NationStates Jolt Archive

Yes...I'm going to western NC, USA, on Official Business. And I'm wondering if there are any NSers who live in that state, or have been there before. Any warnings or advice you can give me? What should I avoid? Are there any good restaurants in the mountain area? Anything you can tell me about it? I've done some research but the best is usually from the people themselves.

Yes...I'm going to western NC, USA, on Official Business. And I'm wondering if there are any NSers who live in that state, or have been there before. Any warnings or advice you can give me? What should I avoid? Are there any good restaurants in the mountain area? Anything you can tell me about it? I've done some research but the best is usually from the people themselves.

I was born in Charlotte and lived there for three years.
It is a great state, friendly people and many things to do and see.

Where will you be in NC??


EDIT: Check this out.

http://www.northcarolina.com/

Ive been to kitty hawk, on holiday with my Mum, Brother, Uncle, Aunt and friends.

The wright Bros museum is pretty good, unless you're not going near the coast, i suppose you're not, you'd probably be going to charlotte or raleigh arent you?

There was one muther of a thunderstorm while we were there, mind you it was the remains of hurricane Charley.

I was born in Charlotte and lived there for three years.
It is a great state, friendly people and many things to do and see.

Where will you be in NC??I just mentioned, Western North Carolina, specifically Asheville area, although we switch planes at Charlotte. Not sure how long a break we have there, so anything within reasonable distance of the airport in Charlotte you recommend?

The wright Bros museum is pretty good, unless you're not going near the coast, i suppose you're not, you'd probably be going to charlotte or raleigh arent you?
I'm passing through Charlotte, but going generally in the direction of Asheville. (As I said.)

No, but I heared there are some terrific granddaughters over there.

I stopped through there, but I've spent some time in SC

I lived in Greensboro '79-'81, and things are probably quite different than they were back then.

dude i went to sc 6 years ago when that hurricane was real bad and it was always a day behind us. so scary. but cool beaches.

I stopped through there, but I've spent some time in SCDid you like SC?

Maybe I'll try to arrange for the Official Business to be there next time... ;)

[QUOTE=Czardas]I just mentioned, Western North Carolina, specifically Asheville area, although we switch planes at Charlotte. Not sure how long a break we have there, so anything within reasonable distance of the airport in Charlotte you recommend?QUOTE]
Look, the airport is not that far from down town Charlotte so, as i´m sure you can imagine, there many places and things to do...It's America, they have everything + it's the south so youll meet good people.

Try the local places for food...you know 'home meals' type of places. Nothing beats Charlotte pancakes...TRUST ME!!
Damn, now I want to go back and eat. :)

Did you like SC?

Maybe I'll try to arrange for the Official Business to be there next time... ;)
I love SC, so beautiful. My best friend lives there.

Its one of the few places in the US I'd consider living...

I went to camp in Winston-Salem a few years back. Nice place; but it's a bit muggy in the summer and there's tobacco everywhere. That may or may not be bad.

I just mentioned, Western North Carolina, specifically Asheville area, although we switch planes at Charlotte. Not sure how long a break we have there, so anything within reasonable distance of the airport in Charlotte you recommend
Look, the airport is not that far from down town Charlotte so, as i´m sure you can imagine, there many places and things to do...It's America, they have everything + it's the south so youll meet good people.

Try the local places for food...you know 'home meals' type of places. Nothing beats Charlotte pancakes...TRUST ME!!
Damn, now I want to go back and eat. :)Ah, ok. I'm used to the kind of cities where the airport is 30 miles out of town... :headbang:

I'll try the pancakes. I absolutely love pancakes. In fact when I was a kid I'd stop at all those waffle houses just in order to have pancakes for lunch... Now I know how to make them. ;)

I went to camp in Winston-Salem a few years back. Nice place; but it's a bit muggy in the summer and there's tobacco everywhere. That may or may not be bad.I don't smoke due to my allergy to nicotine.

So yes it's bad :(

I love SC, so beautiful. My best friend lives there.

Its one of the few places in the US I'd consider living...I'll certainly try to pay it a visit.

