Craig Makepeace - Founder
Craig Makepeace is a dynamic blogger, photographer, content creator, and entrepreneur, who is the founder of two online brands: 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.
Craig 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 My Carolina CBS17. In addition, YTravelBlog has received a Modern Ontrapreneuer award from Ontraport for “Best Online Publisher” and has been recognized by the White House… twice!
Craig was invited to the White House in 2014 as a top global travel influencer to attend the first travel summit. And he received a green card in 2020 for yTravel’s extraordinary ability in the art of travel blogging and for his contributions to the growth of tourism in the USA.
Before becoming an online entrepreneur, Craig played Professional Rugby League for six years in Sydney with the North Sydney Bears. Originally from Australia, Craig and his wife Caroline have been exploring the world together ever since they met in 2000. Together, they have visited over 56 countries and have lived in five countries.
They traveled full time with their daughters for seven years, which included an 18 month road trip around Australia and 11 months across the USA. He is an expert in family travel and running an online business from the road.
As a full time professional travel blogger since 2010, Craig has successfully worked with some of the biggest brands in the world including Lonely Planet, Airbnb, Canon, Amex, Ford, Nissan, Qantas, TripAdvisor, Booking.com, Globus Tours, Allianz Travel Insurance.
Locally in Raleigh, he 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.
Craig is also a fully licensed drone operator and, aside from shooting images for This is Raleigh blog and social channels, he has captured images for the Carolina Hurricanes, Ocracoke and Outer Bank Tourisms, North Hills (Kane Realty) and more.
Craig’s passion for travel, combined with his expertise in digital marketing, has enabled him to create a successful online business that provides travel advice, inspiration, and resources to thousands of people worldwide.
Craig has presented at the Raleigh Rotary Club, Raleigh Chamber of Commerce, and keynoted at the NC Public Relations Society of America Conference.
In addition to running his blog and social brand, Craig calls his work a personal mission to inspire and empower others to travel more and create a life they love. He’s proof that travel can be a lifestyle, and he’s passionate about helping others achieve the same level of freedom and fulfillment.
Craig first moved to Raleigh in 2004 and fell in love with the City of Oaks. He’s a travel addict, sports fanatic, beach lover, and passionate craft beer drinker.
ALL ARTICLES WRITTEN BY CRAIG MAKEPEACE
Raleigh vs Charlotte: Need help choosing which city to move to? [A Comparison]
Raleigh vs Charlotte. Which city is best for you? Both Raleigh and Charlotte are fast-growing, popular cities in North Carolina, and each offer something unique. So, if you are dreaming of a new home in North Carolina, then you are probably pondering over which of these major cities appeals to you best. Of course, we
150+ Clubs and Groups in Raleigh For Community & Connection
Whether you’re new to living in Raleigh or you’re just looking to find new friends and build connections with members of the local community, there is no better way to meet people than to get offline and try out some local clubs and meet-up groups. In Raleigh, there is no shortage of book clubs, sports
Raleigh vs Durham: Need help choosing which city to move to? [A Comparison]
We first moved to Raleigh in 2004 and have been witness to its tremendous growth. We also have close friends who live in nearby Durham and know that city well. However, we have only lived in Raleigh and considering we chose to live here after immigrating from Australia, we highly recommend it. But that doesn’t
Guide to the Dix Park Sunflowers in Raleigh
One of our favorite summertime events in Raleigh is the sunflower field being in bloom at Dorothea Dix Park. As of right now (July 11, 2026) the dial has been turned up on the summer heat and for approximately the next two weeks, the sunflowers are standing to attention. Dorothea Dix is the most famous
Stanley Cup Parade for Carolina Hurricanes (Raleigh 2026)
Raleigh, your hometown Carolina Hurricanes are the 2026 Stanley Cup Champions and to commemorate the achievement, there is a championship parade and rally in the streets of downtown Raleigh, hosted by the NHL and the Hurricanes. The Stanley Cup is coming back to Raleigh for the first time since 2006, and it’s time to celebrate!
