1. When The ACC Tournament Season Starts, Everything Else Stops
Source: Flickr user SneakinDeacon
College basketball is a BFD here and Tar Heelers take it really, really seriously. Like, so seriously that growing up, it was totally normal for your math teacher to turn the TV on to watch the game and skip the day's lesson plan altogether.2. The UNC Vs. Duke University Rivalry Is Legit
Source: Flickr user Nabeel H.
If you're ever asked if you prefer light blue or dark blue, think about your answer. Carefully. The UNC Tar Heels and the Duke Blue Devils demand strict loyalty. You simply can't root for both. It's not allowed.3. But The Hurricanes Have A Tropical Storm Of Fandom From All Of North Carolina
Source: Flickr user Benjamin Reed
The Hurricanes won the Stanley Cup and hockey became a big deal North Carolina. And everyone's on board with it. There's no rivalry here just a lot of pro-Hurricane passion. Go Hurricanes!4. Speaking of Rivalries, Eastern Vs. Lexington Barbecue Is A Serious Debate—And You Better Pick A Side
Source: Flickr user James Willamor
North Carolinians appreciate some good barbecue. But there's a catch: you'd better like the right kind of BBQ, lest you stand to be ostracized from your entire family. There's Eastern style—a vinegar and pepper-based sauce—and there's Lexington style—a sauce with vinegar, ketchup, pepper, and other spices. And it's rare that someone likes both. 5. But Really, Allan & Son Bar-B-Que Is Everything BBQ Should Be
Source: Flickr user jeffreyw
Located in Chapel Hill, this BBQ joint is famous for its ribs, slaw, pulled pork sandwiches, and pretty much anything else slathered in slightly vinegary sauce. The atmosphere is reminiscent of an old country home, too—checkered tablecloths and all.6. When In N.C. Be Sure To Order Hot Dog or Burger "All The Way"
Source: Flickr user alex_ford
Though this is a predominantly Raleigh term, it's known across the state to refer to a dog or burger with chili, coleslaw, mustard, and onions. No matter what you call it, it's delicious.7. North Carolina Is More Patriotic Than A Bald Eagle In A Statue Of Liberty Costume Waving An American Flag
Source: Flickr user Gerry Dincher
In fact, North Carolina qualified as one of the 10 most patriotic states based on a variety of factors including level of veteran funding, the number of people who like the United States on Facebook, and the number of people from the state who use Google to buy flags.8. Ask For Directions, AKA: How To Get Lost In North Carolina
Source: Flickr user Joel Gillman
If you ask a North Carolina native for directions, he's likely going to tell you where to go based on landmarks. Only, those landmarks used to be there and aren't there now. It puts out-of-towners in a sticky spot but residents navigate just fine.9. Its Cool, You’re With The Band
Source: Flickr user James Willamor
The local music scene is taken way seriously here. That probably has something to do with the fact that a lot of big time stars were born here like James Taylor and Ben Folds. So, the local bands have a loyal following and you probably went to high school with a member or two.10. Attendance At The State Fair Is Practically Required
Source: Flickr user benuski
Yes, the State Fair is pretty much the same year in and year out but North Carolinian can’t help but love it. Why? Because no one can resist the House-Autry hush puppies and ice cream made out of a steam engine, of course.11. Pepsi Was Invented In North Carolina—You’re Welcome
Source: Flickr user Takashi(aes256)
Sipping on soda is a such a southern thing. It's no surprise then that Pepsi got its start right here in New Bern, N.C. The carbonated drink was first created and served up in 1898, spawning and tidal wave of sugary sodas to follow.12. Keeping It Real Is The Rule In North Carolina
Source: Find Tattoos
It's "Esse quam videri," and North Carolians live and breathe by these words. In English, that's, "To be, rather than to seem (to be)." Being authentic is valued above all else. So you better live up to that motto if you move here!13. North Carolina's Rebellious Phase Goes Way Back
Source: quickmeme.com
North Carolina is believed by many to be the first state to declare independence from England in 1775. It's all in the Mecklenburg Declaration. So really, instead of “To be, rather than to seem” the state motto should have been: “You’re not the boss of me”—or whatever that translates to in Latin.14. Asheville Dusts All Other Craft Beer Competition
Source: Flickr user D B
North Carolinians love beer. Specifically, craft beer. Craft brewers are dotted all across the state, but nowhere so densely as in Asheville. I'm talking NoDa Brewing, Weeping Radish Farm, and Highland. All brew specialty craft beers. Yeast and hops lovers, rejoice!15. Swingers Get Their Kicks In North Carolina
Source: Flickr user Greg Walters
