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I'm Toronto Bound, but I'll be Back for Triangle Restaurant Week


For those of you on social media with me then you know I've been shouting with excitement that I'm packing my bags for Toronto, Canada this weekend. I'm flying solo for the TBEX Travel Conference, and am leaving Will at home with the kids for a very short weekend. 

I discussed that topic in great detail in my parenting column in the News and Observer this week. It is titled, "It's not Babysitting! It's Called Parenting."  I think Will will do an outstanding job solo.  

 Meanwhile, my passport is ready, and I'll be checking into this lovely boutique hotel, Hotel le Germain Maple Leaf Square. 

The rooms have giant photos of men working out. I think I know the answer why, but will have to find out officially.
I'll be joining Katja Presnal of Skimbaco Lifestyle on this trip. She has just written a fabulous book that will teach us how to travel the world using Instagram as our travel guide. It's the first travel guide of its kind.  It's a fascinating topic that she will discuss at TBEX in a special session.  I am also honored that she included me as an expert on North Carolina in her book.  Thank you, Katja!


Using techniques that she teaches in this book called "Instagram As your Guide to the World", you can plan a very authentic vacation just by following the locals on Instagram who live in a particular vacation destination.  And here's another useful hint.  Did you know that following hashtags are important? Yeah, those hashtags on Instagram can actually be useful for vacation planning. If you get a chance, check out her book in more detail. 

I will be back from Toronto in time to attend Triangle Restaurant Week though.  I have a sitter booked, and I will enjoy the opportunity to try a new restaurant.  I just don't which one yet. 
Mantra Indian Cuisine and Bar. I've not tried this restaurant yet. 

 The 6th annual Triangle Restaurant Week summer event will run the week of June 3-9, 2013. 

 During the event, participating restaurants within Raleigh, Cary, Chapel Hill, Durham and surrounding areas will offer a special, 3-course prix fixe lunch menu ($15) and/or 3-course prix fixe dinner menu ($20 or $30) each day they are open.
The Washington Duke Inn (Fairview Dining Room) in Durham
I've not been for dinner, but afternoon tea  at the Washington Duke is fabulous.

“We’re proud to present Triangle Restaurant Week’s sixth year running,” said John Mason, Operations Manager for Triangle Restaurant Week. “It’s amazing to see how far the event has come and we’re excited for this year’s line-up, our largest to date, featuring many new and returning venues.”  

Since the inaugural event, Triangle Restaurant Week has grown to reach over 1.2 million residents and featured more than 85 of the region’s eateries, generating over $500k in additional revenue to the area’s restaurants.  This is really great news for Raleigh because it does get slower in the summer months because North Carolina beaches are just two hours away, and Triangle residents flock to coast. 

Hello, Banana Pudding from The Pit. Outstanding!!!!
You can view a list of restaurants participating in Triangle Restaurant Week online.  Reservations may be recommended for some venues.  Even though I would love to hop over to Durham, I think I will stay in Raleigh when I go out next week since it will technically be a "school night." Is there a particular restaurant you would like to hear about?

There are almost too many good ones to choose.  I'm definitely going exotic.  That I know. 

Talk to you when I return from Canada!




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A Southern Parenting Tale: Girls Just Wanna Have Fun when the Boys are Away!



It's Memorial Day weekend, and I can't believe that my daughter is already out of school for the summer, and my son has only two weeks left of school. He will be entering second grade.  My time lately has been spent at year-end school events.

 Earlier today, I hosted a reception for a PTA program that I oversee where I match volunteers with children who need a little extra one-on-one time in reading during the school year.  I'm not going to share any photos due to school privacy issues, but I met a wonderful woman today. She's 87 years young, and is still actively volunteering for this program.  She is a 1944 High School graduate of the same school when it was an African-American High School for the Southeast Raleigh area. 

 She is the cutest lady, dressed to the nines, and says she will be back next year to help more children with their reading. I hope she is. It was a privilege to honor her service to the school today with a short reception. It was a great afternoon.

