North Carolina road trip
North Carolina
North Carolina on map

25 Fascinating Facts

  1. First Powered Flight: The Wright Brothers achieved the first powered flight in Kitty Hawk, North Carolina, on December 17, 1903. This historic event is commemorated on the state’s license plates.
  2. Birthplace of Pepsi: Pepsi was invented in New Bern, North Carolina, by pharmacist Caleb Bradham in 1893. Originally called "Brad's Drink," it was renamed Pepsi-Cola in 1898.
  3. The Biltmore Estate: Located in Asheville, the Biltmore Estate is the largest privately-owned house in the United States, with 250 rooms and 178,926 square feet of floor space.
  1. Home to the Venus Flytrap: The Venus Flytrap, a rare carnivorous plant, is native to a small area in North and South Carolina. It primarily grows within a 60-mile radius of Wilmington, North Carolina.
  2. America’s Largest Military Base: Fort Liberty (formerly Fort Bragg) near Fayetteville is the largest military base by population in the U.S. It serves as the headquarters of the U.S. Army Special Operations Command and the XVIII Airborne Corps.
  3. NASCAR Beginnings: North Carolina is the birthplace of NASCAR, with the first races originating from bootleggers modifying cars to outrun police during Prohibition. The NASCAR Hall of Fame is in Charlotte.
  4. The Outer Banks Mystery: The Lost Colony of Roanoke, one of the greatest mysteries in American history, took place on Roanoke Island in North Carolina’s Outer Banks. The colony mysteriously disappeared in the late 16th century.
  5. First State-Owned Art Museum: North Carolina was the first state to establish a state-owned art museum, the North Carolina Museum of Art in Raleigh, in 1947.
  6. Krispy Kreme Origins: Krispy Kreme Doughnuts was founded in Winston-Salem, North Carolina, in 1937. It’s now an international favorite, but it all started here.
  7. Leading Producer of Sweet Potatoes: North Carolina is the top producer of sweet potatoes in the United States, accounting for about 60% of the country’s supply.
  8. The Land of Waterfalls: The town of Brevard, North Carolina, is known for its waterfalls, with over 250 in Transylvania County alone, including the beautiful Looking Glass Falls.
  9. The Blue Ridge Parkway: The Blue Ridge Parkway, known as “America’s Favorite Drive,” winds through the Appalachian Mountains in North Carolina and Virginia.
  10. Highest Peak in the Eastern U.S.: Mount Mitchell, located in the Black Mountains, is the highest peak east of the Mississippi River at 6,684 feet.
  11. Furniture Capital of the World: High Point, North Carolina, is known as the “Furniture Capital of the World.” It hosts the world’s largest furniture trade show, the High Point Market, twice a year.
  12. The North Carolina State Fair: Held in Raleigh, this fair is one of the largest in the U.S., attracting over a million visitors annually with its rich history dating back to 1853.
  13. Oldest Public University: The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill is the oldest public university in the United States, chartered in 1789 and enrolling students in 1795.
  14. A Rich Filmmaking History: Wilmington, North Carolina, was once called "Hollywood East" due to the number of films and TV shows produced there. It’s home to EUE/Screen Gems Studios, one of the largest film production facilities outside of California.
  15. Battleground of the Civil War: Bentonville Battlefield in Johnston County was the site of the largest Civil War battle in North Carolina, marking the end of Confederate resistance in the state.
  16. Scotch-Irish Heritage: The western part of the state, especially Asheville, has a rich heritage of Scotch-Irish settlers who contributed to the region’s music, culture, and traditions.
  17. Rich in Biodiversity: North Carolina is one of the most ecologically diverse states in the U.S., boasting a range of ecosystems from coastal plains to mountainous regions.
  18. The Roanoke Island Festival Park: This site celebrates North Carolina’s 400-year history, including an interactive museum, Elizabeth II replica ship, and living history demonstrations.
  19. Tobacco Industry Roots: Durham, North Carolina, was the birthplace of the American tobacco industry with companies like Duke and American Tobacco, which grew into multi-billion-dollar corporations.
  20. The Grandfather Mountain Highland Games: These games held annually near Linville are one of the largest Scottish Highland gatherings in the U.S., celebrating Scottish heritage with music, games, and dance.
  21. The Great Dismal Swamp: Located in northeastern North Carolina, the Great Dismal Swamp is a unique natural area that was once home to Native American tribes and escaped enslaved people.
  22. Home to the Carolina Hurricanes: The Carolina Hurricanes are the only major professional sports team in North Carolina to win a championship, claiming the Stanley Cup in 2006.

