Also linking up with: Raleigh blogger, Mom's Small Victories for her Sunday link-up. Check out the great posts and find something new that will inspire you. 

My family has given up cable, and the one channel that our antenna does not pick up is PBS. But, I think our Amazon Prime is going to kick in so we can see this season's Downton Abbey. That's our plan, anyway. Downton Abbey Season Five starts tonight.

If you are a fan on the show then you may just want to travel to Asheville,N.C. this winter or spring to see the Biltmore Estate's Dressing Downton exhibit. It opens February 5 and runs through May 25, 2015.





More than 40 costumes will be on display in America's largest home for the public to see. The Biltmore Estate was in operation during same time period projected in the show. You may enjoy reading a post I put together in 2013 following a trip to Biltmore with my family where I highlighted some of the similarities between North Carolina's own estate and Highclare Castle, where the show is filmed.



I think Lady Grantham is my favorite character. In fact, I did a little quiz last year and it said I was most like this character. I'm not sure if that is good or bad, but I'll take it.

The Biltmore Estate is a magical place, and you'll love a trip there. In my four years of blogging, I have worked with the estate on numerous stories.  I still need to have afternoon tea, and visit the spa there. That's on my list. They are also opening at new hotel on property at the end of year in Antler Village. I think that will be a great addition to the estate.

You all know I have a thing for the Inn's fireplace from some past Instagram Thursday posts.  LOVE it, especially with a Toffee Coffee.


Other posts you may enjoy on Asheville and the Biltmore Estate that I've covered:

Pack Your Bags:  A Traveler's Look at the Inn of Biltmore in Asheville, N.C. 
Travel Insight: Traveling with Kids to the Biltmore Estate in Asheville, N.C.
Travel Insight: An Inside Look at Christmas on The Biltmore Estate in Asheville, NC

Happy New Year! I hope each of you are enjoying 2015 so far. The kids are still off from school, and we're still spending lots of time in our pajamas. We did not travel over the holidays, and honestly, it was nice to just lounge around our home. We are lazy sloths.

When I start a new year, I always like to focus on how I can make my blog better. As a travel freelance writer, I've been busy writing for others in 2014, and have had less and less time to write for me as my creative outlet. I miss it. I plan to change that this year so you may see a few more personal posts, and of course, I'll continue to curate my "Pack Your Bags!" features. Those features take quite a bit of work though so there will probably be only one a season, if that many.

I have a Pinterest Board called "Out and About in NC" so I have decided to incorporate that board into my 2015 blog posts and focus a lot more on travel in North Carolina. I have been fortunate to meet travel writers from all over the world who are gone every week to new a new country or city. It's an exciting travel life, but as a mom to kids who need me, I just can't live that travel writing lifestyle, realistically. I have to travel at a slower pace. However, as a lifelong resident, I know North Carolina travel fairly well.  look forward to exploring it even more this year on quick trips. I have four years of photos that I've not even used on this blog, but that is about to change in 2015.

For this post, we visit New Bern, N.C.

Historic New Bern, N.C.

New Bern, North Carolina has over 300 years of fantastic history. It is the second oldest town in North Carolina, and is named in honor of Bern, Switzerland. It even has a little European flair to it. I spent a few hours in the town with the kids in 2012, but I think it is worthy of a longer visit. It has the NC History Center which would fun exploring. The center is adjacent to Tryon Palace, which served as the base for North Carolina's first state capital. New Bern is also the birthplace of Pepsi, a North Carolina staple.  Ask any N.C. native if they prefer Coke or Pepsi, and the answer will not surprise you. The history center also incorporates the Pepsi Family Center, which is interactive museum fun for kids.

New Bern also has a vibrant shopping and dining scene. Some restaurants and Bed and Breakfast Inns would be more fun without the kids so if you have the time, you may want to make it a romantic getaway.

New Bern is close to the North Carolina coast, and provides a great lunch stop if you are on the way to Atlantic Beach, Pine Knoll Shores, or Emerald Isle. The distance from Raleigh is about a two-hour drive.

