THINGS TO KNOW
Delivering at Duke University
Where to Eat In NC
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Things To Do In NC
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NC Guides
A collection of our faves!
Fun Features
Outer Banks Restaurants That You Need to Try
The Outerbanks restaurants offer beach town delights from seafood to sweet cravings. Many of the restaurants deliver gorgeous sunset views while you dine and enjoy.
My Tips For Surviving the Beach With a Baby Or Toddler
Trips don’t always feel like a vacation when you have little ones in tow. Is it even possible to enjoy the beach with a baby? YES! With some adjusted expectations and proper planning, taking your babies and toddlers to the beach doesn’t have to be such a daunting...
Get Ready for a Fun-Filled 2025 Spring Hootenanny & Foodie Fest!
Hi Everyone, I can’t wait to see you all this Saturday, March 29th, for NC Eat & Play's Spring Hootenanny & Foodie Fest, presented by Cheerwine! We're thrilled to return to the NC State Fairgrounds at the James B. Hunt Horse Complex. We’re excited to host this...
Delivering at Duke University Hospital: Things to Know
On January 31st 2025, I gave birth to identical twin girls at Duke University Hospital. I’m sharing my experience, things I wish I knew, and tips to help when it’s your turn! Prior to delivery, I researched like a mad woman to prepare as much as I could for this...
Know Before You Go: S’mores & Hot Chocolate Festival
We look forward to seeing you at today's NC Eat & Play S'mores & Hot Chocolate Festival! Here are some things to know before you go: Event Information Saturday, Jan 18, 2025 From 4:30 pm - 7:30 pm At Durham Bulls Athletic Park (entrance is off S. Mangum St.)...
Giving Back: Sprinkling Holiday Cheer in our Local Community
Join us for Capital City Clauses’ Annual Jingle Ball Charity Gala! For me, a big part of gratitude includes giving back to causes that are near and dear to my heart. As both a mother who gets to now experience the joy of Christmas through my children’s eyes and once a...
Hi, I am Megan.
CHIEF CURATOR / TASTER / EXPLORER
As the proud founder of NC Eat & Play, I want to welcome you to our community. We want to be your destination for local wanderlusting in North Carolina. I created this space to help locals discover great food and activities for sensible budgets and everyday play. I’m proud to serve as a Chief Curator and influencer for North Carolinians, where every day, my team and I highlight and celebrate local businesses and establishments in North Carolina.
Like many, I consider my home the center of everything. I live in the greater Raleigh area where many of the food and play stories are naturally covered, but not all. I have a large audience following us from all over the state, and I participate in covering cities and towns far and wide as much as possible.
“We wholeheartedly want to inspire others to live abundantly local and enjoy all the riches of North Carolina.” – Megan Nichols
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Mama’s Famous Cilantro Lime Grilled Shrimp w/ The Butcher’s Market
These cilantro lime grilled shrimp are a perfect summer staple! The ingredient list is short and mostly items you already have in your pantry (or can easily pick up from The Butcher's Market if not). The final result is flavorful and refreshing! My mom has been making...
Mama’s Cheesy Bacon Shrimp and Grits Recipe
If there's one dish I always order at restaurants when I see it on the menu, it's some delicious shrimp and grits. They've become an irresistible favorite of mine. Fortunately, I can have them at home any time I'd like thanks to my mom's recipe! These shrimp and grits...
Our First Time Trying Salt Crusted Salmon!
I had never heard of salt crusted salmon until The Butcher's Market introduced me to the concept. As usual, they love pushing us to try new things and my mom and I were pretty nervous about this one! It's truly so fun working with The Butcher's Market as we are...
More Fun Features
Get Ready for a Fun-Filled Fall Hootenanny & Foodie Fest!
Hi Everyone, I can’t wait to see you all this Saturday, September 28th, for NC Eat & Play's Fall Hootenanny & Foodie Fest, presented by Cheerwine! We're thrilled to make our debut at the NC State Fairgrounds at the James B. Hunt Horse Complex. This event marks...
Something Sweet & Mighty : Little Blue Bakehouse in Raleigh
Little Blue Bakehouse is a kitchen incubator that’s larger than life when it comes to mixing up happiness with sweet treats and beverages. Allison Vick (pictured below with her business partner and husband Carl) is the Chef/Co-owner of Little Blue Macaron and Little...
2024’s Hottest Interior Design Trends
One of the most anticipated color trends each year comes from Pantone. This year, Peach Fuzz takes the spotlight. This soft, inviting hue brings a sense of warmth and inclusivity to any space. Nuevo (pictured below) brings the color to modern life by going...
Brunch Guide to the NC Triangle (Favorite Spots!)
Grabbing brunch with friends on the weekend is one of the finer experiences in life. I'd argue that brunch is the best meal of the day and should always include both sweet and savory options. Unfortunately, brunch is also rather elusive. It can be tricky to know which...
NC MADE SPOTLIGHT: Country Water is NC’s Only Woman-Owned Canned Wine
If there’s one thing we might not have known we needed in our lives, it just might be good ol’ Southern wine in a can. That’s right, wine in a can. That’s what Tana Cowin, the Founder and CEO of Country Water (pictured with her pink boots next to her husband Cody),...
Essential Design Ingredients For Outdoor-Worthy Grill Spaces
Summer is just around the corner and with it comes outdoor grilling and entertaining. It’s the perfect time for festive soirees (a fancy way of saying “backyard barbecues” - because in North Carolina that’s a meal not an event.) Getting the best out of your outdoor...