Charlotte

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#OutaboutNC: Interesting Facts on the Carolina Panther's Hometown of Charlotte

Confession here. Usually, I have to ask who plays in the Super Bowl. But, this year, I'm excited about the Super Bowl game  and will probably glance at the TV a lot more when I go to a friend's party this year with either my hot sausage dip or one of these avocado dips. 

 The Super Bowl-bound Carolina Panthers represent the states of North and South Carolina, but call Charlotte, North Carolina home. Coming off of a record 15-1 season, these hometown heroes will make their second Super Bowl appearance in franchise history on February 7.  The Charlotte skyline is sporting Panther Blue at night. 
Carolina Panthers are on the way to the SuperBowl. Interesting facts about Charlotte, NC.
North Carolina's Queen City. #superbowl ready. Thanks for the #OutaboutNC   tag @lisasmithclt 

Since writing, I've spotlighted Charlotte a lot on this blog, and it is North Carolina's largest city. I recently wrote a piece on our Queen City for SPG Weekend, but that article is not out yet. I think Charlotte makes a great travel destination. I'm going to link some of my past stories below for quick reference.

 Five Family Attractions Not to Miss in Charlotte
The American Girl Experience in Charlotte
Family Fun at Discovery Place in Charlotte
Hotel Features I've written in Charlotte (Ritz-Carlton Charlotte and Ballantyne Hotel and Lodge)

Charlotte is hoping that the Carolina Panthers will bring them another list of firsts. Here are some facts that I've gathered from this urban North Carolina town for you. 
Before the Panthers put a spotlight on Charlotte, the region had carved a name for itself with key innovations that have touched every part of the nation. Some were big and impressive, like the rise of huge banks and the growth of national retailers, such as Lowe’s Home Improvement. Others were small and quirky, including Lance’s beloved peanut butter snack crackers and the orange traffic barrels that pepper highway construction sites across the country.

Take a peek into the fascinating history of the Panthers’ hometown.

The Meck Dec. 1775
While no copies have ever been found, local tradition holds that Charlotte farmers signed a Mecklenburg Declaration of Independence on May 20, 1775, more than a year before the nation’s Declaration of Independence. On this day each year, the May 20th Society still celebrates Charlotte’s rebellious history and visionary spirit. On May 31, 1775, citizens did sign the Mecklenburg Resolves, which declared the authority of the King to be “null and void.” 

1837 U.S. Mint Photo Courtesy of the Robinson-Spangler Carolina Room at Charlotte Mecklenburg Library
1837 U.S. Mint Photo Courtesy of the Robinson-Spangler Carolina Room at Charlotte Mecklenburg Library 

First gold discovery, 1799/First branch of the U.S. Mint, 1837 
After a 17-pound piece of gold was discovered in Charlotte in 1799, mines sprouted across the region, including in what is now Uptown Charlotte and South End. Today, you can visit the Reed Gold Mine historic site near Albemarle, North Carolina (just east of Charlotte). In 1837, the first branch of the U.S. Mint opened here, and its reconstruction can be seen at the Mint Museum Randolph. 

NASCAR stock car racing, 1949  
In Charlotte on June 19, 1949, the first NASCAR Strictly Stock (now NASCAR Sprint Cup Series) race was held. Many of the sport’s most innovative promoters, engineers, and drivers, from Bruton Smith and Humpy Wheeler to the Pettys and Earnhardts, have made the Charlotte region their home base over the years. Read my story on the NASCAR Hall of Fame Museum on Skimbaco. 
Interesting facts about Charlotte, N.C.


The birth of funk music, 1965   
James Brown, “Godfather” of the rhythm-based music called funk, recorded the genre’s landmark 1965 album, “Papa’s Got a Brand New Bag,” in a Charlotte studio. It was named one of Rolling Stone’s top 100 records of all time.

Interstate banking, the 1980s 
In 1985, Charlotte mogul Hugh McColl helped craft the Interstate Banking Compact, which allowed banks in the Southeast to expand across state lines. By 1998, McColl sat at the helm of Bank of America, the nation’s first coast-to-coast bank. Today it’s the largest U.S. bank, and it’s still headquartered in Charlotte.

Orange traffic barrels, 1985
Once upon a time, awkward and dangerous 55-gallon metal drums marked highway construction zones. Tom Cory, an engineer at Radiator Specialty Company in Charlotte, had a better idea: to make lightweight, safe barrels out of plastic. His famous barrels are everywhere.


