Blow the horns! It’s 5:00 p.m. on Friday! The last great escape of the summer has officially started. I’ve got friends headed to the NC coast and mountains as I type. Even know folks flying in from all over for a larger-than-life Las Vegas blow-out extravaganza. So many places, so little time left on the summer solstice clock.  After forfeiting a Memorial Day weekend trip to exotic Turks & Caicos, I promised myself that history would not repeat itself for the last official holiday weekend before fall. 
Welcome to Stay-cation II! Alas…it’s all good. (Re-visit my May 28th article on ideas for a home-bound holiday weekend if you’re in the same boat.) Instead of packing the car or boarding a plane I will be celebrating all things Chapel Hill starting with a favorite tradition…Fridays on the Front Porch at the Carolina Inn. Saturday’s season opener in Kenan Stadium should be glorious. Long live Tar Heel football and let the tailgating begin! Time to catch up on the Triangle’s plethora of dining, music and outdoor adventures.  The list is endless!
If you do get that itch to get in your car for a spontaneous road trip, Governor Beverly Perdue has made it clear that “the North Carolina coast is open for business.” Deals are out there. The Sanderling Inn just outside the quaint village of Duck on the northern Outer Banks slashed room rates in half this week to attract tourists. Check the internet and make some calls. There is still time to plan an overnight trip. Support our state’s economy and travel to the shore.
I’m keeping this short and sweet, as the Carolina Inn is calling my name. Stay tuned in next week when The Fashion Plate interviews clothing designer and Chapel Hill native Donna McMillan.
Have a safe and happy Labor-Free Labor Day Weekend!
This is my weekend story, share yours below!

 

 

 

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