Moving or new to NC? Congratulations! You’re making a home in the greatest state there is. As a thirteenth-generation North Carolinian, I can attest to how wonderful this place truly is. I can also give you a few tips and warnings that will help make your transition a little less messy.
The Beautiful Trees With a Secret
Ah, the Bradford Pear Tree. They are everywhere, lining the streets with glorious white blossoms that signal spring’s arrival. Look at them, take pictures of them, admire them. But whatever you do, DON’T smell them. They may be pretty, but they reek of disappointment and old fish sticks. There’s nothing quite like a lovely breeze blowing in the smell of decaying fish on a romantic spring day. Their redeeming qualities are their beauty and that their leaves typically turn to bright colors in the fall.
Creepy Crawlers (and Flyers)
My least favorite part of living in the south by far: the bugs. Perhaps the worst of them all is the Palmetto bug, also commonly referred to around here as the wood roach, water bug, or Satan. These are giant cockroaches that…wait for it…FLY. They don’t care how clean your home is. While they aren’t harmful, they’re here on this earth for one purpose only: to ruin your life. They are more commonly seen around areas that are close to the woods or water. But you are bound to see them regardless.
Here’s my pep talk if you run into one of these jerks in your house. They’re fast, don’t take your eye off them. They’re tough, do NOT try to squash one with a tissue. You will cry. I’m speaking from experience. You will need a shoe and the bravery of your ancestors to kill them. Good luck, soldier.
If You’re New to NC, Talk Like a Local
You will need to know how to pronounce some of the commonly mispronounced NC destinations. Appalachian is pronounced app-a-LATCH-un, not app-a-LAY-shun. Latch. Latch. Latch. I don’t care how your second-grade teacher taught it, it’s latch. I’m sorry if I’m being a little aggressive but it’s for your own good. Also, the locals pronounce Topsail as top-Sul, not top-sale. You can do this!
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Ball is Life
College basketball is a big deal here, with the DUKE/UNC rivalry being a constant talking point. March madness is like a holiday and the games were often shown on the classroom tv in the background when I was in school. It’s a fun time! If you’re not sure who to cheer for, might I suggest Duke? Hehe.
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100% Chance Of an Overreaction To Snowflakes
Snow days. If you’re from a particularly cold and snowy place, you are going to laugh at our inability to handle snow. But there are reasons for it! We simply don’t have the funding to battle snow. There aren’t enough plows and equipment because it just doesn’t snow enough here to make it a priority. Further, we almost never JUST get snow. It’s almost always accompanied by ice, and no one can drive on ice. Except maybe a Zamboni but something tells me you don’t drive one of those.
For these reasons, the state is overly cautious to the point it is laughable. If they even SMELL snow in the air, everything is canceled. Ten percent chance of winter weather? School is canceled, the grocery stores run out of milk and bread, and everyone will be talking about it. While it may seem silly and maybe even annoying to you, just embrace the day off and have fun with it. On the rare occurrences in which we get a REAL snow day, it’s pretty special. And then it melts the next day. What a rollercoaster.
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The Barbecue War
Barbecue is a very big deal here. There are two iconic styles: eastern, which is the whole hog with a vinegar sauce, and Lexington, which is typically just the pork shoulder, and a vinegar/ketchup sauce. They also have their own versions of slaw. You will have to try both to determine where your allegiance lies. Contrary to popular belief, you ARE allowed to like both. I highly favor eastern style but can appreciate Lexington once in a while too. Most importantly, do not try Smithfield’s and judge our bbq according to that. It’s a fast-food chain that is meant to satisfy an urgent craving. It would break my heart if you allowed that to be your only NC Barbecue experience.
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New to NC? Remember, Barbecue (Noun):
While we are talking bbq, it’s important to teach you that in NC, barbecue is something you EAT, not something you DO. If you invite friends over for a barbecue and there’s no pork there, they will show up with pitchforks. If you’re cooking hamburgers and hotdogs, we refer to that as a cookout.
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The Drive-thru of Dreams
I guess now is a good time to also teach you about our famous fast-food chain, Cookout. It is not gourmet. It is not pretty. But it’s iconic and good for the soul. Cookouts are sprinkled all over the state and are known for quite possibly the greatest meal deal in existence. For less than $6, you can get what is called a “tray”. These trays include an entree, two sides, and a drink. Sounds normal, right? Wrong. You can get almost anything as a side. Want a quesadilla with your burger? That can be aside. It’s a true blessing to us all, along with their amazing milkshake flavors. Growing up in NC involves many late-night runs to Cookout with your friends, so if you have teenagers, they will likely end up in a Cookout parking lot one day. It’s okay, it’s a right of passage.
Our Strict Neighbors
When traveling, keep this in mind: the second you cross the NC border into Virginia, SLOW DOWN. The highway patrol in Virginia is notorious for being brutal and they are waiting for a poor soul who doesn’t know better to cross their path. Of course, you shouldn’t be speeding in the first place. But they’ll get you for going just a few over and the ticket fees are unreal. You’re welcome, friend.
Moths: Your New Uninvited Guests
Remember how I mentioned bugs before? Moths in the summer nights are incredibly annoying and have terrible manners. They spend all night trying to invite themselves into your home by flocking next to any possible light source and smacking themselves against your windows over and over. Just keep it in mind if you leave your porch light on. It’s no fun to open your door at night only to have 6 moths fly into your face.
On the other hand, summer nights also bring lightning bugs which are absolutely magical.
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The Fair is a Fried Slice of Heaven
The NC State Fair is one of the best things about fall in North Carolina. People look forward to it all year and it seems like every year it gets better and better. The food is one of the most important parts and you will find dishes that go far beyond the usual funnel cake and deep-fried candy bars. Rows and rows of vendors line up, each offering unique creations that are delicious for your tastebuds and horrible for your arteries. Local restaurants participate and food trucks from all over the country show up.
In addition to food, there are rides, exhibits, concerts, animals, and so much more. Many people opt to go a few days because you can’t possibly fit it all into one visit.
It Feels Like a Pollen Apocalypse If You’re New to NC
With spring comes the pollen apocalypse. I know, many places have pollen. But NC gets a LOT. Newcomers are often shocked when they wake up one morning and the world is swimming in yellow. I’m talking cars covered, the air has a slight yellow tint, and when the wind blows hard enough, yellow dust clouds fall from the trees. If you are allergy-prone, have some medicine on hand. It doesn’t last too long, but during pollen season, everyone is walking around with watery eyes and a sneeze looming. Hang in there, soon enough the itchy yellow air will be replaced with suffocating humidity. I know, UGH right? But both pollen and humidity are to thank for this green heaven!
You’re Home
Last, and most importantly, you are welcome in this beautiful state. These tips are here to be a fun guide for you during your transition, not to make you feel like an outsider. You’ll find your groove. You’ll figure out your favorite bbq. You’ll make friends. And you’ll create memories in this special place. Welcome home!
If you’re looking for even more information for newcomers, check out the other articles we have on our Real-Tour channel!