The Latest
Battle of the NC Barbecue: Eastern vs Lexington
In North Carolina, barbecue is a noun not a verb. It’s something you chow down on with a side of slaw and some warm hushpuppies. It plays an important part in the history, heritage, family dinner tables and kitchens across the state. But everyone in the state isn’t in...
Camelot Playground: Pinehurst’s Castle-Themed PARK
Pinehurst is home to Camelot Playground, an imagination wonderland that transports children to a medieval fairytale. Camelot Playground is the kind of place I would have been PUMPED to go to as a kid. The wooden castle-themed structures, slides, and obstacles had me...
Top 10 NBA Players from North Carolina
North Carolina is synonymous with great basketball. Some of the top names in the basketball world, both current and former, call North Carolina home. I've already written about the state's basketball culture in articles like "Duke vs. Carolina: What's the Big Deal?"...
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Hi, I am Megan.
CHIEF CURATOR / TASTER / EXPLORER
As the proud founder of NC Eat & Play, I want to welcome you to our community. 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 in 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
Special Features
Battle of the NC Barbecue: Eastern vs Lexington
In North Carolina, barbecue is a noun not a verb. There are two distinct styles that differ in the way they are cooked, the cuts of pork, and ingredients used.
Top 10 NBA Players from North Carolina
Some of the top names in the basketball world, both current and former, call North Carolina home. Here’s my list of top ten.
NC Eat & Play’s Hot Chocolate Festival and Night Market Food Vendors
NC Eat & Play’s Hot Chocolate Festival & Night Market is sure to be a magical event that will get anyone in the spirit for the holidays.
Tasty Bites
Battle of the NC Barbecue: Eastern vs Lexington
In North Carolina, barbecue is a noun not a verb. There are two distinct styles that differ in the way they are cooked, the cuts of pork, and ingredients used.
Bistro Roca: An EXceptional Restaurant in Blowing Rock
Bistro Roca has a reputation for being one of the best restaurants in North Carolina, a bold claim that I now agree with.
The Batchmaker is a Dessert-Lover’s Dream in Charlotte NC
The Batchmaker is bringing decadent desserts to the Queen City through a bakery that locals adore for its pastries and enchanting interior.
Things To Do
Camelot Playground: Pinehurst’s Castle-Themed PARK
Pinehurst is home to Camelot Playground, an imagination wonderland that transports children to a medieval fairytale.
A Guide to Carolina Hurricanes Games
The Carolina Hurricanes are Raleigh’s professional ice hockey team whose games are electric, exciting, and surprisingly affordable.
Fall in North Carolina | Bucket List of Best Things to Do
Fall in North Carolina is a truly special time of year when the state comes alive with vibrant colors, festive food, and the ushering in of long-awaited events. There's a multitude of activities spanning the state from the coast to the mountains that shouldn't be...
NC Staycations
Lake Lure: How to Enjoy this Serene Lake Town in NC
Lake Lure is a mountain town in North Carolina that is a favorite vacation destination due to its lush beauty, adventure, and film debuts.
Guide to Wrightsville Beach (Where to Eat, Stay, + Play!)
Wrightsville Beach is a walkable beach town in North Carolina that breathes life into all those who visit it. Wrightsville is the beach with the shortest travel time from many areas of the state, including Raleigh. That and its proximity to UNCW make it a popular...
Lake Gaston: A Great Vacation Destination
I (Harrison) would argue that the lakes are some of the best parts of living in North Carolina, with Lake Gaston being my favorite. Even though there were a few lakes around me growing up, my family always made the one-hour drive from Raleigh to Lake Gaston to get our...
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