and one of the most renowned moonshiners to come out of Wilkes County. Answer the call to get in on the mishmash via the magic of moonshine-making—then chill over a bev or two and extend the buzz via live tunes at Mash House. Wilkesboro, callfamilydistillers.com
Bohemia Coffee
But first, coffee. Keep your getaway grounded with a cuppa from this quaint downtown cafe boasting an abundance of coffee selects and flavor choices and a cozy, eclectic atmosphere. Go bold with a frozen cotton candy or dragonfly coconut drink, or stick to the basics. If you name it, they can brew it. West Jefferson, bohemiawj.square.site
5506’ Skybar
Will trek for booze. Take the chairlift up—you guessed it—5,506 feet to enjoy a bev in the warmth of the round glasshouse, or bundle up in one of the Adirondack chairs outside to really soak in the views. During the winter, you’ll actually want to drink responsibly as the only way down is by ski or snowboard (!). Beech Mountain, beechmountainresort.com
STAY
Mountain Top Cottage
Get high in High Country—literally—by taking to the hills to stay at this secluded mountaintop home. The majestic mountain vistas are the perf backdrop for exploring the extensive wooded property, snacking on s’mores by the fire pit, or taking a dip in the hot tub on the enormous deck. Top that, we dare ya! Wilkesboro, vrbo.com
The Flight Deck
Ready for takeoff? This luxe cabin at 4,500 feet is sure to lift you (plus 13 guests) to cloud nine via breathtaking views spanning 100+ miles over the Blue Ridge Mountains—best served on the swing a la wraparound porch. Inside, the game room with arcade and pool table elevates to ideal group getaway. West Jefferson, airbnb.com
Treetop Yurt
Log off and marvel at the beauty of Appalachia with a snooze curled up in a literal treehouse cabin situated just far enough from Downtown Beech Mountain to avoid the hustle and bustle, yet close enough to access the slopes. A little quiet time in the trees never *yurt* anyone! Beech Mountain, airbnb.com
DO
Brushy Mountain Apple Festival
When in apple country, this fest is a core activity to add to the to-do list, naturally. The popular Oct. 7 fall fest features all your fave apple-flavored treats (cider, dried apples, jams and desserts)—NTM 425+ artisans and tradespeople selling handmade chairs, quilts, soaps and woodcarvings; ~100 food vendors; and four music stages showcasing live music and dancing. Ready to get lost in the (apple) sauce?! Wilkesboro, applefestival.net
Blue Ridge Parkway MP 249-263
Life is a highway—er, parkway? Enjoy a stunning joyride along the winding Blue Ridge Parkway (the best time to go is the fall when all the leaves change colors!). Be sure to pack a picnic to stop at one of the six lookout spots, or venture inside Holy Trinity Church to peek at Ben Long’s fresco of the Last Supper. West Jefferson, blueridgeparkway.org
Beech Mountain Resort
Adrenaline seekers, this one’s for you. Take your bike or skis up one of the nine lifts or hit the freestyle terrain park feat. rails and jumps for beginners and pros alike at the East Coast’s highest mountain resort. Newbies, have no fear, as the resort also offers ski, snowboard and mountain bike lessons for all ages. Then it’s all downhill from there! Beech Mountain, beechmountainresort.com
by Heidi Reid | Sep 25, 2023 | Do, October 2023
Where to grab a brewski outside Raleigh during NC Beer Month
Blackbird Brewery
WAKE FOREST
Kill two birds with one stone and fly by this craft-, chemistry- and community-focused passion project for local science-meets-suds in a lively taproom or the expansive patio and beer garden. Husband-and-wife duo Ian and Harmony VanGundy specialize in experimental blends fusing less-common traditional techniques and unique ingredients (think a thiolized hazy DIPA and a blue razz sour ale, aka “Barbie’s Dream”). Belly up with your buds for music bingo, run club, yoga classes and an array of other rotating events. Ready to take flight? blackbirdbeer.com
Carolina Brewery
CHAPEL HILL/PITTSBORO
“The Carolinas are calling…” The oldest brewery in the Triangle, the OG Chapel Hill suds spot bowed in 1995—spawning its second restaurant and production biz in Pittsboro circa 2007. Hit up either location for the beer (natch) and stay for the scratchmade Southern cuisine (weekend brunch feat. chicken and waffles, tacos, and a better-than-Bojangles chicken biscuit are always the answer). And stay tuned for the brewpub’s relaunch of its popular Paddle Daze IPA and a November charity month with proceeds benefiting the NC Coastal Federation. Sip on. carolinabrewery.com
Local Time Brewing
HOLLY SPRINGS
Now’s the time to “go forth and beer happy” with bevs inspired by countries across the globe (think Venezuela, Germany and Vietnam) from this one-stop establishment—no plane ticket necessary. Blending worldly ingredients and techniques to create concoctions nodding to different cultures, the watering hole is born out of a love of travel, brews and camaraderie. And the taproom is further frothing up excitement via a lineup of events (think language classes and travel-planning workshops!) popping up soon. Essentially, it’s any globe-trotter’s—and beer lover’s!—paradise. localtimebrewing.com
Havoc Brewing Company
PITTSBORO
Escape the havoc of everyday life at this “devastatingly delicious” haven founded by two Navy veterans who first started the endeavor after toying with home-concocting sessions in head brewer Andy Smith’s garage. Cheekily dubbed pints draw you in (such as the Jamie Tartt sour—s/o Ted Lasso!), while the massive taproom and sprawling patio beg you to post up awhile. NTM games and a packed calendar feat. live music, trivia, rotating food trucks and more. So crafty! havocbrewing.com
Fullsteam Brewery
BOXYARD RTP/DURHAM
Full steam ahead! “From plow to pint” is the MO of this distinctly Southern brewery highlighting the farm and food traditions of the American South. Incorporating locally malted corn, barley, wheat and/or oats, Full Steam’s brews reflect NC’s community, creativity and diversity—and make the perfect accompaniment to the Durham location’s sandos, snacks and salad, or the Boxyard RTP spot’s Detroit-style pizza (check Insta for specialty pies feat. seasonal ingredients!). We never met a beer + pizza outing we didn’t like! fullsteam.ag
by Heidi Reid | Sep 25, 2023 | Do, October 2023
Raleigh’s newest space for female empowerment has opened its doors.