The Carolina Panthers, 1993
On December 15, 1987, Carolina Panthers Owner/Founder Jerry Richardson officially announced an NFL franchise bid for the Carolinas, and on October 26, 1993, NFL owners unanimously selected Carolina as the 29th NFL franchise. It became the first expansion team since 1976.

U.S. National Whitewater Center, 2006
The U.S. National Whitewater Center opened in Charlotte in 2006, becoming home to the largest man-made whitewater river in the world. The outdoor entertainment complex, featuring whitewater rafting, zip lining, rock climbing, challenge courses and more, now also serves as an official Olympic training site for canoe/kayak slalom. Charlotte will host the U.S. Olympic Team Trials for canoe/kayak slalom at the Whitewater Center April 7-9, 2016.

 Read more at CharlottesGotAlot to help you plan a trip to the Panther's hometown or learn more about Carolina's team. 

Small Victories Sunday Linkup

small-victories-sunday-linkup-banner-red


Here at Small Victories Sunday Linkup, we like to feature the best ideas on the internet to celebrate the small victories in our lives and blogs. Our participants are hard at work providing our readers with the best books, recipes, DIY, home, health and blogging ideas to make your life simpler, happier and healthier!

Bloggers, share with us anything that will help our fast growing community live a happier and healthier life. Sunday is the perfect day to reflect and celebrate the week that passed and look forward to the week ahead. Our linkup is open all week long so feel free to stop by anytime, we're always ready to party!

Give some love to your extra special hosts who do their best to encourage and promote your posts!

Ways You Can Follow Your Hosts:

Your Small Victories Sunday Linkup Hosts: Echo from The Mad Mommy, Gail from Frugal & Coupon Crazy, Tanya from Mom's Small Victories, Kimberly from Keystrokes by Kimberly, Crystal from Tidbits of Experience, Leigh from Hines-Sight Blog, Heather from Simply Save, Meagan from Sunshine & Sippy Cups, Karren from Oh My Heartsie Girl, Danita from O Taste and See, Michelle from Divas with a Purpose, Suzanna from One Hoolie Mama

Echo from The Mad Mommy (family/parenting, humor)| Pinterest | Facebook | Instagram | Twitter | Google + Gail from Frugal & Coupon Crazy (saving money) | Pinterest | Facebook | Twitter | Google + Tanya from Mom's Small Victories (books, food, chronic illness)| Pinterest | Facebook | Instagram | Twitter | Google + Kimberly from Keystrokes by Kimberly (lifestyle, travel, entertainment) | Pinterest | Facebook | Instagram | Twitter Crystal from Tidbits of Experience (family, entertainment, books) | Pinterest | Facebook | Instagram | Twitter | Google + Leigh from Hines-Sight Blog (lifestyle, food, travel) | Pinterest | Facebook | Instagram | Twitter | Google + Heather from Simply Save (saving money, minimalism, life) | Pinterest | Facebook | Instagram | Twitter | Google + Meagan from Sunshine and Sippy Cups (lifestyle) | Pinterest | Facebook | Instagram | Twitter | Google + Karren from Oh My Heartsie Girl (food, crafts/DIY, blogging tips)| Pinterest | Facebook | Instagram | Twitter Danita from O Taste and See Blog (food) |Pinterest | Facebook | Twitter | Google + Michelle from Divas with a Purpose (inspiration, lifestyle and entrepreneurship) | Pinterest | Facebook | Instagram | Twitter Suzanna from One Hoolie Mama (family, recipes, fitness)| Pinterest | Facebook | Instagram | Twitter

Add your link here: 


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#OutaboutNC: Interesting Facts on the Carolina Panther's Hometown of Charlotte
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Charlotte, N.C: Your Destination to Buy American Girl Doll of the Year Lea Clark

American Girl’s Girl of the Year doll for 2016 is a talented photographer and animal lover named Lea Clark.
American Girl Doll of the Year: Lea Clark
American Girl Photo
Lea is the newest doll in the specialty line which produces dolls depicting girls of diverse backgrounds and interests.  Lea is described as an adventurous 10-year-old girl who discovers a world of possibilities when she visits Brazil. She is now available at Charlotte's SouthPark Mall for purchase in-person. 
The Pink Experience at the Renaissance SouthPark Hotel

