The Largest Aquarium in North Carolina Pine Knoll Shores #MyCrystalCoast

The North Carolina Aquarium at Pine Knoll Shores is fabulous for families and sea life lovers.

North Carolina Aquarium at Pine Knoll Shores by CarolinaMama

Since I adore Turtles and have since I was a girl, I loved the Turtles greeting us to be endearing! So sweet!

We spent the afternoon there recently and had a hard time leaving. The experience was one we'll always cherish. Our boys love sea life. We do, too.

We learned so much and loved taking our time and enjoying our behind the scenes tour of the Aquarium one quiet May Saturday. We LOVE getting featured to "Feed the Turtles" and Dolphin. Here are our boys before the feeding. They were so excited for the feeding.

They also loved the opportunity to touch a Stingray in the water....  The Aquarium is very interactive and the children are so welcome. Each station is large enough to take your time visiting and get photos and enjoy the exhibit.

We loved the large Aquarium.  The Sea Turtles are beautiful! We loved our back stage tour and learning all about the rehabilitation and how the rescue the turtles and saline. 

This aquarium is doing great things. 

My Shark Lover was so happy to see his sharks again! We spent so much time adoring everything and the Aquarium is spacious to do so at a comfortable speed. 

This picture of our guy talking to the sharks will forever be in my heart. I love his connection to wildlife and sea life. 

We were fascinated with these colorful, and almost neon looking Jelly Fish. They were so pretty 

and active. It was incredible to see them in action. Usually, I don't see them when they sting 

me in the Ocean. lol 

Sharks, sharks, sharks.  Amazing. 

We also loved the marshlands. This is a beautiful trail that tis part of the Aquarium. 

Look at the beauty - this reminds me of my homeland of Louisiana. 

NC Aquarium Pine Knoll Shores by CarolinaMama 

This is a unique Albino Sea Turtle that the Aquarium is helping preserve. It is beautiful and is 

the NC Aquarium Pine Koll Shores Mascot. 

Albino Turtle Mascot of NC Aquarium Pine Knoll Shores by CarolinaMama 

We all were truly intrigued as well. Lots of learning going on behind the scenes here. 

Preparing to Feed the Fish. 

Here are the boys and the Staff Member who was so wonderful. Behind them you can see the big tank and all of the sea life frolicking around. They're hungry. We're waiting on the bell to signal feeding time. :) 

Here are one of my sons and me getting ready to feed the big fish! Yes, we ALL got in on the action. 

Luring the Sea Turtle.... then, the boys feed her. :) So Fun! 

Happy Sea Turtles! We could have stayed all day. We almost did! 

We were pretty mesmerized to be this close to the sharks! :) 

There was a fun interactive for children to Treat the Turtle. They were able to diagnose and nurse the turtle back to health which is something they do well here. My son is taking his turn at the rehabilitation process. He was able to release his Turtle back to the Sea! :) 

Featured Topics at the NC Aquarium at Pine Knoll Shoes:

Featured Topics 

• Conservation Projects
• Research Projects
• Sustainability
• Sea Turtle Program

You can do so many things at the Aquarium including help Release the Rehabilitated Turtles back to Sea! They offer Paddle Boarding and much more. Take a visit and enjoy!  Remember, plan plenty of time!  


Warmly, Carolina Mama

FTC Disclosure: This post is sponsored by the NC Aquarium at Pine Knoll Shores. The Crystal Coast Tourism. #MyCrystalCoast All opinions are my own. 

New Netflix Series: DreamWorks Dragons: Race to the Edge Teaser - Netflix [HD]

"Hiccup and Toothless are back in an all-new action packed series 

DreamWorks Dragons: Race to the Edge. Their quest: to explore strange new worlds, seek out never-before-seen dragons and end the war between Vikings and dragons once and for all. All episodes arrive only on Netflix, June 26."

We got so excited when we found out about the fun new series on Netflix.  We love How To Train Your Dragon! And Netflix has created their own Series called Dragons: Race to the Edge. 

We are so thrilled. Check out the teaser video ... it looks just like the movie! 

