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North Carolinians are generally laid-back—until you say something outrageous like “South Carolina has better beaches” or “I like my BBQ with ketchup.” Suddenly, that sweet tea turns into fight fuel. From the mountains to the coast (and every college rivalry in between), here are 11 things people from North Carolina will happily argue about until the last hushpuppy is gone.
1. Eastern vs. Western BBQ
Eastern-style means vinegar-based sauce and whole hog. Western (aka Lexington-style) is tomato-vinegar and only pork shoulder. This is not just a food preference—it’s a hill people are fully prepared to die on.
2. UNC vs. Duke
This rivalry makes Thanksgiving tense, marriages fragile, and March downright hostile. And no, you can’t root for both—what are you, from Virginia?
3. Whether Charlotte or Raleigh Is the Better City
Charlotte thinks it’s the New South’s finance capital. Raleigh flexes its brains with the Research Triangle. Greensboro just quietly wonders why no one’s asking about them.
4. The Best Beach in the State
Some say Emerald Isle. Others swear by Wrightsville, Topsail, or the OBX. All agree: tourists don’t need to know the real good spots.
5. How to Say “Appalachian”
It’s “Appa-LATCH-un,” not “Appa-LAY-shun,” and yes, they will correct you with the same energy as someone defending their grandma’s banana pudding.
6. What Counts as “The Mountains”
Is it Boone? Asheville? Banner Elk? And how high up does your cabin have to be before you can start saying, “We’re headed to the mountains this weekend”?
7. Biscuit Supremacy: Bojangles vs. Biscuitville
You’re either Team Cajun Filet or Team Sausage Egg with extra honey. Just don’t bring up Chick-fil-A—we’re talking biscuits, not bland fast food brunch.
8. If You Can Trust a Snow Forecast
One flurry and it’s bread-panic at the Harris Teeter. Locals argue whether it’s overblown or “you just wait, it’ll ice over tonight.”
9. The Best Way to Serve Cheerwine
In a glass bottle, in a slushy, over vanilla ice cream—or all three at once? Everyone has their sacred way. Outsiders don’t understand, and that’s just fine.
10. Whether Asheville Is Cool or Just Hipster Overload
You either love the breweries, drum circles, and mountain views—or you think it’s just Portland in hiking boots with more patchouli.
11. If South Carolina Is Just “Diet North Carolina”
Some say they’re two different states with equal charm. Most North Carolinians just quietly chuckle and remind you which one has the Biltmore.
In North Carolina, arguing is just another way to show you care—about barbecue, basketball, and exactly which stretch of Highway 64 is the worst. So pull up a rocking chair, pour a glass of sweet tea, and join in the debate. Just make sure you know how to pronounce “Currituck” before you open your mouth.
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