10 Memorable Desserts Served in N.C. Restaurants

Today's #outaboutnc post has been years in the making. It's one of those posts where you have to have either years of eating or blogging experience under your belt to pull it off.  In this case, it's both. It's been my goal to put a memorable dessert post together curated from North Carolina restaurants for some time,  But, I didn't want to just list desserts I liked. Instead, I wanted time to pass, and see what desserts resonated with me over time. This is my curated list.

10 Memorable Desserts from N.C


There are a couple of things you need to know before we get to the sweet stuff. I don't eat in a lot of chain restaurants so a lot of these desserts may no longer be available because they were created by pastry chefs based on the season. I also love chocolate, but I don't order a lot of chocolate desserts because they are too rich for me. I prefer just a simple piece of dark chocolate  You may even see a common thread among my tastes. These are not in order of deliciousness. They all win that award.

Toasted Coconut Cake from the Gallery Restaurant in Charlotte, N.C: This dessert goes back to 2012 during a stay at The Ballantyne Hotel and Lodge. I think of this coconut cake often because I adore coconut cake. And not all coconut cakes are the same. Some can be dry, and some can knock your socks off. This one even won over Will, a non-coconut cake fan. More on the Gallery Restaurant. I also have to give credit to this coconut cake I found at Bean Traders in Durham, N.C.

Coconut Cake sold in Bean Traders in Durham, N.C


This is a "country" coconut cake by Sweet Jane's Bakery. It's different than the Gallery coconut cake, but it's the best cake I've found since my time in Charlotte three years ago.




Key Lime Pie from Circa 81 in Morehead City, N.C.  I have a hard time passing up key lime pie when it is on a menu. I've had some good ones through the years. It's kind of like that pie, when your button is about to pop off your pants because you ate too much at dinner, but then you see the darn pie on the menu and you  just have to order it because you just can't pass up a key lime pie. And for the record, Will hates key lime pie, but my father-in-law loves it so when I visited him last month while on a press trip, we ordered key lime pie in every restaurant when he was with us.  Circa's key lime pie is very memorable. It's white in color and that makes it all-natural. Owner ClarkeMerrell told me that an 80-year-old family-friend makes it for the restaurant. Clark, I hope you have the recipe because that pie needs to live on through the years. More on Circa 81. Read more about my travels to the Crystal Coast

Pineapple Upside Down Cake from Second Empire in Raleigh, N.C : Ok, this dessert goes back 14 years at least. I'm serious. I can remember it like it was yesterday and I so want to taste this cake again.  Will and I were in the back dining room of Second Empire Restaurant, and pineapple upside down cake was on the dessert menu. I ordered it and thought it was the best thing ever. They've never had it again or at least not when I dined. I have daydreams about this cake. This is like the "one that got away". It was so good. I think I about it often, but don't know if I will ever see it again.  More on Second Empire Restaurant and Tavern.

Lemon Pie from PieBird in Raleigh


Now CLOSED: Lemon Pie from PieBird in Raleigh, N.C. This pie will probably never be forgotten.It's really memorable. Tasting this was like a scene out of the movie, "When Harry Met Sally."  I had lunch with a friend a month ago at PieBird in Raleigh. It was my first time there. I ordered the simple lemon pie. I took one look at her and said, "This pie is orgasmic. It's the best pie I every tasted." After saying something like that to a friend, you know she had to have a bite. She took a bite, and totally agreed. 

S'mores from Amos Mosquito's


S'mores from Amos Mosquito's in Atlantic Beach, N.C. I was too busy eating key lime pie at Amos Mosquitoes to really get into the s'mores action at this restaurant. I didn't get a photo of that pie because my father-in-law is not used to dining with a writer. He dug in and had several bites before I got done with the s'mores photos. The key lime pie impresses, but the s'mores really won everyone over at our table. My kids are still talking about this dessert so I think it may be hard to top that for them in a restaurant experience plus Amo's Mosquito's has a great dining atmosphere. This was Will's favorite restaurant on our latest trip to the Crystal Coast.  More on Amos Mosquito's. 

Vanilla Cupcake from Cafe Carolina and Bakery in Raleigh, N.C: I love a cupcake. I really cannot resist one any time of day. I recommend the cupcakes at Cafe Carolina in Raleigh and Cary. First off, I don't like globs of icing on my cupcakes. I want to taste the cake and not a bunch of sugar that I can't even get into my mouth because the icing is piled so high. These cupcakes are simple, and they have just the right amount of icing, usually decorated in its signature light blue. They also are cupcakes that are not overpriced. It doesn't break the bank to give a kid a simple cupcake here. My kids like chocolate ones, but I only eat vanilla. More on Cafe Carolina and Bakery.