We loved Toothless and Hiccup and all the excitement of How to Train Your Dragon and How to Train Your Dragon 2. So now, on June 26th, Netflix has a Series coming to Netflix. How fun is that! Check it out these episodes. They are all available only on Netflix.  If you or your children love How to Train Your Dragon, this will be a real treat on the 26th of this month. 

White Collar Netflix CarolinaMama 

Otherwise, when I get a full minute or two, I have enjoyed some of the Gilmore Girls series. Our boys love the series, White Collar.  White Collar is about a detective who is needing a criminal to help him with his detective work as an FBI Agent. Our boys like this kind of mystery.  Hurry and watch it while you can. White Collar 6 is set to release on Netflix July 4th. Get all of the latest on the List of Movies and TV shows arriving and leaving Netflix here. :) 

That is the fun thing about Netflix, they are always working to bring you fun and exciting series and shows. Check it out and enjoy some fun series and shows. 

 Warmly, Carolina Mama

FTC Disclosure: This post is sponsored by Netflix. All opinions are my own. #NetflixDreamTeam

George Foreman Indoor Outdoor Grill

Father's Day is almost here. Are you thinking of getting Dad a Grill for Father's Day?! George Foreman Cooking Company has you covered with the latest - the George Foreman Co Indoor / Outdoor Electric Grill. 

George Foreman Indoor / Outdoor Grill
by CarolinaMama 

We were actually planning on buying Dad a George Foreman Grill for Father's Day. The boys and I were researching and seeking out the perfect option for him. Then, ... voila, the George Foreman Indoor / Outdoor Grill became our FAVORITE option and that's what Boulder Mountain Man received for Father's Day. 

We let him christen it early! He was so excited and we were, too!  

It is so perfect for outdoors and we have tried it indoors during our 100 degree heat wave. It was so nice to grill inside and not worry about the heat. 

Our thoughts about the grill are very unanimous that we love this grill. It is very efficient, simple to use and practical. We LOVE the fact that it can be used indoors and outdoors. These means great grilling all year long.  My husband immediately found the recipes in the manual. Here we are LOVING this George Foreman Indoor and Outdoor Grill. Here it is in use. So fun! 

Here is the link to where they can find more information about the grill.

George Foreman Grills' exclusive fat removing design and sloped grilling surface draws away up to 42% of fat* so you can create fast and delicious meals whether you are indoors or out! Grilling made simple, NO CHARCOAL - NO PROPANE - NO FLARE-UPS. This product meets the UL Listing standards. 

Follow George Foreman Cooking Company socially for fun contests like this #GrillOff Weekly Contests. You could win! 

George Foreman here: George Foreman on Facebook 

George Foreman on Twitter: @GeorgeForemanCo 

Instagram GeorgeForemanCo

The George Foreman indoor/ outdoor electric grill has two styles - check them both out. 

LINKS:

http://www.georgeforemancooking.com/products/indoor-outdoor-grills/GFO240GM-Indoor-Outdoor-Grill.aspx

http://www.georgeforemancooking.com/products/indoor-outdoor-grills/GFO201R-Indoor-Outdoor-Electric-Grill.aspx

Happy Father's Day to you and yours! 

Warmly, Carolina Mama

FTC Disclosure: This post is sponsored by George Foreman Cooking Company and Spectrum Brands. All opinions are my own. 

Hyatt House North Hills Raleigh, NC Neighborhood Shopping Guide

This is my Hyatt House North Hills Raleigh, NC Neighborhood Shopping Guide. I loved working with Hyatt House to create this original and unique Shopping Guide of some of my favorite Shopping locales in the North Hills, Raleigh, NC area.  This is the follow up to my Hyatt House North Hills Raleigh, NC Dining Guide.  As before: 

Hyatt House is in the beautiful North Hills area of Raleigh, NC. It is a chic, uber-hip and friendly shopping and dining area of Raleigh.  We love it! In fact, since the twins were smaller, we've visited the Fountain and made wishes while tossing pennies. We've taken photos and enjoyed dining, shopping and attractions in this quaint and peaceful locale. 

