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Raleigh, NC is Home to New HGTV Smart Home

My love affair with English/Tudor/Craftsman style homes goes back to my childhood. This style is truly my dream home. I was invited to attend the official unveiling of Raleigh's HGTV smart home tour, but with kids home on spring break and my not feeling 100 percent well, I was able to get the scoop for your virtually.  And honestly, their photos will be a lot better than mine anyway. I never claim I'm a photographer. I'm a writer. 

 Are you ready?

HGTV Smart Home in Raleigh, N.C.


Constructed by locally owned builder, Homes by Dickerson, the home is part of a grand prize package valued at more than $1.2 million that will be awarded this summer. In addition to the home and all its furnishings, the grand prize package includes a 2016 Mercedes-Benz GLC and $100,000 from national mortgage lender Quicken Loans®. The three-level traditional craftsman home is approximately 3,300-square-feet, with four bedrooms and five bathrooms, cleverly constructed with tech gadgets and smart solutions to enhance entertaining and everyday living.
“When we look for locations for the HGTV Smart Home, we are challenged with finding a neighborhood and a city that has the combination of technology and culture that makes it a great place to live. Following the homes in Nashville and Austin, Raleigh was a perfect choice,” said Ron Feinbaum, General Manager, and SVP, Home Promotions, HGTV. “As a hub for technology and a vibrant destination for those seeking family fun, it was a ‘smart’ selection all around.”
HGTV Smart Home 2016 host and interior designer Tiffany Brooks brought touches of rustic oak, metals and stone to this year’s home and combined them with a cool color palette that provides an unexpected contrast of traditional materials juxtaposed with modern and eclectic touches. In addition, she sourced art and sculpture from many of Raleigh’s local talent to further extend the custom flair of this stunning home.
The home is near Research Triangle Park and is very close to Briarcreek.  It's in a new community called, Haywood. If you do a quick real estate search, the homes on the market in this new neighborhood average about $850,000 as the asking price. 

 Let's go inside. The Living Room is open
HGTV Smart Home in Raleigh, N.C.

Photo by Sarah Dorio/Flynnside Out Productions/ 2016 HGTV./Scripps Network, LLC All Rights Reserved
The Kitchen:


Kitchen of HGTV Smart Home in Raleigh, NC.


Photo by Robert Peterson/Rustic White Photography/2016 HGTV/Scripps Network, LLC 


Kitchen of HGTV Smart Home in Raleigh, N.C.
Photo by Robert Peterson/Rustic White Photography/2016 HGTV/Scripps Network, LLC 

 This is a pantry with an organized office space.
Pantry in HGTV SmartHome in Raleigh, N.C.

Photo by Robert Peterson/Rustic White Photography/2016 HGTV/Scripps Network, LLC  The Mudroom
Mudroom

 Photo by Robert Peterson/Rustic White Photography/2016 HGTV/Scripps Network, LLC 
The Master Bath 
Master Bath of HGTV Smart Home in Raleigh, N.C.

Photo by Sarah Dorio/Flynnside Out Productions/ 2016 HGTV./Scripps Network, LLC All Rights Reserved
The Master Bedroom 
Master Bedroom in HGTV SmartHome
Photo by Sarah Dorio/Flynnside Out Productions/ 2016 HGTV./Scripps Network, LLC All Rights Reserved
The Media Room 
Media Room in HGTV SmartHome in Raleigh, N.C.

Photo by Robert Peterson/Rustic White Photography/ 2016 HGTV./Scripps Network, LLC All Rights Reserved
I love that the dining room is open to the  living room and kitchen. That's a great house for entertaining. 
Dining Room in HGTV SmartHome in Raleigh, NC.

