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Jingle Ball: What is it, and why should you celebrate?
Jingle Ball started as a whim to bring charitable giving to a group of friends and has since become a multi-decade-long venture of giving for the Raleigh area. Capital City Clauses Photo credit: Phong Dinh A group of young professionals, spearheaded by Stephen Brant,...
Festive Celebration with Cheerwine Holiday Punch in Lenior, NC
On Thursday, November 16, 2023, the NC Eat & Play team headed out in the morning from Raleigh to the NC Foothills for a special day celebrating with Cheerwine Holiday Punch. Arriving around 11am, NC Eat & Play kicked off its inaugural Around-The-Town Takeover...
Dune Hang Gliding with Kitty Hawk Kites
First in Flight North Carolina was first in flight, don’t let anyone (especially your friends from Ohio) tell you differently! On December 17, 1903 brothers Orville and Wilbur Wright made the first controlled flight of powered aircraft at Kill Devil Hills, North...
The Sim’s Place: A Cozy Retreat in Dudley Shoals NC
On a recent visit to Caldwell County, our family was graciously hosted in a lovely home rental "The Sim's Place." It felt like a stay in my grandmother's home in the best way possible. Immediately upon entering the cozy cottage, I felt right at home among the wood...
Red Cedar Farm: A Beautiful Countryside Venue in Caldwell County
Caldwell County is certainly not lacking in stunning wedding venues and Red Cedar Farm is one of the most popular for a reason. Boasting a modern red barn overlooking rolling green hills, this venue is the epitome of rustic elegance! The property is breathtaking and...
Why I’m Excited To Partner With Furnitureland South
Who's ready to wanderlust with me through the world's most exciting furniture brands made right here in North Carolina? I've recently announced my new partnership with Furnitureland South, one of the world's most desired destinations for premium, well-made furniture....
Furnitureland South Selects NC Eat & Play for Impressive Social Media Partnership
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Furnitureland South Partners with NC Eat & Play: Celebrating North Carolina's Best Furniture and Local Businesses The partnership between Furnitureland South and NC Eat & Play signifies a dynamic fusion of local celebration and furniture...
NC Eat & Play’s New Knightdale Event At Haven Farm Features North Carolina’s Biggest New Brand With A Country Water Celebration.
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE RALEIGH, NC - NC Eat & Play, one of North Carolina's most popular social media brands, is partnering withHaven Farm in Knightdale for a unique foodie and wine experience featuring the area's newest adult beveragesensation, Country Water. View...
Why Don’t I Ever Share Negative Reviews?
Hello, everyone! Megan, here. I love getting questions from my followers looking for recommendations, ideas, and even some (in-boundaries) personal questions about my faith, mental health, and motherhood. But often I also receive messages about sharing negative...
A Guide to Durham Bulls Baseball Games
We recently went to our first Durham Bulls game together! It was a fun time and a must-do summer activity for all North Carolinians. Even if you're not a baseball fan, a Durham Bulls game offers plenty besides baseball. Here are some things you should know before...
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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. 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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Fun Features
The Butcher’s Market taught me to reverse sear my ribeye
Megan joins The Butcher's Market for a special My Mama's NC Kitchen episode and cooks with their Training Manager, Kenneth Wilkins in their Raleigh kitchen. Kenneth takes Megan through why the ribeye is the world's most popular meat selection and how reverse searing...
The Best Key Lime Pie Recipe
Key lime pie is one of the most refreshing desserts in existence, and I can't get enough of this recipe that changed my life forever! When my second son was born, one of my good friends and local bloggers, Beck of @beckeatsworld, brought our family dinner. Beck is a...
Pear & Honey Lavender Cheerwine Upside-Down Tart
My Mama's NC Kitchen is taking on a popular TikTok recipe hack with Cheerwine. Get Ready To Turn Your Pastries Upside Down! This perfect elegant brunch dish has Cheerwine-drenched pears, honey, and a fragrant lavender finish. I know what you're thinking: Where does my...
Furnitureland South Selects NC Eat & Play for Impressive Social Media Partnership
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Furnitureland South Partners with NC Eat & Play: Celebrating North Carolina's Best Furniture and Local Businesses The partnership between Furnitureland South and NC Eat & Play signifies a dynamic fusion of local celebration and furniture...
NC Eat & Play’s New Knightdale Event At Haven Farm Features North Carolina’s Biggest New Brand With A Country Water Celebration.
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE RALEIGH, NC - NC Eat & Play, one of North Carolina's most popular social media brands, is partnering withHaven Farm in Knightdale for a unique foodie and wine experience featuring the area's newest adult beveragesensation, Country Water. View...
Why Don’t I Ever Share Negative Reviews?
Hello, everyone! Megan, here. I love getting questions from my followers looking for recommendations, ideas, and even some (in-boundaries) personal questions about my faith, mental health, and motherhood. But often I also receive messages about sharing negative...
A Guide to Durham Bulls Baseball Games
We recently went to our first Durham Bulls game together! It was a fun time and a must-do summer activity for all North Carolinians. Even if you're not a baseball fan, a Durham Bulls game offers plenty besides baseball. Here are some things you should know before...
NC Eat & Play’s Ultimate Staycation List
Hi, it's Megan! I'm excited to share some of my favorite ideas for a North Carolina staycation with you. As a local wanderluster, I'm always looking for fun and affordable ways for me and my family to explore new parts of North Carolina and make valuable memories. And...
Wilderness Run Alpine Coaster: Ride Through the Mountains of North Carolina
If you find yourself near the Banner Elk area, you must check out the Wilderness Run Alpine Coaster, a ride that reaches 27 miles per hour, winding through the mountains of North Carolina. We stopped by on our most recent mountain trip, and it did not disappoint! It...
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