Culture of North Carolina facts for kids
The culture of North Carolina is a special part of the larger American culture. North Carolina was one of the original 13 colonies. Its culture has been shaped by early settlers from England, Scotland, Germany, and Switzerland. Also, African Americans have had a huge impact. They first came as enslaved people during colonial times. From those times to today, they have helped create many traditions. These include literature, religious practices, food, music, and popular culture.
Recently, many people have moved to North Carolina. They come from states like New York, Florida, and Virginia. More immigrants from Hispanic countries, East Asia, and India are also arriving. Many of these new residents settle in cities. These cities are mostly in the Piedmont region. In rural North Carolina, farming and small businesses are very important. Local events and yearly festivals also play a big role. Overall, North Carolina has many different cultures for music, arts, and food.
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City Life in North Carolina
North Carolina has several large cities. These cities and their surrounding areas have unique cultures. They often mix many different cultures together. This can change the traditional Southern culture in urban areas.
The Research Triangle Area
The Research Triangle Park, often called The Triangle, includes Raleigh, Durham, and Chapel Hill. It also has towns like Cary and Apex. The Triangle is home to many large businesses. This attracts many other supporting businesses. Also, many colleges are in The Triangle. This brings many educated people to the area. The growing population needs unique restaurants and fun nightlife. There is also a high demand for craft breweries.
Growing Cities
North Carolina cities have many things you find in other U.S. cities. However, the choices might be fewer than in very large cities. Because of this, there is a big need for more city attractions. This has led to constant building in areas like The Triangle and Charlotte. For decades, new neighborhoods, restaurants, and highways have been built. New schools and business parks are also common.
Countryside Culture
While North Carolina has many cities, much of the state is rural. Thick forests cover most of the mountain region in Western North Carolina. Eastern North Carolina has large farms for growing crops. Rural North Carolina often follows traditional Southern culture.
Fun in the Countryside
Common activities in rural North Carolina include horseback riding and hiking. People also enjoy swimming in rivers and lakes. Fishing, target shooting, and hunting are popular. Riding ATVs or modified trucks on trails is another favorite. Many families also have large gardens or small farms.
Delicious North Carolina Food
One famous food from North Carolina is pork barbecue. There are two main styles of barbecue in the state.
Eastern North Carolina Barbecue
In Eastern North Carolina, pork barbecue uses a vinegar-based sauce. The "whole hog" is cooked. This means both white and dark meat are used. Cities like Greenville and Goldsboro have many top barbecue spots. The annual Newport Pig Pickin' is a huge contest. It features mostly Eastern-style barbecue.
Western North Carolina Barbecue
Central and Western North Carolina pork barbecue uses a tomato and vinegar-based sauce. Only the pork shoulder (dark meat) is used. The "capital" of this style is Lexington. The Lexington Barbecue Festival happens every October. It brings in over 100,000 visitors.
Music Scene
North Carolina is well-known for its history of old-time music. Many recordings were made in the early 1900s. Folk song collector Bascom Lamar Lunsford helped preserve this music.
Country and Bluegrass
Influential country musicians like the North Carolina Ramblers helped shape country music in the 1920s. Famous bluegrass musicians like Earl Scruggs and Doc Watson are also from North Carolina. Arthur Smith was a notable musician. He had the first nationally televised country music show. He wrote "Guitar Boogie" and "Dueling Banjos". Country artist Eric Church is from the Hickory area. He has had many #1 albums.
Blues and Modern Music
Both North and South Carolina are known for traditional country blues. This includes the Piedmont blues style. Elizabeth Cotten from Chapel Hill was important in the American folk music revival.
Cities like Raleigh-Durham-Chapel Hill (The Triangle), Asheville, and Charlotte are centers for modern music. These include indie rock, metal, punk, jazz, country, and hip-hop. Bands like The Avett Brothers and Superchunk come from these areas.
Hip-Hop Artists
Many famous rappers and producers are from North Carolina. These include J. Cole, DaBaby, Petey Pablo, and 9th Wonder.
Learning and Universities
North Carolina has a strong education system.
Public Universities
The University of North Carolina system has 16 public universities. These include North Carolina A&T State University, North Carolina State University, and UNC-Chapel Hill. Other public universities are East Carolina University and UNC Charlotte.
Community Colleges
North Carolina also has 58 public community colleges. These are part of the community college system.
Private Colleges
There are also many private colleges. Some well-known ones are Duke University in Durham and Wake Forest University in Winston-Salem.
Sports in North Carolina
North Carolina is home to many professional sports teams.
Professional Teams
- NBA – Charlotte Hornets (in Charlotte)
- NFL – Carolina Panthers (in Charlotte)
- NHL – Carolina Hurricanes (in Raleigh)
- MLS – Charlotte FC (in Charlotte)
NASCAR Racing
NASCAR racing is also very popular in North Carolina. NASCAR Cup Series races are often held at the Charlotte Motor Speedway. This track is in Concord, near Charlotte.