WHERE TO STAY: 

Personally, I would only stay in the historic district when visiting this town. It's within walking distance to the things you will want to do. Families can choose the DoubleTree Hilton, Courtyard by Marriott or Bridgepoint Hotel and Marina for accommodations in this area.

I passed the Aerie Bed and Breakfast while in town, and it seems right up my alley, especially since it is a Select Registry member. I have stayed in two Select Registry properties in the past. These properties or small Inns typically meet my hotel standards because they go through strict criteria in order to be a member.

The Aerie Inn also has two tours that would be so much fun.

Photo courtesy of Aerie Bed and Breakfast Facebook Page. My pick for a B and B stay in the quaint town of New Bern.

One is a city tour called the 1929 Ford Model A Tour. It can fit up to four people. The cost is $22 per person.

They also offer the Aerie Pontoon tour, which includes a 90 minute river tour, viewing wildlife and millionaire homes, including author Nicholas Sparks, and former N.C. Governor Beverly Perdue. The cost is $25 per person.

TRIP PLANNING ESSENTIALS:

Visit New Bern to get started with your getaway plans. Something to consider right now is the CHARM Package to help you plan. You can customize your own getaway with special perks, and you can pick the right accommodation for you.

So, there are 365 days in a year. Some days are exciting and some days are just plain ole' boring. 2014 was a year of personal challenges, blessings, and exciting journeys. I did a quick rewind this morning over hot water and lemon (A new weight loss gimmick I'm trying for the new year) to come up with my 2014 Best in Hotels, Food and Travel.  I've had a great travel year, and I thank everyone who worked with me this year to help me promote my love of travel.

Best Overall 2014 Hotel Stay: Fearrington House Inn




Picking the absolute best for me is difficult because I curate my "Pack Your Bags" hotel stays very carefully so most of them are always very good. To come up with the overall best hotel stay,  I rated food, decor, ambiance, relaxation factor, bathrooms, hotel grounds and amenities, overall satisfaction, staff performance, and the desire to return.



The 2014 Best Overall Hotel Stay goes to the Fearrington House Inn in Pittsboro, N.C. You can read my Pack your Bags on this property, but my stay was top-notch, and when I factored in the gourmet cuisine at this Relais-Chateaux property as well as the beltie cow cuteness, it got the top honor.


To walk in my footsteps at this hotel, book the Gourmand Experience, and enjoy Chef Colin Bedford's tasting menu with specific wine pairings. Also, visit the Spa at Fearrington while visiting Fearrington Village, and have a pedicure. You will love the bright and airy shabby chic salon. After your spa treatment, grab a coffee and light lunch at the Goat.  Don't eat too much because you will have afternoon tea at 4 pm. Make sure you make your reservations for later in the evening for the tasting menu because after afternoon tea, you will have about eight courses to eat.  (And I wonder how on earth I let 10 pounds creep up on me this year.). After a nightcap of high-end sherry, you will retreat within your luxurious bed linens, and wake up refreshed, rejuvenated, and ready to eat the best pancakes you've ever tasted.



If you love  delicious food and quaint accommodations then put the Fearrington House Inn on your future check-in list. It's so worthy of a stay whether you live close-by or are traveling a long distance.

Best Family Hotel Stay: Primland Resort



Even though Fearrington House Inn is kid-friendly, we did not have the kids with us on that particular hotel stay. Not having kids on that trip did not skew the overall results though, but it did cause me to name the Best Family Hotel Stay in 2014 as well this year. This honor goes to the Primland Resort in Dan of Meadows, Virginia. You can read about our experience in my Pack Your Bags feature, but this was a great family getaway for us. We took an ATV ride, fished, hiked, and even got pampered since this spa welcomes children. There is a lot to do here for a family who likes nature. I'm not very outdoorsy, but with an award-winning spa on site, it makes the perfect vacation spot for an outdoorsman like my husband, and his princess. It also has complimentary afternoon tea and s'mores by the fire. That's a win in my book. The hotel rooms are modern gorgeous, and the bathrooms are so fantastic that you never want to get out of the rainfall shower or oversized soaking tub. I discovered that I do like nature getaways, but I like it luxury surroundings.



