Growing up in North Carolina has been the greatest blessing. I didn't realize it, but there is so much natural beauty and so many great inventions that originated here.

1. Cheerwine

Cheerwine is one of the best drinks ever created. It's no wonder that it was created in the beautiful state of North Carolina.

2. The Outer Banks

The Outer Banks is such a beautiful get away place that is so relaxing and yet has so much to offer for a great vacation. The OBX is 130 miles of barrier islands that is perfect for a summer trip.

3. Grandfather Mountain

Autumn is the best season to go to the mountains, especially a mountain like Grandfather. Words can't describe when you're looking out at the natural beauty that God has created. The Appalachian Mountains never fail to put a smile on a person's face and peace in a person's heart.

4. Sports Rivalries

One of the greatest rivalries in sports is UNC vs. Duke basketball. It's cool that I grew up in a state that has so much school spirit. The average price for a single ticket to the game is around $1,500. If that doesn't define a sports rivalry, I don't know what does.

5. Education Opportunities

Not only is North Carolina famous for sports, but it is also famous for the great schools. Whether it's UNC, Duke, NC State, Appalachian State or East Carolina, there are so many great schools to choose from. Not many people that I graduated with from high school went out-of-state for college, and it makes sense why.

6. Krispy Kreme Doughnuts

Krispy Kreme Doughnuts is one of the best doughnut shops in the land. My favorite is the original glazed doughnut but they have a big variety like cinnamon sugar, strawberry iced and glazed raspberry filled.

7. Pepsi

Originally introduced as "Brad's Drink" by Caleb Bradham in 1893, it was renamed Pepsi Cola in 1898 after the digestive enzyme pepsin and kola nuts used in the recipe. It's amazing that a large corporation such as Pepsi was "born in the Carolinas."

8. Biltmore Estate

This beautiful mansion in Asheville, NC was built in 1889-1895 and is the largest privately owned house in the United States. This Gilded Age beauty is 178,926 square feet and is such a big tourist attraction year round.

9. Nicholas Sparks

So many of Nicholas Sparks' novels became films most set in North Carolina. "Message in a Bottle," "A Walk to Remember," "Nights in Rodanthe," "Safe Haven," "The Longest Ride," and "The Choice" were all filmed in North Carolina and I always think to myself, "How can they not film here? It's too beautiful not to."

North Carolina is such a great state to live in because of the diverse natural landmarks and the corporations that originated here. I'm so glad I was born and grew up in this wonderful state. Like the UNC song says, "I'm a Tar Heel born, I'm a Tar Heel bred, and when I die I'm a Tar Heel dead."