1. Um… There Are Two Of Them
Yes, two Carolinas. North Carolina and South Carolina aren’t just two different regions of one state. They are two separate states. Two. Why did everyone skip geography class? You should know this.
2. There’s A Bit Of A Sibling Rivalry
North Carolinians and South Carolinians both love to claim their Carolina is “the real Carolina.” But most grown up Carolinians have learned to put the metaphorical boxing gloves away, even if they still won’t admit any similarities between the two.
3. But They Actually Have A Lot In Common
As much as Carolinians hate to admit this… in terms of climate, food, and a lot of cultural values, it’s kind of easy to see why someone who has never looked at a map in their life would confuse the two.
4. Livermush Is Not As Gross As It Sounds
Admittedly, it could take some getting used to if you’ve never had it before. But fry it up and try a bite before you totally write it off.
5. Carrying Someone Doesn’t Mean Giving Them A Piggy Back Ride
If a Carolinian says they’re carrying their mom to the grocery store, they mean they’re giving her a ride in their car, not the much funnier mental image that comes up when they say that.
6. The Carolinas Have The Most Beautiful Beaches In The World
You think you know beaches because you went on a few family vacations to Florida? Please. The Carolinas have 500 miles of beaches for surfing, sunbathing, hiking, swimming… basically everything.
7. But No Carolinian Will Go To The Beach During Tourist Season
Unless it’s to yell, “Get out!”
8. Don’t You Dare Insult The Carolina Panthers
Carolinians are the most dedicated Panther fans in the world, and they really don’t need your negative opinions when they’re all dressed up in black and blue and headed out to cheer on their team.
9. There Is No Such Thing As Too Many Biscuits
The Carolinas are a really bad place to try some absurd new low carb diet. Saying no to Carolina biscuits is basically like saying, “No, that’s okay. I don’t want to enjoy life.”
10. Duke’s Is The Only Mayonnaise Worth Eating
If you bring Miracle Whip to a Carolina picnic, you’ll be kicked out. Not just out of the picnic… but out of both states.
11. Sweet Tea Is Just Tea
You don’t need to add the “sweet” part. If you want to differentiate between the two, just say good tea when you mean sweet tea, and bad tea when you’re talking about that unsweetened abomination.
12. No, You Really Can’t Handle Your Moonshine
Everyone from the Carolinas has been sipping on moonshine for way longer than you. You really don’t want to challenge them to a drinking contest.
13. Carolinians Have The Perfect Hangover Cure
Yes, even after a night of far too much moonshine, a breakfast of Cajun filet biscuit combo from Bojangles’ will ease your suffering. It’s the perfect combination of carbs, grease, and massive amounts of sweet tea.
14. Heaven Help You If Someone Blesses Your Heart
It might sound like a nice phrase, but seriously, there is nothing nice about the phrase, “Bless your heart.”
15. There’s More Than One Kind Of Carolina Barbeque
In fact, it’s hard to even count how many there are. But whether you like an Eastern North Carolina whole hog style, a Lexington pork shoulder style, a vinegar sauce, a mustard sauce, or a tomato sauce—it’s all completely amazing.
16. Texas Pete Does Not Belong To Texas
The best hot sauce in the world was created in North Carolina, but it might just be one thing that South Carolinians will proudly claim too.
17. Everyone Minds Their Manners In The Carolinas
Please and thank you are appreciated everywhere, but in the Carolinas they’re absolutely mandatory. And throwing a sir or ma’am in there never hurts.
18. Sun Drop Is The Nectar Of The Gods
Just a soft drink? Have you tried it? It is not just a soft drink.
19. Unless You’re More Of A Cheerwine Fan
Not that anyone should ever have to choose between two glorious things.
20. No One Is Outside On A College Football Game Day
If any one of North or South Carolina’s awesome college teams are playing, the states turn into ghost towns while all the dedicated fans are huddled around the TV or cheering on their team at the stadium.
21. Loving Oysters Is A Requirement
If you’re in the Carolinas, you must love oysters. If you think you don’t love oysters, there’s an easy fix. Just try oysters in the Carolinas and you will.
22. A Buggy Isn’t Pulled By A Horse
It’s a shopping cart. You know, the thing you use to push your groceries around. And if you say it’s weird, you’ll be totally outnumbered in the Carolinas.
23. No, You Don’t Know That Person Who’s Smiling And Waving At You
In the Carolinas, people don’t need a reason (like actually knowing someone) to smile, wave, and tell them to have a nice day.
24. You Should Always Go All The Way
When you’re ordering a hot dog, the only way to order is “all the way” meaning with all the tasty fixin’s, including chili, onions, and coleslaw.
25. Georgia Has Nothing On Carolina Peaches
Eat a peach from a side of the road produce stand during Carolina peach season, and you’ll totally understand.
26. And Yeah, That “Obscene” Peach Is Totally Real
The Gaffney peach water tower that was featured in a “House of Cards” plotline actually exists. Is it actually obscene? Well… uh… it doesn’t look good.
27. Grits Are Not The Same As Oatmeal
They’re actually good. Even better if you throw a little shredded cheese and Texas Pete into the mix.
28. The Carolinas Have The Best Little Cities Around
Asheville, Greenville, Lexington, and Chapel Hill are all lovely smaller cities with a unique culture, plenty of green space, and a strong community vibe. They may not have huge numbers to back them up, but no one who lives there would have it any other way.
29. Shagging Isn’t What It Sounds Like
Seriously, there’s no innuendo intended when talking about the Carolina Shag. It’s just a dance to Beach Music!
30. If James Taylor Comes On The Radio, Prepare Yourself
Because Carolinians can croon through a verse of “Carolina In My Mind” like no one else.
What do you have to explain to out-of-towners about the Carolinas? Tell us in the comments below!