I'm born and raised in North Carolina.. but I'm not familiar with the western part.
Hope you enjoy your visit! :)

I've been through Asheville years ago. Was a pretty area. Especially near the Blue Ridge Pkwy and Biltmore House.

Yes...I'm going to western NC, USA, on Official Business. And I'm wondering if there are any NSers who live in that state, or have been there before. Any warnings or advice you can give me? What should I avoid? Are there any good restaurants in the mountain area? Anything you can tell me about it? I've done some research but the best is usually from the people themselves.
[ points at the "Location" line below my name ]

I live right between Winston-Salem and Greensboro, which is a considerable distance from where you're going to be.

Don't miss the Blue Ridge Parkway and Grandfather Mountain while you're there. Some of the greatest scenery in the world! And if you have the time, you should definitely tour The Biltmore Estate, which use to be the home of the Rockefeller family. :)

As to restaurants, it's been so long since I was in that area that I'm sure everything has changed.

No, but I heared there are some terrific granddaughters over there.
[ so as to not disappoint you ]

:mp5: :sniper: :mp5: :sniper:

I went to camp in Winston-Salem a few years back. Nice place; but it's a bit muggy in the summer and there's tobacco everywhere. That may or may not be bad.
Unless you mean tobacco products, that has changed considerably. A considerable number of the tobacco farmers have taken advantage of the "buy-out" program.

I'm born and raised in North Carolina.. but I'm not familiar with the western part.
Hope you enjoy your visit! :)

I've been through Asheville years ago. Was a pretty area. Especially near the Blue Ridge Pkwy and Biltmore House.Glad to hear that. We have some friends in that area who say the same thing.

[ so as to not disappoint you ]

:mp5: :sniper: :mp5: :sniper:
:)

:)
:D

[ points at the "Location" line below my name ]

I live right between Winston-Salem and Greensboro, which is a considerable distance from where you're going to be.

Don't miss the Blue Ridge Parkway and Grandfather Mountain while you're there. Some of the greatest scenery in the world! And if you have the time, you should definitely tour The Biltmore Estate, which use to be the home of the Rockefeller family. :)

As to restaurants, it's been so long since I was in that area that I'm sure everything has changed.Ok. I won't miss those parts. I don't know if I'll have time to tour the estate, but it would be quite interesting anyway...

A pity about the restaurants. I'm notorious in my family for causing our food expenditures to double. I need my six square meals a day, after all! :D

:):D???

I missed that...

Ok. I won't miss those parts. I don't know if I'll have time to tour the estate, but it would be quite interesting anyway...

A pity about the restaurants. I'm notorious in my family for causing our food expenditures to double. I need my six square meals a day, after all! :D
Rest assured that there is some great food there. The South is noted for the great cuisine! Try to ask some locals about the best places. ( get several opinions, since some of them are noted for guiding visitors to places that serve ONLY traditional Southern fare: collard greens, black-eyed peas, hog jowls, pigsfeet, etc. ) I love all of it, except for the hog jowls and pigsfeet. ICK! :D

???

I missed that...
Haken and a few unnamed "others" are always trying to hit on my grandaughters ( 15 and 13! ), so I always use the MP5 and Sniper smilies to discourage them a bit. :D

I've lived in 12 states and visited all extensively except for two. You are by far going to one of the most beautiful areas in the U.S. Real Estate in that portion of North Carolina is exploding as people from all over the world discover it's beauty, mild temperatures, access to major sporting and cultural activities, and outdoor recreation possibilities. Pisgah national forest is just outside of Asheville with the rolling French Broad river, the Biltmore estate, Grandfather mountain, Ski Beech snow skiing, and other local sites are amazing. Go an just over an hour west and you hit Pigeon Forge/Gatlinburg, a major tourist area with much to see and do.

My advice for restaurants is find an small out of the way Barbeque joint whenever you can. Western North Carolina has a unique recipe for BBQ using a mustard type sauce. It sounds unusual, but it's quite good (go a few hours in any direction and the BBQ sauce changes dramatically from region to region). You won't typically find this type of BBQ in the larger chain restaurants. However, there is one place I recommend in Charlotte called Sonny's BBQ. Here is the link with the address http://www.sonnysbbq.com/index.php

Since you are going to an area where the Queen's English is spoken properly, get a redneck dictionary and have a great time. I only wish I were there with you!!