 I also wanted you all to know I survived a girl's weekend with this little diva. 


And yes, that is purple polish she is holding.  In my News and Observer column a few weeks ago, titled "Just Us Girls", I wrote that I was a little frightened of parenting her alone for a weekend because she can be a little temperamental and challenging at times.  I even compared her to the little girl with the curl in the middle of her forehead who is mentioned in a poem by Henry Wadsworth Longfellow. 

 You can read all about the good and the bad about our Girl's weekend in this week's News and Observer column this week. 

 You still need to click over, but here is a hint. 

 It involved pampering in this cute bear chair at Tre Nail Spa.


Tre Nail Spa is a lovely nail spa in Cary that also offers some services for children.  We did the Princess nail polish change for $8 plus a tip. Isn't that chair adorable?  They have two of those in the salon. The entire experience was worth it, but I looked at her toes today and the polish is already off  on one big toe.  Of course, we won't be doing this pampering often, but for me, this day was about the experience of the spa rather than the polish itself. I wish the polish had lasted a little longer, but a 3-year-old is tough on her toes. 

 And for me, I indulged in a cappuccino and a chocolate croissant from a favorite place of mine called "Fresca Cafe and Gelato."  It's next door to the salon in Waverly Place in Cary, North Carolina. 


We also celebrated my mom's 78th birthday, and had lunch again in Waverly Place at Taziki's Mediterranean Cafe. 

















I am in love with this casual restaurant, and cannot wait to visit again.  In fact, I may go this weekend.  It's upscale counter service, but a server does bring it to your table.  They have a good selection of beer and wine, and have outdoor seating.  My food was delicious. 

 Waverly Place in Cary still doesn't have a lot of shopping yet, but developers are doing a great job filling the shopping center with eateries.  All summer, Waverly Place will host an outdoor concert series on Wednesdays.  It's going to be a fun summer. Whole Foods is the anchor store, and you will also find a Gigi's cupcakes, and Menchie's Frozen Yogurt. 

 Want to Go:
Waverly Place 
At the corner of Tryon Road and Kildaire Farm Road
Cary, N.C.
Disclosure: This post is not sponsored. They had no idea they would be featured on the HinesSight Blog nor did I at the time. I guess now they know I have a blog, and it's a good thing I have instagram so I could document this fun. 
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Elmo is Coming NC: Sesame Street Live

Updated: August 2022

I noticed this post was getting some views lately. One thing I love about Sesame Street is how the characters are timeless, and every new generation falls in love with Big Bird, Elmo, and the rest of the gang. This post initially offered a discount code for the Raleigh 2013 show, which is now inactive. However, Elmo is coming to Charlotte, NC, in December. You can learn more on the Sesame Street Live website. 



Who doesn't love Elmo?


My children do. I do, too.
My children were with Elmo last year. 

The default channel on our DVR is PBS Kids, and there have been several occasions where Will and I have turned off our DVR programming, and Sesame Street is on TV. All our kids are in bed, and we watch Sesame Street for a few minutes.

 Why? Because it's captivating, the writers do an excellent job of bringing current situations into today's program. As "Downton Abbey" fans, we loved the skit called "Upside Downton Abbey." The puppets sounded just like Mr. Carson and the Countess.  

Sesame Street Live: Elmo Makes Music is coming to Raleigh, N.C. May 31-June 2, 2013.  

Jenny, an enthusiastic new music teacher, arrives on Sesame Street only to discover missing her instruments. Jenny's new Muppet friends quickly come to the rescue and find 'instruments' they never knew existed…rubber duckies, trash can lids, and even cookie jars. Elmo and friends teach children that everyone can make and enjoy beautiful music together! Visit SesameStreetLive.com for more information about upcoming shows. 




