After 5 years of living in Raleigh, North Carolina, I have learned so many cool facts about this state that really blew my mind! Therefore, I, of caourse, must share all these awesome facts with you, because, North Carolina is in fact a really cool state!
1. Tallest Sand Dune on the East Coast
Did you know you could find the tallest living sand dune in North Carolina? Well, east of the Mississippi. It is called Jockeys Ridge and is located in the Outer Banks! The sand dunes can reach 60 ft. tall.
2. First in Flight
As a traveler, one of my favorite North Carolina facts is that we were first in flight. Kitty Hawk, also located in the Outer Banks, is where the Wrights Brothers were first to fly a plane. Now the “First in Flight” North Carolina License plate makes sense!
3. Highest Mountain Peak on the East Coast
North Carolina is home to the highest peak east of the Mississippi. You can drive to the top of Mt. Mitchell and enjoy panoramic views at 6,684 ft. It is known as one of the best stops on the Blue Ridge Parkway.
4. Highest Ski Mountain
Looking to hit the slopes? North Carolina is also known to have the highest ski slope on the North East. Located in Western North Carolina, Beech Mountain Ski Slope is 5,505 ft.
5. The largest Private Estate in the USA
Located in Asheville, you can explore the Biltmore Estate and massive gardens. The Biltmore was built for the Vanderbilt family, and getting tickets ahead of time will help you get a better price. The grounds are dog-friendly, however, dogs are not allowed in the house.
6. Home to Pepsi
North Carolina is where one of the most famous soft drinks was born: Pepsi.
7. Home to Krispy Kreme Donuts
Krispy Kreme Donuts was also born in the tar heel state! Therefore, you will find shops all over the state!
8. Largest Producer of Sweet Potatoes
North Carolina is the largest producer of sweet potatoes, yum! So, when you buy sweet potatoes in NC, know it likely came from a local farm.
9. Inventor of Mini-Golf
Mini-golf/putt-putt golf was said to have been started in North Carolina.
10. North Carolina Christmas Trees
NC is one of the top-producing states for Christmas trees out in Ashe County. You can even visit Christmas Tree farms and cut your own tree.
11. NC Black Bears
The largest concentration of black bears in the southeastern United States is in North Carolina. They are also known as some of the largest Black Bears and can be found on NC’s coastal plains.
12. North Carolina Has Wild Horses
Wild Horses can be found on the Outer Banks in Corolla. These wild Colonial Spanish Mustangs have been living there for 500 years!
13. Oldest Public Univerity
The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill claims to be the oldest public university in the USA.
14. America’s Longest Linear Parkway
The Blue Ridge Parkway is America’s longest linear park, running through Virginia and, you guessed it, North Carolina!
15. North Carolina BBQ
Another fun fact about North Carolina is that we have some of the best Barbeque Cities in the America!
16. Smithsonian of the South
Raleigh, the capital of North Carolina has been dubbed the Smithsonian of the South. This is because they have many free museums you can visit. In fact, it is one of the best things to do in Downtown Raleigh!
Facts about North Carolina: Wrap-up
As you can see, North Carolina indeed has some pretty cool facts! If I missed any of your favorite facts about the Tar-Heel state, let me know in the comments below!