I work casually as a basketball court supervisor, and there's this girl, quite cute, who is there a fair bit. Looks about 19 I reckon.

So I ask her age the other day... 14...

I feel so dirty :(

Haken and a few unnamed "others" are always trying to hit on my grandaughters ( 15 and 13! ), so I always use the MP5 and Sniper smilies to discourage them a bit. :D
Those are good ages. :)

I spent quite some time in NC.

3 weeks in 1991
3 weeks in 1993
10 months 1994-1995 (highschool graduation as a foreign exchange student)
4 weeks in 1996
6 weeks in 2002

Most of the time I was in Southern Pines, Moore County.That's near Fort Bragg.

But NC has some very nice places at the beach or in the mountains as well.

If you are into golf, don't forget your clubs and check out some courses near Pinehurst (don't know about playing w/out a membership, but somebody always knows someone who might invite you).
And, and don't forget the Rock in Rockingham. Yes, it definitely is in the South, but then again, isn't that what makes racing great?

All in all, I liked my time there a lot and had a great year in the States.

Please say "Hi!" to North Carcalaki from me :D

I've lived in 12 states and visited all extensively except for two. You are by far going to one of the most beautiful areas in the U.S. Real Estate in that portion of North Carolina is exploding as people from all over the world discover it's beauty, mild temperatures, access to major sporting and cultural activities, and outdoor recreation possibilities. Pisgah national forest is just outside of Asheville with the rolling French Broad river, the Biltmore estate, Grandfather mountain, Ski Beech snow skiing, and other local sites are amazing. Go an just over an hour west and you hit Pigeon Forge/Gatlinburg, a major tourist area with much to see and do.

My advice for restaurants is find an small out of the way Barbeque joint whenever you can. Western North Carolina has a unique recipe for BBQ using a mustard type sauce. It sounds unusual, but it's quite good (go a few hours in any direction and the BBQ sauce changes dramatically from region to region). You won't typically find this type of BBQ in the larger chain restaurants. However, there is one place I recommend in Charlotte called Sonny's BBQ. Here is the link with the address http://www.sonnysbbq.com/index.php

Since you are going to an area where the Queen's English is spoken properly, get a redneck dictionary and have a great time. I only wish I were there with you!!
Likewise! Your discription is almost lyric. :D

And I forgot about Tweetsie Railroad. It's fun, even if you don't have kids with you. If you get a chance to stop at one of the tourist information centers, pick up a bunch of the free brochures. There are things to do and places to see all over that part of North Carolina. If you're going to be there for awhile and like wilderness, make sure you visit the Nantahala Forest and the Joyce Kilmore Wilderness Area. Totally ... and I mean TOTALLY ... breathtaking! I've backpacked all over that area and as soon as my leg is completely healed, I'm going back! I want to die there someday. Sigh. :)

I've been and it was a really nice place.

I spent quite some time in NC.

3 weeks in 1991
3 weeks in 1993
10 months 1994-1995 (highschool graduation as a foreign exchange student)
4 weeks in 1996
6 weeks in 2002

Most of the time I was in Southern Pines, Moore County.That's near Fort Bragg.

But NC has some very nice places at the beach or in the mountains as well.

If you are into golf, don't forget your clubs and check out some courses near Pinehurst (don't know about playing w/out a membership, but somebody always knows someone who might invite you).
And, and don't forget the Rock in Rockingham. Yes, it definitely is in the South, but then again, isn't that what makes racing great?

All in all, I liked my time there a lot and had a great year in the States.

Please say "Hi!" to North Carcalaki from me :D
Glad to hear you say those things about the place I call home. Come back 'n visit us sometime now, ya'heah! :D

I work casually as a basketball court supervisor, and there's this girl, quite cute, who is there a fair bit. Looks about 19 I reckon.

So I ask her age the other day... 14...

I feel so dirty :(
I know. Good thing they didn't make girls who looked like they do now back when I was a teen. I never would have lived long enough to have my own children! :D

Those are good ages. :)
DOWN, you ... you ... cradle-robber, you! :p

The western part of both the Carolinas is among the most beautiful places in the world. And this is from a Texan.
I did find some off my schoolmates there among the most backwards people I've ever met. Like from another century. But overall a very nice place.

