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Where to Take Out-Of-Town Guests in Raleigh
Wondering where to take out-of-town guests in Raleigh to introduce them to the personality of the city? I can help! This is one of the most common requests from my social media followers and my favorite to answer. Whether you're just looking to show your guests a good...
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. Whether you plan to take a boat out on the water, hike in neighboring Chimney Rock, or eat a relaxing meal with a view of the...
Favorite Menu Items at Southern Craft Sandwiches
Southern Craft Sandwiches is our go to stop for sandwiches in North Raleigh and we think it should be yours too! Being a picky kid growing up, my go to restaurant order was a classic all-American cheeseburger. As I got older, I worked for a sandwich shop and my...
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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
Where to Take Out-Of-Town Guests in Raleigh
Wondering where to take out-of-town guests in Raleigh to introduce them to the personality of the city? I can help!
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...
Tasty Bites
Favorite Menu Items at Southern Craft Sandwiches
Southern Craft Sandwiches is our go to stop for sandwiches in North Raleigh and we think it should be yours too!
Top Restaurants in North Raleigh (Our Favorites!)
There are endless amazing North Raleigh restaurants and I’m excited to share my favorites that excel in flavor, atmosphere, and service.
Where to eat in Wilmington NC
If you’re wondering where to eat in Wilmington NC, there are many outstanding choices and I’m going to tell you about my favorites!
Things To Do
Where to Take Out-Of-Town Guests in Raleigh
Wondering where to take out-of-town guests in Raleigh to introduce them to the personality of the city? I can help!
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.
Five Tips for Visiting Chimney Rock State Park
We have five tips for visiting Chimney Rock State Park that will help you experience all the wonders it has to offer!
Raleigh Newcomers
The Real-Tour Experience sponsored by The W Group.
A Guide to the NC State Fair
The NC State Fair is an iconic event that is treated like a holiday in North Carolina, bringing joy and excitement to the state for almost two weeks every year since 1853. Presented by the North Carolina Department of Agriculture and sponsored by various businesses,...
Real-Tour Experience Giveaway: Win a Two-Night Stay at the Mayton
We are partnering with the team at The Mayton to give our readers a chance to win a staycation!
New Homes Weekend featuring cheerwine recap
The Real-Tour Experience with The W Group and NC Eat & Play welcomed Raleigh homebuyers to enjoy a sweet New Homes Weekend featuring Cheerwine.
Real-Tour Experience New Homes Weekend – a new kind of home tour
Homebuyers looking for new home tours in the greater Raleigh area and beyond should join The W Group on 08/28/21-08/29/21, from 11am to 5pm.
Radon Inspections in Raleigh: Necessary or Waste of Money?
A question that is sure to come up during your home-buying journey in the Triangle: Do you need radon inspections in Raleigh? Is there radon in Raleigh and is it necessary?
Getting to Know Raleigh: Apex
Apex is a charming city with so much to see and do in this historic town. Walkthrough the downtown area and see little shops and restaurants.
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...