I am North Carolina born and raised. I love the state I call home. I will forever think it is the best state out of all 50 in the United States. There are so many things to love about good ole' North Cakalacky.
North Carolina is one of only four states that has mountains and beaches. This state is blessed with plenty of places to sunbathe on the sand and hike in the mountains. From Wilmington to Boone, there is everything. The nature scenery and the views are nothing short of magical. There is everything to do here to fulfill your love of nature. North Carolina also has the pleasure of experiencing all four seasons, but not to the extremes other states do. The spring and fall are mild and colorful while the summer and winter don’t stay too hot or too cold. Here we get to appreciate snow, because everything shuts down when it snows and we can play in the snow. Snow days are the best thing ever. The climate here is great for everybody.
The people here are some of the most pleasant people you’ll ever meet. The front porch sittin’, sweet tea drinkin’ type of people are my favorite. North Carolinians are the type of people you would want as your neighbor. Everywhere you go, you see someone you know. I can’t go to Wal-Mart (or anywhere in public really) without seeing someone I know. And even if you don’t know someone, strangers are always willing to share a smile or a “hey y’all.”
The food in North Carolina is phenomenal. This state is the birthplace of many internationally known foods and drinks such as Cheerwine, Krispy Kreme, Texas Pete, Mt. Olive Pickles, Coke AND Pepsi. We’re “eating good” down here in North Carolina fam. If you haven’t blessed your taste buds with the refreshing taste of Cheerwine, you need to take a road trip down south. There’s also nothing better than getting a dozen of Krispy Kreme doughnuts for $4 after a Carolina Panthers win. The barbeque here is also a huge deal. You must pick a side: Lexington or Eastern style. Personally, I like the Lexington style barbeque. The difference is in the sauce. The Eastern style is vinegar-based and Lexington style has ketchup in the sauce. It’s a pretty heated debate in North Carolina. But this lovely state has many wonderful native foods that you should try before you die.
The professional sports teams here are also pretty great. We’ve got the Charlotte Hornets, Carolina Hurricanes, the Charlotte Motor Speedway, and last but not least the Super Bowl-bound Carolina Panthers. It’s great to have a variety of professional sports in this state. You can always find a sporting event to go to because something is always in season. There are also several “minor league” teams to enjoy such as, the Charlotte Knights and the new Greensboro Swarm. North Carolina is great for any sport fanatic.
Related to sports is the college basketball environment in North Carolina. You must choose the correct blue. Carolina or Duke? There is no greater rivalry in all of ACC basketball. Both sides of fans are extremely passionate about their teams. The Tar Heels and Blue Devils are a vital part of North Carolina culture. This rivalry is so extreme it divides families and friends.
North Carolina is full of small towns. I think that all the small towns are essential to our state’s uniqueness. Each town brings a little special something to the state. I am also partial to small towns because I was raised in one. The small town I am from calls itself “Small Town Friendly.” From little coffee shops, antique stores, and courthouses, I love the vibe and feeling of a small town.
This state also has a rich history. There are many battlegrounds and historical spots. From Blackbeard, the Cherokee Indians, and to the Vanderbilts, there have been plenty of well known people and families from North Carolina. The list of people from NC also include presidents James K. Polk, and Andrew Johnson. The Lost Colony is also something that intrigues natives and tourists alike. Also having the biggest house in the United States, The Biltmore, is pretty fantastic. A few movies have been filmed there. The film industry is also important to our state. Movies such as "Dirty Dancing," "Safe Haven," and "The Last of the Mohicans" have been filmed here. Also, TV shows like "One Tree Hill" and "Dawson's Creek" are based in North Carolina. So if you're a history buff, there is plenty for you to do.
North Carolina is the best state and there is no other place I would want to call home. From the Blue Ridge to Kitty Hawk are the best people, food, sports teams, and towns. I would never want to live anywhere else, and I am proud to be a North Carolinian.
