Best of 2013

RALEIGH, N.C. — The Out and About team had a great 2013 and we just wanted to take a few minutes to reflect back on some of the best things we remember about it:  

Best short road trip: Going to Hillsborough to check out Mystery Brewing's brewery and tap room. A fun afternoon mixing beers and discovering just how much of a "Doctor Who" fan producer Caitlin really is. 

Best team building: This one is a toss up between Dave and Buster's at the Cary Town Center and Hard Knocks laser tag in north Raleigh. Dave and Buster's has great food and drink and the arcade atmosphere really helps awaken the inner child in all of us. Hard Knocks brings out that competitive spirit as you play through different missions and try not to get "killed." 

Best restaurant reboot: Moonrunners in Garner really turned things around after appearing on the Spike TV show "Bar Rescue." Formerly known as Characters Quarters, this struggling restaurant/bar embraced the reality show makeover. In addition to the cosmetic makeover, the new food and drink options were outstanding. Can't wait to try that apple pie moonshine again! 

Best representation of Raleigh on reality TV: Bates and Anthony Battaglia on "The Amazing Race." Bates, a former Cane and owner of Lucky B's in Glenwood South, and his brother had fun and played an honorable game - not an easy task on a reality show. We were thrilled when they took home the $1 million prize at the end and even got a champagne bath alongside them the night all was revealed. 

Best Hopscotch Music Fest moment: Toon and the Real Laww at Tir na nOg during the final day of the festival. And it wasn't even a show you had to pay to see. These Durham hip-hop stars always bring it and this show was no exception.