One of my most popular posts here on the blog is my American Girl travel experience when Liza purchased the 2014 Girl of the Year Doll, Isabel, for her 5th birthday. To be perfectly honest, Isabel stays in her doll bed most of the time, and as a result, I've been able to save a lot of money by not having to purchase any other dolls or accessories for her collection.
However, she would love to go back to the American Girl Doll store, and do the entire hotel experience all over again in Charlotte because that experience was priceless. It is one of her fondest memories. She talks about it all the time. 
We did the pink room experience with the Renaissance SouthPark Hotel, which is an official hotel partner with the American Girl company. The package is still available, and the cost ranges from $179 to $384 through March 2016.  One of the reasons I chose this hotel is because I love the boutique feel that the Renaissance provides, and it also has an indoor pool which is great for kids in the winter months.  Read about our experience in Charlotte. 
Indoor Pool at Renissance SouthPark in Charlotte
The indoor pool at Renaissance SouthPark Hotel 

Several other hotels also partner with American Girl to offer some sort of official package. Other hotel partners in the area are: 
The Courtyard Charlotte SouthPark. This hotel has several packages for your American Girl lover. You can use basic with a doll bed and cookies or go all pink, too. The "all-pink" package starts at $189. This hotel has an outdoor pool. 
The Charlotte Marriott SouthPark.  Rates start at $209 for the basic AG package and $244 for the all-pink experience.   This hotel has a seasonal outdoor pool. 
The Hampton Inn and Suites Charlotte/SouthPark at Phillips Place. Rates begin at $195 and includes doll bed and cookies. There is no mention of the pink experience on the website so you will need to call to see if that option is available at this property. This hotel has an outdoor pool. 
Other Charlotte Hotel Properties with indoor pools for the winter, spring and fall in North Carolina. 
Indoor Pool at Ballantyne Hotel in Charlotte,N.C..
The indoor pool at the Ballantyne Hotel

The Ballantyne, a Luxury Hotel Collection, Charlotte has a wonderful spa, gourmet dining, and a picture perfect indoor pool. It is not located in the SouthPark area, but it nine miles away. The hotel offers a family package with $25 resort credit, and children under 12 eat free with a paying adult. These rates start at $309. 
The Aloft Ballantyne is adjacent to the Ballantyne Hotel and has a happening indoor pool that kids love. Rates here start at $139. 
LeMeridien Charlotte. For a hip uptown stay, you may want to check into the new LeMeridien. It offers both an indoor and outdoor pool. They have several package offers including a connecting room option at 25 percent off. Rates begin at $218 for Spg members. 
Indoor Pool at Ritz-Carlton Charlotte
The indoor pool at Ritz-Carlton Charlotte

Ritz-Carlton Charlotte.  This luxury hotel has one of the best indoor pools in the Queen City. It overlooks the skyline. Book this resort for the ultimate luxury experience. Depending on demand and availability, weekend rates begin at $419. 
Be sure to sign up for my HinesSight Blog Hot Hotel Deals or OutaboutNC special emails. You can sign up on the sidebar.



Book your Charlotte getaway now from my blog with Marriott for a Ritz-Carlton, Renaissance, Marriott, or Courtyard stay.
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Charlotte, N.C: Your Destination to Buy American Girl Doll of the Year Lea Clark

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#OutaboutNC LeMeridien Hotel Welcomes Guests in Charlotte

It's #IGTRAVELThursday. I always get a little giddy when a new hotel opens, and I get even more giddy when a new hotel brand debuts in my home state. We now have our first  LeMeridien hotel in North Carolina. It's located in Uptown Charlotte.

Charlotte food blogger, Chrissie of Off the Eaten Path, tagged several great photos for my NC travel community #outaboutnc (read more about this community on Skimbaco Lifestyle today) while attending the hotel's grand party festivities yesterday.

#outaboutnc LeMeridien hotel Charlotte
Photo on IG by @Chrisse_Beth 

LeMeridien has European roots, and the decor for this particular hotel is quite different from what I would ever put in my own home, but that's why it intrigues me.  I feel as if if checking in would offer a different experience outside of my normal daily living, and it gets to the core of what I love about hotels so much. I've said it 100 times, if not a 1,000 times, but hotels are about experiences. They are not just places to sleep. They can be so much more. A hotel is part of the destination experience. They are the vehicle that can make your travel destination go from ordinary to extraordinary.