I know. Good thing they didn't make girls who looked like they do now back when I was a teen. I never would have lived long enough to have my own children! :D
It was bad enough having 13-14 yr olds having crushes on me when I was 18... this is 4 years later!

The western part of both the Carolinas is among the most beautiful places in the world. And this is from a Texan.
I did find some off my schoolmates there among the most backwards people I've ever met. Like from another century. But overall a very nice place.
LOL! Yup. They're not noted for their cosmopolitan approach to life! :D

Good people, though ... usually. :)

Rest assured that there is some great food there. The South is noted for the great cuisine! Try to ask some locals about the best places. ( get several opinions, since some of them are noted for guiding visitors to places that serve ONLY traditional Southern fare: collard greens, black-eyed peas, hog jowls, pigsfeet, etc. ) I love all of it, except for the hog jowls and pigsfeet. ICK! :DYes, I've heard a lot about American cuisine. I used to think it was just hamburgers, hot dogs, unhealthy stuff like that, but someone recommended Southern cuisine and I'll be eager to try it.

My advice for restaurants is find an small out of the way Barbeque joint whenever you can. Western North Carolina has a unique recipe for BBQ using a mustard type sauce. It sounds unusual, but it's quite good (go a few hours in any direction and the BBQ sauce changes dramatically from region to region). You won't typically find this type of BBQ in the larger chain restaurants. However, there is one place I recommend in Charlotte called Sonny's BBQ. Here is the link with the address http://www.sonnysbbq.com/index.php

Since you are going to an area where the Queen's English is spoken properly, get a redneck dictionary and have a great time. I only wish I were there with you!!Great! Glad to know they sent me somewhere really interesting and fun! (I like mustard type sauces if they're mild enough, spicy isn't exactly my thing...I'll try that place if we have the time.)

It was bad enough having 13-14 yr olds having crushes on me when I was 18... this is 4 years later!
LOL! Well, just make sure you asertain age before engaging stick-shift! :D

Great! Glad to know they sent me somewhere really interesting and fun! (I like mustard type sauces if they're mild enough, spicy isn't exactly my thing...I'll try that place if we have the time.)
I'll bet my next military retirement check that you'll wanna come back! :D

I spent quite some time in NC.

3 weeks in 1991
3 weeks in 1993
10 months 1994-1995 (highschool graduation as a foreign exchange student)
4 weeks in 1996
6 weeks in 2002

Most of the time I was in Southern Pines, Moore County.That's near Fort Bragg.

But NC has some very nice places at the beach or in the mountains as well.

If you are into golf, don't forget your clubs and check out some courses near Pinehurst (don't know about playing w/out a membership, but somebody always knows someone who might invite you).
And, and don't forget the Rock in Rockingham. Yes, it definitely is in the South, but then again, isn't that what makes racing great?

All in all, I liked my time there a lot and had a great year in the States.

Please say "Hi!" to North Carcalaki from me :DNot exactly into golf, I'm not -- found it both tedious and difficult. ;)

The western part of both the Carolinas is among the most beautiful places in the world. And this is from a Texan.
I did find some off my schoolmates there among the most backwards people I've ever met. Like from another century. But overall a very nice place.Well...I mean, Texas....no offense, but... :D

Well...I mean, Texas....no offense, but... :D
LOL! Tsk! Don't diss the Lone Star State, my firend. Lots of great folks out there ... not to mention the wimmin! Whew! Day-um, son ... some GREAT lookin' wimmin in the Republic of. :D

I'll bet my next military retirement check that you'll wanna come back! :DHa. Just for that I'll force myself to dislike North Carolina.

P.S. How much is the check for? And where do you live? ;)

LOL! Tsk! Don't diss the Lone Star State, my firend. Lots of great folks out there ... not to mention the wimmin! Whew! Day-um, son ... some GREAT lookin' wimmin in the Republic of. :D"Son", ha. I'm old enought to be your great-great-great x 1/0 grandfather. You forget I'm about 15 billion years older than anyone else on this forum! :D


It was bad enough having 13-14 yr olds having crushes on me when I was 18... this is 4 years later!I remember when I was in eighth grade how all of my 13-14 year old female comrades had crushes on the high school seniors... you weren't alone. ;) (I always thought it rather silly, even though I seem to prefer people who aren't my age either.)