Strawberry  Shortcake from Dan'l Boone Inn


Strawberry Shortcake from the Dan'l Boone Inn in Boone, N.C:  I think this is one of the places where I could easily be writing about banana pudding just as easily as I'm writing about shortcake. This restaurant is country to the core with fried chicken, green beans, ham biscuits, and glazed apples. The dessert choice was banana pudding and strawberry shortcake on the summer day we dined in 2014. My heart skipped a beat when the waiter gave the choices because I have a hard time passing up banana pudding, but I went with the shortcake instead. It was fantastic. And now that it is strawberry season once again. I can't stop thinking about this dessert. More on Dan'l Boone Inn.

Banana Pudding from Toast in Cary, N.C: I really love banana pudding, and I make a really good one at home about once a year. I ordered the banana pudding at Toast last year and when it arrived, it was covered in powdered sugar. I was like, "Oh, no. What have I done?" But, once I got over the powdered sugar on top of my "puddin" and dug into the dessert, I was impressed. This dessert is a winner.  I've been searching for a really good banana pudding for years in a restaurant that compares to the one that I'm too lazy to make, but once a year. I am happy to say that this one foots the bill. The only other good banana pudding that I've found is from Pam's Farmhouse in Raleigh, but they only have banana pudding a certain day of the week. And if given the choice of eating at Pam's or Toast, I would choose Toast. More on dining at Toast.

Coconut Cream Pie from Village Wayside Grill in Asheville


Coconut Cream Pie from Village Wayside Grill in Asheville, N.C: This charming tavern is located in the historic train depot in Biltmore Village. The food is great, and desserts change monthly. I happened to pop in when coconut cream pie was on the menu. I'm so glad I did. You're in luck. I heard this pie gets on the menu on occasion during the rotation because it's that good. It's dreamy. The Village Wayside Grill was extremely close to our hotel, The Doubletree Biltmore, and was recommended by the hotel as a good dining option nearby.  Glad I listened. More on Village Wayside and my experience in Asheville. 

Dotchie's Poundcake from Capital Club 16 in Raleigh, N.C. I like Capital Club 16 in downtown Raleigh because of its European influence. They serve a great pretzel. But, when a restaurant has poundcake on the dessert menu, they have a fan for life. Seriously, I love a good poundcake. The only other place where I've gotten good slice of plain poundcake that I can remember is from Aversboro Coffee in Garner, N.C.  If it tastes like my grandma's poundcake then you can bet I'll be back for another serving. More on Capital 16 Club and Aversboro Coffee. 


Be sure to use the #outaboutnc when you are out and about in North Carolina. Use the hashtag to be featured. You can follow @outaboutnc on Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter. You can also follow me personally @hinessightblog on Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter.


Note:  This is a non-sponsored post. Some desserts on this list I did not pay for because they were part of a press trip, but my opinions on dessert cannot be bought. They made this list because they were memorable desserts. 

Wild Horses, A lighthouse, and Emerald Isle: A Quick Look at NC's Crystal Coast

In late March, my family took a whirlwind press trip to North Carolina's Crystal Coast. I happen to love this area of North Carolina, and know it fairly well because my father-in-law lives in Beaufort, which is NC's third oldest town. Despite knowing the area, this was a trip of firsts for us, and I really got to experience the area as a tourist rather than visiting as a "daughter-in-law." I have lots to share about the Crystal Coast, but I'm going to start with some basics.

A quick look at NC's Crystal Coast as a vacation destination: Wild Horses, A Lighthouse and the Beach



Where: North Carolina's Crystal Coast is considered part of North Carolina's Southern Outer Banks. The area consists of Emerald Isle, Indian Beach, Salter Path, Pine Knoll Shores, Atlantic Beach, Morehead City, Historic Beaufort, (pronounced Bo-fort), Harker's Island, and Cape Lookout.

How to Get There: The Crystal Coast area is about a 3-hour drive from my hometown of Raleigh, N.C.  The Coastal Carolina Regional Airport is located in New Bern, N.C. and it's about 45 minutes away from this coastal area. This airport has about ten incoming flights a day originating from Raleigh, Charlotte, Atlanta, and Greensboro. This is an area where you will need a car.

A quick look at NC's Crystal Coast as a vacation destination: Wild Horses, A Lighthouse and the Beach (Emerald Isle Realty Beach House)


Where to Check-In: The Crystal Coast is filled with vacation rentals, Bed and Breakfast Inns, and several chain hotels from the limited-service market (think Hampton Inn) to full-service (think Doubletree) with a restaurant on-site. There are accommodations for every budget. We stayed with Emerald Isle Realty in Emerald Isle, N.C, which has an impressive portfolio of 700 rentals from condos, duplexes,  and huge homes. They apparently know my taste well, and decided that our base for this long weekend should be Bahama Breeze West. This is a Sandcastle rental, which gives you some hotel-like amenities. With the Sandcastle rental service, linens and towels are furnished. The beds are already made when you arrive which is so nice, especially if you arrive late like we did ( 9 p.m.). This duplex has five beautiful, spacious bedrooms, four bathrooms, two living areas, and a full-kitchen. It would fit two families very comfortably. Summer rates are (sitdown, please) $4,225 weekly, but when you think in terms of luxury hotel costs and the space you get in this home, it's much more cost-effective for this type of luxury vacation.


