Pretty pictures — that’s what we all want to see on social media. If you are nodding in agreement, then Instagram is the platform for you. We rounded up nine great accounts that not only showcase gorgeous photography, but can teach us something new about life around Western Wake.
Harrison, an 8-year-old American Staffordshire terrier mix, charms visitors and SPCA staff, like communications manager Tara Lynn, who frequently posts images of animals available for adoption. Below, Lynn snaps a photo of a cat at the shelter.
SPCA of Wake County
@spcaofwakecounty
Followers: 7,173
New posts: Daily
Get your daily dose of cute from the SPCA of Wake County’s cats, dogs and even occasional rabbit or guinea pig. The no-kill shelter posts updates on the animals available for adoption and notices about upcoming fundraisers and events. A mini-break to scroll through their profile will surely tug your heartstrings and make you want to adopt ALL. THE. PETS. Take note: The popular hashtag #catsofinstagram (with more than 54 million tags) may cause excessive time lapse.
Rdubaton
@rdubaton
Followers: 27,000
New posts: Six to eight per day
Think of it as a photo relay — with a handoff each night — showcasing the amazing life in the Research Triangle. Each day a new area local holds the baton and chronicles his or her comings and goings, from predawn workouts and morning coffee to place of employment and favorite restaurants. A different daily batoner means a lot of new perspectives on this great place we live. Facilitators Toni Chester and Laney Tipton call it a passion project and spend two to three hours every few weeks organizing and planning for the account. Sign up to hold the baton at rdubaton.com, but be warned, the waiting list is more than a year long!
Booth Amphitheatre
@booth_amp
Followers: 1,816
New posts: One per week
Cary’s idyllic event venue hosts festivals, concerts, movies and more. Tune in here for the first look at what’s coming and never miss your favorite shows! If you’re stuck at home, the colorful images let you relive the excitement of popular festivals like the N.C. Chinese Lantern Festival and the Great Grapes Wine & Food Festival.
Fuquay-Varina Downtown Association
@fvdowntown
Followers: 1,298
New posts: Two to three per week
The Fuquay-Varina Downtown Association works to bring residents and businesses together to grow the unique community comprised of two historical districts, Fuquay and Varina, and two separate but connected downtowns. Follow along (and join in) the association’s initiatives such as the recent En Plein Air Art Event, and check out photos from community events and local businesses.
Heron’s executive chef Steven D. Greene photographs one of his creations at The Umstead Hotel and Spa patio.
Steven Devereaux Greene
@devereauxgreene
Followers: 1,197
New posts: One per week
Go behind the scenes with the executive chef of The Umstead Hotel and Spa, including Herons restaurant, Steven Devereaux Greene. Follow Greene, a two-time James Beard Foundation Award semifinalist, through his exquisite and artful plating of the Herons’ menu, his travels to notable restaurants around the country, and his love of guitars. Greene is drawn to Instagram in part because, “It is fun for other chefs to share and see what each is doing.” His most popular post? A recent snap with his wife, and longtime friend Chef Curtis Duffy of the Michelin three-star rated Grace restaurant in Chicago.
Danielle Davis
Danielle Davis Style
@danielledavisstyle
Followers: 3,330
New posts: Four to five per week
Get inspired by styling consultant and blogger Danielle Davis’ amazing fashion sense, outfit ideas and love of organized spaces. Go-to outfits include breezy summer dresses and versatile denim. Love her look? Davis links up the details of her outfits, and you can shop directly through Instagram. “Instagram has been a great tool for my blog and business,” Davis said. “It has introduced me to new brands, clients, and even some blogger friends that live across the country.”
North Carolina Museum of History
@ncmuseumhistory
Followers: 5,779
New posts: Daily
Peeks into the North Carolina Museum of History’s exhibits and events, especially the recently opened “North Carolina and World War I” centennial commemoration, are interspersed with historic photos and facts from the Tar Heel State’s past. The thoughtful posts add some educational trivia to your daily social media fix. Fun #FlashbackFriday posts show glimpses of Raleigh’s notable vistas, like Fayetteville Street and Cameron Village, through the years.
Triangle Food Adventures
@trianglefoodadventures
Followers: 35,300
New posts: Daily
What is Instagram if it isn’t craving-inducing food pictures? The Triangle Food Adventures account shares a drool-worthy look at the delicious and ever-evolving local restaurant scene. Snag early bird ticket deals on upcoming Food Adventure dinners: exclusive six-course meals featuring off-menu chef creations. Hashtag your own images with #trifoodies to join the Triangle Food Adventure community.
Bond Brothers Beer Company in Cary is among the Triangle hotspots appearing on Instagram account @TriangleExplorer, led by John Huisman.
Triangle Explorer
@triangleexplorer
Followers: 14,500
New posts: Daily
Business openings, local events and a love for local coffee shops flood this account, led by John Huisman, founder of the blog by the same name. Triangle Explorer will keep you in the know about what’s happening around town, be it festivals, road races, live theater or which new food truck to try. Huisman’s deep-rooted connection to locally owned businesses (his parents were small business owners) drives his desire to promote the greater Triangle community. “I like Instagram because it is simple and fun. … In an instant I can share about a fun new place or event going on while I am out and about,” Huisman said.
