You all know that I am a firm believer in living like a tourist in my hometown. Life is too short to wait to get out of town to enjoy a vacation. A lot of times, people don't think about luxury hotels in their hometowns as a "go-to" place for a date-night dinner, drinks, or a quick one-night getaway. Some people only think about hotels when they are going out-of-town to another destination, and need a place to spend the night.
You don't have to "check-in" to enjoy a luxury hotel. As a result, I hope this blog begins to help you think about a hotel in a different light. Every so often, I will share a list of events on the blog that are being held by my area's luxury hotels. The HinesSight Blog will now be your go-to source for luxury hotel happenings in the Raleigh-Durham and Chapel Hill area for my local readers.
Washington-Duke Inn
Durham, NC
Fairview Dining Room, Serving Nighly
Bull-Durham Bar, Serving Nightly
Saturday and Sunday Piano Brunch: 10:30 am to 2:00 pm.
Afternoon Tea: Wednesday-Sunday 2:30 pm to 4:30 pm with reservations only
Special Loire Valley Wine Experience Dinner
August 14, 2013
$69 per person
*The Washington Duke tends to have one special dinner a month. Also, Executive Chef Jason Cunningham is now in the semi-finals for the NC Dining competition, Fire in the Triangle. He will battle the Executive Chef of Flights Restaurant and Lounge on August 12. The winner of that battle will advance to the finals on August 19, competing for a $2,000 prize.
The King's Daughters Inn
Durham, NC
Breakfast for Inn guests, Special Event functions
No scheduled events at press time
The Umstead Hotel and Spa
Cary, NC
Herons, Serving Nightly Monday-Saturday
The Bar Lounge and Dining Terrace, Serving Nightly
Weekend Brunch at Herons: 7:00 am to 2:00 pm
Afternoon Tea: Wednesday-Sunday 2:30 pm to 4:30 pm with 24-hour advance notice
Uncorked Series: The hour-long gathering, led by Herons’ sommelier Hai Tran, will take participants through four wine tastings, complemented by small plates, in a relaxed, sophisticated environment. Events take place in the Fireplace Lounge or on the Terrace (weather permitting) and are $40 per person. Reservations are required and can be made by calling (919) 447-4000.
“If You Like This, Try This…”
Thursday, August 29, 6-7 p.m.
This event will take familiar flavor profiles from major varietals and connect them to those less familiar. Sommelier Hai Tran will guide participants through international varietals that will open their eyes to and taste buds to new favorites.
Bordeaux
Thursday, September 26, 6-7 p.m.
Guests will explore wines of the Bordeaux region, which has experienced back-to-back stellar vintages with the release of the 2009s and 2010s. Sommelier Hai Train will showcase a few top examples of great Bordeaux that won’t break the bank, and provide a primer to the region’s whites, reds, and sweet wines.
Sicily
Thursday, October 31, 6-7 p.m.
A region often overlooked for wine production, due to its historic association with Marsala and the production of bulk wine, Sicily has recently enjoyed a renaissance with its native varietals and diverse microclimates. In this event, wine enthusiasts will explore some great examples of the mavericks that are helping to change the face of Sicilian wine.
Wines Fit for a Feast
Thursday, November 21, 6-7 p.m.
With Thanksgiving in mind and Christmas soon to follow, Hai Tran shares his insights on versatile wines that will please all palates and complement traditional holiday meals.
Crossroads Bar, Serving Nightly
Sunday Brunch, 11:30 am to 2 pm
Fridays on the Front Porch will run through October 4, beginning at 5 pm. Fridays on the Front Porch provides the perfect atmosphere for kicking back, relaxing and getting a jump start on the weekend. Enjoy great food, live music and fun times under the shady oaks and magnolia trees. A highly casual atmosphere.
There is no cover charge or reservations needed to attend.
The Fearrington House Inn and Restaurant
Pittsboro, NC (outside of Chapel Hill, NC)
The Fearrington House Restaurant, Serving on nights Wednesday through Sunday
This gorgeous Relais and Chateaux property offers seasonal wine dinners, culinary classes and the Cooks and Books series. Visit the Fearrington website for more details.
Sunday Brunch: 11:30 am to 2:00 pm
No scheduled events at press time
The Franklin Hotel
Chapel Hill, NC
Roberts Lounge, drinks and casual bites daily
No scheduled events at press time
Renaissance Raleigh North Hills Hotel
Raleigh, NC
Flights Restaurant and Lounge, Serving Nightly
Weekend Brunch: 7:00 am to 11:00 am
Executive Chef Dean Thompson is in the semi-finals for the NC Dining Competition, Fire in the Triangle. He will battle Chef Jason Cunningham of the Washington Duke Inn on August 12. The winner of that battle will be in the final battle on August 19, and will compete for a $2,000 prize. The Renaissance Raleigh North Hills Hotel will be hosting the statewide NC dining competition battle in late November.
Executive Chef Dean Thompson is in the semi-finals for the NC Dining Competition, Fire in the Triangle. He will battle Chef Jason Cunningham of the Washington Duke Inn on August 12. The winner of that battle will be in the final battle on August 19, and will compete for a $2,000 prize. The Renaissance Raleigh North Hills Hotel will be hosting the statewide NC dining competition battle in late November.
No scheduled events at press time
Sunday Breakfast: 7:00 am to 12:00 pm
No scheduled events at press time
Be sure to check out my "Pack Your Bags" features on the King's Daughters Inn and The Siena Hotel. And a special feature on The Siena for Skimbaco Lifestyle.
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