HeARTfelt Escapade: A Journey of Exploration and Renewal with Raleigh’s Local Creatives
October 4 - October 5
$650.00 – $775.00
Immerse yourself in a weekend of artistic exploration, where the heart of Raleigh’s creative community opens up to welcome you. This P1T Journey is tailor-made for art enthusiasts and culture seekers, offering a harmonious blend of creativity, relaxation, and culinary delights—all in the vibrant setting of downtown Raleigh.
Friday Night: Artistic Kickoff
Begin your journey with the HeART of Raleigh Art Walk at CAM Raleigh, led by the dynamic artist, art lover, and coach Annelies Gentile. As you stroll through the city’s most captivating galleries and public art installations, you’ll encounter artwork that not only tells the stories of its creators but also reveals the vibrant spirit of the city itself, giving you an insider’s view of Raleigh’s thriving art scene. This walk is not just a tour; it’s an invitation to connect with the city’s creative pulse.
Saturday Morning: Brews, Views, and Artistic Muse
Rise and shine to join Greg Whitt, Raleigh’s esteemed art commissioner, for a morning coffee stroll that blends history with art. As you sip your coffee, Greg will guide you through downtown Raleigh’s streets, sharing tales of the city’s rich history and its evolving coffee culture. You’ll visit local coffee shops, engage with baristas, and savor the nuances of different coffee roasts—all while soaking in the creative energy of the city.
Saturday Afternoon: Scenic Sip & Paint
After your morning adventures, head to Wye Hill for a leisurely lunch with breathtaking views of Raleigh’s skyline. Enjoy a meal paired with a refreshing beer or cocktail, setting the stage for the afternoon’s creative session. At the Brush the Skyline event, a local artist will guide you through painting your own interpretation of the stunning Boylan Bridge skyline. Whether you’re an experienced painter or a curious beginner, this hands-on experience is all about expressing your unique vision and connecting with fellow creatives.
Wrap-Up
A HEARTfelt Escapade ticket offers a one-night stay for two in a downtown Raleigh hotel, two guided tours with Raleigh’s artistic ambassadors, and a hands-on creative experience. While additional hotel amenities, food, and beverages outside of those provided during the tours are not included, this overnight P1T Journey is more than just a getaway—it’s an invitation to immerse yourself in Raleigh’s vibrant art community. From inspiring walks to creative workshops, you’ll leave with new connections, unforgettable memories, and a renewed sense of artistic inspiration. Join us for a weekend where art, culture, and connection come together in the heart of Raleigh.
About People-First Tourism:
P1t Journeys are customized experiences for discerning travelers interested in expanding their lives through immersions in genuine communities eager to share their culture and lives with appreciative guests. We work with trusted communities to provide intimate, multi-day experiences that involve travelers in the often unseen worlds of real people in real places.
Exploring unfamiliar artistic landscapes and connecting with local creatives can be profoundly inspiring and transformative, opening new perspectives and fostering personal growth. To ensure these experiences are both enriching and accessible, we work with community ambassadors—passionate supporters of the local art scene—who guide our guests through the cultural nuances of their hosts. These ambassadors help travelers turn each creative encounter into a meaningful, lasting impact on their artistic journey.
About Conduit for Change:
Annelies Gentile is an executive integrative life and leadership coach, speaker, author, and artist with a Master’s in coaching and a knack for poking in a good way. She believes creativity matters. Annelies has lived in Raleigh since 1985, giving her insight into what Raleigh was like “way back when,” and her long-time relationships with a network of fellow Raleigh artists contributes to the deep and interesting nature of her walks.
About Greg Whitt:
In addition to his appointment to the City of Raleigh Arts Commission, Greg is an avid coffee lover and a frequent dweller of Raleigh’s proliferating local coffee shop scene. He’s also an award-winning facilitator and arts-educator teaching applied philosophy through music in corporations, congregations, communities, and classrooms. Greg has called Raleigh home since 1986; he is the founder of the Raleigh Drum Circle and hyper-active in the local arts community. You can find him online at www.drumforchange.com, in a hammock, or perhaps behind a brew of one sort of another in locally-owned establishments throughout the city.
