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
20 Best Burgers in Raleigh (start salivating y’all)
It still blows my mind at how many burger joints there are in Raleigh; it seems like there’s a burger joint around every corner. But hey, I’m not complaining, I love a good burger, and burgers are classic American fare and good for all occasions. Whether you prefer your burger with a beef pattie (or
17 Favorite Asian Restaurants in Raleigh & The Triangle
Raleigh may not be known as a major foodie city, but when it comes to finding the best Asian food, the scene has become pho-nomenal. If you’re looking for the best Asian food in Raleigh, we’re your perfect guides to show you where to find it. We lived in Bangkok for six months, and traveled
60+ Fun Things To Do In Raleigh With Kids
The City of Oaks is brimming with family-friendly fun. Whether you’re looking to take your youngsters out on an outdoor adventure or encourage them to be curious at a kid’s museum, or blow off steam at an amusement park, there are so many fun things to do in Raleigh with kids that you would never
36 Hours in Beaufort, NC (Things to Do, Where to Eat & Stay)
In little more than a 2.5-hour drive from Raleigh, the town of Beaufort lies waiting to be explored. A fascinating and historic town with a tumultuous past, its known to be the place where Captain Blackbeard, one of the most feared pirates of the seas, used to jaunt. Although its pirate days are long gone, the
Sips Worth the Trip: 7 Coffee Shops in The Triangle Worth Driving To From Raleigh
Coffee culture in the Triangle is thriving, with more coffee shops opening up year after year, each competing to create the perfect brew. And if you’re like us and feel that a great cup of coffee is worth driving out of Raleigh for, then this guide is for you! We’ve been caffeinating ourselves around the
Where to Eat the Best Nachos in Raleigh (Voted by Locals)
How do you like your nachos? Piled high with cheese, drenched in queso, or loaded with so many toppings you can’t see the chips? Well, whatever your style, you can be sure there is no shortage of high-quality places to eat nachos in Raleigh. Whether you’re looking for something quick and easy form a Mexican
25 Things To Know Before You Attend Dreamville Festival in Raleigh (2025)
One of the premier and most popular events in Raleigh is the Dreamville Festival, created by North Carolina’s own J. Cole, a Grammy award-winning and multi-platinum hip-hop artist who grew up down the road from Raleigh in Fayetteville. As one of the largest artist-curated music festivals in the country, you can expect a big weekend
Where to Eat the BEST French Fries in Raleigh (and the Triangle)
Fries are the perfect side dish or snack. They can be dunked, drizzled, and smothered in loaded toppings, or eaten as they are, making them possibly the most versatile food item on the menu. But we all know how disappointing it feels when your fries fall flat. We all know the feeling of biting into
Living in Five Points, Raleigh: What Makes This Neighborhood So Special?
If you’re considering living in the Five Points neighborhood of Raleigh, this comprehensive guide provides key insights including the median house price, places to eat and drink, shopping, parks, and much more. This is one of Raleigh’s most charming and sought-after neighborhoods, known for its historic homes, tree-lined streets, and vibrant community. Allow us to show
9 Beautiful Gardens in Raleigh and The Greater Triangle
In amongst the high-rises and historic neighborhoods, flowers bloom in abundance in Raleigh, N.C.’s gardens. We are so lucky to have several gorgeous gardens in Raleigh that feature a kaleidoscope of colorful flowers, plants, ponds, and arboretums. From botanic gardens that use nature as its canvas, combining artistry with floral aromas and sensory delights, to
Thinking About Moving to Raleigh? Here’s How to Get a Taste of the City Before You Commit
Thinking about moving to Raleigh and are coming to visit for the first time to test it out? This guide gives you suggestions on how to explore the city like a future local so you can see if it’s the right fit for you. Relocating to any new city is a big move. We have
Buon Appetito! The Top Italian Restaurants in Raleigh (For Every Occasion)
If you’ve got a craving for pasta or a pizza, a tasty meal that transports your tastebuds to the shores of Italy, then you’re in luck, as there are many fantastic Italian restaurants in Raleigh that offer just that. What we love about Raleigh’s Italian restaurants is that they don’t just serve up delicious food;
30 G.O.A.T Restaurants in Raleigh: The Culinary Hall of Fame
To call someone, or somewhere, the Greatest of All Time is the ultimate compliment. It should be reserved for those who truly deserve it. So, when we asked our community to choose their G.O.A.T restaurants in Raleigh, we were looking for the best of the best, and our expectations were high. We were looking for
From College to Pro: Sports Teams in Raleigh To Cheer For!
Sports in Raleigh is a big part of the city’s identity. From the ice-cold thrills of hockey to the thrilling touchdowns of college football, Raleigh is a “goal” standard city for sports enthusiasts. Regardless of whether you’re a die-hard sports fan or just fancy catching a game while in the city, Raleigh has a solid lineup
10 Best Hotels Near North Carolina State University
If you’re planning a visit to North Carolina State University, then you might be looking for a place to stay nearby. NC State University has been a beloved institution in Raleigh, and all of North Carolina for that matter, for more than 137 years. However, the campus isn’t exactly in downtown Raleigh, so those planning
Where to Find the Best Pizza in Raleigh: 15 Mouthwatering Options
Whether you’re looking for the perfect Saturday night slice or you’ve relocated to Raleigh from NYC, you might be wondering where can I find the best pizza in Raleigh? Thankfully, we do have plenty of great pizza restaurants, which will please the 78,000 New York natives who call Wake County home! But it’s not just
24 Hours in Raleigh: What to do for 1st timers!
If you only have 24 hours in Raleigh and don’t know how to spend your time wisely, we’re here to help and you’re going to want to keep reading! Since moving here in 2004 we now know Raleigh as good as anyone and have spoken to many people who are visiting Raleigh and unsure on
How to Enjoy an Elevated 48-Hour Staycation in North Hills
If you’ve ever thought of enjoying a staycation in Raleigh, we think the North Hills District offers the perfect opportunity to play tourist in your own backyard. We are fans of a staycation, and you think of it as a new form of vacation. Between work stress, family stress, and health stress we’re all in