Little Blue Bakehouse
Something Sweet & Mighty
Little Blue Bakehouse houses a collection of small businesses offering varying delicacies including cupcakes, cookies, macarons, artisanal pastries, and even boozy baked goods.
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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...
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
Spotlighting Preeti Waas | Business Owner, Award-Winning Chef of Cheeni, James Beard Semifinalist, and a Mom
When NC Eat & Play Magazine's Editor-At-Large, Megan Nichols, began working on the May issue which highlights moms, it was the perfect opportunity to spotlight Preeti Waas, award-winning chef and owner of Cheeni in Durham. For Megan, it wasn’t only because of the...
Which coastal style best reflects your dream space?
North Carolina has some of the most stunning coastlines in the US, making it no surprise that coastal design is popular for homes across the state. But "coastal" isn't a one-size fits-all. From the elegance of Coastal Hamptons to the charming nostalgia of Coastal...
Refreshing Your Living Room for Summer with Furnitureland South: Tips and Trends
With summer just around the corner, it’s the perfect time to refresh your living room into an inviting, relaxing, and entertaining space. Whether you’re hosting casual get-togethers with friends or enjoying a quiet night at home, a revamped living room can enhance...
East End Bistrot
2024 is only halfway over, and I believe I’ve already found my top restaurant of the year. East End Bistrot in Raleigh is one of the most outstanding restaurants I’ve visited in a while. I want to scream it from the rooftops, but this blog will have to do! An upscale...
Wye Hill Brewing
Wye Hill Kitchen & Brewing is known in Raleigh as a female-owned business offering delicious food, craft beer, and astounding views of Downtown. Perched in the charming Boylan Heights neighborhood, Wye Hill beckons with its unique blend of delectable cuisine,...
Father’s Day Gift Guide from Furnitureland South: Unique Gifts with Style and Personality
Father’s Day is approaching, and what better way to show your appreciation than with a unique gift from Furnitureland South? Known for its vast selection of stylish and high-quality pieces, Furnitureland South has something for every dad. Whether he’s a game...