LOL! Well, just make sure you asertain age before engaging stick-shift! :D
Its ok... youngest I've ever laid my hands on is 17 :D

Well...I mean, Texas....no offense, but... :D

LOL

It's really rare for a Texan to admit someplace else might be better in any way. Just ask Keruvalia.
And in my opinion,we do have the most gorgeous women. :D

And yeah... Texans, Canadians, and Polish, are the hottest women in the world IMHO :D

LOL

It's really rare for a Texan to admit someplace else might be better in any way. Just ask Keruvalia.Well, yes, I suppose so. It just proves how 'superior' they are. ;) [/sarcasm]
And in my opinion,we do have the most gorgeous women. :DLOL

Glad to hear you say those things about the place I call home. Come back 'n visit us sometime now, ya'heah! :D
Hey, I myself consider NC my second home. The time there has been very good indeed and I still look back to many, many good memories. :D

(And yes, some of those memories do include the term "robbing the cradle", hehe. I didn't know what people meant by that until I saw it written... Oops :p )

My wife lived in Raleigh for 1 year.

NEGATIVE
There is almost no sidewalks in this city; and the roads aren't wide enough to allow bicycles to run. Everything is designed solely for CARS.
Vegetables and fresh meat are very expensive, but you can get 2 mini microwave pizzas for 1$. (In Texas, at least, fresh food is very affordable!!!)
Quite segregated: downtown and a lot of areas are 100% white. Afro-Americans serving milkshakes. Latinos only seen in the fields.

POSITIVE
Lots of qualified employment in interesting companies (in the Research Triangle).
A few good bars and restaurants, a nice bakery, and an excellent oyster bar.
Lots of trees in and around the city.
The beach is never far.
International airport.
You're not in South Carolina.
People are VERY nice and friendly in NC.
Religious tolerance (although some of them try to convert you, and the local newspaper was constantly bashing Catholics!)
With my French Canadian accent, people thought I was Russian. Hilarious scene at the video rental place.

And yeah... Texans... are the hottest women in the world IMHO :D

I should know. I'm one of them.

...Wait a minute, that didn't sound right.

>.>

I went to Asheville a couple of years back. Nice place - the architecture's nothing special (to European eyes anyway), but it's laid back, with good weather and clean air. There's plenty of interesting shops to poke around in and the people are friendly.

I don't remember having a bad meal while I was there - stick to the independents and you'll do well. The Biltmore estate is indeed a lulu, with a small town nearby that majors on leafy streets and cool coffee shops, making for a very pleasant Sunday stroll. All good stuff.

I was actually not that impressed by the mountains as such, but then I was travelling by Greyhound, so I didn't get off the beaten track much. I may have missed the best views.

I should know. I'm one of them.

...Wait a minute, that didn't sound right.

>.>
Now I wanna meet you even more ;)

I should know. I'm one of them.There I beg to differ. ;)

...Wait a minute, that didn't sound right.

>.>You're right, it didn't. See what I mean?

I said that because a lot of guys around here mistake me for being female. If I had pics, you'd understand why...

And yeah... Texans, Canadians, and Polish, are the hottest women in the world IMHO


What a coincidence :eek: I'm nearly 1/2 Polish and have citizenship there :D

I said that because a lot of guys around here mistake me for being female. If I had pics, you'd understand why...


Actually, the word Potaria makes me think of a potato, so I mistake you for vegetable :p

What a coincidence :eek: I'm nearly 1/2 Polish and have citizenship there :D
Now all I need is a pic to test my hypothesis ;)

I said that because a lot of guys around here mistake me for being female. If I had pics, you'd understand why...I knew there was something wrong with that.

And the only reason we mistake you for a female is because of your ridiculous name, which makes you sound like a vegetable. (No offense intended to any females who may be reading this, lol.)

Yay for generalizations!