Photo by Sarah Dorio/Flynnside Out Productions/ 2016 HGTV./Scripps Network, LLC All Rights Reserved

The home features three levels that provide plenty of room to either spread out or gather for family fun. The main level features a master bedroom suite, open kitchen, dining room, living room and screened porch. Downstairs, the home includes an additional bedroom suite as well as a media room and exercise room. Completing the layout, the upper level houses a home office and two additional bedrooms.
The fully furnished HGTV Smart Home 2016 is Energy Star 3 certified and Bronze-level Green certified and features products provided by national advertising partners including Bassett Furniture, Mercedes-Benz USA, Quicken Loans, Bush Brothers & Company, Daikin, LiftMaster, Farmers Insurance®, Gorilla Glue, HGTV HOME by Sherwin-Williams, SimpliSafe, Sleep Number®, ICON Health & Fitness, VELUX, and Simonton Windows & Doors.
During the giveaway period for the HGTV Smart Home 2016, which begins at 9 a.m. ET on April 12 and runs through 5 p.m. ET on June 2, 2016, eligible viewers can enter twice per day on HGTV.com and can sign up for daily email reminders. HGTV Facebook and Twitter fans can check in for ongoing updates and new details (#HGTVSmart).
You can view additional photos on the HGTV website.   All photos used today were in partnership with HGTV. and as a media member, I was given permission. All Rights Reserved. 

Disclosure: Thank you to HGTV for inviting me as a media guest. This post is editorial only and this blog continues its editorial content through the support of my socials and sales with Beautycounter.  I do not do ads on this site and occasionally will write a sponsored post if it aligns with my brand. I am passionate about the movement to get safe personal care products in the hands of everyone. If you would like to have an online social like this one, contact me. Take a moment to watch this video. It will cause you to think about the beauty products you put on your skin. 

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Raleigh, N.C. New Downtown Raleigh App Launches

downtown Raleigh



Let's face it. The days of paper maps are getting scarce. I have to admit that I like paper, but we're in a new technology world. 

 My husband says he can never reach me on my phone. We have our biggest arguments ever when we are in the car and he's left me to be the navigator. I can't stand looking at that little dot moving so happily along. I like to read what streets are coming up next. Trust me, you don't want to be in the car with us during these time.  
downtown Raleigh launches new app


I'm a little late on this news because I've been working on some deadlines  but downtown Raleigh has a new app. It was released a few weeks ago, which means the kinks are now worked out in time for me to share the news with you. 

The Downtown Raleigh Alliance released the  Downtown Raleigh App, a personal guide to having a great time downtown. This means it can help you navigate all those one-way streets. Parking is not really fun now in downtown. I've gotten a ticket trying to get a cup of coffee, but this app will eliminate that. 

The app displays downtown’s ample parking options, gives pricing for decks, and even allows users to set a timer to let them know when their meter runs out. To alert users of upcoming road closures, the app sends push notifications when streets within downtown close for events or construction and provides a graphic display of all downtown street closures.
The street scene of downtown Raleigh


“We really did our homework when it came to developing this app. We looked at similar applications from other cities and saw that ours was really a one of a kind application. It’s free, easy to use, and is truly a one stop shop for all things downtown,” said Downtown Raleigh Alliance President and CEO, David Diaz.  

The app caters to all demographics from the occasional visitor to the downtown resident by featuring downtown’s amazing dining, retail, and nightlife options as well as upcoming events and unique specials. Whether a user needs to find directions to his destination, park a car, or track the R-LINE in real time, the new app holds the answer.

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#OutaboutNC: Win Two Tickets for Beer, Wine, Shine, and Dine Tour in Johnston County, N.C.




Beer, Wine, Shine and Dine Tour in Johnston County
I am excited to announce a ticket giveaway for the March 19 tour of Beer, Wine, Shine, and Dine in Johnston County, N.C. for our #OutaboutNC community.  Several tours will be going on this year in Johnston County and with each one you can leave the driving to a guide and enjoy some of Johnston County's best wineries, breweries, and distilleries. 
March 19 -- Hinnant Winery, Broadslab, Double Barley
May 21 -- Gregory Vineyards, Broadslab, Deep River
Oct 1 -- Gregory Vineyards, Broadslab, Deep River
Nov. 12 -- Hinnant Winery, Broadslab, Double Barley

Hinnant Family Vineyards in Johnston County.