LeMeridien hotel Charlotte


And according to Chrissie, LeMeridien knows how to party. Something tells me that this man or robot or mannequin isn't always standing on the table. Actually, they called it #LMArt. Very interesting, indeed.

LeMeridien Hotel Charlotte Grand Opening Party via Off the Eaten Path on Instagram
Photo by  on IG by Chrissie_Beth 

And there was a woman on a table, too,  But, I'll let you check that photo out on the official @LeMeridienCharlotte IG account.

I look forward to a visit myself one day. I heard they had good coffee, and an indoor salt water pool.

LeMeridien Charlotte
555 South McDowell Street
North Tower
Charlotte


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#OutaboutNC LeMeridien Hotel Welcomes Guests in Charlotte
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The American Girl Experience in Charlotte, N.C.

American Girl Doll experience in Charlotte, N.C.


If you followed my travels on Instagram this past weekend then you know I saw quite a bit of "PINK" in Charlotte, N.C. for Liza's 5th birthday.  In case you haven't heard, an American Girl store opened at South Park Mall in mid-October.

American Girl Store in Charlotte, N.C.
American Girl Store at South Park Mall in Charlotte, N.C. 

This is huge news for North and South Carolina because before this store opened, Southern residents had to travel quite a ways to get the in-person American Girl doll experience. The closest place was Atlanta or the Washington D.C. area.  American Girl Charlotte is the 17th store to open in the U.S.  A store in Orlando will be the next store to open.

I purposely waited to give Liza an American Girl doll because as a mom who likes to travel, I thought it would be fun to make getting a doll an event.  I really thought I would take her to the D.C. area or New York for that first time experience in a few years. However, with the opening of the new Charlotte store coinciding with the timing of her 5th birthday, I decided to make the experience sooner rather than later. Charlotte is an easy three-hour drive from Raleigh and even though one could do the trip in one day, I preferred not to do that.


American Girl Doll hotel packages in Charlotte, N.C.


And since you know...I'm all about the hotels,  we took the American Girl experience up a notch.

We experienced the Deluxe American Girl package at the Renaissance Charlotte South Park. I like Renaissance properties because they are boutique properties, and they have their own personality through decor. Even though it's an international chain, it doesn't have that cookie-cutter hotel chain feel. That factor is important for me when I choose a hotel experience.

Decor at Renaissance Charlotte South Park

The Renaissance Charlotte South Park Hotel is so close to South Park Mall that you could almost walk if you don't mind lugging a bunch of American Girl Doll packages back to the hotel. Seriously, that's how good the location of this hotel is to the mall for shopping.  However, finding a parking place at South Park mall can be challenging, based on what I experienced on a Saturday. I recommend splurging on valet parking because I think it would save you lots of parking headaches during the busy holiday season.

American Doll check-in is special at Renaissance Charlotte South Park


When you book an American Girl package, Renaissance Charlotte South Park makes your little one feel incredibly special. There is a special check-in for little American Girl travelers.  Little guests are offered pink hot chocolate on arrival, a personalized welcome letter from the General Manager, and are issued keys that will open the door to their American Girl hotel experience.

With the basic package, priced around $169 for weekends in Nov. and Dec., your little traveler gets the special check-in we received, star pink cookies and milk upon arrival, a doll-sized American Girl bed to take home, and breakfast for 4 people in the hotel restaurant during your stay.

American Doll cookies and milk at Renaissance Charlotte South Park


With the Deluxe American Girl Package, starting rates at $194 (average cost for weekend rates in November and December will be about $204 plus tax), you get a brighter, colorful experience.


The Pink American Doll Experience in Charlotte, N.C. Deluxe Package at Renaissance Charlotte South Park


 It's the ultimate PINK experience.



Let me just say that this pink room wowed Liza, and at one point, she declared it was better than Disney World.

Her Dad didn't believe her, and questioned her again.  She said, "the rides at Disney were really good, but the room here was better than Disney."  The Deluxe American Girl Package includes everything the basic package includes, but consists of a very pink room experience plus a doll-sized robe and slippers to take home in addition to the doll-bed.

Doll-bed, robe, and doll slippers are included in American Girl package at Renaissance Charlotte South Park


The hotel really had fun putting this package together, and it shows they went the extra mile. As a travel writer, I am fortunate and get to visit a lot of  hotels, many priced way more per night than this experience.  I think the Renaissance Charlotte South Park did an outstanding job putting this experience together. It is so worth it.  I know some of you may be weighing the cost of the difference between the basic and the deluxe package, and are wondering if going all pink is worth paying extra.

