Local Social Media Accounts You Should Be Following

When you move to a new area, finding what there is to do can feel overwhelming. It’s hard to discover where you fit in a community and find your people. Fortunately, in this age of social media, there are accounts created just for such a purpose: to connect you with the community around you! Curated to fulfill your needs, whether you’re seeking the Triangle’s best tacos or where to go hiking, these local influencer* accounts can unlock all that Durham has to offer.

*For the purposes of this blog post, the term “influencer” refers to a helpful, local social media account with a sizable following and lots of recommendations for local activities, food, resources, or other ideas. Most social media accounts will be on Instagram, though many also provide blog posts and other social media outlets which will be listed below.

Durham Content

Want to get to fill your feed with all things Bull City? Follow these accounts for Durham-specific events, activities, and information.

Chrysti Peek | Durham NC Real Estate Agent

Instagram: @everydaydurhamnc

Website: www.chrystiandco.com

The number one account to follow is, of course, our very own favorite real estate agent, Chrysti Peek! If you’re reading this, you already know about her website and blog, but did you know that she shares not only valuable real estate insights, but also local happenings on her Instagram account? If you’re considering buying/selling or if you’re just wanting to stay in the know about events in Durham, follow @everydaydurhamnc.

Bull City Stir | Exploring Durham’s Social District

Instagram: @bullcitystir

In Jan 2023, two Durhamites, Paige & Tommy, set out to visit every bar/restaurant within Durham’s recently adopted social district, The Bullpen, and chronicle their adventure. Since then, they’ve become social media ambassadors for Downtown Durham, our business improvement organization for downtown. They strive to highlight the variety of businesses that you can enjoy throughout all of downtown Durham while sipping on local drinks in your approved open container.

The Bulls of Durham | Durham NC’s Community Hub

Instagram: @thebullsofdurham

Website: https://thebullsofdurham.com/

Facebook: www.facebook.com/TheBullsOfDurham

What began as a one-woman project to write a living history book of Durham has blossomed into “a conduit connecting small business owners to each other, to opportunities, and to our incrediBULL community.” They provide regular lists of job openings in Durham, in-person networking opportunities for small business owners, and themed business/events guides, like the Pride Guide in June or the Shop Black Holiday Guide every November. Their Plaza Project also shares full lists of businesses in various shopping centers around town, like 9th Street near Duke and Triangle Village in South Durham.

Discover Durham | Info Center for Visitors

Instagram: @durhamnc

Website: www.discoverdurham.com/

Facebook: www.facebook.com/DiscoverDurhamNC/

The visitor’s center for Durham is home to so much more than maps and brochures. Discover Durham brings Bull City experiences to the forefront both in-person at 212 W Main St and online through their active social media accounts. Between a weekly round-up of not-to-be- missed events and their thoughtfully curated guides, like Outdoor Adventures or Smokin’ Hot BBQ Restaurants, Discover Durham’s Instagram will keep you in the know on all things Durham. Be sure to follow them for regular giveaways with local businesses too!

C. Nicole “Doc” Swiner | Physician Perspective on Lifestyle, Self Care, and Wellness

Instagram: @realdocswiner

Website: https://linktr.ee/docswiner

With an incredibly impressive resume, Doc Swiner highlights opportunities for self-care and for small business growth through her social media. As a Board-certified physician with a background in family practice, Dr. Swiner has shifted from a clinic-focused career to a more diversified portfolio of accolades, including published author, public speaker, Downtown Durham ambassador, and owner of a Durham-based publishing company. On her Instagram you’ll find information about mental health and wellness, writing and self-publishing, as well as local businesses to support.

