13 Quirky Facts About North Carolina That Sound Made Up, But Are 100% True

North Carolina is known for its stunning coastlines and storied mountains, but there’s a lot more to the Tar Heel State than natural beauty. Scattered across its towns and cities are quirky attractions and fun facts that might sound made up — but are completely true. From an official state toast to an oversized coffee pot, here are some surprising facts about North Carolina that might just inspire a visit.

1. We're Have the Tallest Lighthouse in the US...

Bodie Island Lighthouse was first lit on Dec. 16, 1870, and is a staggering 210 feet tall and 269 steps to climb. It still protects one of the most hazardous sections of the Atlantic Coast. While it's closed for restoration, you can view the virtual tour.

2. And a Giant Coffee Pot

In 1858, the 7-foot-3-inch-tall coffee pot was created by tinsmiths Samuel and Julius Mickey to advertise their shop. Over the years, the pot has been relocated a couple of times and is owned by the City of Winston-Salem.

3. We're the Only State With an Official Drinking Toast...

In 1957 the poem "A Toast" was adopted as the official toast to the State of North Carolina. The work in its entirety is four stanzas long and written by Leonora Martin and Mary Burke Kerr in 1904.

4. And Milk Is the Official State Beverage

Got milk? We have plenty. In 1987, North Carolina cows produced 179 million gallons of milk, earning about $4,800 per cow. That same year, the General Assembly adopted milk as the official State beverage. Today, N.C. still has hundreds of dairy farms, and you can tour one at Homeland Creamery in Julian.

5. We're Home to the First Krispy Kreme Doughnut Shop

A big thanks goes to Vernon Rudolph for purchasing a secret doughnut recipe and creating the most splendid sweetness to touch your lips. On July 13, 1937, he opened a shop in Old Salem, now Winston-Salem, to begin selling Krispy Kreme doughnuts to local grocery stores, and the rest is history.

6. We're the Largest Producer of Sweet Potatoes in the Nation

The sweet theme continues with North Carolina being the largest producer of sweet potatoes in the U.S. In 1995, it the official state vegetable. In 2021, the state harvested nearly 2 billion pounds of sweet potatoes.

7. The Infamous Pirate Blackbeard Called North Carolina Home

Imagine what it was like in summer of 1718, when the notorious Blackbeard lived in Bath and roamed the streets there? Well, you can follow his footsteps and explore all the locations dedicated to his time in the state.

8. We have the Nation's Highest Suspension Footbridge...

Since 1952, a constant stream of hundreds of thousands of people per year visit the majestic Grandfather Mountain to walk across the Mile High Swinging Bridge. If you have a fear of heights, fear not! According to All Trails, while the bridge is a mile above sea level, it's only 500 feet above the ground. It's definitely worth the trek to take in the 360-degree panoramic views from Grandfather Mountain’s Linville Peak.

9. And of the 1st Satellite Tracking Stations in the Country

NASA selected our very own Pisgah National Forest as the for one of the nation’s first satellite tracking stations and construction began in 1962. While operations were relocated in 1995, NASA and the Department of Defense invested several hundred million dollars in the 200-acre campus during the time in between. In 1998, the site was acquired by new owners and the Pisgah Astronomical Research Institute was born.

10. Ever Used Vicks VapoRub? You Can Thank Us

The menthol-infused topical ointment was manufactured by the family-owned Richardson-Vicks Inc. in Greensboro. It was first sold 1905 and has been soothing chest colds ever since. It was purchased by Procter & Gamble and renamed Vicks in 1985.

11. The First English Child Born in the US Was Born Here

In 1587, Virginia Dare was the first English child born in America at Roanoke Island. This gorgeous statue has a story of its own, and is located in the lush Elizabethan Gardens on Roanoke Island in Manteo.

12. We're Proud Owners of the World's Largest Duncan Phyfe Chair

You won't forget your welcome to the charming town of Thomasville once you see this 30 feet tall steel and concrete chair. The seat alone is 10 feet 6 inches wide!

13. We Have a State Dance

The Shag is both North and South Carolina's official dance. Although the two-person dance was done to jazz and swing music in the 1920s and 1930s, the modern shag evolved into beach music.

If you're ready to try the shag or visit these special places in North Carolina history, plan your trip to the Tar Heel State using the the OIYS itinerary planner.