Can’t make it to Raleigh this fall for the N.C. State Fair this year? No worries. We’ve got our own lineup of over-the-top novelty foods that would fit right in among the bacon mac & cheese sundaes and dill pickle donuts.

Get your fill with these seven fair-approved foods. Ferris wheel not included.

---

The Butter Candle from Billy Sunday

Yes, it’s a candle made of butter that’ll gradually melt over Focaccia bread. It’s crafted in partnership with Ava Pizzeria inside Optimist Hall but is only available at Billy Sunday. 

Details: Billy Sunday is located in the lower level of Optimist Hall at 1115 N Brevard St.

---

The Birthday Cake Super Swirl from SWIRL Dessert Bar

This $13 colossal shake is made with vanilla ice cream, blended with rainbow sprinkles and raspberry sauce, topped with a cookie and cupcake.

Details: SWIRL has two locations, one in Lower South End and the original in Oakhurst.

Go deeper: Swirl, featuring build your own cupcakes, opens to long line out the door in Oakhurst

---

What The Fries’ Smoky Bacon Fries

A mountain of french fries topped with crispy bacon, Boursin cheese sauce, diced tomato, scallions and a ranch drizzle.

Details: What The Fries recently reopened at The City Kitch, a ghost kitchen in Wesley Heights.

• For now, orders are carry-out only with plans to open a food stall in that location in 2024.

Go deeper: What The Fries to open at City Kitch in Wesley Heights

---

The Breakfast Totchos from Dish

This $18 hangover cure is made with tater tots, scrambled eggs, shredded cheese, white gravy, scallions and a choice of bacon, sausage or liver mush.

Of note: Totchos may only be available on Dish’s weekend brunch menu.

Details: Dish is located in Plaza Midwood at 1220 Thomas Ave, between The Pizza Peel and Thomas Street Tavern.

Go deeper: Dish in Plaza Midwood promises a brunch on a budget — we put the claim to the test

---

The Norwegian Roll from Moon Thai

You’re unlikely to see sushi at the fair, but Moon Thai’s Norwegian roll deserves a spotlight for its funky (but delicious) combination of salmon, cream cheese, capers, scallions, onion rings and kimchee sauce.

Details: Find Moon Thai in SouthPark at 4425 Sharon Rd, near Steak 48.

---

Squid-on-a-stick from Stick Street  at Urban District Market

The food stall located inside Urban District Market sells everything — from squid to fried shrimp — on a stick.

Details: Urban District Market is located at 2315 N Davidson St. and is walkable to NoDa, Villa Heights and Optimist Park.

Go deeper: Urban District Market, Charlotte’s newest food hall is now open

---

Korean Corn Dogs from Cutting Board CLT Food Truck

Bonus points if you add toppings like Hot Cheetos or queso.

Details: Find Cutting Board’s weekly food truck location schedule on their Instagram.

---

Editor’s note: This story was originally published in Sept. 2017 and last updated in Oct. 2023.