If you ever find yourself in realistic distance of taking a trip to the coastal port city of Wilmington, North Carolina it comes highly recommended by us! We have overlooked this town for a blog post option a few times simply because it feels so close to home. We forget that not everyone can just pick up and go there. However, it's certainly planned trip worthy. It has such a welcoming, local vibe that you often forget you are just visiting. In fact, after awhile it becomes hard to admit you're just visiting. It's certainly one of those places you could stay for awhile. 

We have been staying local for a few weeks which has given us some time to really appreciate and remember why we love our hometown so much. In the rapidly growing, diverse, and unique city of Raleigh, NC there is certainly no shortage of offerings .... especially when it comes to food! Just the other day Jo and I were sitting downtown, sipping on some local brew when we decided to verbalize our list of "favorite" restaurants. There are so many top notch choices but we were able to narrow it down to just a couple of true favorites. If you haven't had the chance to visit these we highly recommend checking them out sometime! 

They say that Breakfast is the most important meal of the day and we couldn't agree more! So, we compiled a list of a few of our favorite, hometown breakfast spots in Raleigh, NC. 

The Capture of the Week this week is brought to you from the shores of Manteo, North Carolina. Mo and I took this on a recent weekend trip to the Outer Banks. The Roanoke Marshes Lighthouse has been an important landmark to the coastal town of Manteo since 1877 and is well worth the stop on your next trip!

> Jo

We have gotten into the Road Trip scene recently. It's a perfect way to not worry about how much your packing, or stress about catching transportation, or having to navigate overcrowded airports and train stations. WE have been fortunate too! Due to Josh having multiple job trainings we have had the opportunity to road trip through some awesome American country that we wouldn't otherwise have planned to. 

There are a few things that each person needs in the town they live. Aside from a good beautician, mechanic and Mexican restaurant a good sit-down Chinese restaurant is a must! 

While I have lived in Raleigh officially for two years now, unofficially four, one thing lacking was "THAT" Chinese restaurant. Josh and I had tried multiple places, getting take-out from here and there. Never necessarily having that ONE place to call our Chinese home! That is, until a good friend informed us of this place in downtown Raleigh. It goes by the name of Five Star! Located on West Hargett street, this "fresh and modern" Chinese restaurant was named after the owners Grandfather who was a  Chinese General (hence the Five Star). They wanted to create a modern flair to Chinese food that would represent the individuality as well as tradition of growing up with a Chinese parent and grandparents. 

This truly is a one of a kind restaurant. One in which we have frequented within the past few months, as well as guided relatives and friends to explore. All which gave consistently positive feedback. How could you not? The portions are always enough to split and still take home leftovers with, the food is consistently unique and delicious, and the manner of service and staffing is timely, friendly and very willing to serve and take care of their guests. What's not to love!?

If you are in Raleigh, you want to avoid the typical crowds within the heart of downtown but still want to stay within the area. Or, you just happen to crave Chinese food and want a dip into something unique and special, my recommendation extends to Five Star Restaurant. 
You will have to pay for your forks but you won't have to pay extra for extraordinary, five start quality!
Check our their website and menu as well as story.  
Five Star receives a significant Five Star from Mo Adventures! 

Since I have started my music venue reviews I could NOT leave out the ultimate, fabulous, hidden charm. The one and ONLY.....HAW RIVER BALLROOM in Saxapahaw, North Carolina! 

Located in a quaint, small town south of Burlington, The Haw River Ballroom is host to huge name artists such as Jason Isbell, the Drive-By-Truckers, Holly Williams, and many others. You drive through the back country roads expecting that someone has given you the wrong address when all of a sudden you spot in the distance this restored warehouse turned retro antique. 

From the moment you begin your walk from your car to the venue, everything is just neatly created. From the river that runs behind the venue, to the lights that run along the pathway you just fill that you're walking up on a unique treasure. 

When you walk inside, it just keeps getting better. You would be seriously surprised at how large the inside is. This must be why is attracts such larger names. It can hold an extremely good amount of people. However, despite the grand size, you still feel as if you and everyone else standing amidst the show has revealed some kind of secret, hidden charm of sort. You leave feeling as if you and everyone else belong to some kind of music treasure. It also helps that every time I have been to see a show here I have somehow ended up in a conversation with the owners. The fact that they are so involved, not just hidden behind the scenes, also gives it that closer, familiar feel. 

I will just let the pictures talk for themselves. The drive is TOTALLY worth it. If not simply for the awesome music you will hear, but for the unique scene you will be embraced within. Check it out! The Haw River Ballroom, Saxapahaw, North Carolina. Just one of our states hidden jewels!