I should have finished this post a month ago. Sometimes, I’m so lazy. I don’t know how finding time to walk upstairs to my office is so difficult. I totally blame it on my recliner downstairs. There must be something that sucks me into the seat. Once I sit down, I’m totally done. So, I’m going to try to be better about that.
Really.
So here we go….
After the previous amazing night (see Two Years Strong-Part 1), we drank much coffee, thanks to the Nespresso machine in our room. And I scarfed down the hotel chocolate from the night before while Eric wasn’t looking. I hate it when that happens.
Yes, sleeping in and much caffeine was needed.
Once we finally felt human, we checked out. It was difficult to leave. I could have easily made the 21C Museum Hotel my new residence. I will go back. That view, though……
And who says that 13 isn’t a lucky number?
After brunching at Rue Cler, we headed to our first destination- Honeygirl Meadery. In looking for adventures on Groupon, I discovered this place. You can read more about mead here.
When I purchased my coupon for Groupon, I figured the meadery was within the general area, but I had no idea that it was only a minute away.
Just a note about Groupon- definitely do it! It’s a great way to expore new places at a discounted price.
When you use Groupon, go through Ebates, where you can earn cash back on your purchases. If you use this referral code, you’ll get an instant $10.00. So far, I’ve earned over $200.00- just by shopping through Ebates. That’s free money!
Yes, I am the bargain queen.
Ever since I’ve started using Groupon, everyone has always cheerfully accepted my Groupons. A tasting for two at the meadery, with the cute stemless wine glass, was only $7.00! I LOVE a deal.
Although I’d tasted mead before, this was much better than what I’d previously had. The taste was much different from wine. One could definitely taste the honey.
We liked.
I imagine this place would be fun during the warmer weather, when the garage doors are open. We spent an hour or so sipping mead and snacking on local cheese and crackers that we purchased at Bulldega Urban Market, the cutest little market in Downtown Durham.
Thankfully, Eric is always prepared with his trusty knife. Although it is not your typical cheese knife, it served it’s purpose. And no one lost a finger. Notice the cute camo bag and aviators. (You know I had to mention it!) I can get those for you. These have been my most favorite Stella & Dot accessories this season.
Our next Groupon adventure was for Mystic Distillery and Farm.
It was only a few miles away from the meadery. As neither of us had ever done a whiskey tasting, we weren’t sure what to expect. When we arrived, a group was already gathering. We were welcomed with a shot of whiskey. What a way to get a party started!
Yes, this place was going to be fun. I could already tell….
Our tour guide was energetic and fun. We learned so much about the whiskey making process. We sampled directly from the barrels.
Yikes! I wasn’t prepared to drink gasoline!
We finished the tasting with a Gin and Tonic. I’d never had one before. I believe it will be my new favorite summer drink, as it was light and refreshing. We purchased both the whiskey and the gin.
I’d definitely recommend a trip to Mystic Farm and Distillery. We had so much fun!
After leaving Mystic, we headed to the Hampton Inn in Downtown Raleigh. Although Eric actually lives in Raleigh, he understands the need for a get away, even if it is in stay-cation form. This Hampton Inn is often our Raleigh home-away-from-home. It’s very consistant. We unpacked and headed out. This is my favorite Stella & Dot bag. It’s perfect for the weekend. It holds everything I need. Where ever I go, it goes. I’ve used it heavily for a year, and it still looks great! Everyone needs a nice bag for traveling.
Downtown Raleigh is a fun place to sample drinks and appetizers. Although we have a few favorite places, we are always open to trying interesting new places. Because we do much walking on these downtown adventures, we’d like to think that we are burning some of the calories we are consuming.
At least, we pretend.
Our first Downtown Raleigh stop was Sullivan’s Steakhouse. You can’t go wrong with Sullivan’s. It’s amazing. I decided that I was only going to drink sparkling things for the remainder of the night. After all, it was our anniversary celebration.
We ordered the Filet Wellington Bites. Yum! They were served on a salt slab.
After we left Sullivan’s, we walked past Vidrio, a Mediterranean restaurant. It caught our eye and we decided to stop. It was a lively place. We sat at the bar. Eric ordered tuna and I ordered the chili spiced nuts. And yes, I had more sparking wine. This time, it was Rose’. Yay for Rose’. I also tasted Eric’s Mediterranean Mule. That was equally amazing. I’d definitely recommend trying it.
As always, we wound up at 42nd Street Oyster Bar. They always have a great band and we never miss an opportunity to dance. 
Yes, they had sparkling wine. Who knew??!
What better way to end a perfect weekend than dancing the night away with hushpuppies and more sparking wine?
We needed this. As a couple, we really, really, really needed this adventure.
Life gets busy. Money gets tight. Responsibilities are many. That’s life.
But I’ve realized that it is so important to make time for each other when you are in a relationship. If you want to make a relationship work, you must make the effort. I remind myself of this very thing every single day.
Eric and I are now two years stronger in our relationship. I am two years stronger in my personal growth.
Cheers to two years and may the third year be the best yet!
