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
42 Favorite Places to Drink in Raleigh (Voted by Locals!)
In Raleigh, the city may be known for its innovation and oak trees, but if you ask the locals where the best places to drink are, you’ll want to pull up a barstool and grab a notepad and pen. Raleigh is not short of incredible craft coffee shops, stylish cocktail bars, cozy breweries, and dingy
Looking For Coworking Space in Raleigh? We Discovered Raleigh Founded!
Are you tired of the distractions of working from home? Do you crave a professional environment that fosters productivity and collaboration? It sounds like you need to visit a coworking space. As remote workers, we often leave our private office at home for a day at a coworking space in Raleigh. They are useful for
Guide to Visiting Biltmore Estate, Asheville NC: Things To Do & Tips!
One of our favorite getaways from Raleigh is to the opulent Biltmore Estate outside Asheville, North Carolina, also known as America’s largest home! We love a stately home – they are a great way to gain an insight into the lifestyles of the wealthy and extravagant, as well as showcase some of the finest, classical
30+ Christmas Activities & Events In Raleigh For 2026
Tis the season, y’all. It’s time to get merry by joining some Christmas activities in Raleigh where the holiday cheer is as joyful as your aunt Edna after one too many eggnogs. We’ve lived here long enough now to have favorites. Pullen Park with the train at night. The lantern festival when it’s cold enough
20 Must-Visit Art Galleries, Art Museums & Art Events
Raleigh might not be known as an artsy city, but beneath the canopies of oak trees, between the high-rises of downtown, and under the leafy sprawl of university campuses, the city pulses with a quiet artistic beat. We love exploring Raleigh’s art scene, which is created by local, regional, and international artists who have contributed
36 Hours in Pinehurst, Southern Pines & Aberdeen (Couples Getaway from Raleigh)
If the walls could talk…they do at The Carolina Hotel, the gracious heart of Pinehurst Resort in North Carolina. Pinehurst may be famed today as the Home of American Golf, but it didn’t start that way. Long before championship Sundays and birdie putts, Boston entrepreneur James Walker Tufts, a soda-fountain magnate, purchased thousands of acres
30+ Best Gluten-Free Restaurants, Cafes & Breweries in The Triangle
Are you a gluten-free eater and struggling to find safe places to eat in Raleigh? Tired of searching on your phone for gluten free options near me and coming up with just a salad? I know how you feel – while I am not celiac, I do react to eating gluten and have done my
15 Exciting Things To Do In Roanoke and Virginia’s Blue Ridge Mountains
Being a large, metropolitan hub nestled in the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains, you can be sure to find plenty of things to do in Roanoke. Roanoke in Virginia is less than a 3-hour drive from Raleigh, and there’s so many things to do there, it makes for the perfect weekend getaway destination! Roanoke
Paws & Relax at these 10 Best Pet-Friendly Hotels in Raleigh
Raleigh’s motto, “ya’ll are welcome,” doesn’t just extend to those with two legs, but four-legged furry companions, too. In a city where both humans and canines are equally catered for, finding the perfect place to stay with your furry friend has never been easier, as there are many pet-friendly hotels in Raleigh. The problem comes
Everything you need to know about the NC State Fairgrounds
Roll up, roll up – though not just for the rides, the North Carolina State Fairgrounds is more than a once-a-year carnival stage; it’s a year-round venue of culture, commerce, and community. Although most synonymous with the annual fair that takes place in October, once the Ferris wheels and carnival games are folded up and
Where to get the BEST Espresso Martini in Raleigh according to locals
We asked our social media community where to find the best espresso martini in Raleigh, and the locals came through. If you’re craving an aromatic espresso martini, we went out taste testing our way around the city to see if the recommendations were worth the hype. We were looking for an espresso martini that had
Ocean Isle Inn Review: A Coastal Haven on Ocean Isle Beach, NC
Nestled on the pristine shores of Ocean Isle in the Brunswick Islands of North Carolina, the Ocean Isle Inn is a charming boutique hotel that stands as a beacon for travelers seeking a tranquil coastal retreat. It’s one of the few beachfront hotel options, as most accommodation options in the Brunswick Islands region are mostly
Experience the Performing & Creative Arts on Hillsborough Street
When you think of Hillsborough Street, you might picture the buzz of NC State game days or the stretch of restaurants and coffee shops that fuel Raleigh’s students and locals alike. But did you know this district is also one of Raleigh’s most dynamic cultural corridors? From intimate theaters and comedy clubs to university galleries
The NC State Farmers Market: Everything you need to know
If you’re someone who prefers home-grown and organic produce, then you might want to start picking up your cabbages and carrots from the North Carolina State Farmers Market right here in Raleigh. The State Farmer’s Market is one of the best places to get acquainted with North Carolina’s agricultural heritage (NC happens to be the
Best Places to Eat Near the Lenovo Center in Raleigh
If you’re in town for a Carolina Hurricanes game, an NC State basketball game, or a concert at the Lenovo Center then you might be looking to get a bite to eat before the action starts. We’ve got you covered! Being slightly isolated and roughly halfway between downtown Raleigh and the town of Cary, there
Sylvan Heights Bird Park: A Wildly Fun & Educational Day Trip from Raleigh
Looking for a unique adventure near Raleigh that gets the kids off screens, out in nature, and asking questions like “Why does that bird have a spoon-shaped beak?” or “Can a flamingo really sleep on one leg?” Then it’s time to pack a day bag and head about 1 hour and 45 minutes northeast of
Enchanting Evenings: Raleigh’s Candlelight Concerts Illuminate Date Nights
There’s nothing quite like watching a string quartet play beneath the gentle glow of candlelight. The illuminating sight is both romantic and enchanting, and something you can witness right here in Raleigh with Candlelight Concerts by Fever. You’ll be able to enjoy some of the most talented musicians in the city while basking in the
Sip and Savor: 14 Top Wine Bars in the Triangle
The Triangle may not be known as a major wine-producing region, but wine lovers can still enjoy the taste of vino, as there are many incredible wine bars in Raleigh that serve some of the best local and international wines. If you’re seeking the perfect spot to indulge in your passion for the nectar of