48 Hours in Downtown Asheville NC (Things To Do)
If you’re planning a weekend getaway to Asheville, then you’re in luck, because there’s plenty of things to do in downtown Asheville to make it the perfect weekend trip from Raleigh. Located just a 4 hour drive away, downtown Asheville is the ultimate destination for a break in the North Carolina Mountains, famed for its
48 Hour Itinerary For North Hills, Raleigh (Things To Do + Places To Eat)
If you’re not sure how to spend a weekend, then consider spending 48 hours in North Hills, Raleigh’s ever evolving and popular Midtown neighborhood. Located just five miles north of Raleigh’s downtown, the North Hills neighborhood, also known as Midtown Raleigh, is a thriving and bustling scene. Over the years it has become one of
30+ Fun Summer Activities in Raleigh To Add To Your Summer Bucket List
It’s hot out there y’all, but we do love a Raleigh summer. It’s the season to embrace all the cool things to do in Raleigh at this time of year. Whether it’s getting out on the lakes, going for a bike ride, enjoying picnics in the gardens, or something a little more unique, we are
14 Top Mexican Restaurants in Raleigh (Let’s Taco ‘Bout Them)
It seems like most people love Mexican food all over the world, and especially here in America. But depending upon what state you live in, some regions are better than others. Fortunately, 12.7% of Raleigh’s community are Hispanic or Latino, so if you’re looking for Mexican restaurants in Raleigh, you’ll be pleased to know the
Our Favorite Downtown Raleigh Restaurants For All Tastes!
Although not known as a foodie city, this reputation may well be changing, as downtown Raleigh is a foodie’s paradise! The buzzing downtown district is the heart and soul of the City of Oaks, especially when it comes to food, and is where you’ll find some of the most lip-smacking restaurants in the city. Whether
21 Best Things to Do in Wilmington, NC (See, Eat, Drink, Stay)
Wilmington was our first real getaway from Raleigh when we first moved to North Carolina in 2004, and we instantly fell for its charm, history and beautiful riverfront location. Since then, we have returned time and time again to discover more of its ample things to do. From walking tours of its historic homes to
Guide To Visiting Pullen Park Raleigh: Classic Fun For Kids!
As one of the oldest public parks in the United States, Pullen Park is not just an enticing amusement park for kids, it’s a piece of history, etched in nostalgia: the original carousel still twirls to organ music, paddle boats bob on the surface of the tranquil lake that Canadian geese call home, and shaded
13 Awesome Short-Term Vacation Rentals in Raleigh (for every type of traveler)
If you’re looking for accommodation in Raleigh where you can spread out, cook for yourself, and feel like you’ve slipped into a home away from home, then you’d be wise to consider Airbnb rentals in Raleigh. From airy downtown lofts within walking distance of galleries and museums to leafy suburban retreats, Raleigh’s vacation rentals span
48 Hours in The Warehouse District (see, do, eat, drink, shop)
We are blessed to have many quirky and interesting neighborhoods in Raleigh, but none are more artistic and exciting to explore than the Warehouse District. A hip hangout for Raleigh’s creative and cutting-edge artists, the Warehouse District has transformed its industrial buildings and factories into a haven for virtuoso folk wanting to flaunt their talents.
30 Ideas For What to Do in Myrtle Beach (Away From The Beach)
When Raleigh locals need time to soak up some sun, sea and beach-side living, a trip to Myrtle Beach is just what the doctor ordered. Although being a small town of less than 35,000 residents, there are plenty of things to do in Myrtle Beach that make it worthy of a vacation destination. It’s known
48 Hours in Raleigh (Itinerary): Where to Eat, Drink, Play and Stay
As one of the South’s most vibrant and eclectic cities, Raleigh is the ideal place to spend two days. The city draws you in with its oak-lined streets, over your craft beer brewed in a brewery. We have often thought of Raleigh as one of the South’s best-kept secrets, which is one of the reasons
Where to Eat Lunch in Raleigh (40+ Spots Within 2-miles)
If you are looking for places to eat lunch in Raleigh, you’re never short of options. While Raleigh isn’t known as a foodie destination, there is a plethora of restaurants who do a wonderful lunch – perhaps that reputation is about to change? In this guide, I have hand-picked my personal favorite lunch spots in
Where to Shop Local In Downtown Raleigh (23 Small Indie Retailers)
We’re big fans of supporting our local businesses here in Raleigh, and downtown is the place to go for independent stores that offer something unique, boutique, or quintessentially Raleigh. The local shops in Raleigh blend the old-school Southern charm with an innovative and forward-thinking ethos, which are two things that that Raleigh is known for