North Hills is Raleigh's Midtown. This innovative, multi-faceted district offers many options to live, work, shop, dine, and play, according to Visit North Hills. 

Presenting Our Hyatt House Neighborhood Shopping Guide

Hotel Location: Hyatt House, North Hills, Raleigh, NC
Category: Shopping

Charlotte's Gifts and More, North Hills, Raleigh, NC
by CarolinaMama 

Place Name: Charlotte’s Gifts (across the street from Hyatt House)
Place Address: 4350 Lassiter Mill Rd, Raleigh, NC 27609
Phone:(919) 787-7113

Description: Established locally Upscale Gifts, Jewelry Boutique and more.

Recommendation: Charlotte’s is great for personalized gifts. There is something for everyone. The staff is great at offering suggestions. There is a nice variety of gifts, colors and styles to choose from at Charlotte’s.

Local’s Tip: At Charlotte’s, purchase a monogrammed personal gift when you first arrive to Raleigh. When you are ready to leave town, your item will be ready for pick up before you leave. Charlotte’s has a great variety of price points on an awesome variety of gifts. 

Category: Local Shopping, specialty, monogramming 

 
Hyatt House Neighborhood Guide
Hotel Location: Hyatt House, North Hills, Raleigh, NC

Monkee's at North Hills, NC by CarolinaMama 

Place Name: Monkee's (across the street from Hyatt House)
Place Address: 4158 Main at North Hills Stree, #100, Raleigh, NC 27609
(across the street from Hyatt House
Phone: (919) 785-1400

Description: Ladies Boutique. The latest in brands, clothing, shoes and accessories.
Recommendation: Monkee's is a great personal sales boutique where you will receive great customer service. Great styles and get all the latest.
Local’s Tip: Get the latest in Made in the USA brand Loren Hope Jewelry. Or, the latest Tory Burch. Call ahead for a sale representative to work with you.

Hyatt House Neighborhood Guide

Hotel Location: Hyatt House North Hills, Raleigh, NC
Category: Shopping, Upscale, Luxury Brands

Cameron Village, Raleigh, NC by CarolinaMama 

Place Name: Cameron Village, Raleigh
Place Address: 2108 Clark Avenue, Raleigh, NC (4.5 miles from Hyatt House) Phone: 919-821-1350
Description: Cameron Village was created to meet the need of the customer with a wide variety of shops, dining and attractions. The outdoor shopping has the best boutiques in the Triangle.

Recommendation: One-of-a-kind outdoor mall with trees and unique shopping. Try REI for a huge supply of all of your outdoor needs and beyond. The Chick-fil-A Cameron Village is THE largest individual Chick-fil-A! Enjoy the upstairs dining and the automated drive through.

Local Tip: The newly opened Tupelo Honey is all the buzz in Raleigh! It is across the street from the Starbucks Cameron Village on Oberlin Street. Enjoy!
Tags: Dining, Local Eats

Hyatt House Neighborhood Guide
Hotel Location: Hyatt House North Hills, Raleigh, NC
Category: Food/Drink Attractions Shopping

Moon & Lola Gifts, Monograms, Raleigh, NC
by CarolinaMama 

Place Name: Moon & Lola
Place Address: 208 S. Wilmington Street, Raleigh, NC (5 miles from Hyatt House)
Phone:(919) 322-4277

Description: Designer Jewelry and Accessories Boutique.
Recommendation: Home of the original acrylic monogram
Local’s Tip: Moon & Lola hails as a hometown girl success. Beginning with handmade jewelry here in Apex in the Triangle and growing into one of the most notable personalized jewelry designers in the US. Moon & Lola also personalized Sorority pieces. Moon & Lola is known for creating the original acrylic monogram necklace. They are a treat for any lady on your list. Enjoy personalizing any of the favorite jewelry pieces from M&L.

