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 6^th 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!