To follow in our footsteps, be sure to do a Native American spa treatment and book a Blue Ridge Suite. If you can choose only one activity to do, book the ATV ride with a guide.

Best City: Savannah, Georgia 



We took our first trip to Savannah, Georgia in 2014 and our time there was not long enough. I definitely want to go back. I fell in love with the architecture. We really did not do that much sightseeing, but we ate well. I thought the Tomatoes and Okra at the Public Kitchen and Bar was heavenly.



To follow in our footsteps, stay in the Savannah historic district. We chose the Holiday Inn and Express. Book the Savannah Sampler package, enjoy complimentary breakfast, a location where you can walk anywhere, and three historic tours. And to really follow in our footsteps, stroll down the street to Moon River Brewing Company and enjoy a pint or two.

Best Educational Trip: Jekyll Island, Georgia and Jekyll Island Club Hotel 




Only my family can turn a hotel stay into an educational opportunity, but we did just that when we stayed at the historic Jekyll Island Club Hotel this summer. You can read more about our stay in my Pack Your Bags feature, but the history of this island is fascinating. We enjoyed exploring and relaxing. Our favorite spot to relax in the morning and in the evening was our sun porch.



I was really pleased with the cuisine at the Jekyll Island Club Hotel,  and thought the afternoon tea was exceptional. It was my first time experiencing a buffet tea.

To follow in our footsteps, consider the Jekyll Island Heritage Tour package that includes buffet breakfast, afternoon tea,  historic hotel tour, admission to the Georgia Sea Turtle Center, and the historic trolley tour. To get a sunporch, be sure to book the annex building.

Best Hotel Package: The Renaissance Charlotte South Park Pink American Girl Experience



One of my travel highlights was one that I experienced with my daughter, Liza. We visited the American Girl Store in Charlotte, dined in the bistro, and checked into the The Renaissance Charlotte South Park Hotel. You can read about our pink experience on the blog, but this was probably the most fun travel experience I've had in a long time mainly because Liza was so excited. The pink room was over the top, and she just couldn't contain her excitement. It was a lot of fun. We didn't have the guys with us so it made for a perfect girl's weekend.

To follow in our footsteps, book the American Girl Deluxe Pink Experience. Take time to dip in the indoor pool at the hotel, have a drink at the bar, spin around on the fun chairs, and enjoy the thrills of being surrounded by dolly pink.

Best Professional Trip: Marche Region of Italy



I went on my first solo press trip without the family in October. Seeing the Marche area region of Italy, and meeting travel colleagues were priceless experiences. I still have one more post to write about one of the cities we visited. Italy is just beautiful and I cannot wait to return with my family one day.  Highlights for me was a visit to Gradara, taking a selfie in an 18th Century Murano Glass mirror,  and a private wine tasting at Tenuta Carlini Vineyards. 



We also made some fun family memories at Topsail Beach, the Marriott Hotel in Downtown Raleigh, The Renaissance at North Hills in Raleigh, the Chetola Resort in Blowing Rock, and Emerald Isle, N.C. I happily recommend all of those places, too.

What's in store for 2015? 

I'm not sure yet. You can expect some more North Carolina travel, and at least one major U.S. city. I have several hotels on my curated list for 2015 so we'll just have to see where the new year takes us.

Happy New Year! May you have a rich and blessed 2015.

Leigh 

The hustle and bustle of the holidays are finally here. While out shopping this holiday, I found some cute things that I thought I would share with you. Other than ordering from the American Girl online store, I was able to purchase all of my family gifts at small businesses this year. I avoided malls, and really had a blast shopping my local community. Honestly, it made shopping fun for me.  I spoke with Santa, and told him about my finds. He says he will make sure some local things are in his sleigh. He loved my ideas.


Here are some things I spotted along my shopping  journey. I thought these handmade soaps were hysterical. The soaps smell delicious and part of the proceeds go to the Apex Historical Society. I found these in Write Image in Cary, N.C.  Santa got a kick out of the Old Fart one since he's been around for so long.



