CAROLINE MAKEPEACE - FOUNDER THISISRALEIGH.COM
Caroline Makepeace is the co-founder of two successful online publications: : This is Raleigh, a platform for anyone looking to explore the best of Wake County, and YTravelBlog, one of the world’s most influential travel blogs.
Caroline has worked with the biggest brands in the world and has been featured by notable sites such as the Today Show, Conde Nast, and FOX Business, USA Today, Travel & Leisure, Forbes, National Geographic online and ABC Radio. In addition, YTravelBlog has been recognized by the White House… twice!
She was invited to the White House in 2014 as a top global travel influencer to attend the first travel summit. And she received a green card in 2020 for her extraordinary ability in the art of travel blogging and for her contributions to the growth of tourism in the USA.
Caroline has written two ebooks, How to Create a Travel Life you Love and 12 Steps to Sacredness to help people lean into the life they really want and create epic memories. She also created a course, “6 steps to move from Blog to Business,” to help entrepreneurs make money from their love of blogging and a 6-week online program “30 days to Money Mindfulness” to help people improve their relationship with money (and create more of it!)
Her most recent creation, in partnership with her good Entrepreneur friend, Christina is the Empowered Women’s Collective, a mindset-focused membership designed for female entrepreneurs, creatives, and professionals who are ready to break free from self-doubt and limiting beliefs, take bold action, and create more success with clarity and confidence.
Caroline and Craig created an in-depth training guide on how to travel the USA for foreign teachers living in the USA, and a webinar to help Australians travel through Idaho. They are currently creating an in-depth training guide on relocating to Raleigh.
Caroline regularly speaks at conferences around the world on various topics such as global travel, family travel, social media, influencing and entrepreneurship.
She has keynoted some of the world’s biggest travel conferences like TBEX and Women’s Travel Fest. She has also presented at conferences such as Problogger, New York Times Travel Show, and the Travel and Adventure Show.
Locally in Raleigh, she has presented at the Women’s Social Club, Raleigh Women in Marketing, City Club Raleigh, The Raleigh Chamber of Commerce, and keynoted at the NC Public Relations Society of America Conference.
Caroline is also a licensed real estate agent in the state of North Carolina. She partners with a high-quality, successful broker to help people relocate and settle into their new life in Raleigh, North Carolina, and is currently creating an in-depth moving to Raleigh guide.
In addition to running the blog and social brand, Caroline calls her work a personal mission to inspire and empower others to travel more and create a life they love. Her family is proof that travel can be a lifestyle!
Caroline has made travel the core focus of her life since 1997. She’s lived in 5 countries, traveled to over 60, traveled 7 years full time with her two daughters, and has been a full-time professional travel blogger since 2010 working with some of the biggest brands in the world including Lonely Planet, Airbnb, Canon, Amex, Ford, Nissan, TripAdvisor, Booking.com, Globus Tours, Allianz Travel Insurance.
Locally in Raleigh, she has worked with big brands and small businesses such as RDU- International Airport, Nextdoor, Kane Realty, Outer Banks Tourism, Blue Water Spa, and Harris Teeter.
Caroline also goes by the name of Caz Makepeace- the shortened version of Caroline (it’s an Australian thing!) Caz is the flighty Libran of the Makepeace family, bringing harmony to the family through crystals, meditation, and downward dogs (and the odd glass of wine at 5pm). It’s all about the balance, right?
ALL ARTICLES WRITTEN BY CAROLINE MAKEPEACE
Learn, Play, Grow at the Marbles Kids Museum in Raleigh [A Complete Guide]
Are your kids running around with pent-up energy and need a release? Don’t lose your marbles, take them to Marbles Kids Museum downtown, a museum entirely designed for children to let off steam and learn through interactive play. This is the only museum in Raleigh that caters to children at the forefront, but that doesn’t
Where to Enjoy Afternoon Tea in the Triangle: A Delightful English Tradition
Dearest readers, sometimes, life calls for a little elegance and indulgence, and there’s no better way to embrace that than with a proper afternoon tea like the English do it. Think delicate China, steaming pots of perfectly brewed tea, and scones piled high with jam and cream – an afternoon tea is not just a
Guide To Visiting WRAL Azalea Gardens (Hidden Gem in Raleigh)
When you see the first dew drops of spring dusting the grass, you know it’s time to head to the aromatic WRAL Azalea Gardens to see some of Raleigh’s most beautiful pink spring flowers. You might be wondering, what azalea gardens? Yeah, it took us years to hear about it as well – they’re a
Guide To CAM Raleigh [Contemporary Art Museum of Raleigh]
NOTE: As of June 15, CAM Raleigh temporarily paused exhibitions and in-house programming to reflect, reimagine, and redesign their future. CAM will continue to host offsite events and collaborate with partners throughout the Triangle. They will also welcome the return of the Raleigh Fine Arts Society’s annual NC Artists Exhibition this fall, opening September 28. One thing we
Luxury Meets Heart: Discover the Sen Nail Spa Difference
