"The Old North State," "The Tar Heel State," "North Cack-a-lac." Whatever your preference may be, only one state comes to mind from those nicknames: North Carolina. A state as old as the United States itself, North Carolina, for you history buffs out there, was originally the colony of Carolina before splitting into North and South Carolina. The Old North State was one of the original 13 colonies, and has a long and decorated history in the U.S.. And as any North Carolinian would tell you, they are proud to be a native of the state. Here are 10 perks to living in North Carolina.
1. The landscape.
North Carolina suits the needs of a city slicker, a high country tracker and the ocean lovers. With a wide range of landscapes to choose from with the mountains, the cities or the coast, North Carolina caters to everyone's preferences. And speaking of cities...
2. North Carolina's cities.
North Carolina offers a wide range of metros for city slickers. From the Queen City of Charlotte (shown above) to the state capital of Raleigh to the other parts of the Research Triangle with Durham and Chapel Hill, all North Carolinian cities have many things to do for all people.
3. The Outer Banks.
A place with very fond memories, the Outer Banks is one of the most peaceful vacation spots on the planet. The jewel of the North Carolina coast, the Outer Banks is one of the best beach spots you'll ever find.
4. Barbecue.
As any North Carolinian would tell you, if there is one thing we do well, it's some down-home barbecue. And whether you want Lexington, hickory smoked, chopped, pulled or anything in between, some kind of barbecue will make you shed tears of joy at some point in your life.
5. Krispy Kreme.
When I ask what your favorite doughnut is, you would be lying if you said something other than Krispy Kreme. A staple classic in desserts, Krispy Kreme came from North Carolina, and any native lives within 10 miles of a Krispy Kreme shop.
6. Texas Pete.
Yet another North Carolina staple, Texas Pete graces many a chicken wing across the country and has been on many a barbecue. Where's it from? Winston-Salem.
7. Cheerwine.
Like, it's Cheerwine. Enough said.
8. UNC and Duke.
It's fine in North Carolina for your favorite color to be blue. But what shade of blue? Light or dark? Think before you answer that question.
9. Cook Out.
Another North Carolina food marvel founded in Greensboro. Big double burger with the works, onion rings and a beef quesadilla: That's my Cook Out tray. What's yours?
10. It truly shapes who you are.
This might sound very cliché, but my native home of North Carolina has truly shaped me into the young man I am today. No matter where life takes me, I know where my roots are, and I'll always be able to come back to my Sweet Caroline.
