State culture is such a unique, and sometimes odd, thing. You might not even realize how deeply the culture of your native state is intertwined in your behavior and lifestyle until you leave. Even once you're living in a new state or country, you'll always carry a bit of North Carolina in you, from your mannerisms, speech, and even attitude. Growing up in Carolina has some interesting effects on a person, and we've been following many of these unwritten rules of those who live in North Carolina our whole lives.
1. Don't get flustered when getting stuck in a traffic jam behind a tractor. Just wait until it's your turn to pass. Leafers on the Blue Ridge Parkway are another story, especially if they're adorning an out of state license plate.
Perhaps unsurprisingly, first on the list of unwritten rules of those who live in North Carolina applies to driving.
2. March Madness and ACC Tournament are basically a holiday.
It's appropriate if the basketball games are played on the TV at work or school.
3. One must choose a side for North Carolina BBQ, eastern or Lexington style.
Moreover, one must defend that side to the death, even if they sometimes (secretly) enjoy the other. Just never, ever, ever, promote mustard-based BBQ sauce.
4. Even half an inch of snow will be treated as a grave snowstorm likely to threaten and destroy all you know and love. Milk and bread will protect you, though.
5. Always make time to view fall foliage once the leaves change.
6. A meal served on a Sunday afternoon around friends and family will always be referred to as 'supper.'
7. The best recipes aren't found in a cookbook, but passed down from Grandmothers, mothers, and sometimes both.
8. If you ever say the words "you guys" instead of y'all you will be immediately banned from North Carolina.
9. Directions must always be given in terms of landmarks.
For example, "Bojangles will be on the left, then follow the road half a mile until you see a white church on your right, then turn, after that you'll see an old barn with two trees and a mailbox, keep going, in half a mile you'll pass over a bridge, after that bridge turn right and after you pass another Bojangles, you'll be at your destination."
10. You don't have to choose between the mountains or coast, but you must witness a sunrise and sunset on both at least once.
11. No matter how old you are, one must always respect their elders.
12. Tea is to be served sweet at all times, preferably from a mason jar.
13. Stand at the top of Mt. Mitchell at least once.
14. In the summertime, choose a swimming hole over a swimming pool at least once.
15. Never turn down a beach trip in the fall or winter.
16. Mac n cheese, sweet potato casserole, collards soaked in vinegar, and fried okra are 'veggies.'
17. Never judge a restaurant by its exterior.
If You Only Have One Day to Visit This Small Town in Maine, Here’s Everything You Absolutely Can’t Miss
If You Only Have One Day to Visit This Small Town in Massachusetts, Here’s Everything You Absolutely Can’t Miss
If You Only Have One Day to Visit This Small Town in Maryland, Here’s Everything You Absolutely Can’t Miss
18. No matter how far the road takes you away from North Carolina, always leave a piece of your heart in the Ol' North State.
There are so many more unwritten rules of those who live in North Carolina I could add, but I think the more specific ones are also contingent on what part of the state you're from. Now it's your turn, what are some unwritten North Carolina rules you live by?
For more relatable North Carolina laughs on our culture, here are 12 things we're always explaining to out-of-towners.
Subscribe to our newsletter
Get the latest updates and news
Thank you for subscribing!