I also spotted these picturesque coasters at Whisk in Waverly Place this year. They are scenes of places in Raleigh, Durham, and Chapel Hill. Second Empire Restaurant and Tavern is special to me because that is where Will and I had our wedding reception.



When you're in need of a soda and taffy fix, the Rocket Fizz in Cary, N.C. is the place to be in N.C. You could drink a different soda a day for an entire year, and still not scratch the surface. It's about the only place to find The Flying Cauldron's Butterbeer and the Bean Boozled game from Harry Potter. Will you get stinky socks or coconut? The beans look the same.



I thought these tea towels at the Purple Polka Dot in Cary were funny. Will jokes that I never step into our yard.



I attended an open house for Lumina Clothing in Raleigh. a menswear shop. All the clothes are designed locally by the owners, and are made in America. I was impressed, and am determined to get Will in there in 2015.  Santa was curious to know if they made his size. Sure, Santa.....Lumina can custom-make you a new suit.



Videri Chocolate Factory in downtown Raleigh is getting national praise for its chocolate. I worked on a story for Visit Raleigh this month, and I think the flagship four chocolate bars need to be in every one's stocking this year. Santa thought the sipping chocolate would be good for his flask in his sleigh.



As you know, I love craft beer. I stopped in Tasty Beverage, and decided a six-pack of local, North Carolina beers would be great under the tree, too. For wine lovers, Wine Authorities in Raleigh and Great Grapes in Cary, N.C. have wines for every price point, and staff are easy to help you select the perfect bottle.



Gather in Cary, N.C is a great one-stop shop for curated, local goods. If you are looking to discover some of North Carolina's best then this is a place to go. Santa picked up some Nello pasta sauce for Mrs. Claus and some peppermint bark for his hard working elves.



Happy + Hale is a great tiny eatery in downtown Raleigh. This restaurant makes it easy to get your greens. They make their own juice daily, and bottle it for customers.  I think a gift certificate for that person who loves to eat healthy would be a good bet under the Christmas tree.  Santa thought it was a good idea for him to go on a juice kick after eating so many cookies on Christmas Eve.



My favorite Chapel Hill distillery has a new whiskey out just in time for the holidays. TOPO Organic Spirits can be found at local ABC stores. Christmas just isn't Christmas without TOPO spirits. Right, Santa! They even made a signature drink for you this holiday.



A gift certificate for afternoon tea at the Washington Duke Inn in Durham, N.C. would be special for the tea lover on your list. Santa loves Devonshire cream on his scone. I do, too.


And for the ultimate foodie in your life, nothing would be more special than having Chef Colin Bedford at the Fearrington House Inn cook for you. It was one of the best meals I've had this year.



Other restaurant/bakery gift certificates to consider are: Tupelo Honey Cafe in Cameron Village, B.Good in Raleigh's North Hills, Midtown Grille in North Hill's, Toast Cafe of Cary, BREW Coffee Bar, and LucetteGrace, a new pastry shop in downtown Raleigh. Santa and I love food.


And finally, if you are wanting to pamper that lady or even that special guy in your life then look no further than the Spa at the Umstead. The prices are not too much more than local area day spas ( I had to educate my husband on this just this week) and the lounge areas are far superior than any day spa in the triangle. It's money well-spent for a very luxurious experience. Clear your calendar and stay in the lounge area for as long as you wish. It's just a great as the treatment itself.  Santa thinks he may go there in the New Year because his back always aches from carrying all of those toys down the chimney on Christmas Eve.



Also, consider giving the ultimate Foodie Gift, a ticket to TASTE 2015. I'm excited to partner with TASTE this year as a media partner. TASTE is a seasonal culinary experience held in Durham and Chapel Hill, N.C. Many new events have already been added to the calendar this year in addition to the Grand Tasting that is held in April. For the first time this year, TASTE will be hosting a New Year's Eve Party for the first time.




Happy Holidays from the HinesSight Blog.   And as always, give the gift of travel.  You can find all of my travels under my travel section. 

Ho! Ho! Ho!