A beach view with Emerald Isle Realty in Emerald Isle, NC.


The great thing about a beach vacation rental is that you can make breakfast in your own kitchen, and have your coffee with an oceanfront view listening to the sound of the ocean. Go ahead,  turn up the volume.




Emerald Isle is not a bustling beach town. It's very residential which makes it a desirable vacation spot, in my opinion. There's a movie theatre, one grocery store on the island (another one over the bridge on the mainland), a waterslide park, miniature golf, retail shops, a great coffee shop, and some good restaurants.  However, most of the historic attractions are located about 20 to 35 minutes away, which is fine when you're on a week-long beach vacation. You stay close to home most of the time, and then take a day or two to go sightseeing. However, for us, we hardly stayed in Emerald Isle at all due to the demands of our press schedule.  I switched an entire morning around just so we could lounge in the beach house and enjoy our beautiful surroundings. The kids loved it.

Eating in on a beach morning.

We spent every day of our trip near Beaufort and Morehead City. If you want to be closer to the "action", you may want to consider Atlantic Beach (Home to Ft. Macon) and Pine Knoll Shores (Home to the North Carolina Aquarium-Pine Knoll Shores) as your base for beach rentals.

Harkers Island and Cape Lookout


Cape Lookout off the Crystal Coast, A U.S. National Park area


Despite my visiting the Crystal Coast often, I had never been to Harker's Island and Cape Lookout. On our first full-day in Carteret County, we drove to Harker's Island, which is about 50 minutes from Emerald Isle to catch a ferry to take us to Cape Lookout, which is one 14 U.S. National Parks in N.C.  During the season, you can primitive camp on this island, enjoy its beach, visit the Cape Lookout lighthouse, and the Keeper's Quarters Museum.

Keeper's Quarters Museum on Cape Lookout


This area of the Atlantic is called the "Graveyard of the Atlantic" and keeping that light on in the lighthouse was one of the most important jobs or else lives would be lost. It was quite a lonely job. Typically, the shift was split between the keeper and his assistant. It was also a very isolated job, and the keeper's family would only come for certain periods of time. The Park service has done an outstanding job showcasing how important this role was during its time in history.

From April 15-Oct. 1, you can also take a ferry to this area via Beaufort. We were there right before the Cape Lookout opened for the season so we left from Harkers Island.

On the way to Cape Lookout


Island Ferry Transportation provides transportation from both places. We took a small boat with our captain on what felt like the coldest day of the year.

But, that small boat took us right to the edge of Shackleford Banks. A wild horse was there for us to see.



More than 100 wild horses live on Shackleford Banks. The horses that are there now originated from Spanish Mustangs, who are believed to be the survivors of Spanish Galleon shipwrecks in this area. There also tours to Shackleford Banks where you can hike and learn more. The NC Maritime Museum in Beaufort organizes those tours.

Dining on Harker's Island

There are three restaurants on Harker's Island and a small grocery store that also serves as a bait and tackle shop. I ventured off the press agenda, and decided not to do lunch in Beaufort that day and instead, try my hand at one of the three restaurants. My original press agenda called for me to catch a ferry at 9 a.m.  If you remember, Emerald Isle is 45 minutes away by car. We decided to catch the 12:15 p.m. ferry and returned back to Harker's Island shortly after 2 p.m.  We were starving.

Our boat captain said he really likes to dine at the Seaside Stop N' Shop Cafe, which is part of a gas station.

Harker's Island Dining off the Crystal Coast


Beaufort has a lot more dining options with waterfront atmosphere, but this little place was cute and good.  It's also a lot cheaper than what you would find it Beaufort, too. They have good fried okra, fried shrimp, and will prepare a burger anyway you like. A cheeseburger with mustard and pickles, please.



We were too full for the homemade desserts, but something tells me that could have been the best thing about the place. They had coconut pie.

I'll have more on the Crystal Coast soon. I'll soon share some highlights of my favorite town, Beaufort, and share what we thought of some of the area restaurants. We certainly had a favorite. To plan your trip, visit Crystal Coast.com.


Disclosure: My family was hosted by The Crystal Coast, and my opinions about the area are my own. I think if you vacation here, you'll enjoy it a lot.  My thanks to our hosts who were always so gracious and eager to spread information about this North Carolina vacation destination. 