Preparing for a special event like the Governor’s Inauguration Ball calls for feeling pampered, polished, and ready to shine. As someone who rarely gets my nails done—being so consumed by life and not entirely comfortable with fake nails—I often avoid the process altogether. However, attending such a dignified event demands a touch of sparkle for
11 Places To Eat In Wilmington, NC: Top Restaurants For All Occasions
If you’re looking for somewhere to wine and dine in Wilmington, then you’re in luck, as this historic coastal city is a foodie paradise. Known for having some of the best fresh seafood in the country, and restaurants serving up hearty Southern fare with a view, it can be a hard task narrowing down which restaurant
14 Best Places To Eat In Wrightsville Beach: Top Restaurants For All Occasions
Dive into Wrightsville Beach, where the sun always shines, the waves are made to be surfed, and the food scene will make your stomach growl with anticipation. Although there are only a handful of places to eat in Wrightsville Beach, this coastal gem is known for its high-quality, fresh seafood. And it’s not just seafood
A Beachfront Retreat at the Holiday Inn Resort Lumina on Wrightsville Beach [Review]
Nothing makes me happier than beachfront accommodation where the sounds of waves lapping against the shore lulls me to sleep. One that provides expansive ocean views from my room and resort style amenities that help me switch off from reality. This is what we experienced at the Holiday Inn Resort Lumina on Wrightsville Beach. Typically,
Savoring A Taste of France: Top French Restaurants & Cafés in Raleigh
When you’re in the mood for a hearty French onion soup or a mouthwatering Coq au Van, you’ll find there are enough French restaurants in Raleigh to shake a baguette at. If you’ve just woken up and fancy a flaky croissant or you’re planning a date night spent sipping Pinot Noir over a cheese platter,
Raise The Curtain For The Best Theatres In Raleigh: Where To Catch A Show
If you’re looking to enjoy Raleigh’s theatre scene, then you’re in luck, as the City of Oaks has plenty of performing arts venues, theatres, and comedy clubs, where you can enjoy an evening of world-class entertainment. From Shakespearean soliloquies to toe-tapping musicals, you can finally ditch a Netflix binge night and catch a curtain call
27 Women-Owned Businesses in Downtown Raleigh Telling Unique Stories
Did you know that the city of Raleigh has the 8th largest number of female business owners in the USA, with 23% of businesses run by female entrepreneurs? Well, now you do! The women-owned business space in Raleigh is thriving and is another reason why this is such a vibrant place to live! Being a
Where to Find the Best Shrimp & Grits in Raleigh (and Nearby)
Shrimp and grits may be a South Carolina staple, but here in Raleigh you can find this Lowcountry cuisine in spades! In fact, you’d be hard-pressed to find a restaurant that doesn’t have it on its menu here in the City of Oaks – we do love our comfort food. Because it is so popular,
20+ Best International Raleigh Restaurants That Will Take You Away Without A Plane
Traveling the world may not always be possible, but Raleigh’s diverse food scene and multicultural community is here to whisk you away without leaving the dinner table — no passport required! From rich Italian trattorias to colorful Latin spots and authentic Middle Eastern lounges, here’s where to find an international dining experience in Raleigh that’s
The CASSO Hotel: A Boutique Stay in the Heart of Raleigh with Artistic Flair and Culinary Delights!
If you’re seeking a hotel experience that truly embodies the essence of Raleigh, look no further than The Casso Hotel in the heart of downtown! As a Marriott Tribute property, this boutique-style hotel seamlessly blends the city’s rich art culture and history with top-notch amenities that make it more than just a place to stay.
How to Meet People as a Newcomer in Raleigh: A Comprehensive Guide
Moving to a new city can be both exciting and daunting. Raleigh, North Carolina is known for its vibrant culture, Southern charm, and rapidly growing population, and an excellent place to call home. However, like any new location, forming friendships in Raleigh requires effort and a proactive approach. This guide provides actionable advice, including tips,
A Sophisticated Taste of Raleigh: A 2-Day Itinerary of Elevated Food, Drinks, and Local Charm
Raleigh’s rich history, lively arts scene, and burgeoning culinary landscape are beginning to draw more visitors to the state’s capital, eager to explore its unique blend of Southern charm and modern vibrancy. (Locals are eager to explore this, too!) Our friends Colleen and Phil from Scottsdale recently visited Raleigh to see what all our fussing
Where to Find the Best Tacos in Raleigh (As voted for by Raleigh locals)
If you’re on a quest for the ultimate taco experience in Raleigh, you’re in for a treat. Raleigh and Wake County have the largest Latino population in North Carolina, so you can be sure to find some of the tastiest tacos in the City of Oaks. Whether you’re a seasoned taco aficionado or just looking
Where to Find the Best Chicken Wings in Raleigh (and The Triangle)
I feel like chicken tonight…chicken wings, that is! Wings are one of the nation’s favorite snacks, and sometimes you just feel like winging it. If you’re wondering where to get the best chicken wings in Raleigh and the Greater Triangle area, then the locals have come to your aid. We reached out to our community