Actually, the word Potaria makes me think of a potato, so I mistake you for vegetable :p

That's what part of my name comes from!

LOL! Yup. They're not noted for their cosmopolitan approach to life! :D

Good people, though ... usually. :)


I hope you are speaking of the mountains and not the whole state! Southeastern NC has some of the largest and most expensive oceanfront/intracoastal front homes on the East Coast. Mayor Bloomberg, Al Gore, Travolta, Bullock, Oprah and many many others visit and work here. A good portion of my friends have relocated here from very cosmopolitan cities and Europe. ------------Although, we are not totally redneck free.

Yes...I'm going to western NC, USA, on Official Business. And I'm wondering if there are any NSers who live in that state, or have been there before. Any warnings or advice you can give me? What should I avoid? Are there any good restaurants in the mountain area? Anything you can tell me about it? I've done some research but the best is usually from the people themselves.

You must try North Carolina BBQ. Different from any BBQ you have eaten or will eat anywhere else in the US. I is very, very good. Pig slow roasted in a pit then ground or flaked (not sure which). The BBQ sauce is vinegar based. Yummy.

I live in Asheville. Do you like art galleries? That's what most of down town is comprised of: Art galleries. You think I'd be joking but I'm not. How they stay in business is somewhat mind boggling, it's all over priced shit. Apparently the region is beautiful, but I'm pretty jaded. I grew up here, so it just looks normal to me. I used to take the parkway every day to school and while I suppose it's a nice drive, I enjoyed it mostly because it wasn't as fast and hurried as the interstate yet you hardly ever slowed down as if you were city driving. I suppose the bar-be-que's alright, but I've not really gotten out there and sunk my teeth into it. How pathetic that the one guy who actually lives here as the least to say about it.

I live in Asheville. Do you like art galleries? That's what most of down town is comprised of: Art galleries. You think I'd be joking but I'm not. How they stay in business is somewhat mind boggling, it's all over priced shit. Apparently the region is beautiful, but I'm pretty jaded. I grew up here, so it just looks normal to me. I used to take the parkway every day to school and while I suppose it's a nice drive, I enjoyed it mostly because it wasn't as fast and hurried as the interstate yet you hardly ever slowed down as if you were city driving. I suppose the bar-be-que's alright, but I've not really gotten out there and sunk my teeth into it. How pathetic that the one guy who actually lives here as the least to say about it.It always happens. I visited New York once and did all the sightseeing—Circle Line, the WTC (it was still standing back then), all those fancy restaurants. And all the New Yorkers had never been there or done that. In fact, they didn't see anything particularly remarkable about the city where they live. And they always go to that good Chinese restaurant on 42th Street that makes the chicken dumplings, and don't notice the Chrysler Building on their way there. It scares me sometimes. ;)

It always happens. I visited New York once and did all the sightseeing—Circle Line, the WTC (it was still standing back then), all those fancy restaurants. And all the New Yorkers had never been there or done that. In fact, they didn't see anything particularly remarkable about the city where they live. And they always go to that good Chinese restaurant on 42th Street that makes the chicken dumplings, and don't notice the Chrysler Building on their way there. It scares me sometimes. ;)

Haha, that's how it goes. I always go to a place called Zaxby's for something good to eat, a semi-fast food chain serving chicken, and I'll pass such apparently awesome restaurants on my way there without a second thought. I'm not going to suggest you go to them though simply because I have no idea how they are. But like I said, art galleries. If you're into that, bring a lot of money and it'll all be gone immediately. When are you coming here? If you came during Belle Chere... Well that would be quite a trip. It's a street-festival where basically the entire city shuts down for a weekend and tens of thousands of people fill the streets among vendors hawking various crafts and live bands playing for free all over the place. I've yet to miss one.

Haha, that's how it goes. I always go to a place called Zaxby's for something good to eat, a semi-fast food chain serving chicken, and I'll pass such apparently awesome restaurants on my way there without a second thought. I'm not going to suggest you go to them though simply because I have no idea how they are. But like I said, art galleries. If you're into that, bring a lot of money and it'll all be gone immediately. When are you coming here? If you came during Belle Chere... Well that would be quite a trip. It's a street-festival where basically the entire city shuts down for a weekend and tens of thousands of people fill the streets among vendors hawking various crafts and live bands playing for free all over the place. I've yet to miss one.Is that anytime between June 27 and July 7? Because that's the whole time I'll be in the area. I'm conducting business every evening except the 4th, and possibly in the daytimes as well, but on the 4th itself I have a totally engagement-free day.