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Fit Triangle Mom

Spring and Summer Sunscreen Routine for Kids without using harsh chemicals and toxins

For years, I've been the mom that didn't think. Sometimes I would forget to add sunscreen to our daily routine.  More often at the pool or beach, I would spray sunscreen very liberally, and not even think about all the chemicals I was spraying on my children. This year, I'm going to do a better job.




Good Housekeeping just released the best sunscreens to purchase  in 2015 that will provide you sunblock protection without harmful chemicals. I'm going to try to pick one from this list this year.


Spring and Summer Sunscreen Routine for Kids w/o harsh chemicals and toxins.


Good sunscreens can be costly. Average cost can be $18 and up for a small bottle. But, it's worth the expense and I so wish I had thought about chemicals and pollutants much earlier. But, I'm a child of the '70s. What sunscreen? And when sunscreen came on the market, we just bought it. We didn't think about what was in it.

Spring and Summer Sunscreen Routine for Kids w/o harsh chemicals and toxins.


Certain natural vegetable oils and essential oils have also been found to provide some protection against the sun. If you are whiz at whipping up things, you may want to consider a DIY Natural Sunscreen Blend like this recipe I found  on the Organic Authority.  For instance, Carrot Seed Essential Oil has many benefits for the the body and skin. It is also known to have a SPF of around 30, according to many articles and research.


Carrot Seed Oil from Young Living. EnjoyLifeOils.com


The truth is that Carrot Seed oil doesn't smell wonderful so it is recommended to mix it with a fragrant oil like Lavender, Cedarwood, or Geranium, all of which are essential oils safe for sunlight exposure, and are widely used in Young Living Kid's Product Line of lotion, shampoo, and conditioner.

It's also important to note that many essential oils are not safe for the sun and can cause issues. So choose your products wisely. Avoid these before going into the sun.




Of course, if you are like me, you are going to miss places on your child's body for sunscreen. It happens every time we are at the beach or anytime I apply sunscreen.  For those times, cool your child's skin with LavaDerm Cooling Mist. This will be with me on my trips to the beach this year.

LavaDerm Cooling Mist. EnjoyLifeOils.com; Referral # 2481355




This cooling mist contains Lavender essential oil and aloe to soothe and rejuvenate burned or stressed skin. It retails for $18.09, and is $13.75 for the member/wholesale price. Read more about retail vs. member prices on EnjoyLifeOils.com.

Why is sun protection on my mind right now? Well, my son came home on Friday with a very red neck because his school had a fundraiser outside for a few hours. Yes, he left the house without one drop of sunscreen on him. Plus, this blog is about to get beach ready. My next travel post will take you to North Carolina's Crystal Coast.


Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links




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Small Victories Sunday Linkup

#Outaboutnc Community Members Tell their Favorite NC Vacation Spots

The goal of my new #outaboutnc travel guide community was for me to be able to offer vacation tips for people wanting to visit North Carolina. For this post, I partnered with the staff of Triangle Pest Control, a North Carolina based company, to sponsor our first travel tip series. The responses that staff are giving in this post are their own opinions, and are not sponsored by any travel or tourism agency.  Let's see what Donnie, Jesse, Bernard, and Teryn have to say about traveling in North Carolina. We'll find out where they like to dine, stay, and play. 


#outaboutnc community members tell their favorite vacation spots.
Top and bottom photos are by Leigh Hines. Middle Photo is from #outaboutnc community instagrammer @WakeforArt. 

NORTH CAROLINA VACATION SPOT FAVORITES

Name: Donnie Shelton , CEO of Triangle Pest Control 

 
Topsail Beach, N.C. #outaboutnc community members name favorite NC places for vacations.
Topsail area of North Carolina. Photo by Leigh Hines 

Q: Wheres your favorite place to vacation in NC?
A: North Topsail Beach.

Q: Why do you like this place so much?
A: The beach is not crowded and you are located between Wilmington and Beaufort. Plus the seafood in Topsail is second to none. It is a great place to take a family, watch dolphins in the surf and just relax for a while.   (Note, Leigh agrees about seafood)

Topsail Beach, N.C. #outaboutnc community members name favorite NC places for vacations.
Photo by Leigh Hines 


Q: Where do you normally stay? Rent a house? Specific hotel?
A: We normally rent a house on the beach.

Q: Whats your favorite thing to do while on vacation? Boating? Surfing? Skiing?
A: My favorite thing to do is to just play games with the kids on the beach and read. It is nice to unplug for a while and just have fun. When the weather does not quite cooperate we normally head into Wilmington to check out downtown (E.g. train museum, boat tour, etc) or we go to the Aquarium at Kure Beach.