Category: Local Owned and Founded, Monograms, Handmade Jewelry

Moon and Lola, Raleigh, NC, CarolinaMama
"Hey Y'all"

Hyatt House Neighborhood Guide

Hotel Location: Hyatt House North Hills, Raleigh, NC

Crabtree Valley Mall, Raleigh, NC by CarolinaMama 

Place Name: Crabtree Valley Mall, Raleigh, NC (3.3 Miles from Hyatt House)
Place Address: 4325 Glenwood Ave, Raleigh, NC 27612

Description: A 1,326,000 square foot mall makes it the largest in the Triangle. 
Recommendation: Crabtree Valley has over 220 stores, including flagship stores like The North Face, Lilly Pulitzer, Brooks Brothers, Madewell, Athleta, Apple, Lego, Mac and more. Restaurants include P. F. Chang’s, Kanki, McCormack Schmidt, Cheesecake Factory and more.

Local’s Tip: Enjoy lunch at Kanki’s, Cheesecake Factory and PF Chang’s which have valet parking. Parking is available for FREE and it is abundant. Park on the back side of the mall to enter near Panera Bread or J. Crew. The parking garage is covered for inclement weather. If you have technology problems, set your appointment at the Apple Store in advance. Shop and Dine while you wait for your appointment.
Category: Indoor Mall, Luxury Brands and Boutiques, National Brands

As you visit Hyatt House, we hope you enjoy these wonderful North Hills Raleigh Neighborhood Shopping Guide options at beautiful, North Hills, Raleigh, NC. Thank you for visiting our site.

Warmly, Carolina Mama

FTC Disclosure: This post is sponsored by Hyatt House. All opinions are my own. 

Instagram Fashion and Food Sweepstakes: Bonefish Grill and Bourbon and Boweties Instagram

Today, I'm sharing Fashion and Food!  What could be better? Oh, yeah, Girls Night Out! What's better -a Sweepstakes with Girls Night Out Fashion and Food! 

Bonefish and Bourbon and Boweties Sweepstakes 

We love Bonefish Grill. You've noticed it here, right!  Since I love sharing all things Fashion and Food, Family and Travel, I am so excited about this Sweepstakes! The nation’s favorite seafood restaurant, Bonefish Grill has teamed up with the cutest and most popular jewelry line that is all the buzz here in the South!  

Bourbon and Boweties. Bourbon and Boweties was founded by 29-year old Carley Ochs in 2012. After much work and success, her brand was recently added to Nordstroms nationwide! This homegrown Southern company has all the style you need for a fashionable Summer. Of course, Bonefish Grill has the best of the freshest Seafood for you.  Together, Bonefish Grill and Bourbon and Boweties offer their first-ever Instagram collaboration — in a series of photos that tell the story of how food and fashion combine to create a great girls night out. 

The brands are also hosting a sweepstakes for the chance to win a grand prize of a $400 Bonefish Grill gift card. This goes toward the ultimate girls’ night out experience for a winner and up to three friends and (12) Bourbon and Boweties bangles for the winner to share with her girls night out crew. Additional winners will win Bonefish Grill gift cards.

You could win this fun Fashion and Food Sweepstakes. To enter the sweepstakes, click here.

In addition to the sweepstakes, the Instagram collaboration between Bonefish Grill and Bourbon and Boweties will continue through June, where followers can win prizes from both brands (Bonefish Grill gift cards and bangles) by engaging with the photos posted on both accounts. Check out @BonefishGrill and @BourbonandBoweties on Instagram for more information.

Sweepstakes Winners will be announced on July 6.  Best of Luck to you! 

Warmly, Carolina Mama

FTC Disclosure: This post is sponsored Bonefish Grill. All opinions are my own. 

Change Can Bring Great Joy, Loss and Future

"For I know the plans I have for you, plans to prosper you, plans to give you a future and a hope." 

Jeremiah 29:11

God promises change can be good, to prosper and not harm us. To give us a future and a hope. We just celebrated our sons commencing the 9th Grade - rising High Schoolers - at our church. What joy! Rising 9th graders whom I could have sworn were just beginning Kindergarten on a rainy morning at the Christian School. Change happens so quickly and it is inevitable no matter what we do.  Time marches on and things change.  

