Hey y’all! My name is Megan Kerns and I am so excited to share my day with you! I am a original Durhammite but I have lived in Raleigh for the past 8 years. I attended Durham School of the Arts for High School and graduated with an Education degree from NC State in 2012. On most weekdays, you can find me in the classroom. I am an 8th grade ELA & SS teacher and a portrait and wedding photographer! Although very different, both professions allow me to share stories, experiences, relationships and big ideas within the community. The last day of school was last Thursday (YAY) so I am starting my morning at Gratitude Hot Yoga Center in North Raleigh. This studio offers a variety of heated and non-heated classes every day of the week! Namaste RDU. The light in me, honors the light in you! 📷: @meganskerns #RunOnWithMegsBaton / on Instagram www.instagram.com/p/BGuCaS_Dh-f/

Making my way to the Bull City. My next stop is Monuts, because who doesn’t love a delicious coffee and brunch after yoga? Enjoying my time at a coffee shop, reading the INDY and catching up on editing pictures, is a picture perfect morning! This morning I ordered my favorite donut and I’m spending a little time editing my most recent wedding. I specialize in portraits and weddings and strive to create genuine moments using natural light. I have a knack for bright colorful images and an eye for detail. Check out my most recent work on my instagram feed (@meganskerns) or my website (www.megankernsphotography.com). 📷: @meganskerns. #RunOnWithMegsBaton / on Instagram www.instagram.com/p/BGuYjpzjh7N/www.megankernsphotography...). 📷: @meganskerns. #RunOnWithMegsBaton / on Instagram www.instagram.com/p/BGuYjpzjh7N/

Dashi is up next! In true RDU baton fashion, @evfooteh and I tried a new restaurant for dinner this evening. I wholeheartedly believe the Triangle has some of the tastiest restaurants in the Southeast! Did you know Durham was awarded the “Tastiest Town in the South” by Southern Living? I mean, how lucky are we? Or should I say, how lucky are our stomachs? As first time guests, we were very impressed! We ordered the traditional Ramen Noodle Bowl and it’s definitely something to write home about! 5 stars in our book. 📷 @meganskerns #RunOnWithMegsBaton / on Instagram www.instagram.com/p/BGvLpzVjh6Y/

Let’s be real, summer in North Carolina can be brutal. The combination of heat and humidity can be exhausting and cause a few seriously bad hair days, ha! What better way to cool off than a tasty homemade ice cream sandwich! Rose’s Meat Market and Sweet Shop (yes, meat market) has the best homemade ice cream sandwiches in town! Today, my boyfriend, @evfooteh, is meeting me at Rose’s to partake in this deliciousness! I ordered the Neapolitan and it is AMAZING!! This is a Durham must-have! I scream, you scream, we all scream, for ICE CREAM! 📷@meganskerns #RunOnWithMegsBaton / on Instagram www.instagram.com/p/BGu_2DpDhwO/

I think it’s time for a post dinner treat! My last stop today is Ponysaurus. If the name and logo aren’t cool enough for you, wait until you try their handcrafted beer! The owners of this local brewery started brewing beer in an attic, above the Cookery in Durham. Since then they have expanded their distribution, built a brewery and sustained a well known name for their full bodied craft beers. My favorite thing to order at Ponysaurus is a flight of beer and a plate of snacks (Swedish Fish, wasabi peanuts and a cheesy trail mix are a must have). $1 a scoop, you seriously can’t beat that! In the words of Ponysaurus, “The beer beer would drink if beer could drink beer.” SO CHEERS and adios baton followers. It’s been real! 📷 @meganskerns #RunOnWithMegsBaton #PassOntheBaton / on Instagram www.instagram.com/p/BGvT1gxDh7o/

Next up, Chet Miller! If you’re a fan of Parker and Otis, this store is for you! Brody Jennings (who also owns Parker and Otis) opened this store a little over a year ago and it is the epitome of Durham’s cool vibe. Chet Miller sells a variety of curated gifts, home decor and artifacts. I highly recommend this local store if you’re looking for a fun gift, a witty card or a little something extra for yourself (TREAT YO’SELF). Chet Miller is located in the heart of downtown Durham on Parish Street. 📷@meganskerns #RunOnWithMegsBaton / on Instagram www.instagram.com/p/BGup5cfjh7Z/