Fresh 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! 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...

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...

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SPECIAL MOMENT

See this special memory at the beginning of when we started NC Eat & Play and were featured in The Omega Sports Neighborhsip Series. READ MORE.

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.

“We wholeheartedly want to inspire others to live abundantly local and enjoy all the riches of North Carolina.” – Megan Nichols

Tasty Bites

Cary Restaurants | Where to Eat + What to Order!

Here is a list of our favorite Cary restaurants along with our go-to orders. It’s a long list and I’m confident you will find more than a few new favorites this blog!

I tried every menu item at Salt & Lime Cabo Grill. These are my favorites.

Salt & Lime Cabo Grill is one of my all-time favorite restaurants. I’m sharing all of my go-to orders–the menu items I return to time and time again.

North Carolina Historic Homes Turned into Restaurants

Some of my very favorite dining experiences have been at these charming historic-homes-turned-restaurants. The ones I’m sharing with you here are both enchanting in atmosphere and impressive in cuisine and service.

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,...

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.

Local Faves on Podcast

Restaurant Risks + Q&A with Megan and Anthony

Hosts: Megan Nichols Anthony Rapillo Episode Summary The hosts of Adventures by the Slice podcast are Megan Nichols, from "NC Eat & Play" whose food posts and adventures have gained a huge following on social media, and Anthony Rapillo, owner of V. Pizza and Flask...

Restaurant Challenges + Celebrate Spring with a Hootenanny

Episode Summary Introducing the hosts of this podcast, Megan Nichols, from NC Eat & Play whose food posts and adventures have gained a huge following on social media, and Anthony Rapillo, owner of V Pizza and Flask Cocktail Bar. In this episode, Megan and Anthony...

Fresh. Local Ice Cream

Welcome to The NC EAT & PLAY Podcast. Today, we will be talking to Jason, co-owner of FRESH. Local Ice cream and their General Manager, Jessica. I started NC Eat & Play to highlight and celebrate local businesses, establishments and “worth-the-trip”...