State culture is such a unique, and sometimes odd, thing. You might not even realize how deeply the culture of your native state is intertwined in your behavior and lifestyle until you leave. Even once you’re living in a new state or country, you’ll always carry a bit of North Carolina in you, from your mannerisms, speech, and even attitude. Growing up in Carolina has some interesting effects on a person, and we’ve been following many of these unwritten rules of those who live in North Carolina our whole lives.

1. Don't get flustered when getting stuck in a traffic jam behind a tractor. Just wait until it's your turn to pass. Leafers on the Blue Ridge Parkway are another story, especially if they're adorning an out of state license plate.
Flickr / Evonne
Perhaps unsurprisingly, first on the list of unwritten rules of those who live in North Carolina applies to driving.
2. March Madness and ACC Tournament are basically a holiday.
Flickr / Max Masnick
It's appropriate if the basketball games are played on the TV at work or school.
3. One must choose a side for North Carolina BBQ, eastern or Lexington style.
Little Hand Images / Getty Images
Moreover, one must defend that side to the death, even if they sometimes (secretly) enjoy the other. Just never, ever, ever, promote mustard-based BBQ sauce.
4. Even half an inch of snow will be treated as a grave snowstorm likely to threaten and destroy all you know and love. Milk and bread will protect you, though.
Flickr / Justin Valas
5. Always make time to view fall foliage once the leaves change.
Matthew Paulson / flickr
6. A meal served on a Sunday afternoon around friends and family will always be referred to as 'supper.'
Flickr / Tim Evanson
7. The best recipes aren't found in a cookbook, but passed down from Grandmothers, mothers, and sometimes both.
Jose Luis Pelaez Inc / DigitalVision / Getty Images
8. If you ever say the words "you guys" instead of y'all you will be immediately banned from North Carolina.
Gregory Morris / flickr
9. Directions must always be given in terms of landmarks.
Flickr / Kelli
For example, "Bojangles will be on the left, then follow the road half a mile until you see a white church on your right, then turn, after that you'll see an old barn with two trees and a mailbox, keep going, in half a mile you'll pass over a bridge, after that bridge turn right and after you pass another Bojangles, you'll be at your destination."

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10. You don't have to choose between the mountains or coast, but you must witness a sunrise and sunset on both at least once.
Flickr / Kathleen and Ryan Rush
11. No matter how old you are, one must always respect their elders.
Hinterhaus Productions / Digital Images / Getty Images
12. Tea is to be served sweet at all times, preferably from a mason jar.
Flickr / Ron Dollete
13. Stand at the top of Mt. Mitchell at least once.
Kolin Toney / flickr
14. In the summertime, choose a swimming hole over a swimming pool at least once.
Flickr / Donald Lee Pardue
15. Never turn down a beach trip in the fall or winter.
Jake Brewer / flickr
16. Mac n cheese, sweet potato casserole, collards soaked in vinegar, and fried okra are 'veggies.'
Flickr / Larry Jacobsen
17. Never judge a restaurant by its exterior.
Flickr / Southern Foodways Alliance
18. No matter how far the road takes you away from North Carolina, always leave a piece of your heart in the Ol' North State.
Flickr / Ken Lane

There are so many more unwritten rules of those who live in North Carolina I could add, but I think the more specific ones are also contingent on what part of the state you’re from. Now it’s your turn, what are some unwritten North Carolina rules you live by?

For more relatable North Carolina laughs on our culture, here are 12 things we’re always explaining to out-of-towners.

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unwritten rules of those who live in North Carolina

Beth C. | December 10, 2020

Is North Carolina a great place to live?

Yes! We're so happy you asked. North Carolina, in our humble opinion, is one of the best places in the country to call home. To start with, North Carolina enjoys four distinctive seasons. There are also endless outdoor activities to enjoy in the Tar Heel State. Some of the most popular of them include hiking, biking, swimming, skiing, and more. One of the things North Carolinian residents love most about their home state is the diversity of landscapes. Within one day, you can experience the famous Blue Ridge Mountains and the pristine beaches. Of course, driving from one end of the state to the other is a commitment, but well worth it. Looking for more inspiration? Check out our article that outlines just why North Carolina is the very best state.

What is North Carolina known for?

While there are many facets to living in North Carolina, it's the beaches that are most well-known. In fact, the North Carolina beaches are among the most beautiful in the U.S. While they're especially famous during the summertime, they're equally as stunning during the offseason, too. In addition to the beaches, the Tar Heel State is also famous for its beautiful mountains. The Blue Ridge Mountains and the Smoky Mountains alike will entertain any outdoor enthusiast. Plus, there are countless miles of the famous Blue Ridge Parkway to explore in North Carolina. You can even hike a considerable portion of the iconic Appalachian Trail right here in North Carolina. In fact, the tallest mountain on the East Coast, Mount Mitchell, is situated along North Carolina's portion of the Appalachian Trail.

What are the most popular foods in North Carolina?

North Carolina is famous for its classic Southern home-cooking, and at the top of the list is barbecue. North Carolina barbecue is, arguably, the best in the country. So, what exactly is Carolina-style barbecue, you ask? Carolina barbecue is most often pork, served pulled, chopped, shredded, or sometimes sliced. Most often, it's infused with a vinegar liquid during the smoking process, offering a distinguished tangy flavor. And yet, no two barbecue joints in North Carolina are exactly alike. If you're planning on sampling Carolina-style barbecue, it's best to try at least a handful of smokehouses. Looking for inspiration? Check out our list of some of the best North Carolina barbecue joints.

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