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New Trend in Family Summer Travel: Hands-On Destination Learning

These days, families want to continue their children's learning experiences while on vacation.  I've always said that traveling is like the world's biggest classroom.  In 2013, when families go on vacation, they want to make pasta in Italy, or learn how to ride a horse while staying at a resort. 
My children on vacation in Hot Springs, Virginia
Caroline Michaud with Preferred Hotels says this is the latest trend in vacations. Hotels are being creative and providing more activities and learning experiences for families rather than just having guests lounge by the pool, like we did with our parents. Swimming and pool lounging is still a coveted, luxury amenity though.  Don't you think? 
Ojai Valley Inn and Spa in Ojai,CA

 Give me a Pina Colada by the pool, and I'm a happy gal.  But, the best vacation has some educational balance, too. 

 “Well-traveled parents and grandparents want to further the education of their children through travel, so we’re seeing an increase in requests for hotels that offer experiences beyond the typical kids program," remarked Michaud. "Families are requesting more active itineraries so they can experience destinations, not just see things. Our resorts in South Africa that offer safari excursions are very popular among families for this reason.”

This summer, education and vacation will go hand-in-hand for families that embark on global travels with the Preferred Family collection from Preferred Hotel Group. Whether raising an aspiring professional athlete or a budding historian-to-be, parents can extend the learning opportunities for their curious children beyond the classroom by visiting www.PreferredFamily.com and booking stays at more than 230 family-friendly hotels and resorts worldwide.

Here are some of my recommendations for hands-on experiences in Summer 2013 after searching through their travel portfolio.   It was hard to narrow down the choices because there are tons of properties out there, and the destinations look so much fun.  Based on my travels, I've been pleased with Preferred Hotels and have loved my stays.  My most recent was at the Old Edwards Inn and Spa in Highlands, N.C.  Here are some ideas for you.
Ojai Valley Inn and Spa in Ojai, California
·         Learn to Golf Like a Professional – Ojai, California, USA
Where to Stay: Ojai Valley Inn & Spa, a member of Preferred Golf
For 90 years, dozens of Hollywood and PGA Tour greats – from entertainer Bing Crosby to World Golf Hall of Famer Arnold Palmer – have tested their handicaps at the historic golf course at Ojai Valley Inn & Spa, a member of Preferred Golf located just 35 miles south of Santa Barbara. This summer, children can learn to golf for free with a new “Kids Play Free” stay-and-play package that includes overnight accommodations and a complimentary round of golf for one child (16 years and younger) when playing with a paying adult after 1 p.m. After tallying their score for the day, children can enjoy other on-property activities through the Camp Ojai (ages 3-12) and Teen Club (13-17) programs.
OH! All-Suite Hotel in Crete, Greece

·         Experience Greek Culture and Mythology – Crete, Greece
Where to Stay: OH! All-Suite Hotel, a member of Preferred Boutique
Taking learning beyond the textbook, Crete’s famed Capsis Minoan Amusement Park – the only Minoan Mythological Park in Greece – engages children in a hands-on lesson about Minoan culture and Greek mythology through a variety of interactive games, ranging from archaeological treasure hunts to mini-Olympic trials. Families looking to experience the educational fun can stay at OH! All-Suite Hotel, a brand-new luxury home-away-from-home that is located less than 300 steps away from the amusement park and presents spacious accommodations, the best of authentic Greek cuisine, and other exciting activities and services to entertain travelers of all ages. Day-trips to Crete’s historic sites such as the Minoan Palace of Knossos and the Archeological Museum of Haeraklion can be arranged.
ShaSa Resort


·         Practice An Ancient Art Form – Koh Samui, Thailand
Where to Stay: ShaSa Resort and Residences, a member of Sterling Design
Children looking to explore their creative side can practice the ancient art of batik painting at ShaSa Resort and Residences, Koh Samui, an all-suite retreat set on a hillside along the Gulf of Thailand. Daily art classes offered at the property’s Kids Club (ages 3-8) teach the history of batik – a wax-resistant dyed fabric and a symbolic product of Koh Samui – and show them how to paint the fabric in the style of local traditions. In between painting sessions, families can explore nearby sites, which include the Samui Aquarium and Tiger Zoo and Nu Muang Waterfall, or relax while enjoying the resort’s multiple pools and surrounding gardens.
The Jefferson in Washington, D.C.


