Ten Town Names in North Carolina That Will Cause an Existential Crisis on Your GPS

North Carolina is packed with towns whose names are so quirky, confusing, or downright odd that your GPS—and maybe your sense of reality—will be left spinning. Here are ten of the most mind-bending:

1. Lizard Lick

Located in Wake County, this town’s name comes from the abundance of lizards seen “licking” themselves on sunny fences. It’s so unique it inspired a reality TV show.

2. Whynot

In Randolph County, the story goes that after a long debate about what to name the town, a resident said, “Why not name it Whynot and let’s go home?” The name stuck.

3. Bat Cave

Yes, it’s real! This Henderson County community is named after an actual bat-filled cave on Bluerock Mountain. It’s a favorite for Batman jokes and confused tourists alike.

4. Kill Devil Hills

This Outer Banks town’s name comes from the days of shipwrecks and rum called “kill-devil.” It’s also where the Wright brothers made aviation history, but your GPS might think you’re searching for a horror movie location.

5. Toast

Found in Surry County, Toast’s origins are a mystery, but the name is so odd it’s even referenced in Andy Griffith’s comedy. Residents are sometimes called “Toasters”.

6. Climax

Located in Guilford and Randolph counties, Climax is famous for its suggestive name and annual “Climax Christmas Parade.” It’s a frequent stop for people seeking a good laugh—or a confusing GPS route.

7. Duck

This Dare County beach town is named for the many waterfowl in the area, but it’s easy to imagine your GPS quacking up over the directions.

8. Coinjock

In Currituck County, Coinjock’s name is thought to come from a Native American word for “mulberry.” The pronunciation (“COIN-jock”) stumps many, and it’s often mistaken for a typo.

9. Boogertown

Gaston County’s Boogertown isn’t named for anything gross—locals embrace the name with humor, especially around the holidays.

10. Seven Devils

This Avery and Watauga counties town got its name from the “seven devils” (or mischievous brothers) who once lived in the area. The name is enough to make your GPS—and your imagination—run wild.

These towns prove that in North Carolina, a name can be a story, a joke, or just a challenge for your navigation system.

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