National North Carolina Day

A State of Sweet Tea and Southern Charm

National North Carolina Day, celebrated on September 28, is the perfect time to recognize all the things that make the Tar Heel State a standout. Whether you're talking about the breathtaking landscapes, the thriving barbecue scene (where opinions are hotter than the grills), or a history as rich as the state’s famous sweet tea, North Carolina is worthy of a day in its honor.

The Birthplace of Flight and Other Highs

North Carolina proudly lays claim to being the birthplace of flight, thanks to the Wright brothers' famous 1903 adventure at Kitty Hawk. You could say that day really took off—literally. But while aviation fans can boast about this achievement, don’t forget North Carolina has plenty more to be proud of. The state is also home to Mount Mitchell, the highest point in the eastern United States. So, whether you want to soar above the clouds or hike to the highest peak east of the Mississippi, North Carolina's got you covered.

On the flip side, don’t worry if you’re more of a sea-level enthusiast. With over 300 miles of coastline, the Outer Banks offer a dreamy stretch of sandy beaches where you can relax, enjoy fresh seafood, or wait patiently for a pirate sighting. Yes, Blackbeard roamed these waters once upon a time. And while he’s long gone, the tales of hidden treasure (and the occasional ghost ship) live on.

Two Barbecue Styles, One Heated Debate

If you’ve ever been to North Carolina, you've probably heard the debate—eastern or western barbecue? This isn’t just a friendly chat; this is serious business. On one side, Eastern North Carolina stands firm with a vinegar-based barbecue sauce that has a tangy punch. On the other, Western North Carolina (sometimes called Lexington-style) swings toward a sweeter, ketchup-based sauce. You could think of it as a culinary civil war, but thankfully, it only leads to full bellies, not battlefields.

In fact, if you find yourself at a North Carolina barbecue, just play it cool and enjoy the feast. Whether it’s a pig pickin' with pulled pork, hushpuppies, and slaw, or a more refined affair, you’ll be too busy savoring the flavors to choose sides. If you’re lucky, someone might even hand you a bottle of Cheerwine, North Carolina’s beloved cherry-flavored soft drink, to wash it all down.

The Tar Heel Legacy

Speaking of sides, what exactly is a Tar Heel, anyway? Well, back in the day, North Carolina was a major producer of tar, pitch, and turpentine from its vast pine forests. Legend has it that workers who handled the sticky tar would often find it stuck to their heels—a badge of pride that evolved into the nickname "Tar Heel" for North Carolinians. Whether you think it sounds like a tough-as-nails worker or a slightly sticky situation, the Tar Heel legacy is now a symbol of state pride and resilience.

And if you happen to be a basketball fan, the term Tar Heel probably makes you think of one thing: the University of North Carolina's legendary basketball team. From Michael Jordan’s slam dunks to Dean Smith’s coaching genius, the Tar Heels have made history on the court—bringing home more than a few championships and leaving rivals blue in more ways than one.

From Mountains to Beaches

North Carolina’s natural diversity is nothing short of amazing. The western part of the state is home to the Blue Ridge and Great Smoky Mountains, a playground for hikers, campers, and anyone looking to get lost in the great outdoors (though maybe not too lost—bears don’t play around). The fall foliage here is so stunning it can cause spontaneous road trips, gas station snack runs, and photo ops that clog social media feeds.

Meanwhile, down on the coast, the Outer Banks offer a completely different vibe. Here, you can enjoy long, sandy stretches of beach where the only interruptions come from seagulls eyeing your picnic. You might also spot wild horses galloping along the dunes, descendants of Spanish mustangs that swam to shore centuries ago. And don’t miss the iconic lighthouses—especially the candy-striped Cape Hatteras Lighthouse, the tallest brick lighthouse in the country.

A Little Something for Everyone

Are you a music fan? North Carolina gave us legends like John Coltrane, Thelonious Monk, and bluegrass king Doc Watson. If you’re into NASCAR, you’re in the right place—Charlotte is home to the NASCAR Hall of Fame, where you can relive the thrilling moments of stock car racing and maybe even learn how to change a tire faster than you can say, “Turn left!”

For those with a taste for the arts, North Carolina also boasts one of the country’s best film industries. Movies like Dirty Dancing and The Hunger Games were filmed in the state, proving that North Carolina isn’t just great for making memories but for making movie magic as well.

And let’s not forget North Carolina's craft beer scene. With Asheville leading the charge, the state has become a hotspot for beer lovers, offering everything from traditional IPAs to quirky, experimental brews that pair perfectly with that aforementioned barbecue. So if you're ever feeling parched after a hike or a day at the beach, a cold local beer is never far away.

The Sweetest Spot

If you prefer a more down-to-earth experience, North Carolina’s agriculture is top-notch. The state ranks as one of the top producers of sweet potatoes in the country, so it’s no surprise that they know how to turn a humble root vegetable into something spectacular. But it's not all just potatoes—North Carolina’s peaches, apples, and tobacco fields are equally legendary, keeping the state’s agricultural roots strong.

And while we're talking about crops, let's not forget about the state's love affair with biscuits. Fluffy, buttery, melt-in-your-mouth biscuits. Pair them with country ham, drizzle them with honey, or, if you're feeling adventurous, dunk them in some of that iconic North Carolina barbecue sauce. You’ll never look at plain toast the same way again.

Whether you're here for the rich history, the stunning landscapes, or simply the food (which, let’s be honest, is worth the trip alone), National North Carolina Day is the perfect time to appreciate everything that makes this state so special. From the mountains to the sea, North Carolina is a state filled with surprises, smiles, and, of course, plenty of sweet tea.

So, on September 28, raise a glass (or maybe a Cheerwine) to North Carolina—a state that flies high, grills with gusto, and always keeps a little tar on its heels.

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