·         Study  Up on World History – Washington, D.C., USA 
Where to Stay: The Jefferson, a member of Preferred Boutique
From the Smithsonian and the Spy Museum to the Washington Monument and the White House, Washington, D.C. abounds with destinations where children can learn about world history. Located mere blocks from the top sites in the United States capitol, The Jefferson helps guests maximize their sightseeing time by providing complimentary house car service from the hotel to any destination within the city limits. In between the history-rich excursions, families can relax in spacious suites and take advantage of the hotel’s unique just-for-kids spa services and dining menus.

For more information on Preferred Family and to book special offers from its certified hotels, visit www.PreferredFamily.com.

Disclosure: This is not a sponsored post, but I have visited many Preferred Hotels through the years and feel comfortable recommending this hotel membership to you based on my prior stays.   I like to share some of the best hotels with my readers.  If you go to any of the hotels I've selected for you, please let me know.


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Have Breakfast, Lunch, or Dinner Courtesy of HinesSight Blog: A #McDonald's Gift Tote Giveaway

I'm ending this week with a McDonald's gift packet for a reader because there is a new dish in town.


As you know, I like to support local restaurants and businesses in my community. My Dad was in the restaurant business for more than 30 years.  Even though he owned a national chain restaurant, he was still a local businessman in our hometown.  Like my Dad's business, the Triangle McDonald's are all locally-owned, and the owners do a fantastic job of giving back to the community in the Raleigh-Durham-Chapel Hill area. 

 McDonald's support our local schools through McTeacher Nights, where they give a portion of sales to area schools. They also help support the local Ronald McDonald houses in Chapel Hill and Durham, which give families a place to stay when a child needs hospital treatment because of a serious illness or injury. 

 McDonald's is teaming up with me this week to let you try the new 250-calorie Egg White  Delight McMuffin. 


One HinesSight Blog reader will receive a special gift tote from McDonald's with a $10 Gift Card. 

Inside the Egg White Delight McMuffin sustainable tote bag you will find:

·      A water bottle
·      Egg White Delight McMuffin apron
·      Egg-shaped timer
·   $10 McDonald’s gift card



The new Egg White Delight McMuffin is prepared with freshly grilled 100% egg whites, extra lean Canadian bacon and white cheddar served on a new whole grain muffin. At 250 calories, the new muffin delivers 8 grams of whole grain and the Canadian bacon delivers quality protein to support McDonald's “Commitments to Offer Improved Nutrition Choices.”

One winner will be chosen at random by Rafflecopter on Saturday, May 25 at 12:00 am EST.  Participants can share this blog post on Facebook, Share this post on Pinterest,  Share this post on Twitter, Enter via Facebook, or leave a blog post comment to receive entries.  The participant can receive multiple entries or enter this giveaway by completing just one entry.  

For those needing extra help with Rafflecopter
1. Click on "Use Your E-mail" or "Sign in with Facebook"
2. A box will pop up. Enter your name. Enter your e-mail address or Facebook ID.
3. Click on "Log In".
4. A box will pop up with choices to enter.  Put your mouse on the +1 button. Click it.
5. Hit "Enter" and your e-mail address should be in the system, and you will have one entry.



a Rafflecopter giveaway


Disclosure: This is not a sponsored post, and McDonald's caught me on a day that I felt like rewarding a reader with prize so I said yes to this promotion because I strongly believe our local McDonald's owners work hard to be part of our community.  I have not yet tasted the Egg White Delight McMuffin because I like to order the oatmeal, and a latte when I visit.  As a local blog ambassador for Triangle McDonald's, I have received coupons to try new menu items, and have used their free Wi-Fi on many occasions.  Thank you for the Wi-Fi, McDonald's!  It's a great perk. 
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