"Life moves on and so should we.” 
― Spencer Johnson, Who Moved My Cheese?

My husband and I, entrepreneurs that we are, have decided to read "Who Moved My Cheese?" again. It's timely because we've started realizing we cannot control change and we cannot experience change and be finished with change, like forever. 

Mostly, change is really about loss. Sometimes it is great loss. The loss of my mother, the loss of a season of life, the loss of a schedule I liked, a brand I love, things change and I find my self suffering the loss. Loss of the bottle, loss of a job that was not ideal, and more. 

The busyness can cause us to miss it. Right now, this is so true for us. The more experienced Mom of older children was so right when she told me May is the new December. We are aflutter with activities, graduations, Weddings, parties, projects, reports and vacations. It seems endless. It is. 

Life is to be celebrated. We celebrate all of these rights of passage, we congratulate all with a job well done and we send good wishes for the new chapters. There is so much joy. Yet, it can feel sad.  As someone precious told me, as two of her children were going to college at the same time, "it's devastating." As a mom of twins, I empathized and tried to encourage. Yet, if it is so joyful, why does it feel so sad?

I knew. 

Change brings with it a sense of loss. Change is not always the choice we get to make. Once I recognized this change made more sense to me. Here are my three types of change. 

Change Brings About Great: 

1) Joy.  Initially, change is happy. We get to do this. Something changed and it is a good thing. We love the new "son in law (love)." We rejoice in the new degree.  We are happy with the new job. The new house. A precious new baby. We are joyful for what change brought an addition, a happy change in our lives and those that we love. There's another kind of change. 

2) Loss. Change brings loss. Through the plethora of beautiful things that come from change, there is an underlying truth: Change brings about loss. Great loss. 

Webster's Dictionary defines loss as - 

-the fact or process of losing something or someone.

-the state or feeling of grief when deprived of someone or something of value.

Yes, change is loss. If Webster's did not describe it as grief, I would have. I know. I've lived it.  Change brings about great loss and grief. Because grief is a deep sadness. It's paradoxical. We experience great elation at milestones and accomplishments while we experience great sadness and loss. Sometimes it brings joy. A Loss of weight, a loss of the diapers, a loss of primary school days, etc. 

What was will never be the same again. We know that we will never experience it quite the same. Though it was successful. Friendships were made, goals were met and mountains moved, yet, it will not be the same again. That melancholy is validated. There is also the sudden change, the unexpected. The 'we didn't plan this' change. It brings grief and loss. 

Thank God for Jeremiah 29:11 "For I know the plans I have for you, plans to prosper you, plans to give you a future and a hope." 


3) Future. Though we experience the joy and loss, we know this is a process. This motion will bring our next future step. The next chapter, the family, the job. God's plan. The rest of the story. Through it all, we must remember, as my Mom mentor said, "God has a plan and a purpose." May we find hope in His plan weather it is loss of someone dear, longing for someone far away, an illness unexpected or uncontrollable. Or a goal accomplished, a milestone. Great joy. 

Ultimately, life does move on and we should move on with it. We can't lose ourselves in the change and miss the reality of joy, loss and a future of hope. I want to accept the change and the reality of joy, loss and a future. I don't want to be afraid to accept it. Once I can accept these things, I can enjoy what change brings to my life. I can look forward with anticipation to God's plan and purpose through it. 

We must not fear change in our lives regardless of the emotion attached to it. If we can recognize the loss, the fear of loss and accept it. Then, joy in the change can be embraced and celebrated more fully. 

Admittedly, I'll be referring to this post often as we walk through our own changes in life. Hopefully, it encourages you...'for He knows the plans He has for you.' May we hope in Him through every change. Now, where is my calendar, I have to get our schedule set just right. :) 

Warmly, Carolina Mama

Toyota Highlander Third (3rd) Generation Sophisticated Sleek and Strong

"Sophisticated, Dynamic Exterior is Sleek and Strong"

It was such a joy to experience the Toyota Highlander 2015 in Ooh La La Rouge Mica! This beautiful car stole our hearts. We know and support the Toyota Highlander saying, "Every Journey, Every Moment." That's how we felt about the Highlander. It was great for every journey and every moment of our road trip to the Crystal Coast of North Carolina to our everyday drives about town. 

