14 Things Every True North Carolinian Does At Least Once Before They Die

What makes a true North Carolinian? I guess one would say a mix of different things. From trying that crucial cuisine, to taking those must-do hikes, even if you're a transplant every North Carolinian finds themselves doing these 15 things at one point or other.

1. Hike a portion of the Appalachian Trail, whether you intersect it from another trail or deliberately take a week or more to experience WNC backpacking.

2. Take a cool dip on a hot summer day...in a waterfall.

3. Witness a life changing beachside sunrise.

4. Then have your life changed all over again at sunset in the mountains.

5. Try both types of BBQ, and also try ribs, brisket, platter, sandwich, a bit of everything.

6. Then subsequently get in a fight/debate over which style is better...Lexington or Eastern.

7. Join the rest of the tourists (leafers) to get a glimpse of fall in the Blue Ridge Mountains.

8. Shed a tear, or cuss up a storm, over a college basketball game.

9. Take a picture of or with your Bojangles...cause, cajun filet biscuits...duh.

10. Give directions based entirely on landmarks and estimated distances (yonder).

11. Spend a week on the beach doing just this....

12. Take a long, hard hike...to a well worth it waterfall.

13. Prepare WAY too much for a snow day, fight crowds at the grocery store, salt the walkways, and then sit and wait for those 1-2 inches of snow.

14. Go on a trip somewhere, then declare you're never leaving North Carolina again!

I'm sure there's SO many more I could add to the list - but now it's your turn! What makes a true North Carolinian?

In other terms of North Carolina culture, it might be very possible you never knew these state secrets existed!