25 Products made here

  1. Ashe County Cheese: North Carolina’s oldest cheese plant, offering a variety of cheeses. Purchase here.
  2. Burt’s Bees: Renowned for natural personal care products, including lip balms and skincare items. Purchase here.
  3. Carolina Herrera Fragrances: Luxury perfumes crafted by the esteemed fashion house. Purchase here.
  1. Duke’s Mayonnaise: A staple Southern condiment known for its unique flavor. Purchase here.
  2. Duplin Winery Wines: Producers of muscadine wines with a rich heritage. Purchase here.
  3. Goody’s Headache Powder: Fast-acting pain relief developed in Winston-Salem. Purchase here.
  4. Krispy Kreme Doughnuts: Iconic doughnuts originating from Winston-Salem. Purchase here.
  5. Lance Snacks: Known for their sandwich crackers and other snack items. Purchase here.
  6. Le Bleu Bottled Water: Purified bottled water from Advance, NC. Purchase here.
  7. Lowe’s Home Improvement Products: Headquartered in Mooresville, offering a wide range of home improvement goods. Purchase here.
  8. Mt. Olive Pickles: A leading producer of pickles and related products. Purchase here.
  9. Nabisco Cookies and Crackers: Manufactured in various locations, including North Carolina. Purchase here.
  10. Pepsi-Cola: Originated in New Bern, NC, offering a range of beverages. Purchase here.
  11. Pinehurst Golf Apparel: High-quality golf apparel from the famous Pinehurst Resort. Purchase here.
  12. Reynolds Wrap Aluminum Foil: Produced by Reynolds Consumer Products in North Carolina. Purchase here.
  13. SAS Software: Analytics software developed in Cary, NC. Purchase here.
  14. Sundrop Soft Drink: A citrus-flavored soda produced in Gastonia, NC. Purchase here.
  15. Thomasville Furniture: High-quality furniture crafted in Thomasville, NC. Purchase here.
  16. Vicks VapoRub: Developed in Greensboro, NC, for cold relief. Purchase here.
  17. Wicked Weed Brewing Beers: Craft beers brewed in Asheville, NC. Purchase here.
  18. Bojangles’ Seasoned Fries: Famous seasoned fries from the Charlotte-based fast-food chain. Purchase here.
  19. Carolina Panthers Merchandise: Official merchandise of the NFL team based in Charlotte. Purchase here.
  20. North Carolina Tar Heels Apparel: Official apparel of the University of North Carolina. Purchase here.
  21. Biltmore Wines: Wines produced at the historic Biltmore Estate in Asheville. Purchase here.
  22. SAS Shoes: Comfortable footwear manufactured in North Carolina. Purchase here.

Notable Figures

Actors and Entertainers

  1. Michael Jordan – NBA legend and businessman, grew up in Wilmington.
  2. J. Cole – Grammy-winning rapper and producer from Fayetteville.
  3. Ava Gardner – Iconic actress from Smithfield.
  1. Zach Galifianakis – Comedian and actor, known for The Hangover, from Wilkesboro.
  2. Julianne Moore – Academy Award-winning actress, born in Fort Bragg.
  3. Andy Griffith – Actor and TV legend, grew up in Mount Airy (basis for Mayberry).
  4. Pam Grier – Pioneering actress from Winston-Salem.
  5. Nina Simone – Legendary musician and civil rights activist, born in Tryon.
  6. Clay Aiken – Singer and former American Idol finalist, from Raleigh.
  7. Fantasia Barrino – Grammy-winning R&B artist, from High Point.

Politicians and Leaders

  1. Andrew Jackson – 7th U.S. President, claimed to be born in Waxhaw.
  2. James K. Polk – 11th U.S. President, born in Mecklenburg County.
  3. Richard Burr – Former U.S. Senator, long-serving representative of NC.
  1. Jesse Helms – Influential and controversial U.S. Senator.
  2. Roy Cooper – Current Governor of North Carolina.
  3. Terry Sanford – Former Governor and U.S. Senator, pivotal in NC’s educational reforms.

Sports Figures

  1. Stephen Curry – NBA superstar, born in Akron, Ohio, but raised in Charlotte.
  2. Chris Paul – NBA player, born in Winston-Salem.
  3. Dale Earnhardt Sr. – NASCAR legend, from Kannapolis.
  1. Dale Earnhardt Jr. – Popular NASCAR driver, also from Kannapolis.
  2. Luke Kuechly – Former Carolina Panthers linebacker and NFL star.

Authors and Innovators

  1. Thomas Wolfe – Renowned author of Look Homeward, Angel, from Asheville.
  2. Nicholas Sparks – Best-selling author of The Notebook, resides in New Bern.

Civil Rights Leaders and Activists

  1. Ella Baker – Influential civil rights leader, born in Norfolk, VA but raised in Littleton.
  2. Rev. William Barber II – Modern civil rights activist and architect of the Moral Mondays Movement.