We loved the beauty and classic look of the Toyota Highlander. It seats up to 8 and has lots of space. We loved the roomy interior. We understand why the "Toyota Highlander Earned Three Spots in Kelley Blue Book's Best 15 Family Cars."

"The 2015 Highlander sets itself apart from its competitors with a distinct balance of style, comfort, performance and utility.  Highlander offers families three powertrain choices, head-turning exterior styling, and a roomy and refined interior with advanced technologies and exceptional utility."

Toyota Highlander Third (3rd) Generation 

Sophisticated and dynamic, the new Highlander features a progressive silhouette, a lower roofline for improved aerodynamics, and sculptured side-door panels.  The exterior has grown in length by approximately three inches while width is increased one-half inch, conveying a sleek and strong appearance."
You know we do have two teenage sons, so it was the Stereo system was a lot of fun! We had fun rolling down the windows, opening the sunroom and cranking up the tunes.  Cool parents for a few minutes. Sort of. :)  Photographer Mom, we had so much fun! 

Here we adventured down to White Oak River for our Kayaking adventure. The Toyota Highland handled so well and doesn't she look lovely on the water! 

Toyota Highlander Third (3rd) Generation by CarolinaMama Emerald Isle, NC

The Sun and Moon Roofs were some of our favorites features. It is so open and bright in the Highlander so you feel like you can see for miles - you can.  The adjustments on the sun roof and the moon roof are very easy to set for comfort.  It was sunny at Emerald Isle and our boys were wanting the back roof closed to block the sun and we were able to have it open in the front and enjoy the warmth and sunshine while we blasted the A/C.  Everyone was very happy. :) 

My husband loved the sleek trailer hitch. He said, "It is awesome if you need to pull a boat, pull a trailer, or hook up the bicycle rack!" Can you tell he is speaking from experience! We often take our bikes and hit the road, the trails. :) There is a full roof rack, if needed. He noted he gasoline mileage was great for an all wheel drive vehicle!  The turning radius was a favorite for ease of driving. 

Great console in the middle.
The boys loved the extra pull down sun screen on their windows. We LOVED the big bonus of the remote control, especially in the winter is the option to turn on your engine!  Heat the car before even getting in!


At the beach, the Highlander was easy to park at the oceanfront property ground level carport. We travel with a ton of gear, including boogie boards. Look how easy it stores including our full size cooler. 

Toyota Highlander at the Hart and Sole Emerald Isle, NC 

It is so pretty close up, take a look. 

Toyota Highlander Third (3rd) Generation by CarolinaMama

They call it an ergonomic dashboard...Really great place to put phones, sunglasses without being difficult to get to, but totally out of the way for you to be fully functional as the driver or the passenger

Here you can see the fun we're all having at the beach in the Highlander.  It is open and spacious and bright. We enjoyed it so much. Take a look at the beautiful tan leather interior. This was comfortable and easy to wipe clean. The interior was very pretty and gave a nice open feel. 

CarolinaMama and Family Emerald Isle, NC 

We started our road trip to the beach like this - Starbucks for all.  The Highlander has heated and A/C seats for comfortable temperatures. I love the heated seats. They are so cozy. I can have the sunroom open and a nice heated seat and all is fabulous.

My son actually noticed the "Mom Mirror" first! I remember using my rearview mirror to see our babies when they were little. Yes, this was long before the day of the carseat mirrors, etc. So this is brilliant and effective. This gives you a birds eye view of the entire care. Super helpful for Moms. 

Technology: The turn by turn navigation was excellent. The GPS was amazing.  The Toyota Highlander is very user friendly.  It's a simple user-friendly interface. The GPS was also very accurate. Blind spot mirror and blind spot rear traffic cross is SO helpful! These are very specific and so reliable. I love this feature.  The remote control trunk opening was is timely and helpful! Love this! 

