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
Holiday Shopping on Hillsborough Street: Your Guide to Local Gifts, Festive Finds & Seasonal Cheer
The holiday season is officially here – a time for twinkling lights, cozy nights, and the joyful ritual of finding the perfect gifts for the people we love. This year, instead of battling big-box chaos or waiting on delayed shipping, why not keep it local, meaningful, and fun? Hillsborough Street, Raleigh’s original main street and
Where to Find Christmas Treats in Raleigh: Cakes, Desserts & More!
For sweet tooths, the best time of the year has just landed. It’s the holiday season, and that means our favorite bakeries, coffee shops, and desserteries are baking up a batch of seasonal delights that would make even Santa unbuckle his waistband. From peppermint cupcakes to gingerbread cookies, and everything in between, Raleigh is a sugar-coated
Illuminate Art Walk 2026: A Downtown Raleigh Holiday Tradition
Note: No details for 2026 have been provided yet. We will update this post as soon as we know. For now, except for dates and new installations, all the information in this guide is still relevant. The Illuminate Art Walk in downtown Raleigh began during a tough period – the isolation year in 2020. It
39 Family Friendly Restaurants & Places To Eat in Raleigh [And Where Kids Eat Free]
When it comes to finding places to eat, often the biggest challenge is finding a place that suits every member of the family. We know how it is dealing with fussy eaters, tiny stomachs, and kids who can’t sit still, which is why we’ve prepared this guide to the best family friendly restaurants in Raleigh
Where To Celebrate New Year’s Eve in Raleigh: Top Events to ring in 2026!
The question on everyone’s lips as we gear up to the holiday season is what are the best things to do on New Year’s Eve in Raleigh? So, we’re answering! Typically, we’re cozied up inside together with a few drinks at home watching the dreadful NYE shows on television until 12:05am where I drag my
Living in O’Berry, University Park Neighborhood, Raleigh [2026 Update]
If you’re dreaming of a home that perfectly balances peaceful neighborhood living with easy access to Raleigh’s favorite lifestyle hubs, the O’Berry community might just be your match. Nestled between Ridgewood Shopping Center and the Village District, this pocket of the University Park neighborhood captures the best of both worlds — timeless charm, walkable convenience,
The Best Events in Raleigh for December 2026: A Spirited guide
Ring the Bells. The Holiday Season is here! It’s a massive month for things to do in Raleigh in December 2026. I have to tell you; this is the most stressed I’ve been putting together these monthly events post for you. I nearly walked away because I was so overwhelmed with the number of events
Why Fount Coffee + Kitchen Is our Favorite Coffee Shop in the Triangle (and beyond)
As many of our readers know, we’re big coffee lovers. Being Australian, we take coffee seriously, and won’t settle for anything short of the best. So when people ask us what our favorite coffee shop is, we always say, well, that would be Fount Coffee + Kitchen in Morrisville. Yep, it’s not even in Raleigh,
Ice Skating at THE RINK at Red Hat Amphitheater (2025 Guide)
There’s something extra magical about lacing up your skates under the Raleigh skyline while holiday lights shimmer all around you — and THE RINK at Red Hat Amphitheater brings that feeling to life every winter. As one of Raleigh’s most beloved holiday experiences, this downtown ice-skating rink blends nostalgic charm with big city sparkle, making
How To Have A Christmassy Day Out in Johnston County!
The busy Holiday season can get overwhelming, so if you’re looking for a day out where you can experience the joy of the season without the crowds, why not head for a Christmassy day trip in Johnston County (JoCo)? Johnson County brings an element of fun to the shopping mundane with some Christmas bargains, unique
Cheers to Christmas: The Top Festive Bars & Pop-Ups in Raleigh for 2025
It’s the Holiday season, which means Raleigh is welcoming back its festive pop-up bars that promise to make your celebrations unforgettable. It’s the time of year where rooftop cocktail bars and beloved taverns decorate their halls with more than just bells and holly – expect giant inflatable santas, fake snow, twinkling lights, and photo ops
Best Chicken Salad in Raleigh: As Recommended by Locals
When we asked our This is Raleigh community where to find the best chicken salad in town, the responses came flooding in — and the passion was real. Some like it savory with dill and celery, others sweet with relish or grapes, but everyone agrees chicken salad is a Southern staple that deserves respect. Whether
Illuminate Your Holidays: Raleigh’s Spectacular Christmas Light Displays Await!
‘Tis the season to be dazzled. As the air turns crisp and the holiday spirit fills the air, Raleigh and its neighboring areas and counties transform into a magical wonderland of twinkling lights and festive cheer. Join us on a luminous journey as we unveil the best Christmas light displays in and around Raleigh for
A Day Trip by Train from Raleigh to Selma: Small-Town Charm, Big Surprises
If you’re looking for a fun and easy local adventure that’s different from the usual weekend drive, hop on the train and spend the day in Selma. Just 30-minutes from Raleigh, this historic Johnston County town has quietly transformed into a cool, creative small town with vintage shops, tea-infused cocktails, and friendly locals. But what
15 Festive Towns in North Carolina for a Hallmark Holiday Getaway
North Carolina doesn’t just deck the halls for the holidays, it smothers them! It seems that every small town has its lampposts and shop windows wrapped in twinkling lights, and coastal towns are filled with merriment and Southern hospitality. When December rolls in, the chaos of Christmas shopping and finalising business endeavours before the end of
Ultimate Guide to Holiday Shopping in Raleigh [Best shops by neighborhood]
‘Tis that time of the year again! Grab ya Christmas list and pack your merry and bright spirits y’all because Raleigh offers a vibrant and diverse shopping experience during the holiday season! As you hop between stores, Raleigh’s streets twinkle beneath Christmas lights and the malls become ribbon-wrapped and sparkly. It’s the best time of
Giving Tuesday in Raleigh: 15 Ways to Support the Local Community
When the buzz of Black Friday and Cyber Monday has passed, and you’ve swiped up all the deals, it’s time to consider how you can give back this Holiday season. On Giving Tuesday, which lands on Tuesday 2nd December in 2025, is when you will find the City of Oaks transforming into a forest of
Christmas Markets in Raleigh: Festive Pop-Up Shops with Holiday Cheer in 2026
The festive season is upon us, and it can only mean one thing: time to start thinking about Christmas shopping. Instead of your traditional shopping malls and chain-clad boulevards, why not look for unique gifts at one of the holiday markets in Raleigh? More and more holiday markets are popping up each year as the