My answer is YES!  It's certainly nice to get the doll-bed,and cookies in the stay, but the pink room is what Liza is going to remember forever about this experience. Me, too, actually.

Dreaming of American Girl packages in Charlotte, N.C.


She's never been to a hotel before with pink touches at every corner. Other Charlotte hotels have also partnered with American Girl to offer official packages. Each one ranges in price, and experience.

Insider Tips on the American Girl Store Charlotte

 As the holidays approach, it's only going to get busier in the American Girl store. It's about the size of a large Pottery Barn store, and it can get crowded quickly. We arrived at lunch time and you could barely walk around. It did thin out about 3:00 p.m. though.


New American Girl Doll Store in Charlotte at South Park Mall.


Charlotte's American Girl store is located near Macy's, but everyone knows that now, so finding a parking space near Macys is difficult.

The American Girl Store has a doll salon, so girls are bringing the dolls they've had awhile to get their hair restyled. This means you have customers purchasing new dolls and accessories and customers waiting just for salon services. Prices for salon services range from $10 to $20. The doll can also have spa services, which would include a cleaning.

American Girl Doll Bistro in Charlotte, N.C.

The American Girl Bistro is a must-experience. The food is excellent, and I had one of the best burgers I've had in awhile there during a very late lunch at 2:45 p.m.  Customer-service is great, and employees make sure your little one and her American Girl Doll have a wonderful experience.

Burgers at American Girl Doll Bistro at South Park Mall in Charlotte, N.C.


The bistro seats just 26 people, therefore, reservations are a must on weekends, or when school is out. If you have younger children not in school, I was told that you may be able to walk-in for lunch during the week. Prices are in-line with high-end chain restaurants. And if you don't own an American Girl Doll, don't worry. Your child won't feel left out dining in the restaurant at all.  The bistro offers dolls for little ones to select to dine with them while there. There is no charge for borrowing a doll to dine.

Shopping in charlotte, N.C.


I have to honestly say that I've become an American Girl doll fan after this experience. The dolls are designed for girls over the age of eight so I've been helping Liza dress Isabelle, and doing her hair. It's still fun to play with dolls even at the age of 45.

To plan your trip to Charlotte, visit CharlottesGotAlot. We think the city does have a lot. You can also book your stay with Renaissance Hotels directly from my website. Be sure to use the promotional code Z74.
Disclosure: This media visit was in partnership with Visit Charlotte, Renaissance Charlotte South Park, and American Girl. Our new doll was courtesy of Liza's grandmother, Ha Ha, who likes dolls as well.  As with all of my travels, opinions and experiences are my own.


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The American Girl Experience in Charlotte, N.C.

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Instagram Travel is Almost Like Being There, But You Still Need To Experience a Tooting Cow In Person

Instagram has given me so many ideas for future travel. When it comes to scenic photos, it's almost like the next best thing to being there.  However, no phone app will ever be able to replace the joy of experiencing travel in person, especially when it comes museum exhibits. 


Last month, my friend and I took our kids to Discovery Place in Charlotte, N.C.  You may have seen some of these photos on Instagram. We were surprised to meet a tooting cow in person. Words just can't describe this amazing Animal Grossology exhibit at the museum. I think we were all in awe. What is not to love about a tooting cow? Seriously, it eats grass then you watch the grass go through the cow's stomach, and the finale is a big, ole toot. I am sorry, but I howled. This is a great example of museums making learning fun for both kids and adults. 

 And the kids loved it because the entire exhibit let them laugh and giggle about what they love to laugh and giggle about: bathroom humor. 

Animal Grossology is a special exhibit which will be at the Discovery Place museum in Charlotte until January 1, 2014.  It is based on the popular "GROSSOLOGY" series of books by Sylvia Branzei. It has been such a popular exhibit that the museum has extended its stay. The exhibit is just a small part of the museum though. There is so much more to see and do. 

Discovery Place provided hours of entertainment for us. There is something for every age to discover about science. Our children left with a new appreciation for science, and I did, too. Through interactive exhibits, we learned that science is fun, and full of discovery.


The museum is open daily in Uptown Charlotte. The cost is affordable for families, compared to theme parks, and they have price points that also include IMAX admission. I highly recommend a visit if you find yourself visiting North Carolina this year. 

