11 Hills Every North Carolinian Is Willing To Die On

With so many exceptional aspects to North Carolina, its residents thrive among the numerous choices for fun, including fishing, swimming, hiking, dining, sports, and cultural activities, bringing visitors to The Tar Heel State in droves. From the magical coast to the majestic mountains there are lots of reasons to be proud, but a few stand out more than others.

Here are 11 can't-miss experiences that capture the spirit of North Carolina.

1. North Carolina Has the Most Breathtaking Mountains

From the Great Smokies to the Blue Ridge Mountains, this rugged state offers gorgeous waterfalls, hiking trails, and overlooks along its winding Blue Ridge Parkway and Appalachian Trail. With more than 3,398 named mountains in North Carolina, 40 reach 6,000 feet high, giving bragging rights as the best mountains anywhere.

2. North Carolina Knows Biscuits

From rich creamy butter to a crispy piece of chicken, North Carolina has the best flaky biscuits, even when slathered with just plain cheese.

3. North Carolina Has the Sweetest Tea

While sweet tea is available almost everywhere in North Carolina, one of the best places offering the liquid delight ROMANZ TEA is The Sweet Tea Cafe, where you'll find the artisan craft micro-brewed specialty made with love and sunshine with a cult following.

4. You'll Find the Best Sea Shelling and Fossil Hunting Here

300 miles of barrier-island beaches make up the coasts, offering plenty of opportunities to find the very best sea shells and shark's teeth, dance on the piers, or fish in the many of the lakes and waterways in North Carolina.

5. We Have the Most Exciting NASCAR Races

At Charlotte Motor Speedway, you can go from the fan stands to the driver's seat with racing classes and experiences. If you're in town for a just a day, it's worth stopping by the NASCAR Hall of Fame to learn more about the history of the sport and see tributes to racing legends. If you have more time on your hands, considering camping at the race grounds for one their featured events.

6. North Carolina Has the Best Homegrown Tomatoes (Especially Served With Duke's Mayo)

This tangy Southern staple is best slathered on homegrown garden tomatoes. They are best served cold and alone, but if you must carry it around, slapping it on your favorite slices of white bread will do. Feeling adventurous? Try it on a famous BLT with an egg at the iconic Merritt's.

7. Forget Nashville - North Carolina Has the Best Music Scene

One of the most entertaining North Carolina facts is that performers busking on street corners, at summer music festivals, or those on stage in fancy music halls give North Carolina its unique, cultural flavor.

8. North Carolina BBQ Is the Best Barbecue

This state boasts the best barbecue served in different varieties, with Lexington, Eastern, and pork ribs coming in the top three. Despite arguments over the best barbecue cooking methods, sauces, and cuts, most North Carolinians will never pass up this moist, flaky goodness any which way.

9. Cheerwine Is the Nectar Of the Gods

In 1917, this bubbly, wild-cherry flavored soft drink was invented in Salisbury, North Carolina, and has been a hit ever since. The company is still family-owned and operated nearly 100 years later.

10. North Carolina Has the Best Sports Teams

Sports are way of life in the South, and North Carolina is no exception. Whether it's the professional Carolina Hurricanes, or college rivals, such as the Duke Blue Devils and North Carolina Tar Heels, the contests here have been known to stir up a few arguments, even at church.

11. The Most Amazing Peanuts Are Found in North Carolina

North Carolina is the fifth-largest peanut-producing state, specializing in the Virginia market type. For more than 50 years, folks have enjoyed these nuts from Aunt Ruby's Peanuts, a local family-owned business where you'll also find cashews, almonds, chocolate, and other treats.

If you have been in North Carolina for a while now, did one of these hills to die on ring true to you? Have we left any out? If you have something to add, please share it in the comments. Here are a few more North Carolina arguments for why we live in the best state. Be sure to add these stops to your North Carolina trip itinerary using the OIYS itinerary planner.