Posted in North Carolina April 10, 2016 by

10 Reasons People In North Carolina Should Be Proud Of Their State

As of late, North Carolina has not had the best press in terms of being a ‘great state.’ Whatever your side is on the controversial HB 52, it has caused quite a political storm, with other states and even famous faces getting involved. Bruce Springsteen cancelled his show in Greensboro, and PayPal cancelled expansion plans. Whatever way you feel about the bill, the bill is anything but a representation of North Carolina as a whole. North Carolina isn’t having the best week, but these 10 reasons will give you hope that the Tar Heel state is still the greatest state.

1. North Carolina has changed the world.
Flickr / Zach Frailey
Between aviation, hundreds of inventions, and serious technological advances (from the Research Triangle Park) the world would NOT be the same without North Carolina.
2. We've been keeping it real from the start.
Wikipedia
North Carolina was one of the first states to declare independence from Britain. Not to mention, 'Esse quam videri,' AKA 'To be rather than to seem,' shows how North Carolina has paved the way towards many great things.
3. No one does barbeque quite like we do.
Flickr / Jenica
With two types to choose from, nothing compares to NC Q!
4. We have some of the most beautiful beaches you'll ever step your sandy toes on.
Flickr / Zach Frailey
And there's plenty of diverse beauty in our beaches. From the wild and rugged Outer Banks to the turquoise waters of the Crystal Coast.
5. And nothing compares to the Blue Ridge Mountains.
Dwayne Schmidt
A place of magic, beauty, adventures and hiking. Amazing mountains AND beaches....yeah, we're pretty awesome.
6. North Carolina has over 400 waterfalls.
Flickr / Kim Seng
Move over, Oregon and Washington (your falls are gorgeous, too) - North Carolina has some of the most breathtaking waterfalls in the nation. With just over 200 alone found in Transylvania County. How can you compete with such mystical beauty?
7. North Carolina is home to hundreds of beautiful hiking trails.
Flickr / Alex LeSuerer
With so much beauty and adventure to be had, it's no surprise our citizens are just as adventurous. We love the outdoors and our gorgeous home!
8. We have the best college basketball rivalry in the nation.
Flickr / Max Masnick
You can't even mention college basketball without bringing up UNC V. Duke. Speaking of...besides just UNC and Duke, our universities are amazing.
9. North Carolina is a haven for all the arts.
Flickr / James Willamor
North Carolina has produced some of the best musical talent in American history. Not to mention, UNCSA, film and TV production, artists, gallery crawls, Sea Grove, the backdrop Nicholas Sparks chose for romantic love novels, etc., etc., etc....North Carolina is all things arts...and it's awesome.
10. Despite the current national belief, North Carolina is a very progressive place.
Etsy / poppyandpinecone
From our big cities to our small towns, North Carolinians have big hearts - we love and accept everyone the best way we can. Sure, we might be divided on some issues, but that doesn't make our state any less amazing. It's impossible to lump everyone into one category - and North Carolina is a place of diverse landscapes, people, and abundant beauty. There's nowhere else I'd rather be...and I'll stick with my state, thank you very much, y'all.

There are so many reasons to love and be proud of the Tar Heel state. Especially when the current actions are very much out of the citizens’ hands, it seems we are all on standby, waiting, watching, to see what will happen. But that doesn’t change the love we have in our hearts for our forever home. What are some reasons you’re proud of the Tar Heel state?

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