The winner of our giveaway along with a guest will visit the following on March 19. 

Hinnant Family Vineyards - The Hinnant Family Vineyards staff invite you to take a gander at the oldest and largest Muscadine vineyard in the state, sprawling 100 acres. In the tasting room sip on double gold winning Electric Pelican, Bob’s wine of choice!

Double Barley Brewing in Johnston County, N.C


Double Barley Brewing - Taste a vast variety of craft beers such as crowd favorite, Wilma’s Wandering EyePA. The rustic with modern twist taproom is the perfect relaxed environment with lounge area, patron bar, founders table and high top tables. Make sure to try new appetizers with your cold beer. The outdoor beer garden is shaded by trees and sun sails. Imagine listening to music while kicking back in comfy chairs and chilling out with your friends. Makes you want to hang out all day!

Broadslab Distillery in Johnston County, N.C


 Broadslab Distillery - Visitors will learn about Jeremy's process which involves locally grown and milled corn and hand-made oak barrels crafted by Jeremy himself and used to age the Broadslab Legacy product to perfection.  Broadslab also produces a white rum, a spiced rum, a traditional moonshine which is the "real deal", and the newest product is an Apple Shine.
The cost of these tours are  $89 per person. Welcome bags will be provided by the Johnston County Visitors Bureau. Space is limited, so call (919) 585-4498 today to reserve your spot. You may visit the Clayton Food Tour website to purchase your tickets at www.claytonfoodtours.com/trail and you may enter to win free tickets for the March 19 via #outaboutnc below. 

Deep River Brewing in N.C. #OutaboutNC

Future tours will be held on May 21, October 1, and November 12 and one of my favorite breweries will be included in May.  I personally love Deep River Brewing and buy a lot of their seasonals for my home collection. They will be on the tour for May 21 along with Broadslab again and Gregory Vineyards. 
Gregory Vineyards in Johnston County, #OutaboutNC



Gregory Vineyards - This picturesque 135-acre working farm showcases hills of planted vineyards, a winery, a distillery and a tasting room open seven days a week. Please visit Doctor Lane Gregory and his merry wine makers. Enjoy a taste of double gold winning Mary Elizabeth, double gold winning Lee Love or other award winning wines.  Relax while sitting by the fireplace or grab a rocker on the front porch.

Deep River Brewing - Johnston County’s first legal brewery opened in April of 2013. Many of their beers include locally sourced vegetables, fruits, hops, and grain. The historic space they occupy in downtown Clayton was a cotton spinning mill and is brought back to life by utilizing old barn wood on the walls, mason jar lights, and whiskey barrels for tables. Deep River Brewing Company has become a staple for locals and is perfect for those looking to enjoy a fresh craft beer in a casual laid back atmosphere.

If you are wanting to spend the night in Johnston County, visit Hotels.com for the best rates or our affiliate partner Marriott.com

 We think you will have a great time.  Visit Johnston County for more fun ideas for your trip. Johnston County is an easy drive from Raleigh, approximately half an hour to Clayton.  Buy tickets for March 19 and May 21 at http://beerwineshinetrail.com/

a Rafflecopter giveaway
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#OutaboutNC: Spring at N.C. Art Museum in Raleigh, N.C

One of the most popular places the #OutaboutNC Instagram community tags in our public feed is the North Carolina Museum of Art. With indoor exhibits and an outdoor park area with trails that connect to Raleigh greenways, this North Carolina tourism gem is a great place to spend your day when visiting Raleigh or even enjoying as a local. Get ready to plan your Spring visit today at http://ncartmuseum.org/  

The Art Museum in Raleigh, NC by #OutaboutNC community members



#OutaboutNC NC Art Museum in Raleigh, N.C.


Be sure to follow @OutaboutNC on Instagram to help you plan your trip to North Carolina. If you are traveling to North Carolina, you may want to browse our Book your Hotel tab as well. 

