North Carolina gained an estimable new resident when my friend Madeline moved here last year. When she mentioned she was hoping to explore more of her adopted state in the coming months, I immediately volunteered my services as informal tour guide. We have gained much from her presence, and now it’s time for NC to give a little something back to her through new experiences, memories, stories, and delicious tastes! John and I put our heads together and came up with this list of our absolute favorite North Carolina places, foods, sights, and experiences. It goes without saying, but even this lengthy list hardly scratches the surface of all the wonderful things the Old North State has to offer — but it’s a place to start! (And, it must be said, it’s Triangle-heavy, since that’s where we both reside.) Though many of you live places other than North Carolina, I hope this serves as a helpful guide if you take a trip to our state! From the mountains to the sea, from barbecue to Laotian dim sum, it’s truly a wonderful place. In no particular order and without further ado… 1. Attend a service at Duke Chapel.2. While you’re there, stroll through Duke Gardens (we love to bring a picnic from nearby Foster’s Market).3. And, if you can finagle it, watch a men’s basketball game in Cameron.4. See an outdoor summer movie at the North Carolina Art Museum Art Park (go early to wander the grounds and see the outdoor art installations).5. See an outdoor movie or concert at Koka Booth Ampitheatre.6. Take the ferry to Bald Head Island for the day (or a week). Rent a bike and ride all over.7. Stay at the European-feeling Old Edwards Inn in Highlands.8. Swim in the Eno River (we prefer the Few’s

It’s hard to believe, but this year’s summer fun list is even longer than last year’s! Every age with June has been sweet, but I’ve heard from many people that 15-24 months is an exceptionally fun stretch, and I believe it – we just can’t get enough of our girl!! I fully intend to check off every one of these things together before September 22, and I’m ridiculously excited about the thought. Off to print and hang this list on our fridge! Have a wonderful Memorial Day weekend, friends! — dine under the lights at Vin Rouge — take June to splash at Fews Ford — decorate June’s bike and walk in our town’s Fourth of July parade — spearhead a street potluck — invite friends over for a cookout in our backyard — take June to a splash pad — make berry cobbler — go to a Bulls game — road trip to Maine — roast s’mores in our fire pit — jump off the wharf at the Island — outdoor movie at Koka Booth or the Art Museum — picnic at a Back Porch Music concert — spend a day at the beach — film our second June in June movie — ice cream at Maple View — road trip to Michigan — pick blueberries — have a classic cookout with hot dogs, grilled corn, pasta salad, potato salad, and more :) — lemonade at the Honeysuckle Tea House — camp with friends — check out the books, flowers, and potstickers at Brewery Bhavana — make pavlova — try a canoe ride — celebrate Cow Appreciation Day What’s on your summer fun list