The huge range of fresh groceries, cafes and restaurants with a variety of foods from different cultures are part of the unique offer in Nag’s Head Town Centre. When engaging with the community, many asked for events or festivals that celebrated local culture and initiatives that make what is already here and happening more visible to the local community.

Open House of Food would invite the community and visitors to explore Nag’s Head Town Centre through taste. A week-long festival or series of events would celebrate its many small food businesses, including The Junction Market, The Upper Place, and the Nag’s Head Covered Market food halls. This could include a food tour around the town centre, connecting local businesses and allowing people to taste their way around the area. This would help raise awareness of the range of food options available as well as encourage residents and visitors to explore the area and discover more of what it has to offer. The festival could also feature cooking classes run in partnership with local community groups or cooking schools. These classes would bring people together, promote healthy eating, avoid food waste and help tackle food poverty.

To help promote businesses, Open House of Food could include a pop-up sampling stall at Drapery Square or Nag’s Head Shopping Centre. Businesses could take over the stall for a day, paired with promotions and marketing of the event. Overall, Open House of Food would celebrate local food, attract more visitors, and contribute to community wealth building.