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Travel in North Carolina: Visit NC Places Seen in Nicholas Spark's new Movie, "The Choice"


North Carolina has been known to be called the "Hollywood of the East". Bestselling author, Nicholas Sparks, who lives in New Bern, North Carolina bases a lot of his novels in the  South. His fans will be thrilled to learn that they can visit some of the very same spots featured in the film. "The Choice" –in the coastal town of Wrightsville Beach, N.C. 


This new movie  based on Spark’s 2007 novel of the same name  chronicles the love story of two neighbors and their life-changing moments over the years. This latest movie is one of several movies by the author that has been filmed in the area, including “Safe Haven,” “The Longest Ride” and “Dear John.” 

And here's an interesting tidbit, I've personally worked in the hospital where some of the scenes were filmed in "The Choice."  Filming was  in Columbus County and the surrounding area in addition to the Wilmington area. 





·         Drinks with a View – In the movie, Dockside Restaurant and Bar is a go-to spot for the leading man, Travis, and his friends. And in real life, the restaurant is very much the same – perfect for a group setting. Perched on the water, it’s a hot spot for locals and visitors who come for fresh seafood and drinks overlooking Wrightsville Beach’s beautiful Intracoastal Waterway. It’s also a popular spot for passing boaters to dock and dine.




·         Dine Like the Stars – Want to dine like your favorite characters in the movie? Book a reservation at Brasserie du Soleil, where an essential scene in the movie takes place. Located in a shopping village right over the bridge from Wrightsville Beach, this restaurant features traditional French cuisine with an atmosphere that is both luxe and comfortable.

·         Romantic Paddle – Re-create the boat scene between Travis and Gabby on one of Wrightsville Beach’s many waterways. There are plenty of rentals available on the island where you and a loved one can hop in a canoe or kayak and paddle the day away while exploring the coastline. Wrightsville Kayak Company will even deliver a kayak rental straight to your location and pick it up when you’re done!



·         Cruise the Coast – In “The Choice,” there are several scenes where the main characters are cruising on a boat with friends. These scenes were filmed on Masonboro Island, the longest undisturbed barrier island in southern N.C., with pristine beaches that are only accessible by boat. To follow in the characters’ footsteps, visitors can schedule their own boating journey with Wrightsville Beach Scenic Tours, which offers a variety of experiences including harbor sunset cruises or day trips to Masonboro Island to collect shells or spot wildlife.

 ·         Take a Garden Tour – Another spot close to the beach where filming took place is the picturesque Airlie Gardens. Dating back to 1886, these historical gardens span 67 acres where guests can gaze upon beautiful Southern gardens, live oaks, freshwater lakes and colorful wildlife.


·         Explore Other Star-Studded Locales – While visiting Wrightsville Beach, there are many other locations where TV shows and movies have been filmed, and star sightings have taken place. Stars like Will Ferrell, John Travolta, William Baldwin, Jennifer Aniston and Julianne Hough have all been spotted at several popular dining spots on the beach including South Beach Grill, Bluewater Waterfront Grill, Oceanic, Dockside Restaurant and Bar, and Bridge Tender. Popular TV shows have been filmed on the island including Dawson’s Creek, One Tree Hill and Sleepy Hollow, as well as movies like “A Cinderella Story: Once upon a Song” starring Lucy Hale and “28 Days” starring Sandra Bullock.

Keep an eye out for Screen Gem Studio Tours. Right now, tours are not on the schedule, but the typically begin them again during the summer months.

Photos above supplied by Wilmington and Beaches  Convention and Visitor's Bureau. Visit today's tourism partner for the latest events and news. 

Book your Greater Wilmington stay on Hotels.com. On my last visit, I was at the Holiday Inn Sunspree Resort. 

Photo by Leigh Powell Hines


Also, book directly with my affiliate partner, Marriott. I recommend the brand new Courtyard by Marriott in historic downtown Wilmington or the SpringHill Suites at Wilmington Mayfaire for a fun getaway. 

Learn more about Wilmington area and events. 

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