Q: Wheres your favorite place to eat? Are there a few restaurants you always look forward to going to, or is there a new place you want to try?
A: Our default is The Oceanic at Wrightsville Beach. The food is hit or miss but I asked my wife to marry me next to the pier so there is somewhat of a sentimental tie there for our family.

Q: Is there a hidden gem/business here?  A specific beach access? Ski lift? Hole in the wall?
A: If you go to Carolina Beach there is a place called Britts Donuts. While I am not a donut person... these things are to die for. I think theres even a fan club website devoted to these guys. There will always be a line and your kids will always thank you after a bag of Britts (after they are all sugared up of course).

Britt's donuts in Carolina Beach
Photos taken by Mom's Small Victories on Facebook for #outaboutnc

Q: Whats your favorite memory from this place? Have you brought back any souvenirs?
A: My family used to vacation at Topsail when I was a kid. Back then Topsail was a small town with only one store and a putt putt course. But as kids, we didnt care. We would stay in this dive called the Florida Apartments. We played in the Ocean so much it was difficult to walk around if you know what I mean. I still remember those times when I drive through that area. Those are great memories with my family.

Note to travelers: Donnie is talking about two different areas in this piece. The Wilmington area beaches that include Wrightsville Beach and Carolina Beach are about a 35 to 45 minute drive from the  Topsail area in Pender and Onslow Counties. Surf City and Topsail Island are located in Pender County. North Topsail where Donnie vacations includes Onslow County, too. 

Name: Jesse Rehm, COO

 
Asheville N.C. #outaboutnc community members name favorite NC places for vacations.
Photo by Leigh Hines 

Q: Wheres your favorite place to vacation in NC?
A: Asheville NC     

Q: Why do you like this place so much?
A: It has all the outdoor activities you could ask for without giving up the amenities a city has to offer.  There is just something about mountains that takes me to my happy place.

Q: Where do you normally stay? Rent a house? Specific hotel?
A: Typically Ill rent a cabin or a log home with a view.  

Q: Whats your favorite thing to do while on vacation? Boating? Surfing? Skiing?
A: White water rafting and hiking. I think my next adventure will be testing out French Broads zipline. Its in Marshall- which is just a half hour or so from Asheville. They have a mile worth of zipline and you have the option to zipline atnight.

Q: Wheres your favorite place to eat? Are there a few restaurants you always look forward to going to, or is there a new place you want to try?
A: I typically will prepare food while Im staying there and eat dinner on the deck while enjoying the view. If its the right season for it, Ill swing by the Farmers Market to get a few fresh groceries.  Next time, I would love to try the Omni Hotels Vue 1913 --  I hear the bison brisket is amazing.


Q: Is there a hidden gem/business here?  A specific beach access? Ski lift? Hole in the wall?
A:  I really enjoy the Linville Falls area, beautiful views and great hiking

Q: Whats your favorite memory from this place? Have you brought back any souvenirs?
A: Quality time with family pretty much covers it.

Name: Bernard Buttone, Branch Manager

 
Falls Lake in Wake Forest, NC. #outaboutnc community members tell their favorite vacation spots
Photo by WakeforArt on Instagram, an #outaboutnc social media community member

Q: Wheres your favorite place to vacation in NC?
A: Oddly enough, my favorite place to vacation is more of a staycation. Falls Lake is a state park located just outside of Raleigh. Since I havent traveled much around North Carolina, I love just going to the lake.

Q: Why do you like this place so much?
A: It feels like one of the most peaceful places on earth. I like the escape from the city, without having to pack up for the whole weekend. My family and I can pack a picnic of fresh foods from the State Farmers Market and The Butchers Market to grill out, then we take a walk on the trails or just watch the kids run free for a few hours.

Q: Whats your favorite thing to do here?
A: When I am on vacation my favorite thing to do is nothing. This is extremely difficult for both my wife and I! When were away for the day though, we really just want to give each other and our kids undivided attention. So whatever it is they want to do, we do -- with a few exceptions of course.

Q: Is there a hidden gem here?
A: There really is no hidden gem here. It is just about as straightforward as you can get. I think that is why I like it so much. When I am there I am just looking for serenity, and it never lets me down.

Q: Whats your favorite memory from this place?
My favorite memory was the first time that we went. My youngest son had yet to dig his toes into sand. He took 2 steps, turned around, and ran towards my wife. He hated it! He was high-stepping out of there like there were hot coals under him. Never before or never since have I seen a 9-month-old move like that!

Name: Teryn Means, Marketing Coordinator

 
Salter Path, NC.
Photo by Teryn Means 

Q: Wheres your favorite place to vacation in NC?
A: Salter Path, NC

(Leigh just got back from Salter Path and the Crystal Coast. We have so much to share with you soon.)

