North Carolina was basically the OG rebel.

Hi {{first_name}}

Many of you know I did something recently that made me think a lot about what it means to belong somewhere. I became an American citizen.

It hit differently than I expected. Not in a grand, fireworks kind of way, but more quietly and real like... oh. This is home now. This is my country. These are my values too.

So, when we visited Historic Halifax last year — a tiny town about 90 minutes from Raleigh that I'd genuinely never heard of — and learned what happened there in 1776, something clicked.

We live in the state that was the first to say yes to independence.

I had no idea. Did you? It really did elevate NC cool factor even more in my mind. I love that this is my home!

Prelude to Revolution — and the NC town that started it all

Here's the thing about Halifax that gets me every time I tell this story: North Carolina didn't just join the American Revolution. It helped start it.

In April 1776 — months before the Declaration of Independence — leaders gathered at the Fourth Provincial Congress in Halifax and passed the Halifax Resolves. It made North Carolina the first colony to officially authorize its delegates to vote for independence from Great Britain. That document helped pave the way for everything that came after.

And most of us drive right past it on the way somewhere else.

This weekend, Historic Halifax is putting on one of the biggest celebrations in the state for America's 250th — Prelude to Revolution: Halifax Resolves Days, running Friday April 10 through Sunday April 12.

Think: living history interpreters bringing 1776 Halifax to life, history presentations, guided tours, musket firings, a full military parade, ceremonies, and special dinners. It's immersive in the best way — the kind of history that doesn't feel like a school textbook. It feels like people. Real ones, with real stakes, making decisions that changed everything.

As someone who just took my own oath of citizenship — who stood in a room and said yes to this country — I find myself newly hungry for this kind of history. The messy, brave, imperfect, human kind.

Halifax is that. It's also just... a beautiful, quiet corner of North Carolina that deserves more love. (There is a cute cafe downtown (Two Doors Down) that serves DELICIOUS food. Really unexpected)

This is exactly what travel does, right? It cracks something open. A 90-minute drive and suddenly you understand where you live — and who came before you — in a completely different way.

If you're looking for a meaningful long weekend, this is it. Add it to the list.

→ Get all the details and plan your visit ←

You can also read our guide to Halifax County if you want to explore more while there!

Sharing a few small and unique events happening this week.

It was a slow weekend, spending time with Kalyra walking through Downtown Cary Park with a milkshake, watching the Final Four with Savannah, eating far too many chocolate Easter Eggs, and renewing with lake walks and yoga in the park.

Click image below to share or get tips on where to get them in Raleigh!

Until next week — go find something that surprises you. Raleigh (and North Carolina) is full of it.

Caroline x

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