I remember someone from Asheville once telling me that those native to this area believed a superstition that the Native Americans thought this area was cast under a spell. Those who called it home could leave, but at some point always returned. While the story involves the Blue Ridge region, I've always thought that true for the entirety of North Carolina.
Leaving the place you call home is a strange thing. While at some point or other we're more than ready to explore new places and meet new faces - there's always a homesickness. Whether it be you're longing to see family, or even those quintessential Carolina views. You can leave North Carolina but it never really leaves you.
1. The smell of hickory smoked pork wafting through the air.
This is a quintessential Carolina scent - one that dots our long, dirt roads and even can be found in main street of a downtown. There's nothing quite like the smell of hickory wood roasting and the desire it brings to go eat some really good BBQ.
2. The sound of a college basketball game.
I'll always remember being little and taking lazy Saturday naps on the couch while a college basketball game and the dialogue between referees soothed me in to a deep slumber. While now I am usually yelling at the TV (instead of napping) during a UNC v. Duke game, there's just something about that sound that takes me back to those moments and my childhood. For many it's different parts of the game but hearing and watching an NC college basketball game oddly pulls on the homesick heartstrings.
3. The smell of honeysuckle and the first sign of spring.
Is there anything more indicative spring is here than the fresh scent of honeysuckle. It brings back barefoot childhood memories of playing in the woods and makes me think of a simpler upbringing and the simple joys.
4. The crunch of a crisp autumn leaf, the ever expanding field of auburns, golds and yellow come October.
North Carolina gives you that quintessential fall, full of breathtaking foliage, chilly nights, and even a snow or two in the high elevations. Fall anywhere else just feels incomplete.
5. And a bonfire on the first chilly night of fall.
Did you even grow up in North Carolina if you didn't celebrate fall by gathering around a roaring fire and perhaps cracking a couple cold ones with some friends? From field parties to backyard get-togethers, many North Carolina nights involve lounging around and enjoying some company.
6. Miles and miles of mountain views.
If you travel to other mountains - the Rockies, the Andes, even the Alps - there's agreeably exquisite, unique beauty to be found with each. But, it's safe to say I've stood atop many mountain peaks dreaming for that blue glow as far as the eye can see.
7. Hearing a southern accent or someone say y'all.
Once you leave the south, it's surprising how refreshing it is to hear a southern accent or even someone say y'all, sir, or ma'am.
8. Southern 'suppers.'
Dinner parties or even dining with a large group is a fun experience, but will almost always make us miss Sunday afternoon at Grandma's where we'd gather round and enjoy plentiful helpings of fried chicken, mac n' cheese, green beans and collards picked fresh from the garden.
9. A beachside sunrise.
There are so many beautiful beaches throughout the world, it's easy to forget of home when you're swimming in paradise. Yet, North Carolina has so many diverse beaches it's easy to long for those extended summer weeks at our favorite destination. Be it the clear waters of the Crystal Coast or the uncharted dunes of the Outer Banks.
10. "Carolina In My Mind."
Raise your hand if you've ever been extremely homesick for North Carolina and decided to delve even deeper into your sadness by listening to Carolina in my Mind by James Taylor. It's the ultimate 'longing for a place' song and be it randomly coming on the radio or purposely played...it brings out all the feels.
Which ones did you find the most true? And you'd like to add?
For more North Carolina quirks, these 8 stereotypes are actually hilariously true.
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