If you’re looking to renew and revitalize your health, hobbies and mind alongside like-minded women, meet your new go-to safe haven: The Lotus Room. Created as a hub of knowledge, joy and spiritual enlightenment, the sanctuary aims to empower women to “make decisions that propel their lives forward,” according to founder Felicia Trujillo, who is also the founder of boutique marketing studio Food Seen.
Trujillo dreamed up The Lotus Room while embarking on her own search for self-improvement, after finding room for enhancement in many of the spaces she stumbled upon. While some targeted a different age demographic, others just didn’t offer the desired growth she was after. So, the small business owner decided to create her own space for women like her.
“I had an opportunity with this space to bring in other women to learn about something interesting that could improve their lives in some way,” says Trujillo. “Maybe they’ll make a friend or they’ll meet a mentor or somebody to support their business.” After all, connections are everything.
The intimate space holds two to three educational sessions a week on intentional topics like financial literacy, sex and intimacy, chakras, and functional medicine—all inspired by connection and self-care. Sessions are taught by local experts, but questions and dialogue are encouraged. “Sometimes we learn more from each other and the questions we ask than we learn from an educator,” Trujillo maintains.
The entryway to the room will have cubbies for electronics and all your baggage—both physical and mental!—and coffee or wine will be provided before the session starts. Participants are encouraged to kick off their shoes and get cozy amid the rugs and floor pillows. “Come in casual, comfortable wear and imagine you’re walking into your friend’s house and sitting on her living room floor,” urges Trujillo.
Like a private wellness retreat for women, The Lotus Room isn’t a fitness studio, classroom or school, but a laid-back space to connect with both others and yourself over all things physical, mental, emotional, spiritual and professional—NTM bevvys and no shoes. Self-improvement doesn’t get much better than that. @thelotusroomraleigh
by Heidi Reid | Sep 19, 2023 | Do, September 2023
Where and when to catch peak autumn views around NC.
Pumpkin-flavored everything is back and the air is getting chillier. Read: It’s only a matter of time before we see the leaves transform from green to gorgeous shades of gold, red, orange and brown (!). Essentially, it’s like our reward for surviving those scorching summer temps. Our rec? Mark your cal and pack a pair of sturdy hiking shoes and a camera for these swoonworthy picturesque spots to catch the best autumnal leaf-peeping views. Happy fall, y’all!
Devil’s Courthouse
Peak Week: Oct. 10–16
Dance with the devil at this 360-degree lookout point named for the ominous appearance of the rock formation. Beyond the locale’s lore, the relatively short hike is steep, but the vivid colors are well worth the calf cramps. Alexa, play “The Climb,” stat.
Clingmans Dome
Peak Week: Oct. 10–16
Just south of the North Carolina-Tennessee border lies the highest point in the Smoky Mountains and some of the most breathtaking views in the state (sorry Tennessee, it’s ours). The quick 30-minute hike leads to an observation tower giving a view of the mountain foliage—views stretch as far as seven surrounding states and 100+ miles on a clear day. Fall-elujah, indeed!
Grandview Overlook
Peak Week: Oct. 16–23
Will pit stop for breathtaking views. This majestic stop on the Blue Ridge Parkway boasts an off-the-beaten-path overlook right off Milepost 281.4. And trust us, it has earned its simple but apt name. After all, what’s more grand than an ocean of mountains, valleys and ridges ablaze with bright autumn hues? Pro tip: While in the area, try out a zipline tour to see the foliage while flying above. Zip up!
DuPont State Recreational Forest
Peak Week: Oct. 23–30
Look up! The winding trails of this outdoor oasis will guide you underneath a colorful leafy canopy before reaching several super-’Grammable lookout points featuring both elevated views and massive waterfalls. For cinema fans, recognize the area from numerous scenes a la forest scenes from The Hunger Games and The Last of the Mohicans—if you can tear your eyes away from the fab foliage, of course.
Pilot Mountain State Park
Peak Week: Oct. 23–31
Fly through the season with this severely underrated state park serving as a hot spot for every activity from rock climbing to horseback riding, backdropped by the vibrant views of changing fall foliage and the park’s iconic geological knob. Want to peep the changing colors with a glass of vino in hand? Belly up to JOLO Winery and Vineyard in Pilot Mountain for the views and the booze to complete your excursion.
Uwharrie National Forest
Peak Week: Oct. 23–31
Late to the leaf viewing party? This low-elevation piedmont forest is great for viewing rich colors later in the season because of its lower elevation—NTM ideal for Raleighites who may not have time to make a drive to the mountains. To boot, camping, mountain biking and horseback riding abound at this lush forest less than a two-hour drive away.
