Raleigh influencer Magnolia Megan is competing for Miss North Carolina USA
Megan Pintell has amassed over 200,000 Instagram followers in two years as Magnolia Megan. | Photos provided by Megan Pintell, graphic by RALtoday
Megan Pintell, known as Magnolia Megan to her 200,000+ Instagram followers, explores NC in search of unique food and experiences. Her next adventure: Competing for Miss North Carolina USA.
“As Miss North Carolina USA, I’d be able to do basically what I’m doing now but with a sparkly hat,” Pintell told RALtoday.
Pintell previously competed in a Miss Ohio USA pageant while in college and is going for the crown once again. As an influencer traveling NC, Pintell said she feels uniquely positioned for the responsibilities of Miss NC USA. Pintell encourages folks to get out in their city + NC to support local businesses and try new experiences and events with your family and friends.
“It’s really a lot of the things that I represent on social media.” Pintell said. “There’s so much to do. I feel like people need to be reminded of that, so that’s what I try to do.”
Due to her experience as an influencer, Pintell said she feels prepared to compete again in the pageant world.
“It’s really helped me be able to open up and be myself and put myself out there on social media, which is a hard thing to do at first,” Pintell said. “In pageantry, you have to be relatable, you have to understand who you are and what you stand for.”
If Pintell takes home the crown, she’ll go on to compete for the title of Miss USA — but she has big plans even if she goes home without the “sparkly hat.”
“Whether I win or not, I really want to continue traveling across North Carolina,” Pintell said. “I have a goal to visit all 100 counties and find something unique within each of those counties.”
Pintell will compete at Miss North Carolina USA this weekend in North Charleston, South Carolina — watch a livestream of the event online to cheer on Raleigh’s own.
Asked
What is Magnolia Megan’s title for Miss North Carolina USA?
A. Miss RDU B. Miss Capital City C. Miss Oak City D. Miss Downtown Raleigh
Chef David Mitchell presents: Pasta Flight Night | Friday, June 14 | 5:30-9 p.m. | Plates Neighborhood Kitchen, 301 Glenwood Ave., Raleigh | $50 | Enjoy three courses of chef-prepared pasta inspired by Italian + global flavors.
Bring Out Yer Dead | Friday, June 14 | 7 p.m. | Lincoln Theatre, 126 E. Cabarrus St., Raleigh | $15-$130 | Hey Dead Heads, watch this local tribute band live.
“We’ve Always Been Out There” Civil Rights Walking Tour | Friday, June 14 | 11 a.m. | NC State Capitol, 1 E. Edenton St., Raleigh | Free | Learn more about the history of protests and civil rights demonstrations in Raleigh.
Saturday, June 15
Museum Untold Tour | Saturday, June 15 | 2-4 p.m. | NC Museum of Natural Sciences, 11 W. Jones St., Raleigh | $20-$20 | This 18 and up tour gives you a fast-paced tour of the nationally recognized science museum with untold stories and fun facts.
Hell Yeah I Have Bingo! | Saturday, June 15 | 3-5 p.m. | The Green Monkey, 215 S. Wilmington St., Raleigh | Free | Bingo! Win special prizes and earn a coupon just for participating.
Sunday, June 16
Father’s Day Edition: Woodburning 101 | Sunday, June 16 | 2-4 p.m. | Joy Worthy Co., 131 S. Wilmington St., Raleigh | $65 | Learn how to craft a woodburned charcuterie tray with dad.
Dad’s Day Out: Bourbon & Cigar Tasting | Sunday, June 16 | 3-5 p.m. | Tap Yard Raleigh, 1610 Automotive Way, Raleigh | $55 | Take dad out for a day of hand-selected whiskeys and perfectly rolled cigars.
Chance’s Flea | Sunday, June 16 | 3-7 p.m. | Outside of Five Star and Oak City Yoga, 301 N. West St., Raleigh | Free | Shop vintage, handmade, and unique finds from local vendors.
North Carolina FC vs. Monterey Bay FC | Sunday, June 16 | 6 p.m. | WakeMed Soccer Park, 101 Soccer Park Dr., Cary | $18-$68 | North Carolina FC honors the spirit of Juneteenth with a themed celebration that blends the joy of the beautiful game with the significance of the historic day.*
Black & White Coffee Roasters at RDU is now open, slinging espresso across from La Farm. Expect high-quality coffee, Union Special bread, and more treats. Hold up, we’re adding this spot to our RDU guide.
Try This
This Saturday, June 15, the NC Hops Festival will be brewing in North Hills. A ticket gets you unlimited samples of locally crafted beers, ciders, and more, plus access to live music, food trucks, and local vendors. Hop to it.
Announced
Literally — there’s a new voice of the Wolfpack.Matt Chazanow will replace play-by-play announcer Gary Hahn for football and men’s basketball, who called NC State games for 34 years. Take a listen to Chazanow. (Learfield)
History
Do you know where Raleigh’s historic “gayborhood” is? The Warehouse District is acknowledged for its history of LGBTQ+-friendly business including the shuttered Capital Corral, Legends, and Libations 317.
Sports
The U.S. Open is well underway at Pinehurst, and Raleigh golfer Carter Jenkins is ready to take the stage. This is Jenkins’ first Open after qualifying at Duke’s club just weeks ago. (WRAL)
Environment
Next week is Pollinator Week, and Raleigh Parks is celebrating with a pollinator plant giveaway at three locations — see where. Plus, read our tips on how to support our buzzing friends that help our environment flourish.
Biz
Some things are best left to the pros — and commercial building maintenance is firmly in that camp. Let York’s expert technicians handle inspections, electrical work, and late-night emergency calls so you don’t have to. Learn about their personalized service plans (and see how to get 10% off).*
Wellness
Imagine caffeine-free energy with no jitters, no crash, and no impact on sleep — plus reduced hunger and cravings. Explore MTE energy drink + get 22% off with code MI22.*
Kids
🛝 Make it a summer to remember
RALtoday’s summer bucket list: Kids edition
Marbles Kids Museum has lots of unique, hands-on exhibits. | Photo by RALtoday
School’s out for Wake County kiddos, and we want to help fill your summer with fun around Raleigh. Read up on our summer bucket list just for kids to start the summer right.
Do you have a bourbon lover in your life? Gift this Box Of Bourbon from Adams Apple Co. for National Bourbon day. The set includes a marinade and grilling sauce, made ready for a barbecue.
I met up with Megan and her husband, Matt, at Press at 400H and the three of us gushed over this new space. Megan and I both can’t get enough of the seasonal peach latte, and I’m obsessed with Press for a sunny, chic coworking space — see what we tried on our first visit.
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