Is that anytime between June 27 and July 7? Because that's the whole time I'll be in the area. I'm conducting business every evening except the 4th, and possibly in the daytimes as well, but on the 4th itself I have a totally engagement-free day.

Nah, it's far later in July. Downtown on the fourth is pretty cool too, though.

If you ave time you should definitely go see the Biltmore Estate. It's the largest and most beautiful house in the USA. They have tours, a 5 star hotel-restaraunt, a winery, and tons of stuff to do. Absolutely beautiful scenery. If you would like to take a moderate 2 mile hike you can go see linville falls, beautiful waterfalls. I live in concord, its about 15 miles north of charlotte. I used to live in a loft right beside bank of america stadium (formerly ericson stadium). Bought a 4200 sf home on 3 acres for just a tad more than the 1300 sf loft cost!!! Country living just suits me more I think. Anyway, if you want to see some beautiful little towns just drive towards boone and linville. There are towns along that route that are practically unchanged since the 50's (minus the bigotry). Welcome and good luck, you might not want to leave. Also, if you order iced tea, you gotta understand that it's going to be about 3/4 sugar. My mother in law always orders iced tea thinking it's automatically going to be unsweetened like up north and then dumps 2 packets of splenda in it. The waiters always get a kick because it happens all the time.

Oh yeah. There's a place called Ianucci's on Hendersonville road. Friggin' great pizza. Mmmhmmm goood. Damn, if I get hungry later I'll have to go get one.

And yeah... Texans, Canadians, and Polish, are the hottest women in the world IMHO :D
:(

Its ok... youngest I've ever laid my hands on is 17 :D
Problem is, I wasn't talkin' 'bout yer freakin' hands! :D

I should know. I'm one of them.

...Wait a minute, that didn't sound right.

>.>
S'ok. As a legally qualified female, you're allowed to say that. :D

BTW ... if yer so "hot," why no photograph on the pics thread? Huh? Whut's up wid dat? :p

I hope you are speaking of the mountains and not the whole state! Southeastern NC has some of the largest and most expensive oceanfront/intracoastal front homes on the East Coast. Mayor Bloomberg, Al Gore, Travolta, Bullock, Oprah and many many others visit and work here. A good portion of my friends have relocated here from very cosmopolitan cities and Europe. ------------Although, we are not totally redneck free.
I try to avoid such rarefied environments whenever possible. :)

You must try North Carolina BBQ. Different from any BBQ you have eaten or will eat anywhere else in the US. I is very, very good. Pig slow roasted in a pit then ground or flaked (not sure which). The BBQ sauce is vinegar based. Yummy.
Its wonderful! :D But usually it's shredded. :)

If you came during Belle Chere... Well that would be quite a trip. It's a street-festival where basically the entire city shuts down for a weekend and tens of thousands of people fill the streets among vendors hawking various crafts and live bands playing for free all over the place. I've yet to miss one.
It's strange that I've never heard about that. When is this Belle Chere?

Oh yeah. There's a place called Ianucci's on Hendersonville road. Friggin' great pizza. Mmmhmmm goood. Damn, if I get hungry later I'll have to go get one.
Get me one too! You can download it after you get back. :D

I'm very angry right now because I'm not hungry, and I know I'll be extremely hungry at about the time they're closing. Anyway, it's Bele Chere as I just discovered, and here's a good link regarding it: http://www.belechere.com/

It's strange that I've never heard about that. When is this Belle Chere?

I've never heard of it either.
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About the BBQ, like someone said earlier.. it's different from place to place. I prefer the vinegar based, pulled. My favorite BBQ place burnt down years ago. That was Andy's.. it was in Lexington iirc. I haven't ate BBQ in a long time.