We were happy at the beach in the Toyota Highlander!  It carried us well on our journey. 

Follow Toyota on Facebook for more updates on all things Toyota.


Warmly, Carolina Mama

FTC Disclosure: This post is sponsored by Toyota. All opinions are my own. We love the Toyota Highlander. 

Hyatt House Raleigh, NC Neighborhood Dining Guide

Hyatt House, Raleigh, NC Neighborhood Dining Guide

Hyatt House, Raleigh, NC by CarolinaMama

Hyatt House is in the beautiful North Hills area of Raleigh, NC. It is a chic, uber-hip and friendly shopping and dining area of Raleigh.  We love it! In fact, since the twins were smaller,  we've visited the Fountain and made wishes while tossing pennies. We've taken photos and enjoyed dining, shopping and attractions in this quaint and peaceful locale. 

North Hills is Raleigh's Midtown. This innovative, multi-faceted district offers many options to live, work, shop, dine, and play, according to Visit North Hills. 

We love Hyatt House and the spacious Suites that accommodate families and groups. There is privacy and luxury in each suite. I've shared here before how we love everything about Hyatt House including the fabulous morning breakfasts. 

Recently, I was honored to work with Hyatt House, Raleigh, on their Neighborhood Guide for all things Dining, Attractions and Shopping. You are talking about fun! This is the perfect assignment for us. Hyatt House is now offering their own microsite to share these options with customers. I loved writing this guide and best of all. Hyatt House is letting me share it with you here. 

Feel free to share it with your local friends and family and with those from out of town. They are not in any particular order. Here we go. 

Hyatt House Neighborhood Guide

Hotel Location: Hyatt House, North Hills, Raleigh, NC

Category: Food/Drink

Place Name: Bonefish Grill North Hills - a block from Hyatt House

Phone:(919) 782-5127

Place Address: 4421 Six Forks Rd, Raleigh, NC 27609

Bonefish Grill, North Hills, Raleigh, NC by CarolinaMama

Description: Bonefish Grill is known for its fresh seafood and fun atmosphere.  Bonefish has something for everyone. The Chilean Sea Bass and Ahi Tuna Sashimi are favorites. Great for Date Night, Family Night or a Business Luncheon.

Recommendation: Bonefish is always a great choice. The atmosphere is warm and relaxing. The service is excellent. We love the Bang Bang Tacos and Grilled Catch of the Day. 

Local’s Tip: The Bang Bang Shrimp is a favorite appetizer you must try. Ask for the fresh Italian Bread and Dipping Oil it adds to every entree. 

Tags: Romantic, Date Night, Family Dinner Celebration, Large Groups, Small Groups, Meeting Place, Upscale

Hyatt House Neighborhood Guide

Hotel Location: Hyatt House, North Hills, Raleigh, NC 

Category: Food/Drink

Place Name: Gravy  (5.5 miles from Hyatt House) 

Place Address: 135 S Wilmington St, Raleigh, NC 27601

Phone:(919) 896-8513

Gravy Italian Restaurant, Raleigh, NC by CarolinaMama

Description: Italian-American Fare. The Ultimate Red Sauce - Gravy. Local Fare. Gluten Free Options. 

Recommendation: Gravy is a fabulous neighborhood fine right in Downtown Raleigh.

Quaint atmosphere and cozy. Amazing food. Must have a dish with the signature Gravy.

Local’s  Tip: Get there early in the evening, as this is a quaint/small restaurant. Cozy is good. This is a leisurely meal. Plan to relax and dine. Plan a party in the Private Room downstairs. Have a Business Dinner or Bachelorette Party Dinner by reserving early.  

Tags: Upscale, Casual, Good for Business, Great for Groups, Special Diet, Gluten Free Options,  American-Italian Fare, Romantic, Kid Friendly, Family Friendly

Hyatt House Neighborhood Guide

Hotel Location: Hyatt House, North Hills, Raleigh, NC 

Place Name: The Pit Authentic BBQ 

The Pit BBQ, Raleigh, NC, by CarolinaMama 

Place Address: 328 W. Davie Street, Raleigh, NC (5.5 miles from Hyatt House) 

Phone :   919-890-4500

The Pit BBQ Platter, Raleigh, NC by CarolinaMama

Description: Authentic North Carolina Barbeque. Tried and True. Carolina fare. This is BBQ.