Q: Why do you like this place so much?
A: Its where I grew up going. Theres something about this stretch of Carteret County that feels like home. Fishermen still occupy the beaches during the off-season and families make their way over the dunes during the summertime. Salter Path is the perfect getaway from Raleigh.

Q: Where do you normally stay? Rent a house? Specific hotel?
A: We always rent a condo at Windward Dunes. If you have the fortune of booking a corner unit, the sunrises and sunsets are spectacular (depending on which side of the building you get). Kevin is the live-in property manager who is a die hard UNC fan and avid tennis player - if Im ever bored, Ill just pull up a rocking chair and listen to one of his stories.

Boating off the Crystal Coast
Photo by Teryn Means

Q: Whats your favorite thing to do while on vacation? Boating? Surfing? Skiing?
A: Several of my friends are from Morehead so I usually enjoy paddle boarding or boating with them. The Boathouse, where a lot of people dock, is a great place to grab a few snacks before heading out to Shackleford for the day.

Q: Wheres your favorite place to eat? Are there a few restaurants you always look forward to going to, or is there a new place you want to try?
A: If Im coming off the beach to grab lunch, The Big Oak is my go-to. The definition of a hole-in-the-wall, this place makes the best shrimp burger on the island. For a nice dinner with the family, we usually go to Front Street in Beaufort. Well worth the fifteen minute drive, the view is a toss up with the food; both are incredible. Parrott’s on11th is also a good one!

Q: Is there a hidden gem/business here?  A specific beach access? Ski lift? Hole in the wall?
A: I think the RooseveltPreserve is the gem. Its a two-mile stretch of oceanfront land that can never be developed. Its a wonderful contrast next to the often over-populated surrounding beaches.

Q: Whats your favorite memory from this place? Have you brought back any souvenirs?
A: My grandmother is an early riser - she would always pack bagels and sea salt soaked apples for a 7 AM beach picnic. We did this for years; those memories are really special.



I adored hearing about these #outaboutnc community members/business owners favorite places to vacation in North Carolina. This post is proudly sponsored by Triangle Pest Control. If you are business seeking sponsorship of this series, or a NC blogger who would like to talk about NC travel, you may email me at hinessightblog@gmail.com 


Triangle Pest Control is a Green Pro Certified pest control company located in North Carolina. This locally owned and operated company is pleased to offer same-day, eco-friendly services to residents in RaleighCharlotte, and the surrounding cities. They are thankful for community support and look forward to continuing to provide dependable service to North Carolinians.


NC Mountain Escape: Tips to Plan a Trip to Asheville and Biltmore Estate

Tips to plan your weekend getaway to Asheville, N.C and the Biltmore Estate.


Tucked away next to the entrance of the Biltmore Estate in historic Biltmore Village is the DoubleTree Biltmore. It is a full-service, upscale property that makes a great base for exploring Asheville, N.C.  

Tips to plan your weekend getaway to Asheville, N.C and the Biltmore Estate.


When I say full-service, it means the hotels offers the following: room service, a restaurant on site, and a person to assist you with your luggage. This is an upscale property, not a luxury property by definition. The hotel owners though have raised the bar on the Hilton brand to make this Doubletree doubly special, which is why I feel confident giving it a very good rating for my #outaboutnc travel community, which serves all travel budgets for N.C. 
The Doubletree Biltmore. Tips to plan your weekend getaway to Asheville, N.C and the Biltmore Estate.


I want to encourage you to browse hotel websites when you plan your vacation destinations because many times, they offer great packages that will save you money while exploring an area.  Packages usually come with great perks. It's time for travelers to get beyond the "old phrase" that sounds like fingernails on a chalkboard to me, "It doesn't matter where I stay. A hotel is just a place to sleep." 



Tips to plan your weekend getaway to Asheville, N.C and the Biltmore Estate.


That saying may be true if you are going from Point A to Point B, and you need to stop to rest, but for vacations or weekend escapes, a hotel is NOT just a place to sleep. The right hotel can help enhance your travel experience. I found this to be true with the DoubleTree Biltmore on my trip to Asheville this month. 

The Doubletree Biltmore, which is owned by Biltmore Farms, has a majestic jewel within a two-minute drive of the hotel. Asheville's Biltmore  Estate is its' neighbor. 


The Biltmore Estate. Tips to your weekend getaway. Where do you stay?


Location to the Biltmore Estate and easy access to good restaurants makes Doubletree Biltmore a good lodging choice for Asheville. 

Staying on the Biltmore Estate vs. Off the Estate

I've stayed at the Inn at Biltmore on the estate, and it's beautiful. I recommend staying there, too which is evident from my "Pack Your Bags"  


Tips to plan your weekend getaway to Asheville, N.C and the Biltmore Estate.


