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Hi Reader, and happy Friday!

After (almost) 13 years of blogging, Off the Eaten Path has gotten a glow up thanks to my incredibly talented friend Susannah! I would love for you to head over and take a look, click around and tell me what you think!

Thanks to Suze, this is the first time Off the Eaten Path has ever had a custom design and the functionality I envisioned when I sat down to write my first post in March of 2013. When I first started Off the Eaten Path, I didn’t have a grand strategy; instead, I had an idea on a Sunday afternoon after a couple of pool margaritas to write about my experience of moving to and living in a new city. I basically opened a WordPress account, clicked around a little and started writing. When I published my first post, Off the Eaten Path launched with a mix of creativity, enthusiasm and what can only be described as delusion and a prayer.

For years, I learned as I went, writing posts, taking photos, figuring out trends and slowly building an online space that reflected what I love: great food, great adventures and meaningful moments around the table with friends and family.

Since then, the blog (and I) have grown up a little and, thanks to Suze, the site finally has a real design that actually reflects what Off the Eaten Path has become over the years: a trusted lifestyle resource for people who love food and travel but need it translated into real life. Having a homepage that actually feels intentional and beautiful is pretty special; it feels fresh and organized too. Fun fact: Suze and I met in 2015 just after she launched her blog at an influencer event Uptown. Because she is the creative genius she is, I followed her around the entire evening taking pictures of what she was taking pictures of, and the rest honestly is history.

As part of this makeover, I also created something I’ve wanted to make for a long time: a North Carolina Bucket List. Inside, you’ll find 151 things to do across North Carolina, organized by region so it’s easy to digest! Whether you're planning a weekend trip, looking for a new adventure close to home, or just daydreaming about future travels, this list was created for curious eaters, weekend explorers and anyone who loves discovering what makes North Carolina such a special place to eat, drink, see and experience.

My hope is that this new space and bucket list inspires you to try something new, revisit old favorites and create a few unforgettable memories along the way.

-Chrissie