Lake Wheeler picnic
Hi {{ first name | Raleigh Lover}}!
Happy Summer Solstice, Raleigh! ☀️
The longest day of the year brought us sunshine, joy, and a little heartache as we said goodbye to my sister Jen, who flew home to Australia last night after three unforgettable weeks with us. 💔
We truly made the most of our final days together—from conquering the Bombs Away slide at Wet ’n Wild (yes, it’s just as terrifying as it sounds 😂), to getting creative at a Wine & Design paint night. We cheered on the Durham Bulls, ooh’d and aah’d at the fireworks, and indulged in girly bonding with facials, pedicures, and plenty of aunty-niece shopping time.
One of the most special moments was the surprise boho-style picnic Jen organized in Fred Fletcher Park to celebrate all our birthdays (3 milestones this year)—complete with games of Jenga and UNO, picnic treats, and even a professional photo shoot to capture the memory. It was the kind of intentional moment that reminds you what life is really about.
What I loved most is how Jen helped me experience Raleigh differently. We took creative classes, spent time nurturing our bodies and souls, and made space for connection—things we so often push aside in the day-to-day hustle. It reminded me why I love this city so much, and why sharing these moments through This is Raleigh means everything to me.
Being far from family is one of the biggest sacrifices I’ve made. But when they visit and get it—why we’ve chosen to call Raleigh home—it makes it all feel worthwhile.
So thank YOU for being here with us. For reading, commenting, sharing, and connecting with what we do. It truly means the world and helps make this dream sustainable.
Wishing you a weekend full of summer joy and meaningful moments,
Caroline
PS – If you love what we share, we’d be so grateful for your vote in G105’s Best Influencer in Raleigh competition! It only takes a second 👉Vote Here. (Caz & Craig @thisisraleigh)
💖 FAVORITE FINDS
Queen Burgers in Durham serve up tasty grass fed burgers! Perfect before a Durham Bulls Game.
Picnic Utopia was the local company who Jen organized our picnic through.
Paddling on Lake Wheeler in South Raleigh. You can rent kayaks and SUPS from Wake Rack online which has a pickup location on site. It’s also perfect for a picnic after!
Peach Cobbler on Hillsborough St. My sister thought this southern treat was delicious. She also loved Goodberry’s another local favorite!
Craig and I joined friends on a ghost tour of NC State Campus, which was an enjoyable way to experience the college and its spirits. Last tours are running this weekend.
Gather Goods Co is a great gift store in Downtown Cary. My sister picked up a souvenir Cary sweater from here. She really loved Cary a lot.
Lunch at the Peck & Plume in Mayton Inn. My sister said this was her favorite restaurant of all that we ate at. We enjoyed delicious mahi mahi tacos with yuca fries and a poke bowl with sensational flavors.
We enjoyed sister, Aunty/niece time getting pedicures together at The Nail Lab of Cary. They have the best massage chairs there!
Jen and I had amazing facials together at Face Foundrie in Fenton. They did give us a refer a friend offer. Mention Caroline Makepeace for $10 off!
Wine & Design
Ghostly steam tunnels at NC State
Mahi Mahi tacos at Peck & Plume
With Luther at Goodberry’s
Birthday Boho Picnic
⭐DID YOU HEAR?
The Depot Historic District is getting a facelift with the intention to connect Glenwood South, the Warehouse District and the West End. It will feature a boutique hotel, and street-level retail, outdoors paces and public plazas. Completion predicted for 2028.
Andia’s Ice Cream ranked No. 4 in USA Today’s list of the 10 Best Ice Cream Shops in the country. We took my sister there and she loved it!
Diced has opened its fifth Triangle location in Holly Springs between downtown and Ting Park (321 North Main Street).
🖋 ON THE BLOG
📆THIS WEEKEND
You may like…
Sat & Sun: OUT Raleigh Pride event on Fayetteville St featuring live entertainment, local vendors and artists, Kids Zone, more
Fri Celebrate the longest day of the year with an inspiring community yoga class as the sun sets over the NC Art Museum Park! 7:30pm
Sat Downtown Cary Park has their Juneteenth celebration with Songs of Freedom through live reenactments, spoken word, and a saxophone summit.
Sat: Attend Pride night as North Carolina Courage take on Houston Dash at WakeMed Soccer Park.
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