Downtown Durham, Inc | Catalyst for Downtown Revitalization

Instagram: @downtowndurham

Website: https://downtowndurham.com/

Facebook: www.facebook.com/DowntownDurham/

Another organization dedicated to highlighting all that the Bull City has to offer, Downtown Durham, Inc’s mission is to “enhance the environment, economy, and vitality of downtown Durham, while preserving and enriching its distinctive culture and strong sense of community.” From hosting district-wide events, like the Streetery, to promoting local merchants through SpendaBull digital gift cards, DDI is a true advocate for downtown Durham. Follow their social media accounts or those of their social media ambassadors like Doc Swiner and Bull City Stir above or Hannah below, to keep up with the latest happenings in downtown.

Hannah Mingus | Coffee, Dogs, Food, and Fun in Durm

Instagram: @lifewithhanny

Website: https://lifewithhanny.com/

A Durhamite since 2013, Hannah Mingus is a huge fan of anything Durm! She and her 7-year-old Bichon, Wally, spend most of their time exploring everything Durham has to offer, particularly if it’s pet-friendly. She is a Downtown Durham social media ambassador and offers so many insights into all things food, fun, and coffee. She even penned a Chrysti + Co blog about dog-friendly patios last month! Be sure to follow for ideas of places to go and businesses to support in Durham.

Food

It’s impossible to go wrong when it comes to food in Durham, but sometimes that can lead to decision paralysis. Allow these local foodies to guide your stomach to its next great meal in the Bull City. Their recommendations are great, but their food pics are incredible!

Bites of Bull City

Instagram: @bitesofbullcity

Website: https://bitesofbullcity.com/

Facebook: www.facebook.com/bbcdurham

Durham writer, Amber Watson, started Bites of Bull City as a passion project eight years ago. She and her blog have become the go-to source for restaurant openings in Durham, often with the first scoop on upcoming hot spots. Her reviews typically highlight the restaurant as a whole in addition to their fabulous dishes.

Joy Eats World

Instagram: @joyeatsworld22

Website: https://joyeatsworld.com/

Joy C. started sharing her foodie love on Instagram then expanded to TikTok and now has a website to guide your taste experiences in the Triangle. Her video reviews of local eateries make you feel like you’re getting recommendations from a friend and her food photos are totally drool-worthy. Subscribe to her newsletter to get her blog right in your inbox.

Linda Eats World

Instagram: @lindaeatsworld

Website: https://girleatsworld.curious-notions.net/

Facebook: www.facebook.com/lindaeatsworld

Linda is eating up the Triangle “one mouthful at a time” and she’s reporting it back to you! As a full-time blogger and photographer who splits her time between Texas and NC, Linda has such incredible photos of food from all across the Triangle as well as Austin and Houston. Her IG posts tease luscious noodle pulls from local ramen spots and colorful drinks from hot bars. On her blog, you can find top restaurant lists of all kinds, like best Thai, bubble tea, or pastrami in the Triangle.

NC Eat + Play

Instagram: @nceatandplay

Website: https://nceatandplay.com/

Facebook: www.facebook.com/nceatandplay

Coining the phrase “local wanderlusting,” NC Eat and Play founder Megan Nichols helps Triangle residents fall in love with our area and our state as a whole. She presents colorful highlights of food and activities around Raleigh and the surrounding areas, including a partnership with Haven Farm in Knightdale where she hosts events. NC Eat and Play also shares family-friendly happenings and southern-inspired recipes on their website and recently launched a print magazine as well.

Raleigh Food Trap

Instagram: @raleighfoodtrap

Briana and Roger are an entrepreneurial couple who have helped to flood local businesses with patrons thanks to their viral food review videos. Wacky and hilariously narrated, each video shows just how much fun you can have diving into delicious local dishes. Make no mistake: even though Raleigh is in their name, they’ve frequented many a dining establishment in Durham. Though they may stay closer to Wake County these days after they opened NC’s first Yard Milkshake Bar in Seaboard Station.

Parents of Young Kids

Admittedly, this topic may not be for everyone, but as a parent of young kids myself, I’d be remiss if I didn’t share the wealth of resources available to us on social media. Whether you’re looking for weekend activities or kid-friendly road trips, these Instagram accounts have you covered.

