College basketball is a BFD here and Tar Heelers take it really, really seriously. Like, so seriously that growing up, it was totally normal for your math teacher to turn the TV on to watch the game and skip the day's lesson plan altogether.
If you're ever asked if you prefer light blue or dark blue, think about your answer. Carefully. The UNC Tar Heels and the Duke Blue Devils demand strict loyalty. You simply can't root for both. It's not allowed.
The Hurricanes won the Stanley Cup and hockey became a big deal North Carolina. And everyone's on board with it. There's no rivalry here just a lot of pro-Hurricane passion. Go Hurricanes!
North Carolinians appreciate some good barbecue. But there's a catch: you'd better like the right kind of BBQ, lest you stand to be ostracized from your entire family. There's Eastern style—a vinegar and pepper-based sauce—and there's Lexington style—a sauce with vinegar, ketchup, pepper, and other spices. And it's rare that someone likes both.
Located in Chapel Hill, this BBQ joint is famous for its ribs, slaw, pulled pork sandwiches, and pretty much anything else slathered in slightly vinegary sauce. The atmosphere is reminiscent of an old country home, too—checkered tablecloths and all.
Though this is a predominantly Raleigh term, it's known across the state to refer to a dog or burger with chili, coleslaw, mustard, and onions. No matter what you call it, it's delicious.
In fact, North Carolina qualified as one of the 10 most patriotic states based on a variety of factors including level of veteran funding, the number of people who like the United States on Facebook, and the number of people from the state who use Google to buy flags.
If you ask a North Carolina native for directions, he's likely going to tell you where to go based on landmarks. Only, those landmarks used to be there and aren't there now. It puts out-of-towners in a sticky spot but residents navigate just fine.
The local music scene is taken way seriously here. That probably has something to do with the fact that a lot of big time stars were born here like James Taylor and Ben Folds. So, the local bands have a loyal following and you probably went to high school with a member or two.
Yes, the State Fair is pretty much the same year in and year out but North Carolinian can’t help but love it. Why? Because no one can resist the House-Autry hush puppies and ice cream made out of a steam engine, of course.
Sipping on soda is a such a southern thing. It's no surprise then that Pepsi got its start right here in New Bern, N.C. The carbonated drink was first created and served up in 1898, spawning and tidal wave of sugary sodas to follow.
It's "Esse quam videri," and North Carolians live and breathe by these words. In English, that's, "To be, rather than to seem (to be)." Being authentic is valued above all else. So you better live up to that motto if you move here!
North Carolina is believed by many to be the first state to declare independence from England in 1775. It's all in the Mecklenburg Declaration. So really, instead of “To be, rather than to seem” the state motto should have been: “You’re not the boss of me”—or whatever that translates to in Latin.
North Carolinians love beer. Specifically, craft beer. Craft brewers are dotted all across the state, but nowhere so densely as in Asheville. I'm talking NoDa Brewing, Weeping Radish Farm, and Highland. All brew specialty craft beers. Yeast and hops lovers, rejoice!
Grandfather Mountain offers lush landscapes for residents and tourists but what makes it stand out is the Mile High Swinging Bridge. This state seems to be big on heights, so if you've got a bit of thrill seeker in you, North Carolina offers plenty of outlets.
Every state has those oddball roadside attractions. You know, like the biggest ball of twine? North Carolina has the Giant Dresser. It's as wonderful and ridiculous as it sounds. And Tar Heelers drive across the state to see it in all its glory. Can you imagine how many pairs of underwear that thing would hold?
If you've ever wanted to willingly induce a case of vertigo, staring down Whitewater Falls is just the ticket. Located in Transylvania County, it's the highest waterfall on the entire east coast. And it’s pretty gorgeous.
Slow roasted meat is delicious. No bones about it. That's why pig pickin' is a North Carolina tradition. That pig is slow roasted all day long and people sit around watching it rotate on the spit as it gets fall off the bone tender. No other way to eat it, really.
Beyond the traditional art gallery, North Carolinians love them some DIY Art. Seriously, one of the hottest locales is called the Accidental Artist. It's a DIY pottery studio that lets people of all ages paint their own masterpieces. It's a big hit for birthdays and Mother's Day, let me tell you.
Drive along the road and take in the open fields. Hike down to a stream to go fishing. Or, stick to the peaks to watch the leaves turn in the fall. Locals never want to leave because it's just so picture perfect.
It's the Biltmore Estate and it's of epic castle proportions, featuring 250 rooms outfitted in French Renaissance style. It is literally the biggest privately owned house in the world. It's now a location for special events but still has the look and feel of a home—albeit a freakin' massive one.
North Carolinians appreciate art in all its forms. That probably explains why this state was the first to create a state art museum. The North Carolina Museum of Art is still going strong, by the way.
The Pour House is a great little live music venue in Raleigh that has draught beer on tap. Local bands play (and you can sway with the best of them on the small dance floor) or watch from an upstairs viewing area. Totally up to you.
Raleigh's great for nightlife options and The Goat is just the perfect little dive bar if there ever was one. From $1 mystery beer nights to jello shots to board games you can pull off the shelf and play, The Goat has an ambiance (and an attitude) all its own.
Cook Out is a well-loved fast food joint in North Carolina. They serve all the staples like burgers and fries but what locals rave about the most — which is by far the best deal — is the Cook Out Tray. For about $5 you can get your choice of burger or sandwich, two sides (one option is a corn dog), and a drink.
The North Carolina Botanical Garden in Chapel Hill is great for a day out walking and admiring the variety of flowers. You can press on to the Steamside Trail or the Oak Hill Trail to make a day hike out of it.
Families big and small make the trek to Lake Norman State Park each year to enjoy some sun on the largest manmade lake in North Carolina. People take their boats out and go fishing. Others hike along the numerous trails. And it's a great reminder that nature is very much so in your backyard.
It's a southern thing, yes, but collard greens are especially beloved in the Tar Heel state. They're cooked till their practically mush. And don't forget the pork drippings. That's what gives them their salty flavor.
To say North Carolinians are proud of their state is an understatement. They bleed blue—whatever shade—and live by old-time values. And above all else, it's a great place to call home. Feature Image Source: Flickr user SineadFriel
