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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...

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...

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Stay inspired with indulgent dining recommendations and picturesque travel experiences throughout North Carolina with a little real-life humor and down-to-earth charm. 

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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

Megan Nichols


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342k followers


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Fun Features

The Butcher’s Market taught me to reverse sear my ribeye

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

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

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...

Why Don’t I Ever Share Negative Reviews?

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...

NC Eat & Play’s Ultimate Staycation List

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...

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