North Carolina is a state that surprises you in many ways. From its unique food culture to its rich history and odd natural wonders, life here is full of quirks and unexpected details that set it apart from other places. Here are eight strange and unusual things about North Carolina that you might not hear about unless you’ve experienced them firsthand.
1. The Great BBQ Divide
In North Carolina, BBQ is more than just a meal—it’s a way of life, and it sparks passionate debates. The state is divided between two distinct styles of BBQ: Eastern-style, which uses a tangy vinegar-based sauce, and Western-style, which favors a sweeter, tomato-based sauce. People are fiercely loyal to their preferred style, and newcomers quickly learn that mentioning the BBQ from another state is a surefire way to start an argument.
2. Sweet Tea Is Practically a Religion
Sweet tea isn’t just a drink in North Carolina—it’s a cultural institution. But it’s not as simple as just ordering it sweet. The debate rages over how much sugar is “sweet enough,” and asking for unsweetened tea in some parts of the state could lead to disappointment. In North Carolina, getting the right level of sweetness in your tea is practically a sacred art form.
3. Mountains That Will Make Your Knees Weak
The western part of North Carolina is home to the Blue Ridge and Appalachian Mountains, which are stunningly beautiful but also steep and dramatic. Locals are used to winding mountain roads and jaw-dropping views, but for newcomers, the steep climbs and sudden drops can make even the most experienced travelers’ knees weak. Whether you’re hiking or just driving, the mountains here will leave you in awe (and sometimes a little dizzy).
4. The Mystery of Purple Honey
North Carolina is one of the few places in the world where you can find purple honey. Its origins are a mystery, and despite various theories, no one really knows why the honey takes on such a unique hue. If you happen to spot some at a local farmer’s market, it’s a must-try delicacy, and it’s as unusual as it is delicious.
5. Venus Flytraps Grow Wild—But Only Here
The famous Venus flytrap, known for its carnivorous nature, is native to a very small area within 60 miles of Wilmington, North Carolina. These fascinating plants can only be found growing naturally in the wild here, making it one of the state’s most intriguing natural wonders. If you’re lucky enough to see them in person, you’ll experience a piece of North Carolina’s unique ecosystem.
6. The State Is Littered with “Devil’s” Places
North Carolina is home to several places with eerie names like “Devil’s Stomping Ground” and “Kill Devil Hills.” These spots are often linked to Native American legends, superstitions, or misunderstood rituals, adding a layer of mystery and intrigue to the state’s landscape. Whether it’s a spooky legend or an unsettling local story, these “Devil’s” places give North Carolina an air of mysticism.
7. Shipwreck Capital of the East Coast
Cape Hatteras, known as the “Graveyard of the Atlantic,” is infamous for its treacherous waters that have claimed over a thousand ships. Some shipwrecks, like the mysterious case of the Carroll A. Deering, remain unsolved, with crews vanishing without a trace and meals still left cooking on the stove. The coast of North Carolina is home to some of the most dangerous waters in the U.S., and the shipwrecks tell a haunting story of maritime history.
8. You Might Get “Nuked”…Almost
In 1961, North Carolina came frighteningly close to a nuclear disaster when a U.S. Air Force B-52 bomber accidentally dropped two hydrogen bombs near Goldsboro. Fortunately, neither bomb detonated, but it’s a little-known fact that North Carolina was on the brink of a catastrophic event. The incident serves as a chilling reminder of the potential risks during the Cold War era.
Sources:
1. https://www.johnstonnc.gov/swc/content.cfm?pageid=tanc
2. https://www.ourstate.com/50-things-you-didnt-know-about-north-carolina/
3. https://thefactfile.org/north-carolina-facts/