Everyone likes to get away for a bit, don't they? Growing up in southeastern North Carolina a "quick getaway" usually meant a night or a weekend in Raleigh. There were always events (the State Fair, the Christmas Show and Parade, college football games) and the shopping was always better in a bigger city. Wilmington, my hometown, has grown, but Raleigh is still bigger and has the attraction of different shops and nightlife. I was thrilled to be invited by the
Greater Raleigh Convention and Visitor's Bureau to attend
National Mom's Nite Out last week.
Molly Gold of
Go Mom worked with
Ryan Smith of the Convention and Visitor's Bureau to put on a phenomenal event.
![Solas Raleigh](http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2786/5705249916_d3d0e4f7a1.jpg)
We met at the beautiful Solas Raleigh Lounge. Solas has a restaurant, lounge, and a rooftop bar. The lounge was beautiful. It was the perfect setting for our gathering. There was a separate room set up as a mini salon run by
Primp. You could have your nails done, hair styled, eyelashes and eyebrows, make-up, and chair massages.
![party in full swing](http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3401/5705250354_049a798ba0.jpg)
We had wonderful food and a great cocktail concocted by the always fabulous
Ilina Ewen. It was delicious and refreshing. The recipe was posted on
Dirt and Noise as a part of Ilina's 5 O'clock Fridays series. I suggest you check it out, you will be buying ginger vodka before you know it!
![I felt extremely tall](http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3041/5704684141_0875ab8067.jpg)
The Raleigh area has an amazing group of women who are involved in social media. I am always thrilled to be in their presence. To the left is
Fadra Nally of
All Things Fadra and she is moving soon but hopefully our paths will continue to cross.
Erin Lane not only has a
beautiful blog, she just had a beautiful baby six weeks ago! She looked so amazing, I'm not sure I was showering regularly six weeks after childbirth.
There were so many great women and we were treated to such a fun night out. There were a few other women who drove from out of town to attend Mom's Nite Out. We were treated to a night at the
Raleigh Marriott Crabtree Valley. The Marriott is right next to Crabtree Valley Mall (GREAT shopping) but even better it is right next to the Container Store (one of my favorite stores EVER!) After a great night's sleep I drove back to Wilmington. It takes a little less than two hours down the interstate. As I drove, listening to my own music with no one to complain, I thought about how fun it was to get away for a night. Even though Wilmington has great restaurants and shopping now, there is something different and special about going out of town. Now I think I need to plan a little getaway to Raleigh with my husband!
The Greater Raleigh Convention and Visitor's Bureau provided a lovely experience at Mom's Nite Out and graciously provided a hotel room for me. The opinions expressed here are entirely my own.