30 Things People From North Carolina Have To Explain To Out-Of-Towners!
from http://www.movoto.com/nc/things-people-from-north-carolina-have-to-explain/
1. The Only Fried Chicken You Should Be Eating Is From Bojangles’
Source: Bojangles’ Facebook
Bojangles’ Famous Chicken ‘n Biscuits is a North Carolina fast food favorite. Locals know that everything else pales in comparison. (We’re looking at you, KFC.)
2. Cheerwine Is Basically The Best Thing Ever
Source: Flickr user boomshackalack
If you’ve always thought, “Gee, I wish my soda tasted a little more like cherry-flavored cough syrup,” you’re in for a real treat.
3. This Is One Southern State Where Every Soft Drink Isn’t A Coke
Source: Flickr user richmooremi
You may want to try to fit in with the locals by ordering a “coke” when you mean something else here, but the only answer you’re going to get is “We’ve got Pepsi.” When it was invented in your state, you have to stay loyal to the brand.
4. Nothing Beats A Weekend Trip To The Outer Banks
Source: Flickr user 8308527@N02
North Carolina has tons of beautiful coastlines, and locals know the best way to take advantage of it. If swimming, kayaking, and surfing are your thing, you’re in luck.
5. Everything Tastes Better When It’s Served In A Mason Jar
Source: Flickr user nanpalmero
Whether it’s sweet tea or moonshine, there’s just something North Carolinians love about drinking out of mason jars. They’re just happy Pinterest and the rest of the country finally caught on.
6. North Carolinians Love To Go All The Way
Source: Flickr user stevensnodgrass
Next time you ask for a hotdog in North Carolina, be sure to order it “all the way,” otherwise you’ll miss out on all that onion-mustard-coleslaw-chili perfection.
7. You Can Thank North Carolinians For The Best Doughnuts Ever
Source: Flickr user jjandames
North Carolinians are responsible for Krispy Kreme. The awesome doughnut chain originated in Winston-Salem, so it’s easy to get your fix when you visit the state.
8. It’s Pronounced “App-uh-LATCH-uhn”
Source: Flickr user scrapstothefuture
Appalachian State University students won’t be shy about correcting you if you say “App-uh-lay-shun.”
9. Everyone Will Want To Show You Where Movies Were Filmed
Source: Flickr user oldrebel
Did you know “Dirty Dancing” was filmed at Lake Lure? Or that “Forest Gump” was filmed at Grandfather Mountain? Oh… you will after visiting North Carolina.
10. North Carolinians Either Bleed Blue Or Red
Source: Flickr user forresto
Most North Carolinians are busy debating whether UNC Tar Heels fans or Duke Blue Devils fans are more committed, but in Raleigh it’s all about NC State’s Wolfpack.
11. Don’t Knock Chowchow Till You’ve Tried It
Source: Wikipedia user Geoff
Some people develop a taste for this everything-but-the-kitchen-sink relish right away. Others find the green tomatoes, cabbage, pepper, onion, carrot, green bean, and whatever else is left over mix a little stomach turning.
Try it on a hotdog before you judge too harshly. Everything tastes better on a hotdog.
12. People Will Look At You Funny If You Order “Sweet Tea”
Source: Flickr user the_family_farm
North Carolinians always drink their iced tea super syrupy sweet. It’s just more refreshing that way.
13. If You’re Not Eating A Biscuit With Every Meal, You’re Doing It Wrong
Source: Flickr user Stacy Spensley
No one does biscuits better than North Carolinians. It’s the perfect breakfast with jam, the perfect lunch with ham and cheese, and the perfect side for dinner.
14. Life Still Feels A Little Like “The Andy Griffith Show”
Source: Tumblr user deez521
Even though “The Andy Griffith Show” was set in a fictional North Carolina town, the spirit of the show is still very much alive in a lot of the state’s small towns. Don’t be surprised if you see kids running around and playing in the streets, and a lot of unlocked doors.
15. You Haven’t Experienced True Christmas Magic Until You Go To Tanglewood
Source: Flickr user bnhsu
Tanglewood Park’s annual Festival Of Lights alone is enough to make a North Carolina trip worthwhile. Their truly elaborate Christmas lights are nothing short of magical.