Immerse yourself in a weekend of artistic exploration, where the heart of Raleigh’s creative community opens up to welcome you. This P1T Journey is tailor-made for art enthusiasts and culture seekers, offering a harmonious blend of creativity, relaxation, and culinary delights—all in the vibrant setting of downtown Raleigh.
Friday Night: Artistic Kickoff
Begin your journey with the HeART of Raleigh Art Walk at CAM Raleigh, led by the dynamic artist, art lover, and coach Annelies Gentile. As you stroll through the city’s most captivating galleries and public art installations, you’ll encounter artwork that not only tells the stories of its creators but also reveals the vibrant spirit of the city itself, giving you an insider’s view of Raleigh’s thriving art scene. This walk is not just a tour; it’s an invitation to connect with the city’s creative pulse.
Saturday Morning: Brews, Views, and Artistic Muse
Rise and shine to join Greg Whitt, Raleigh’s esteemed art commissioner, for a morning coffee stroll that blends history with art. As you sip your coffee, Greg will guide you through downtown Raleigh’s streets, sharing tales of the city’s rich history and its evolving coffee culture. You’ll visit local coffee shops, engage with baristas, and savor the nuances of different coffee roasts—all while soaking in the creative energy of the city.
Saturday Afternoon: Scenic Sip & Paint
After your morning adventures, head to Wye Hill for a leisurely lunch with breathtaking views of Raleigh’s skyline. Enjoy a meal paired with a refreshing beer or cocktail, setting the stage for the afternoon’s creative session.
At the Brush the Skyline event, a local artist will guide you through painting your own interpretation of the stunning Boylan Bridge skyline. Whether you’re an experienced painter or a curious beginner, this hands-on experience is all about expressing your unique vision and connecting with fellow creatives.
Wrap-Up
A HEARTfelt Escapade ticket offers a one-night stay for two in a downtown Raleigh hotel, two guided tours with Raleigh’s artistic ambassadors, and a hands-on creative experience. While additional hotel amenities, food, and beverages outside of those provided during the tours are not included, this overnight P1T Journey is more than just a getaway—it’s an invitation to immerse yourself in Raleigh’s vibrant art community. From inspiring walks to creative workshops, you’ll leave with new connections, unforgettable memories, and a renewed sense of artistic inspiration. Join us for a weekend where art, culture, and connection come together in the heart of Raleigh.
About People-First Tourism:
P1t Journeys are customized experiences for discerning travelers interested in expanding their lives through immersions in genuine communities eager to share their culture and lives with appreciative guests. We work with trusted communities to provide intimate, multi-day experiences that involve travelers in the often unseen worlds of real people in real places.
Exploring unfamiliar artistic landscapes and connecting with local creatives can be profoundly inspiring and transformative, opening new perspectives and fostering personal growth. To ensure these experiences are both enriching and accessible, we work with community ambassadors—passionate supporters of the local art scene—who guide our guests through the cultural nuances of their hosts. These ambassadors help travelers turn each creative encounter into a meaningful, lasting impact on their artistic journey.
About Conduit for Change:
Annelies Gentile is an executive integrative life and leadership coach, speaker, author, and artist with a Master’s in coaching and a knack for poking in a good way. She believes creativity matters. Annelies has lived in Raleigh since 1985, giving her insight into what Raleigh was like “way back when,” and her long-time relationships with a network of fellow Raleigh artists contributes to the deep and interesting nature of her walks.
About Greg Whitt:
In addition to his appointment to the City of Raleigh Arts Commission, Greg is an avid coffee lover and a frequent dweller of Raleigh’s proliferating local coffee shop scene. He’s also an award-winning facilitator and arts-educator teaching applied philosophy through music in corporations, congregations, communities, and classrooms. Greg has called Raleigh home since 1986; he is the founder of the Raleigh Drum Circle and hyper-active in the local arts community. You can find him online at www.drumforchange.com, in a hammock, or perhaps behind a brew of one sort of another in locally-owned establishments throughout the city.