 And Discovery Place is also on Instagram.









We Stayed in StayBridge Suites, an IHG Brand-Hotel in Charlotte
Charlotte is about a three-hour drive from Raleigh, N.C. I guess we could have easily done the trip in one day if we had wanted, but we really wanted to make a fun,overnight excursion out of it.  My Facebook and Instagram community told me that they like to spread out a bit when traveling with children.

I don't like to recommend properties to readers unless I've checked them out myself, and this trip gave me the opportunity to review an upscale, affordable-luxury priced hotel for families. We stayed in a two-bedroom suite at Staybridge Suites Ballantyne. We had two double-beds in one room, a queen bed in another bedroom, two full-bathrooms, a full-kitchen, and a sleeper sofa. 
I was so impressed with the Staybridge Suites in Charlotte Ballantyne. It made a great base for our overnight trip. We were two moms traveling with four kids. We felt safe, secure, and highly welcomed, even though the hotel caters to many professionals on business during the week. We were the only ones with younger children on this night, but that was OK. We still went to the complimentary social anyway, and ate lots of delicious cookies which were a big hit in my Instagram feed. 

The bedding was good. The amenities were upscale. The hotel offered free wi-fi, and the in-room popcorn was a great touch for kids. Honestly, the value is unbeatable for the stay. The hotel also provides complimentary breakfast each morning plus books and games for kids.
I know the Ballantyne Hotel Group runs a tight ship, and their hotel properties in Charlotte are excellent, but I also believe they are upholding the standards of the entire IHG group brand.  For this reason, I do feel comfortable recommending the Staybridge Suites for travel anywhere.  I also give two thumbs up to the complimentary beer and wine socials, which are also at every Staybridge Suites property across the country.  These two wine glasses were an Instagram favorite. 


I am still a luxury hotel girl at heart, and would probably seek out IHG's luxury brand, Intercontinental, for my own vacations when possible, but I would definitely stay in a Staybridge Suites, too and be perfectly content.

 I will always have a special fondness for this Charlotte Staybridge Suites hotel's sister hotel, The Ballantyne Hotel and Spa (my very first "Pack Your Bags" of 2012), but a two-bedroom suite in a luxury hotel for an extended stay breaks most budgets, and this makes a good alternative. 

 Based on my own stay, I believe Staybridge Suites provides an excellent upscale experience for those families seeking more space when they travel. Rates for a two-bedroom suite is usually priced around $225 per night, depending on season and availability. 

Before we mention the link-up, let's talk about Instagram travel on Twitter. Join me for a special Instagram Travel Thursday Twitter Party next week on August 29 at 12:00 pm (EST). 

Instagram Travel Thursday Twitter Party

WHAT: twitter party to discuss about Instagram & travel WHEN: August 29, 2013,12:00 PM [EST, 5PM GMT (that's noon in New York and 5PM in London) WHO: Join the #IGTravelThursday hosts @skimbaco @luxurytravelmom @elenasonnino @childmode @houseofanais @hinessightblog @satuvw Also @Finnstyle_com will be chiming in and they are giving away a Marimekko iPhone case for a Twitter party participant. PARTY PRIZES: free copies of Instagram as your Guide to the World - How, What and Who to Search and Follow on Instagram to Help You Travel the World ebook, and Marimekko iPhone case.  Use the hashtag #IGTRAVELTH
If you are a blogger, please join us in the Instagram Travel Thursday link-up.  Take a look at the link-up rules below before linking, and please link back to a host so others can find everyone's links. 

Take a look at the official rules on Skimbaco Lifestyle, but here are some important things to remember when linking your post.
Here are the Linky rules:
Link to a new Instagram travel post and use the permalink of your post, not the homepage URL.
Only new posts from the week of the linky and no giveaways, other linkys or sales pitches.
No links to your Instagram profile, only links to your blog.
Link back to one of the Instagram Travel Thursday hosts.
Visit a few other posts in the linky and show them some love (comment, tweet, Pin etc.).
Links that do not follow the guidelines will be removed.
The Instagram Travel Thursday linky is posted on Thursdays at 1AM EST and the linky is open until the following Wednesday.
Be sure to follow me on one or more of my social media platforms.  Twitter, Instagram ,Facebook, Pinterest, Google Plus or on Bloglovin, if you just want post updates. When traveling, I'm on Instagram the most.  My personal family Instagram account is LeighPHines.


