About Little Locals NC

Hi, I’m Courtney, a Durham native, UNC Chapel Hill grad, and now a mom of two wild and wonderful little ones, ages 5 and 3.

After spending a decade in Colorado, where I met my husband and had our first child, we moved back home to North Carolina in 2020 and planted roots in Cary.

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I grew up in Durham - chasing fireflies, building forts by the creek, and spending summer afternoons searching for graveyards and ghosts. We rode bikes ‘til dark and made up games that lasted for hours. There were no screens, no schedules, and definitely no curated Pinterest crafts. Just dirt, sticks, and imagination.

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While I know my kids won’t grow up in quite the same world, I still believe in the magic of unstructured nature play. There's glory to be found in being bored, getting dirty, and making memories outdoors. This belief is what inspires Little Locals NC.

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Little Locals NC is a growing collection of our family’s favorite adventures, foods, recipes, and discoveries across North Carolina. From hidden hiking trails to pick-your-own farms, to museum-hopping and ghost hunting, this space is all about helping families discover playful, meaningful ways to connect with nature, local culture, and each other, outside of screens.

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We’re passionate about:

• Child-friendly experiences that are fun for grown-ups too

• Outdoor play that builds confidence and curiosity

• Slow moments that spark creativity and conversation

• And local gems that make North Carolina such a special place to raise kids​

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Whether you're a fellow Triangle-area parent or just passing through, we hope our stories inspire you to grab your kids, unplug for a while, and go explore. There’s so much to discover right in your own backyard.

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Thanks for being here,
Courtney + the Little Locals crew