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Where to Eat in Southern Pines and Pinehurst
Southern Pines and Pinehurst are neighboring towns in North Carolina that boast southern charm, golf, equestrian activity, and local restaurants. We were invited by the CVB of the Pinehurst, Southern Pines, and Aberdeen area to visit, eat, and play through their...
Mexican Restaurants in the Triangle That You Need to Try!
There are so many excellent Mexican restaurants in the Triangle that deserve a spotlight this week for Cinco de Mayo, as well as every week after! As a dedicated Raleigh-Durham area foodie, I have found quite a few favorite eateries for all kinds of Mexican cuisine....
Strawberry Picking in North Carolina | My Practical Guide
One of my all time favorite springtime activities is strawberry picking in North Carolina with my family. It’s a great chance to be in nature, support local farmers, allow kids to be involved, and most importantly: go home with a delicious and nutritious treat! Tips...
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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
Strawberry Picking in North Carolina | My Practical Guide
One of my all time favorite springtime activities is strawberry picking in North Carolina with my family.
An Ode to Coach K
He’s been on the sidelines ever since I started watching the Blue Devils back in 2001, and he was there long before. To me, Coach K is Duke basketball.
Ranking the Rollercoasters at Carowinds (Best Rides!)
Rollercoasters at Carowinds are some of the best in the nation! Here is a ranking of my favorite rollercoasters at Carowinds, the score I gave them, and why.
Tasty Bites
Where to Eat in Southern Pines and Pinehurst
Southern Pines and Pinehurst are neighboring towns in North Carolina that boast southern charm, golf, equestrian activity, and local restaurants. We were invited by the CVB of the Pinehurst, Southern Pines, and Aberdeen area to visit, eat, and play through their...
Mexican Restaurants in the Triangle That You Need to Try!
There are so many excellent Mexican restaurants in the Triangle that deserve a spotlight!
Our Guide to Wake Forest Restaurants (Where to eat!)
I’ve found some gems in my hometown that I’m excited to share. I hope this article helps guide you to some delicious Wake Forest restaurants.
Things To Do
Strawberry Picking in North Carolina | My Practical Guide
One of my all time favorite springtime activities is strawberry picking in North Carolina with my family.
Ranking the Rollercoasters at Carowinds (Best Rides!)
Rollercoasters at Carowinds are some of the best in the nation! Here is a ranking of my favorite rollercoasters at Carowinds, the score I gave them, and why.
Guide to NC Eat & Play’s Spring Hootenanny & Foodie Festival
Were you one of the lucky locals who snagged a ticket to NC Eat & Play's Spring Hootenanny & Foodie Festival presented by Cheerwine before they all sold out? This event is going to be an unforgettable night of tasty feasts, southern fun on the farm, and sounds...
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
A Fall Getaway in Carolina Beach
Tourists are drawn to Carolina Beach for its spacious beach, endless food and beverage options and vintage yet thriving boardwalk.
Bear Lake Reserve: Everything to Know About This NC Mountain Resort
Nestled deep in the mountains of Western North Carolina, Bear Lake Reserve welcomes guests to their stunning property that feels both wild and luxurious. My family was invited to spend a weekend in one of the lake-view condos and it was one of the most breathtaking...
Our Weekend in Maggie Valley NC
If you’re interested in experiencing an authentic, small mountain town in North Carolina, you’ll find that and more in Maggie Valley.