However, that Inn is perfect for couples and families who are willing to pay around $700 a night for a room and up. It's that simple. In peak season, such as this spring with Biltmore Blooms, a regular room at the Inn is priced at almost $750 per night and that does not include Biltmore House admittance or breakfast. Packages with house entry and breakfast start at over $1000 per night.  Day tickets purchased online to experience the Biltmore Estate begin at $47 for seven-day advance purchase tickets for adults, and $52 for tickets purchased with one to six days before a visit.  


Antler Hill Village Tips to plan your weekend getaway to Asheville, N.C and the Biltmore Estate.


The estate is building a new hotel for Antler Hill Village, but it will not be ready until December 2015. The price point will be lower than the original Inn, but packages will still hover around $500 in the winter and around $900 in spring. Room-only rates will be around $600 in the spring. If you can afford this, and are dying to stay on the estate, do it. You will love it.  I personally think a few days of being on the estate, and treating it as a resort vacation is fabulous. There is a spa, afternoon tea, and an outdoor pool. There are a lot of estate resort amenities that make you feel like you are living the life of a Vanderbilt.The new Antler Hill location will be even better than the Inn, in my opinion. But, not everyone can afford those rates, and those who may not want that type of expense for a weekend getaway in the mountains. 


The Doubletree Biltmore is a great place to stay that is close to  Biltmore Estate.
The  DoubleTree Biltmore lets guests have fun revealing what brought them to town. My daughter said, "Elsa and Anna", but that is all she knows how to spell really well besides her own name, and she added that, too. 

A Good Family Hotel Choice Close to Biltmore Estate


Tips to plan your weekend getaway to Asheville, N.C and the Biltmore Estate.

But, let's talk about a great alternative at a lower price point outside the gates of Biltmore. For couples and families wanting to spend less than $500, I have found a good alternative, and you can even get more savings through its hotel packages. First you must know, I'm not an advocate of hotel packages that offer just offer champagne or strawberries on arrival. To me, that just adds unnecessary expenses to your bill unless you are really wanting something special for an engagement or anniversary. 

I think these "romance" type of packages in the limited-service to upscale hotel market are what many travelers think of when they think of hotel packages and as a result, they never really check into them when seeking out a vacation destination. 

But you are making a mistake if you don't check the hotel site for packages to see what is offered. I'm a strong supporter of hotel packages that can help you save on excursions, give you a flavor of the area with dining, wine and  beer experiences, breakfast offers, spa treatments, or extra family perks. This is what you need to look for when booking a hotel. You will save on your vacation and your travel experience will be greatly enhanced. 

Packages at the DoubleTree Biltmore


Tips to plan your weekend getaway to Asheville, N.C and the Biltmore Estate.


You can stay at the DoubleTree Biltmore, visit the Biltmore Estate, the Dressing Downton exhibit, and enjoy breakfast for rates starting as low as $280 for 2-double-bed room. And it can be as high as $416, depending on dates and demand. 

With your complimentary admission as part of your hotel package to Biltmore Estate, the estate is yours to explore at leisure The Spring gardens are magnificent right now. 


Biltmore Blooms is beautiful in the Spring. Tips to plan your weekend getaway to Asheville, N.C and the Biltmore Estate.



The food is always wonderful at Biltmore. I enjoyed a break with Cedric's Beer and a pretzel. 


Tips to plan your weekend getaway to Asheville, N.C and the Biltmore Estate.


My kids will never leave the estate without visiting the creamery for ice cream. 



Tips to plan your weekend getaway to Asheville, N.C and the Biltmore Estate.


The Biltmore winery is also celebrating 30 years this year so a wine tasting there is always fun. Plus, they will have extra events going on to celebrate this milestone. On this trip, I purchased Biltmore Cardinal's Crest, the House Red, and of course, Cedric's Brown Ale.


The Downton Abbey exhibit was outstanding. That exhibit ends on May 25, 2015.  If you can, go see it.  I really enjoyed seeing these clothes.The dresses are stunning in person, and Michelle Dockery, who plays Lady Mary, is so tiny. I bet she is a size zero.  This was one of her dresses displayed in the library. 


Downton Abbey package at Doubletree Biltmore through May 25.
Photo courtesy of Biltmore Press Office. Photography is not allowed inside the home by visitors. 

When visiting Biltmore, allow a full-day for sightseeing. The tickets the Doubletree give you are for two days so you have that wonderful feeling that you are able to go back the next day, if you didn't get everything done on your sightseeing list. You must check in at the visitor's center to get a time for admission into the house.  We arrived at noon.  You all know we're slow movers, and we could not get into the house until 4:45 pm (the last entry of the day).  Peak times are busy. 

In reality, Biltmore has become such a popular tourist destination that every season is busy. The best lodging deals are in January, February, and early March for you future planners. 

After that, rates just soar and so do the crowds. 