Disclosure: I was a complimentary media guest at Staybridge Suites in order to write about the Charlotte area as a travel destination. We paid for our own admission to Discovery Place., and smelled the toots just like everybody else. As always, opinions about my travel experiences are my own, and I appreciate Charlottesgotalot assistance for story ideas in the area.
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Instagram Travel is Almost Like Being There, But You Still Need To Experience a Tooting Cow In Person
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A Few of My Loves at My Favorite Inns

As 2012 draws to a close, I thought I would take a moment to reflect on my travels this year and give you the lowdown on what I really loved at each property I visited.  I had a fabulous time featuring so many different hotels on the Hines-Sight Blog and Skimbaco Lifestyle.  All these hotels are so different that there is no way to compare the properties and say that one was the absolute best.

Each hotel I visited this year was unique, and each property has its own special story to tell. I loved something about every visit.  Some hotels are better suited for romantic getaways, and others are perfect for families. The six properties I visited this year all have different price points, and the experience at each one was vastly different.  What stood out at each property?  Here are some of my loves from my “Pack Your Bags” features.

The Ballantyne Hotel and Lodge, Charlotte, North Carolina
http://www.hinessightblog.com/2012/02/pack-your-bags-were-heading-to.html

I loved the Southern, elegant décor with verandas overlooking a championship golf course and resort pool. The rooms had the same traditional lux feel.
I loved the Spa experience. It is a gorgeous facility and ranks as an all-time best experience.
I loved the coconut cake in the Gallery Restaurant, and it was probably the best I’ve had anywhere in a long time.
I loved the original artwork throughout the hotel.

The Mast Farm Inn, Valle Crucis, North Carolina
http://www.hinessightblog.com/2012/05/pack-your-bags-were-heading-to-the-mast.html



I loved the décor in our cabin. I felt as if I was staying in a place that could grace the cover of a magazine.
I loved the coffee served in our cabin. It’s some of the best coffee I’ve ever had. It also was a plus that I could drink it on the porch overlooking the mountains.
I loved that it had little extras like children’s books and games in the cabin.
I loved the Southern cheese grits the next morning.

The King’s Daughters Inn, Durham, North Carolina
http://www.hinessightblog.com/2012/08/pack-your-bags-were-heading-to-kings.html


I loved that it felt as if I was staying in a private mansion.
I loved the individual and outstanding décor of every room.
I loved the chocolate chip waffles, scones, and other delicious goodies at breakfast.
I loved the black towel in the bathroom that said “make-up.” It’s brilliant.
  
The Hotel Roanoke, Roanoke, Virginia
http://www.hinessightblog.com/2012/11/the-beautiful-hotel-roanoke-in-roanoke.html

I loved the grand Tudor architecture of this hotel.
I loved the chocolate chip cookies at check-in.
I loved the formal breakfast in this hotel and dessert on the veranda. Food definitely gets an A during our stay.
I loved the location of this hotel. It is in the heart of Roanoke.

The Homestead Resort, Hot Springs Virginia
http://www.hinessightblog.com/2012/09/pack-your-bags-were-heading-to.html


I loved the Southern character of this hotel. You truly felt as if you were transported to a genteel time in the South. 
I loved the fire pit at this hotel. It’s a great place for families to gather and get to know each other while vacationing.
I loved that we had the same housekeeper daily, and we got to know her while there. We also got to know staff in the restaurants, too. 
I loved the resort pool at the Homestead.  It is fantastic.
I loved that my son got to ride a horse and learn archery. I love that my children still speak fondly of Zip the horse. I truly loved our time at the Homestead. It was a grand family vacation, and it has really sold me on the resort concept for a vacation.

The Ritz-Carlton, Charlotte, North Carolina
http://www.skimbacolifestyle.com/2012/12/travel-insight-the-ritz-carlton-charlotte-offers-chocolate-trees-tea-and-priceless-family-memories.html



OK, I’ve not yet published my “Pack Your Bags” yet for this property on the blog, but there is very little not to love about a Ritz-Carlton.  I’m going to save my loves for the upcoming feature in January, but I’ll give you a small hint with these words: chocolate, turn-down service, a granite bathroom,complimentary bottled water, and an indoor pool.  True loves!

Trust me, you would be happy to check in at any of these properties.  Here’s to more traveling in 2013.







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A Few of My Loves at My Favorite Inns
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