Carolina Inn Announces June "Fridays on the Front Porch" Schedule

"The historic Carolina Inn in downtown Chapel Hill

is where Southern charm, modern amenities, gracious service,

and memorable food meet."

CHAPEL HILL, N.C. (June 2, 2011) – The Carolina Inn has kicked off the ninth season of its popular end-of-the-workweek celebration called “Fridays on the Front Porch” and the June lineup includes Mick Mixon and The Franklin Street Band (June 3), Mel Melton & The Wicked Mojo (June 10), The Gravy Boys (June 17) and Lizh and The Big Band (June 24).

Live bluegrass music creates the perfect atmosphere for kicking back, relaxing and getting a jump on the weekend. Each Friday from 5-9 pm, The Inn offers a picnic menu with beer, wine and drink specials, and plenty of comfortable seating under the shady oaks and magnolias on the Inn’s front lawn. There is no cover charge or reservations for the event.

As part of its ongoing efforts to feature local products, The Carolina Inn has partnered with Carolina Brewery to serve the Sky Blue Golden Ale (silver medal at World Beer Championships) throughout this year’s schedule. Other Carolina Brewery beers currently on the regular menu include the Flagship IPA (Gold Medal Great American Beer Festival) on tap inside at the Crossroads Bar. Carolina Brewery’s Firecracker Pale Ale will be served as a summer seasonal offering.

2011 Schedule

June 3 – Mick Mixon and The Franklin Street Band

June 10 – Mel Melton & The Wicked Mojo

June 17 – The Gravy Boys

June 24 – Lizh and The Big Band

July 1 – Ted Walters Band

July 8 – Mel Melton & The Wicked Mojo

July 15 – Big Fat Gap

July 22 – Mick Mixon and The Franklin Street Band

July 29 – The Gravy Boys

August 5 – Ted Walters Band

August 12 – The Gravy Boys

August 19 – Big Fat Gap

August 26 – Mel Melton & The Wicked Mojo

September 2 – The Gravy Boys
September 9 – Big Fat Gap

September 16 – Mel Melton & The Wicked Mojo

September 23 – Lizh and The Big Band

September 30 – The Morning After

October 7 – Mel Melton & The Wicked Mojo

ABOUT THE CAROLINA INN
Built on the campus of UNC Chapel Hill in 1924 by John Sprunt Hill – distinguished alumnus, successful businessman and University trustee – The Carolina Inn's original concept was "to provide for the special wants and comforts of the University alumni...and University visitors". The historical Carolina Inn features 185 charming and well-appointed guestrooms including 7 luxury suites. www.CarolinaInn.com

ABOUT DESTINATION HOTELS & RESORTS
Destination Hotels & Resorts is the fourth largest independent hospitality management company in the United States with more than 30 luxury and upscale hotels, resorts and conference centers. The company has developed a variety of initiatives to better serve its communities, stakeholders and customers including Destination Earth, an environmental sustainability program, and the Destination Delivers guest loyalty program, which provides the best available offers to members. Destination operates properties in key metropolitan areas and resort markets including Washington, D.C., Denver, San Diego, Los Angeles, Santa Fe, Aspen, Palm Springs, Houston and Lake Tahoe. Destination is a subsidiary of Los Angeles-based investment, development and management firm Lowe Enterprises. For more information on the properties in the Destination Hotels & Resorts collection, please visit www.destinationhotels.com or to join Destination Delivers, visit www.DestinationDelivers.com.

ABOUT CAROLINA BREWERY
Carolina Brewery is a locally owned brewery and restaurant that has drawn international attention for its handcrafted beers, all brewed in-house by Director of Brewing Operations Jon Connolly and his team. Founded in Chapel Hill in 1995, Carolina Brewery is the oldest brewery in the Triangle area and celebrates its 16th anniversary this year. Carolina Brewery’s Flagship India Pale Ale won a Gold Medal in the 2006 Great American Beer Festival, and the Copperline Amber Ale is a Gold Medal winner in the World Beer Championships. Both of these beers and the award-winning Sky Blue Golden Ale are offered year-round at both Carolina Brewery locations as well as in bars, restaurants, grocery stores, and retail accounts from the Beach to the Mountains of North Carolina. Limited edition seasonal beers are also on tap throughout the year. Carolina Brewery is equally dedicated to food and its expanding menu, which raises the bar on traditional pub fare. The core menu of burgers, soups, salads, pizzas, pastas, sandwiches and desserts is augmented by a special rotating menu with flavors and ingredients specific to the season. www.CarolinaBrewery.com

Contact: Martin Armes, 919-608-7260, martinarmes@nc.rr.com

Warmly, Carolina Mama