Recommendation: The Pit has become one of  “the” destinations in North Carolina for great barbeque. Texas-style Brisket. Fix it with Southern Sides. Fried Okra, Turnip Greens, Biscuits and CornBread. 

Local’s  Tip: Go early or be prepared to wait. The wait can be an hour and a half on a Friday night. It is worth it. The platters are large and include the special hush puppy recipe. You must try these. There is a paid parking lot across the street that charges hourly. Street parking is FREE on the weekend. 

Tags: Casual, Local Fare, Family Friendly, Business Meet Ups, Great for Groups, NC BBQ, 

Hyatt House Neighborhood Guide

Hotel Location: Hyatt House, North Hills, Raleigh, NC 

Place Name: Hayes Barton Cafe, Five Points, Raleigh, NC (3.2 miles from the Hyatt House)

Place Address: 2000 Fairview Rd, Raleigh, NC 27608

Phone:(919) 856-8551

Hayes Barton Cafe and Dessertery by CarolinaMama 

Description: American 1940’s Inspired Meals. And atmosphere. Plates and Platters of all American food like Meatloaf and Mashed Potatoes. Grilled Cheese. Pork Chops. Quaint. Try the Homemade Tower Cakes. Coconut, Chocolate, Reese’s, etc. 

Recommendations: American fare. Homemade. Pies, Cakes, Pies, Cakes. :) Meatloaf platter.

Local’s  Tip: Hayes Barton Cafe is quaint and unique. It is a small venue so be prepared to wait. Listen to oldies tunes and check out all of the memorbilia. Meet the Owners. They will tell you their whole story/history. They are very friendly and will share their heritage and how Hayes Barton Cafe began. They are known for their famous Desserts. Enjoy the unique Antique shops along Fairview Road before or after dinner. Street parking is free. Enjoy this Five Points area of Raleigh. 

Tags: Romantic, Family History and Family Owned and Run, Carolina Original, Local Fare, Upscale, Kid Friendly Lunches, Five Points Raleigh

Hyatt House Neighborhood Guide

Hotel Location: Hyatt House, North Hills, Raleigh, NC

Category: Food/Drink

Place Name: Angus Barn (9.5 miles from Hyatt House)

Place Address: 9401 Glenwood Avenue, Raleigh, NC

The Angus Barn, Raleigh, by CarolinaMama

Place Description: Raleigh’s Premier Steak House. Finest of Steaks, Seafood and Wine Cellar. Unique Property. Winner of over 200 awards including the “Gold Plate Award” featured on CBS with Dan Rather. Finest Steaks and Seafood in the land. Spectacular Wine Cellar.

Recommendations: Angus Barn is an experience. Try the Bacon Wrapped North Carolina Trout or Favorites like Prime Rib and Filet Mignon. Save room for one of the decadent Cheesecakes.

Local Tips: Angus Barn is known as Big Red because it truly began as a Barn Restaurant in 1960. Reserve a spot at the Pavillion for your corporate events, Weddings and more. The Pavillion is open year round and is heated and has glass doors for inclment weather.  Look out for local business owners, celebrities or those visiting. Angus Barn is THE place to wine and dine in Raleigh.

Tags: NC Original, Local Fare, Wedding Celebrations, Groups, Business Friendly, Family Friendly, Romantic, Upscale Fine Dining, Wine Tastings, Wine Cellar Parties (can be reserved)

Thank you for checking these out. Keep a look out for the Hyatt House Raleigh, NC Neighborhood Shopping and Attractions Guide. We love sharing about lovely North Hills and Raleigh, NC. 


Warmly, Carolina Mama 

FTC Disclosure: This post is sponsored by Hyatt House, North Hills, Raleigh, NC. All opinions are my own. The lists were created by our favorite places in the area.