Spring break is a truly magical time where college students can shirk the stress of daily life and instead travel to wherever their hearts desire. Typically, this manifests itself into a tropical destination with your five closest gal pals; but for me, spring break meant a trip back home.
While I’d like to say that my decision to return to North Carolina for a week was based solely on the desirability of the locale, it is more accurate to say that the state of my bank account mandated that I would be at home, in search of employment for the impending summer.
However, once back home, I realized that vacationing in the South is a rather enjoyable experience. Here’s eight ways NC reminded me of a tropical resort:
1. The weather is truly Caribbean. Honestly, it might be better at this time of the year.
Most universities in America go on spring break sometime in March. Well, in the South, March is the beginning of spring, and at times it even gives us a sneak peak at summer. The entire week that I was home, the temperature was between 70 and 90 degrees, with a dip at the end of the week into the mid 60s. Short sleeves and tank tops were the uniform of SB16 as the cardinal rule of, “If it’s below 60 fahrenheit, a sweater you’ll be wearin’ tight,” was never applicable.
2. The scenery of the South is rival to that of the white beaches of Anguilla.
Because the warm weather begins in March in the South, that means the blooms appear earlier than they do for the rest of the country. Coming from the somewhat dreary northeast, I was amazed by the Carolina blue skies being offset by the freshly bloomed Bradford pear trees. I’d never fully appreciated that sight before, but I can guarantee that I’ll never forget it again.
3. Fine dining in the South occurs three times a day, every day. And without the expense.
While I can’t say I’m proud of my eating habits over the past week, I also can’t say that I wouldn’t do it all over again. Imagine this: pulled pork BBQ, sweet potato fries, a Carolina burger (patty, cheese, chili, cole slaw, mustard, pickle, relish), homemade mac-n-cheese, chicken biscuits and hash browns almost every day and over three gallons of sweet tea during the course of the week. I think I’ve finally fallen victim to the freshman 15—the only irony being that I gained it over a week at home.
4. The entertainment is wholesome and fit for the entire family. And it’s all included in your stay.
Southern entertainment includes hearing old redneck family stories, listening to 103.7 the Ride and watching your fair share of CMT. I spent more time than was strictly necessary watching reruns of "Reba" on CMT and loving absolutely every minute of it. If you need a surrogate Southern Mama, a healthy dosage of "Reba" should get you along just fine.
5. The service is friendly, prompt and above all else: polite.
I don’t really think this one needs too much explanation. People hold doors. They say yes and no ma’am. They frequently tell you to come back now, ya hear? Hospitality is not a suggestion, it’s a requirement.
6. The locals are their own exotic brand of people, and if you travel to a different location, there will be noticeable variations in the culture.
Whilst home in Charlotte, I took some time to travel to other towns close by. I saw my grandfather, who was reared in Kentucky but subsequently moved to NC, my aunt and uncle from Clemmons, I had lunch with my sister in Salisbury, etc. Everywhere you go, accents twang a little differently, the sayings change ever so slightly and the sweetness of the tea varies. Just as in Caribbean islands, each town has something different to offer the intrigued guest.
7. Relaxation is the epitome of the South. If you aren’t sitting on a porch with a glass of tea, you’re doing it wrong.
Everyone down here understands that sometimes it is just too hot to actually do anything. Therefore, it is perfectly acceptable to sit at home fanning yourself instead of doing the laundry or cleaning the house on a hot summer’s day. We talk slow, we walk slow, and we just like to have a good time.
8. Finally, and most importantly, a vacation means family time. Nowhere is more accustomed to the importance of family than the South.
Doing what your mama tells you, taking care of your younger siblings, helping out Grandaddy: if you grew up in the South, it’s more than likely this was your general experience. There’s nothing more important, except maybe football and fried chicken; but even then, it’s a tough call. After all, “families are like fudge—mostly sweet with a few nuts.”
While I can’t say that I never want to go on a fabulous tropical getaway for spring break, I do appreciate coming home to the South for everything it has to offer. If you’re from here, maybe consider it as a cheap substitute for next year. If you aren’t from here, convince your friends that this is the place to be (not cruising around the islands on a yacht). The South is awesome, and I’m proud to call it my home.
