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! 

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! 

With all of this crazy, snowy weather occurring here in the South I thought that not only would it be appropriate to write a blog to discuss the BEST snow locations, but that it would be appropriate to write about my home stomping ground. So, take out the notepads folks because I'm about to tell you the top places to head in RALEIGH, NC when frosty begins to make his presence. 

Last year was my first Raleigh in the snow experience. I wasn't sure what to expect. I just figured I would stay inside and make the most out of my movie collection. I was VERY wrong! A group of us decided we would take off and explore. There's plenty to explore too! 

We started our adventure by checking out Avent Ferry Rd. which is normally covered with cars. On this particular day we walked in the middle like it was a sidewalk. The only thing covering this usually busy road was snow! 

Then, after treking across NC State's campus to explore, we took off to Pullen park. What is normally a lively, family filled atmosphere was a white wonderland. We met up with some folks who had sleds and took off down some of the hills that Pullen park offers. These hills only prepared us for the ones to follow. Below are some pictures that show this neat little adventure. 

The real excitement came after Pullen. We saw a pile of cars heading towards a hidden treasure in Raleigh and decided we would follow. I won't dive too far into discussing Dorothea Dix in Raleigh, NC because I will use that for an individual post (YES! It's individual post worthy), but I will say, as it appears relevant right now, that it has THE BEST sledding in all of Raleigh! Feel free to test it out for yourself. 

The hills of this gorgeous park were packed! Lined with cars and adventurous souls ready to slide on this slick white fluff. Not only were there folks on sleds of all kinds (yes, even cardboard boxes, and street signs), but there were people with skis and snowboards taking on the hill as well. It really was the neatest part of that snow day. 

So, this year as the snow began to fall, we decided once again to venture out to Dorothea Dix. Yes, it was just mesmerizing! And, the neat thing about this park is that once you're finished sledding, skiing and/or snowboarding, you can always get your snow hiking boots and take on the wilderness land that it offers. 

There really is just SO  many options to participate in at Dorothea, and around Raleigh in the snow in general. Once you have finished going to the places I have listed above, you can head on over to Cameron Village to grab some grub. The Village Draft house was our choice for a snow day and it didn't fail to satisfy!