Peter Does Parks

Instagram: @peterdoesparks

Website: www.peterdoesparks.com/

Facebook: https://facebook.com/peterdoesparks

This account is curated by a family in central NC that highlights parks for littles, both within the Triangle and beyond. Created as a way to encourage love and appreciation of nature for their children Peter and Ruth, Peter Does Parks has become the go-to site for scoping out amenities at a park before you go. Both the website and Instagram account categorize information about each park reviewed, so it’s easy to navigate. Plus, they offer insight and information about their Jewish life, so it’s a handy account if you’re looking to get connected.

Raleigh Family Adventure | Amy Hartle

Instagram: @raleighfamilyadventure

Website: https://raleighfamilyadventure.com/

Facebook: https://facebook.com/raleighfamilyadventure

Though the name says “Raleigh,” there’s a definite South Durham/East Raleigh slant to this account that I find beneficial as a Durham mom. RFA is relatively new to the scene, but she has already amassed so many helpful posts and blogs about kid-friendly activities and businesses that I share her account widely. Geared more toward parents with toddler-aged kids, RFA provides lists of strawberry picking locations, splash pads, and, my favorite, birthday party spots in the Triangle. Give her a follow for her weekly round-up of weekend activities and regular reviews of kid-focused businesses.

A Southern Wake Couple

Instagram: @a_southern_wake_couple

Featuring one of my favorite weekend round-ups, A Southern Wake Couple’s Instagram account highlights activities for more elementary-aged kiddos plus date night spots for parents to explore. As the name implies, this account trends more southern Wake County (Holly Springs, Fuquay, etc), but still offers valuable insight on Triangle-wide experiences.

Triangle Families Explore

Instagram: @trianglefamiliesexplore

Cheyenne is a local mom of two who explores not only the Triangle on her Instagram account, but also across NC, with awesome recommendations for kid-friendly vacation spots. She highlights local events and experiences that are great for preschool and elementary aged kids. She’s also brought her local love to life by opening a kid’s consignment boutique in 2023, Little Oak Collective, in Raleigh, that hosts frequent events.

Two Triangle Moms | Jacqueline + Rachel

Instagram: @twotrianglemoms

In Jan 2021, two bff’s Jacqueline and Rachel joined forces to create the Two Triangle Moms

Instagram account. Together, they showcase local living by visiting coffee shops and

restaurants, farms and parks, family-friendly and date night events. Their content focuses on

more elementary aged kids with regular giveaways to win as well.

North Carolina

It’s really challenging to cover an entire state and remain relevant to the local community, yet these two accounts manage it quite well. We certainly benefit from having them based here in the Triangle, but if you’re looking for fun stuff to do across North Carolina, check them out.

NC Tripping | Christina Riley

Instagram: @nctripping

Website: www.nctripping.com/

Facebook: www.facebook.com/nctripping

Looking to explore NC from mountains to the sea? Look no further than NC Tripping, the Durham-based travel account that boasts comprehensive guides to cities, towns, events, and attractions statewide. Headed by couple, Christina Riley and Carl Hedinger, NC Tripping is far more than their expansive NC Bucket List; they provide detailed, personal accounts of what to see, do, and eat in every corner of our state. So whether you’re chasing waterfalls in Western NC, seeking the best NC beaches, or anything in between, follow NC Tripping for their experienced recommendations.

Kate Hikes NC | Kate Mitchell

Instagram: @katehikesnc

Website: https://katehikesnc.com/

Raleigh-based teacher, Kate, hopes to inspire everyone to visit North Carolina, the state that she loves. An avid hiker and outdoors gal, Kate created her Instagram account in 2022 to showcase her bucket list hikes, beaches, and hidden gems across the state. She’s branched out to include some lifestyle recommendations as well and even has the occasional local giveaway on her page.

Hopefully you’ll allow yourself to be influenced by these social media accounts and they can help you find even more ways to enjoy our local community and beyond. Interact with these accounts and share with your friends and family to help build engagement for them and improve your own Durham-centric algorithm.