2018 North Carolina State Fair Recap

Hey y’all and TGIF! On Thursday I posted my first holiday gift guide of the season, but today I’m switching back to fall mode. Last month I shared my Fall Bucket List. Although time is running out and I’m not going to be able to accomplish everything on that list this year, I did check something big off several weeks ago-going to the North Carolina State Fair in Raleigh. This was the sixth year in a row that I’ve been. My family wasn’t super big on going to the fair when I was growing up. Yet ever since I moved back to NC, I have made it an annual tradition to go with friends, with the exception of the very first fall I was back here. Keep reading for my 2018 North Carolina State Fair recap. I’m including a brief photojournal of my time at the fair, as well as some outfit details of course!

Sunday Funday at the NC State Fair

This year I went to the State Fair on the Sunday afternoon its first weekend. One of my friends from my Bible Study Fellowship (BSF) group went with me, and we had the best time. As I’ve alluded to on Instagram, BSF has been a huge blessing in my life this fall. Although my friend and I had only known each other for just over a month at the time of the fair, it felt like we had known each other for so much longer. It was so much fun getting to know a new friend better, while enjoy some good ol’ North Carolina State Fair fun.

Casey the Cardinal

2018 North Carolina State Fair Recap

As you know if you’ve been reading my blog for a little while, I’m a huge fan of mascots and rarely turn down a photo opp with one. Casey the Cardinal is the mascot of the NC State Fair, which is fitting because the cardinal is North Carolina’s state bird. This was my first time ever getting a photo with Casey, and I’m happy my 2018 North Carolina State Fair recap includes a mascot picture.

Howling Cow Ice Cream

2018 North Carolina State Fair Recap

As a Clemson and UNC fan, I have always held the NC State Wolfpack in great disdain. However, Howling Cow Creamery associated with NC State’s Department of Agriculture has the BEST ice cream. I look forward to getting a “cup o’ cream” every year at the state fair. Except for two years ago when I went to the fair on literally the last night and they were out. Sadness!

Livestock & Agriculture

It’s always fun to go into the building where you can see livestock on one side, and and prized fruits and vegetables on the other.

2018 North Carolina State Fair Recap

How cute are these sheep?!

2018 North Carolina State Fair Recap

Check out these ginormous watermelons!

2018 North Carolina State Fair Recap

How pretty are these pumpkins?!

Corn on the Cob

2018 North Carolina State Fair Recap

Corn on the cob is one of my favorite things to eat at the fair each year. There are multiple stands where you can get corn on the cob, and this year my friend let me in on which stand offers the best! The way they prepared this particular corn was absolutely perfect! I will definitely keep this pro top in mind for future trips to the State Fair!

Hot Apple Cider

2018 North Carolina State Fair Recap

I also always love to get a cup of hot spiced cider at the NC State Fair. The little shack where they serve it is absolutely adorable. Definitley gives me all the fall feels.This year’s cup of cider did not disappoint either.

Hush Puppy Mill

2018 North Carolina State Fair Recap

Walking through a hush puppy mill and enjoying samples is another must-see for me at the state fair. The Old Grist Mill is only open at certain hours during the fair, so I was glad that I got to enjoy this fair highlights during my visit this year.

Outfit Details

I tend to go for a comfy casual look when I go to the North Carolina State Fair. On the afternoon we went, I was comfortable in a long-sleeved tee with jeans and my cowgirl boots. Here are the details on what I wore.

Shirt: Jadelynn Brooke  |  Jeans: 7 for All Mankind  |  Boots: Ariat  |  Hat: Southern Proper  |
Necklace: Kate Spade  |  Earrings: Kendra Scott  |  Sunnies: Kate Spade |

Note that these are affiliate links (with exception of Jadelynn Brooke). I will earn a commission if you decide to purchase through these links, but it won’t cost you anything extra and you are under no obligation to do so. However, your support is greatly appreciated if you do make a purchase through my affiliate links.

Hope y’all enjoyed reading my 2018 North Carolina State Fair recap. If you’re from North Carolina, did you go with year? For those of y’all from elsewhere, does your state have an annual fair in the fall and do you like to go? What is your favorite fair food? Most people tend to associate the fair with deep fried foods, but as you read above, my top three treats to enjoy at the North Carolina State Fair are Howling Cow ice cream, corn on the cob, and hot apple cider.

Hope y’all have a great weekend!

-xoxo Liz

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Hey Y'all!

I'm Liz- and I'm here to inspire you to embrace the simple joys in life and encourage you to be your authentic self!

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