16. You’ll Never Hear Anything More Passive Aggressive Than “Bless Your Heart!”
Source: Tumblr user ridiculousnessbydani
If you’re not from North Carolina, this seemingly nice and genuine sentiment can feel surprisingly like pity rather than empathy. Trust your gut on the whole pity thing. No North Carolinian blesses your heart unless they feel a little sorry for you.
17. All The Artsy Liberal Hippies Hang Out In Asheville
Source: Flickr user anoldent
North Carolina might strike most out-of-towners as fairly conservative, but one visit to Asheville might change their minds.
18. You Better Like Pork—And A Whole Lot Of It
Source: Wikipedia user Klammnc
Nothing beats the power trip that comes from standing over an entire pig right before you’re about to dig in. There’s a reason North Carolinians love their pig picking tradition so much.
19. The Biltmore Will Make You Feel Royal—If Just For One Day
Source: Flickr user jenniferboyer
It’s rare for most people to get to see how the 1% lived back in the day, but this enormous, gorgeous historic home is open to the public. There’s nothing like getting carried away by dreams of being a Vanderbilt.
20. The Best BBQ Restaurants Are The Ones With Lines Out The Door
Source: Flickr user southernfoodwaysalliance
There’s no shortage of great barbeque in North Carolina, but when in doubt about where to go, look at where all the locals are flocking. Better yet, go somewhere that has a street named after it like B’s BBQ in Greenville.
21. There’s No Excuse To Drink Bad Beer In North Carolina
Source: NoDa Brewing Company Facebook
Just ask any local, and they’ll tell you their favorite microbrewery. Between NoDa Brewing Company, Highland Brewing Company, Deep River Brewing Company, and all the other amazing local favorites, you shouldn’t have any trouble finding something at least twenty steps above Miller.
22. Not All North Carolinians Are NASCAR Fans—Just Everyone From Charlotte
Source: Flickr user PDA.PHOTO
If you’re looking for NASCAR action in North Carolina, Charlotte is the place to be. But don’t necessarily expect everyone from the state to know a ton about the sport.
23. No State Does Autumn Better Than North Carolina
Source: Flickr user ncbrian
It’s almost hard to keep your eyes on the road while driving through North Carolina in the fall. You’ll have a hard time pulling them away from all the gorgeous trees.
24. You’re Never Too Old To Learn Something Awesome About Science
Source: Flickr user Discovery Place Facebook
Discovery Place in Charlotte might be geared toward children… but let’s be honest, it’s just as awesome as an adult.
If you’ve totally lost your inner child and you’re not into dinosaur bones, their adults-only drink-mixing event Science On The Rocks is still totally appealing.
25. The Music Scene Is Totally Awesome
Source: Flickr user bandfan
With music like Ben Folds, James Taylor, The Avett Brothers, and Deniro Farrar coming out of North Carolina, there’s something to suit every taste. It’s not all bluegrass—although they’re pretty great at that too.
26. If You’re Looking For Southern Charm, You’ll Find It At Azalea Festival
Source: North Carolina Azalea Festival at Wilmington
A trip to Wilmington’s Azalea Festival means derby hats, fancy dresses, and seersucker suits galore. It’s also a great way to see live music and local art—but people watching is always the best part.
27. Everyone Knows Someone Who’s In The Military
Source: Flickr user 44458147@N00
Plenty of local North Carolinians have been in or have family in the military. If you’re trying to get a sense of that history and pride, a visit to Fort Macon is a great introduction for out-of-towners.
28. If Fort Macon Isn’t Enough, The USS North Carolina Battleship Is A Must See
Source: USS North Carolina Battleship Facebook
Every North Carolinian has been on at least one family trip to this awesome historic battleship, so it’s definitely worth a visit if you’re new to North Carolina and don’t want to be left out.
29. Everyone Seriously Loves The North Carolina Zoo
Source: North Carolina Zoo Facebook
It’s super well laid out, easy to walk around, and full of both terrifying and adorable animals. There’s a reason locals recommend it so highly.
30. You’re Always Welcome In The Tar Heel State
Source: Flickr user taylormackenzie
Even if you get a few people saying “bless your heart” after you order an unsweetened iced tea, Southern hospitality and a strong community vibe always reign in North Carolina. It’s easy to see why residents have so much state pride.
What do you have to explain to out-of-towners about North Carolina? Tell us in the comments below!
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