I'm very angry right now because I'm not hungry, and I know I'll be extremely hungry at about the time they're closing. Anyway, it's Bele Chere as I just discovered, and here's a good link regarding it: http://www.belechere.com/


Cool :) I like Blue's Traveler. I might check that out.

I like them too, but they've wrecked tradition by charging admission to their performance. That doesn't happen at Bele Chere, so I'll be sneaking in.

I'm an Asheville native, longtime resident, and (having moved away 6 years ago) frequent visitor. Drop by #themodcave if you want more details.

~ Fris ~

I'm an Asheville native, longtime resident, and (having moved away 6 years ago) frequent visitor. Drop by #themodcave if you want more details.

~ Fris ~
Well, that explains a lot! :D

Yes...I'm going to western NC, USA, on Official Business. And I'm wondering if there are any NSers who live in that state, or have been there before. Any warnings or advice you can give me? What should I avoid? Are there any good restaurants in the mountain area? Anything you can tell me about it? I've done some research but the best is usually from the people themselves.

Boy are you in luck! North freaking Carolina baby!

I'm from there actually, the Wake county area to be exact - it's the one in the middle with our capital.

If you're going to West NC... hmmm... I don't go there regularly. I looked at some colleges out there - Appalachian State and UNC Asheville, but decided UNC Chapel Hill was the best of my choices.
Out that way we have a small Indian reservation, Cherokee I believe.
It's a beautiful area out there nature wise. Warnings or advice? It's Appalachia. Don't wander too far off the highway! :D Seriously though, the people I met out there were friendly enough, so there's nothing to really watch out for per se, except back roads. I got lost several times, so make sure you have a map or something.
As to food? NC has a large mexican population, so if you love Mexican food you are in luck. Look for real Mexican though, no Taco Bell, no On the Border, usually they have Spanish names - El Dorado, El Cerro, El Rodeo are some common ones, at least around my area. Good Mexican is to be found all over the state though. Barbecue too is also a state specialty, and quite delicious. One outing there I found a great German restaurant... weird a German place in the mountains, hard as hell to find, but if you are in Asheville look up German food(it was the only one in several hundered miles, so it should stand alone as a listing), it was a pleasant suprise.

Um thats about it I guess! I don't live out there, but I hope I was of help. Have fun on your trip!

Problem is, I wasn't talkin' 'bout yer freakin' hands! :D
Shut it you :p

Boy are you in luck! North freaking Carolina baby!

I'm from there actually, the Wake county area to be exact - it's the one in the middle with our capital.

... NC has a large mexican population, so if you love Mexican food you are in luck. Look for real Mexican though, no Taco Bell, no On the Border, usually they have Spanish names - El Dorado, El Cerro, El Rodeo are some common ones, at least around my area. Good Mexican is to be found all over the state though...

Wow - this is interesting. I've lived in NC for almost 10 years and have yet to experience good Mexican food here. Texas, New Mexico, Arizona and San Diego and MEXICO - have good Mexican food with fresh ingredients. I have found that Mexican food here is like eating Chinese in Tulsa, OK. Or Italian in Wyoming. Or English in England - (woops sorry about that last one). Maybe I just haven't found the right luncheria?

I'm an Asheville native, longtime resident, and (having moved away 6 years ago) frequent visitor. Drop by #themodcave if you want more details.

~ Fris ~You mean we might actually be in the same city at the same time? :eek:

I may get to meet a NationStates Moderator! (Or almost anyway.)

BUMP.

P.S. Anyone know how to use #themodcave and where it is? I know there's a thread on this, but I'm too lazy to find it </shamefacedness>

This just in. I arrived a few hours ago in NC and am writing this from the comfy confines of a hotel room that looks out over distant mountains.

You humans have a strange mode of transportation. You fly in the air with ships, but bring them sufficiently low that one can see the ground below. Ths is a bad idea. Seeing the ground so far away will make many people nervous and unwilling to travel. However, if you bring it up to, say 200,000 feet, the ground is barely visible and you feel secure due to the absence of something to crasb into if you fall. Just a thought for improvement of your society. ;)

We're leaving Asheville tomorrow for a small town not too far away, where the "official" part of the business will be transacted. It will leave me plenty of free time in the region.

Pretend to be a tourist...what should I do?