By BrainFall Staff - Updated: October 21, 2015
When it comes to beautiful sights and hospitable people, you just can’t beat North Carolina. But how North Carolina are you? Take the quiz to find out!
How North Carolina Are You?
Ever found yourself hankerin' for a sweet tea more than your morning coffee or catching a whiff of barbecue that sets your heart aflutter? Maybe you've never met a stranger, just friends you haven't said "hey y'all" to yet. It's time to put your Tar Heel roots to the test with a little quiz that measures the mustard on your Carolina cred.
So, lace up your best walking shoes for a stroll down tobacco roads and past blue-hued mountains. Let's see if your veins run with the kind of saltwater found on the Outer Banks or if "Carolina in My Mind" is more than just a catchy tune to you. If you nod along knowing the difference between Eastern and Lexington-style barbecue, you just might be as North Carolina as they come. Take the quiz and find out if you're a bonafide North Carolinian or if you've got some Carolinian catching up to do!
From Blue Ridge to Beaches Bliss
North Carolina, the land where you can swap your hiking boots for flip-flops in just a day's drive. Here's the ultimate lowdown on what makes the Tar Heel State's landscapes a haven for adventure seekers and culture enthusiasts alike.
Mountain Highs and River Sighs
Take a deep breath in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park—can you smell the pine? If not, you might want to check if you're actually a hologram. Here, you have the chance to hike trails that crisscross Cherokee ancestral lands or ski down the powdery slopes of Beech Mountain and Blowing Rock's renowned resorts. Go chasing waterfalls at Linville Falls or Hickory Nut Falls, and let the mist dust your face like nature's own Instagram filter.
- Drives to Remember: Blue Ridge Parkway
- Chill-out Spots: Roanoke Island, Nantahala National Forest
- Mountain Towns to Explore: Boone, Chimney Rock
Coastline Adventures and Maritime Tales
Ever wanted to try your hand at flying a kite in the same spot that the Wright brothers first took flight? Well, Outer Banks is your playground—a stretch of islands perfect for surfing, swimming, and kayaking. Visit the Cape Hatteras lighthouse and mock the sea's attempts to move it. Soak in the legendary sunsets and maybe, just maybe, tell your own maritime tale.
- Surf Spots: Atlantic Coast
- Beach Day Essentials: Sunscreen, Towel, A Good Book
Cultural Crossroads: Arts, Antiques, and UFOs. Just Kidding, More Arts!
North Carolina isn't just about its natural splendor; it's also a melting pot of arts and culture. Get your fix of Appalachian history intertwined with Cherokee culture. If paintings and performances are your jam, saunter through local art museums, or attend a show at one of the state's historic theaters. Don't forget to time your visit with the myriad of festivals bursting with local art, music, and food.
- Arts Venues: Western North Carolina
- Culture Musings: High Country, Pisgah National Forest
Lifestyle and Legacies
So, you think you're meshed into the very fabric of North Carolina? Let's see if your lifestyle and legacies align with the Old North State.
Seasonal Shenanigans and Where to Find Them
Summer: Ready to embrace that sweet, sweet humidity? Pack the sunscreen for a sizzling hoe-down at the North Carolina State Fair or a splashy adventure at the US National Whitewater Center. Summer's your ticket to high-energy NASCAR races and evening jaunts to the Elizabethan Gardens.
Fall: Ah, autumn in NC - crisp air and crunchy leaves. You haven't lived until you've seen the Appalachian Mountains painted in a palette of fiery hues. Don’t forget a trip to Old Salem for a dose of fall zest infused with history.
Winter: Snow-capped pines and roaring fireplaces! Hit the slopes for some prime skiing, or if you're feeling less adventurous, try a leisurely hike through one of many state parks draped in winter's quiet.
Spring: It's the rebirth of all things green and gorgeous – hello, gardens! Embrace the new blooms and take a swing at one of Pinehurst’s famed golf courses. Spring's also perfect for a seafood hunt – maybe try fishing at your local lake or even make a break for the coast.
Notable Nods to History and Heritage
Civil War to Civil Rights: Take a somber step back in time at various Civil War attractions, or trace the steps of the legendary Wright brothers. Got a thing for academia? Stroll through the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill and soak in the intellectual legacy.
Cultural Roots: Explore tales of the Cherokee people in cities like Cherokee itself, or appreciate art and stories at Raleigh's numerous history-laden districts. Your love for NC history might just be hidden in the museum corners of Greensboro and Winston-Salem.
Savor the State: Food, Brews, and Chucklesome Festivities
Taste of Tarheel: Barbecue or vineyard tours, pick your poison. The state’s wineries are aromatic experiences you can’t miss, and let's not even get started on the smorgasbord at the likes of Carrboro Farmers' Market – a true agricultural sensation.
Cheers to Craft: You're not truly North Carolinian until you've toasted with a craft beer from one of Raleigh's microbreweries. Maybe a cold one at a sports game? Whether it's college ball or minor league, you're in for a treat.
The Quirky Celebrations: Every chuckle counts at the quirky festivals. Guffaws guaranteed with offbeat celebrations like the annual Hollerin' Contest in southeastern NC. Yes, that’s a thing, and it’s as wonderfully bizarre as it sounds.
