A staycation is simply a vacation you take at or near home—swapping flights and packing lists for local hotels, restaurants, and experiences you might otherwise overlook. The key to planning a good one is treating it like a real trip: book something, unplug from routine, and make a point of doing things you would not…
travel
Best Restaurants in Eastern NC: 14 Destination Spots to Try (2026 Guide)
One of my favorite parts of eastern North Carolina is the culinary scene that has emerged in recent years. There are destination restaurants in some of the small towns that are creating a buzz and are collectively working with the local industries to support shops, bed and breakfasts, boutique hotels, and breweries. These restaurants prove…
Local Love: 25+ Best Places to Photograph in North Carolina (Updated for 2026)
North Carolina is packed with photogenic spots, from coastal gardens to mountain overlooks, and here is my roundup of 25 of the best places to photograph in North Carolina. This guide has been updated for 2026 with current conditions, optimal times to visit, and a few insider tips for each location. This post was originally…
30 Best NC Small Towns for Road Trips This Summer (2026 Guide)
Now that summer is almost here, I find myself looking for places for road trips on weekends this time of year. One of my favorite parts of this space is that I get to share some of my favorite small towns in North Carolina with you, including the best NC small towns for road trips….
13 Best Beaches Near Raleigh, North Carolina (2026 Guide)
There is something so exciting about a beach day! Whether you enjoy the the sound of waves crashing, the smell of salty air, or the warmth of the sun on your skin, spending time at the beach is one of the most relaxing ways to enjoy the long, warm days of summer, in my opinion….
