Since we can't always get out and about as much as we'd like to see and experience some of North Carolina's natural wonders, we decided to have a look at the Tar Heel State from outer space. Take a look at some of the images below to get a unique, new perspective on some familiar places throughout the state.
1. The North Carolina State Farmers Market in Raleigh resembles a fish when viewed from outer space.
Wondering if this fish-like shape made by the layout of the market was by design or just a coincidence? So are we!
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2. NASA's Earth Observatory's snapshot of snow in the Outer Banks.
While snow in the Outer Banks isn't common, an image from NASA of the snow is!
3. From outer space, The Smoky Mountains look a bit like a piece of crumpled wrapping paper on Christmas morning.
That tiny white line in the center is the seven-mile road and the half-mile path leading to the observation tower at Clingman's Dome on the North Carolina/Tennessee border.
4. In September 2018, an estimated eight trillion gallons of rain fell on North Carolina in just five days. NASA's Landsat Image Gallery recorded this shot of pollutants washing downstream and into the Atlantic as a result of the massive rainfall amounts.
5. The beautiful symmetry of the Wright Brothers National Memorial in Kill Devil Hills as seen from Google's satellite.
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If you've ever visited this national memorial, it may not have occurred to you that, by design, it's actually a perfect circle!
6. The yellow brick road at the abandoned Land of Oz theme park on top of Beech Mountain.
North Carolina from outer space surprised us in the best way ever. Did you know the yellow brick road at the Land of Oz is visible from outer space? For more natural phenomenon found in North Carolina, keep reading: Five Natural Phenomenon Found In North Carolina; Three Are Unexplained.
We love traveling, but when you're heading back home after a long trip, the best thing you can possibly see is that "Welcome to North Carolina" sign that lets you know you've re-entered the Tar Heel State. There's nothing that compares to the joy of returning back to the best place in the world. Exploring other areas is wonderful, but coming back to good old North Carolina is a pleasure like no other.
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When you start drawing near and see that magical green sign that says "Welcome to North Carolina," you'll feel immediately at home like everything is right in the world.
Whether you were gone briefly or live elsewhere now and are returning to your hometown for a visit, nothing can compare to the joy of crossing that last state line and passing by one of those welcoming North Carolina signs.
After all, we may be biased, but we think the Tar Heel State is blessed in so many ways. We've certainly got more natural beauty than other states.
Can anything else in the country compare to the Blue Ridge Mountains?
And, of course, we all know that our sports teams are superior!
Whether you live in one of the beautiful small towns in North Carolina's mountains or one of our larger towns like Raleigh or Charlotte...
...we all know that absolutely nothing compares to the joy of coming home to North Carolina.
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So, how do you feel whenever you see a "Welcome to North Carolina" sign? What are your favorite things about life in North Carolina? Have you spent your whole life here, or are you a more recent transplant? Share your experiences in the comments: we'd love to hear about your life in the Tar Heel State! You can also show off your love for NC with apparel and accessories from Wear Your Roots!
Want to see a gorgeous view of North Carolina? Head to Clingmans Dome! Check out this video from OnlyInYourState for information and inspiration:
With so many exceptional aspects to North Carolina, its residents thrive among the numerous choices for fun, including fishing, swimming, hiking, dining, sports, and cultural activities, bringing visitors to The Tar Heel State in droves. From the magical coast to the majestic mountains there are lots of reasons to be proud, but a few stand out more than others. Here are some of the hills everyone in North Carolina is willing to die on about living in North Carolina.
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1. The Most Breathtaking Mountains
From the great Smokies to the Blue Ridge Mountains, this rugged state offers gorgeous waterfalls, hiking trails, and overlooks along its winding Blue Ridge Parkway and Appalachian Trail. With more than 3,398 named mountains in North Carolina, 40 reach 6,000 feet high, giving bragging rights as the best mountains anywhere.
2. The Flakiest Biscuits
From rich creamy butter to a crispy piece of chicken, North Carolina has the best flaky biscuits, even when slathered with just plain cheese.
3. The Sweetest Tea
While sweet tea is available almost everywhere in North Carolina, one of the best places offering the liquid delight ROMANZ TEA is The Sweet Tea Cafe, where you'll find the artisan craft micro-brewed specialty made with love and sunshine with a cult following.
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4. The Best Sea Shelling and Fossil Hunting
The 300 miles of barrier-island beaches make up the coasts, here, offering plenty of opportunities to find the very best sea shells and shark's teeth, dance on the piers, or fish in the gorgeous ocean or many of the lakes and waterways in North Carolina.
5. The Most Exciting NASCAR Races
For more than 50 years, Charlotte Motor Speedway is the only place in the world to enjoy a race, visit race shops and learn about the interesting history at the NASCAR Hall of Fame.
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6. The Best Homegrown Tomatoes with Duke's Mayo
This smooth, tangy flavor, rich in egg yolks is best slathered on homegrown, garden tomatoes. And if you must carry it around, slapping it all between your favorite slices of white bread will do, but they are best served cold and alone. Or try a famous BLT with an egg at the iconic Merritt's.
7. The Greatest Musicians
One of the most entertaining North Carolina facts is that performers busking on street corners, at summer music festivals, or those on stage in fancy music halls give North Carolina its unique, cultural flavor.
8. The Best Barbecue
This state boasts the best barbecue served in different varieties, with Lexington, Eastern, and pork ribs coming in the top three. And despite arguments over the best barbecue cooking methods, sauces, and cuts, most North Carolinians will never pass up this moist, flaky goodness any which way.
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9. The Effervescent Cheerwine
In 1917, this bubbly, wild-cherry flavored, red soft drink was invented in Salisbury, North Carolina, and it has been a hit ever since.
10. The Best Teams
Whether it's the professional Carolina Hurricanes, or the college rivals, such as the Duke Blue Devils and North Carolina Tar Heels, the contests here have been known to stir up a few arguments, even at church.
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11. The Most Amazing Peanut
Out of 13 states, North Carolina is the fifth-largest peanut-producing state, specializing in the Virginia market type, which for more than 50 years, folks have enjoyed from Aunt Ruby's Peanuts. You'll also find cashews, almonds, chocolate, and other treats in this local, family-owned business.
Another one of our favorite things about life in North Carolina is the beautiful natural wonders like the stunning views you'll enjoy at Clingmans Dome:
If you have been in North Carolina for a while now, did one of these hills to die on ring true to you? Have we left any out? If you have something to add, please share it in the comments. Here are a few more North Carolina arguments for why we live in the best state.