The DoubleTree Bilmore experience

The Doubletree Biltmore is a top-notch hotel with great management and you can tell that they want your stay to be the best.  It was clean, staff members were friendly, and the hotel did little extras that made it special. We were there over the Easter holiday so they had crafts for kids and an egg hunt. I asked Liza what she loved about our trip once we got before I starting writing this story, and she said, "Going to the indoor pool and hunting eggs with the bunny." 


Little extras make hotels special.


So, it doesn't take much to make the kids happy when traveling, but its those extras that make things special and memorable. 


Tips to plan your weekend getaway to Asheville, N.C and the Biltmore Estate.


And of course, the DoubleTree chocolate cookies make everyone smile when checking-in. Any hotel that gives away cookies gets my kids' blessing. 


The Downton Abbey package at DoubleTree Biltmore


The Doubletree Biltmore underwent a renovation in 2013. The lobby has an upscale feel with cranberry and tan tones. Regular double rooms are small for a family of four, but it's great for a weekend. The beds were cozy and upscale with good bedding. I had one child with me, and Will had one with him. Two adults in one double bed is harder to do, in my opinion, but it can be done.


Staying on the estate vs. off the estate. It is more afforable off the estate. The DoubleTree Biltmore is a good option.


If you are staying longer, it would be my advice to invest in a suite or junior suite with a sleeper sofa, robes, microwave, and fridge. All bathrooms in the hotel are small, but they look nice. We were there on a holiday weekend with all rooms filled by guests so I experienced a room at the lowest price point for the package. Ideally, the 2-queen premium room or a suite would be my recommendation if traveling with your family. It's not that much more in price, probably $20 to $75 tops for the Downton Abbey package, which is the hotel's most expensive package because of the official tour guide book. 


Treehouse Bar at DoubleTree Biltmore


On Friday night, the hotel opens the Treehouse Bar in the courtyard. There is live music, and of course, beer and wine at an additional cost, but it's a great place to kick off the weekend. It's really fabulous when you check-in after you've been traveling all day. The Treehouse Bar usually runs from 4 pm to 7 pm on Friday only. 

Breakfast is Best Feature of the DoubleTree Biltmore

This hotel aims to impress with its breakfast buffet. Breakfast is included in the Biltmore/Downton Abbey packages, and it is exceptional. The cost for adults is something like $11.95 and it is worth every penny. The public is welcome to dine there, too. The Ducker Tea room is small, but I loved the intimate feel of it. 


Breakfast at  DoubleTree Biltmore


While we were there, Chef Skip made omelets to order and I thought the "Blue Ridge", made with spinach, bacon, and feta cheese was delicious.Homemade sweets impressed and the blueberry scones got high marks from this scone lover. I could eat it without Devonshire cream. That says a lot. I give this breakfast a triple A plus. Is that even possible? Other guests agree with me. 



Tips to plan your weekend getaway to Asheville, N.C and the Biltmore Estate.


The Doubletree Asheville Biltmore consistently ranks as the number one DoubleTree brand within Hilton for the best breakfast in the U.S. My advice to you is not to skip breakfast here, and let Skip make you an omelet or any egg of your choosing. You will be so full that you will skip lunch, especially if you are late breakfast eaters like my family. 


Tips to plan your weekend getaway to Asheville, N.C and the Biltmore Estate.


There is a marketplace in the lobby that also sells a few items for you to have on the go. The marketplace also has local beer and wine in stock as well as much-needed items like band-aids and toothbrushes. I needed a band-aid for a boo-boo that really did not need a band-aid, but you pick your battles with children so I purchased a pack of travel band-aids for $1.50. I'm glad it was there for that reason. 

In HinesSight on our Stay


Southern writer, Leigh Hines, brings hotels to life with her travel stories. Tips to plan your weekend getaway to Asheville, N.C and the Biltmore Estate.

Two-nights in Asheville, N.C. is just not enough time. You definitely need more to explore the city. But, sometimes that is all you have available. The Doubletree Biltmore makes a great base for exploring the Biltmore Estate, Biltmore Village, and downtown Asheville. It's a good fit for family travel. Kids can feel comfortable here. It is also pet-friendly. If I were staying longer than two nights, I would book a Queen Junior suite, which includes a sleeper sofa. You also have the option of getting a connecting double room. 

On your way out, be sure to buy some bags of Doubletree Trail Mix. It is delicious. I didn't eat any of it until I got home, and now we wish we had more. 


Want to Go:
DoubleTree Biltmore
115 Hendersonville Road
Asheville, N.C. 

To plan your trip to Asheville, N.C. visit Explore Asheville. 

Disclosure: This was a hosted stay, and wrapped up a campaign where I gave one Downton Abbey experience to a reader. A winner was drawn on April 1 and she and her family will be experiencing this same package in May. 





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