July is typically the month I start thinking about the start of the fall semester, planning a few end of summer road-trips/vacations and head to a few outdoor concerts. This year, I feel the days are not long enough and my weekends are shortened as I am visiting libraries, restaurants, attending food festivals and talking with locals about the county’s cuisine. Yes, my practicum does involve eating, and no, I wouldn’t have it any other way. The experience has really been eye opening, learning about this great state and county I live in. Here are a few things I’ve been up to since mid-June.

• Attended the Lenior County Farmers Market
• Attended the NC Blueberry Festival in Burgaw, NC
• Bought the domain for my website
• Posted Farmers Market Series #1
• Attended Midtown Farmers Market and the NC State Farmers Market in Wake County
• Enjoyed BBQ at Skylight Inn (Pitt County), Kings BBQ and Ken’s BBQ (Lenior County)
• Enjoyed dinner at Chef and the Farmer (Lenior County)
• Posted on my blogging weekend workshop
• Posted ‘My Mission’
• Added a NC Food Festivals page to my blog
• Researched the Moravian culture and Chicken Pie recipes
• Subscribed to Our State Magazine
• Researched Wake County – dined at Poole’s Diner and Mecca
• Enjoyed NC State’s Howling Cow Ice Cream for the 1st time
• Wrote emails and spoke with various people/organizations in specified counties

While there’s still so much more to accomplish in the next month….it has been a gastronomical few weeks! Check back soon as posts and pictures of my experiences will be making their way to the blog!