Grandfather Mountain offers lush landscapes for residents and tourists but what makes it stand out is the Mile High Swinging Bridge. This state seems to be big on heights, so if you've got a bit of thrill seeker in you, North Carolina offers plenty of outlets.16. And Seeing the Giant Dresser Is A Rite of Passage
Source: Tripadvisor user TryppAdams
Every state has those oddball roadside attractions. You know, like the biggest ball of twine? North Carolina has the Giant Dresser. It's as wonderful and ridiculous as it sounds. And Tar Heelers drive across the state to see it in all its glory. Can you imagine how many pairs of underwear that thing would hold?17. Whitewater Falls Is Freakin' Spectacular
Source: Flickr user bobistraveling
If you've ever wanted to willingly induce a case of vertigo, staring down Whitewater Falls is just the ticket. Located in Transylvania County, it's the highest waterfall on the entire east coast. And it’s pretty gorgeous.18. Pig Pickin' Is The Only Way To Pig Out On Pork
Source: Flickr user Cristina Bejarano
Slow roasted meat is delicious. No bones about it. That's why pig pickin' is a North Carolina tradition. That pig is slow roasted all day long and people sit around watching it rotate on the spit as it gets fall off the bone tender. No other way to eat it, really.19. When North Carolinians Want To Get Creative, They Turn To Pot
Source: The Accidental Artist via Facebook
Beyond the traditional art gallery, North Carolinians love them some DIY Art. Seriously, one of the hottest locales is called the Accidental Artist. It's a DIY pottery studio that lets people of all ages paint their own masterpieces. It's a big hit for birthdays and Mother's Day, let me tell you.20. Blue Ridge Parkway Is Melt Your Face Off Beautiful
Source: Flickr user Clexow
Drive along the road and take in the open fields. Hike down to a stream to go fishing. Or, stick to the peaks to watch the leaves turn in the fall. Locals never want to leave because it's just so picture perfect.21. There Are Mansions, There Are Estates, And Then There's The Biltmore Estate
Source: Flickr user Kamoteus
It's the Biltmore Estate and it's of epic castle proportions, featuring 250 rooms outfitted in French Renaissance style. It is literally the biggest privately owned house in the world. It's now a location for special events but still has the look and feel of a home—albeit a freakin' massive one.22. North Carolina Has Been Into Art From The Very Start
Source: Flickr user chucka_nc
North Carolinians appreciate art in all its forms. That probably explains why this state was the first to create a state art museum. The North Carolina Museum of Art is still going strong, by the way.23. You’ll Never Have A Poor Time At The Pour House
Source: The Pour House
The Pour House is a great little live music venue in Raleigh that has draught beer on tap. Local bands play (and you can sway with the best of them on the small dance floor) or watch from an upstairs viewing area. Totally up to you.24. And The Goat—You Can't Forget The Goat
Source: Rena' Northup via Facebook
Raleigh's great for nightlife options and The Goat is just the perfect little dive bar if there ever was one. From $1 mystery beer nights to jello shots to board games you can pull off the shelf and play, The Goat has an ambiance (and an attitude) all its own.25. The Cook Out Tray Is A Late Night Must
Source: eatcookout.com
Cook Out is a well-loved fast food joint in North Carolina. They serve all the staples like burgers and fries but what locals rave about the most — which is by far the best deal — is the Cook Out Tray. For about $5 you can get your choice of burger or sandwich, two sides (one option is a corn dog), and a drink.26. Stick Your Face In Some Flowers At The Botanical Garden
Source: Flickr user bobistraveling
The North Carolina Botanical Garden in Chapel Hill is great for a day out walking and admiring the variety of flowers. You can press on to the Steamside Trail or the Oak Hill Trail to make a day hike out of it.27. Trips To Lake Norman Is How North Carolinians Say I Love You And I Actually Want To Be Around You
Source: Flickr user Jim Biggs
Families big and small make the trek to Lake Norman State Park each year to enjoy some sun on the largest manmade lake in North Carolina. People take their boats out and go fishing. Others hike along the numerous trails. And it's a great reminder that nature is very much so in your backyard.28. It Ain’t A Family Meal Without Collard Greens
Source: Flickr user Ben Husmann
It's a southern thing, yes, but collard greens are especially beloved in the Tar Heel state. They're cooked till their practically mush. And don't forget the pork drippings. That's what gives them their salty flavor.29. Folks In North Carolina Are Unapologetically Proud To Be Tar Heels
Source: Flickr user rickbucich
To say North Carolinians are proud of their state is an understatement. They bleed blue—whatever shade—and live by old-time values. And above all else, it's a great place to call home.Feature Image Source: Flickr user SineadFriel
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