Hey there, fellow foodie travelers! Today, we’re in North Carolina, talking about food! There are so many cool things to do in North Carolina, and all that sightseeing will definitely help you work up an appetite. There are so many great North Carolina food spots that it would take ages to try them all. So we’re going to tell you the top five things to eat and drink in North Carolina.
North Carolina Beer
The area around Asheville in the western part of North Carolina has some really great local brews. Asheville is a great little college town with a hippie vibe and it’s really fun to visit. The beer is just the icing on the cake! There are over 300 breweries and brewpubs in North Carolina, more than any other Southern state. Check out Asheville Brewing Company, Deep River Brewing Company, Foothills Brewing Company, and more!
If you prefer wine over beer, the Biltmore Estate in Asheville has vineyards and a winery where you can sample and purchase North Carolina wines. There are actually more than 400 vineyards in North Carolina!
North Carolina Barbecue Sauce
I know I’ve probably said Memphis has the best barbeque and also Kansas City. But each region of the US has its own style of BBQ. The sauce is what sets it apart from other BBQ hot spots. North Carolina BBQ sauce has a vinegar base, so it’s more tangy and spicy without the sweet side of other barbecue styles. (Don’t forget a side of hush puppies and coleslaw to go with your BBQ!)
The most common North Carolina BBQ you’ll find is of the pork variety: pulled, sliced, shredded, or chopped. Of course, you can get ribs or brisket, but true “Carolina BBQ” is pork with a vinegar smoke.
Fresh Seafood
If you’re in the Outer Banks or anywhere along the coast, make sure you take advantage of the fresh seafood that’s available. Soft-shell crab and clams are two popular seafood types you’ll find all along the North Carolina coast.
The Don’ts of Visiting the Outer Banks, North Carolina
North Carolina Donuts
Some of the best donuts in the United States come from North Carolina. Krispy Kreme was founded in North Carolina before they went national, so they know their donuts here. You also have to try Duck Donuts. It’s like the “Chipotle” of donuts. You start with the base of a vanilla cake donut, and then go down the link, picking out your toppings. You start with a coating like powdered sugar or icing, then choose your toppings. You can even get bacon sprinkles on your donut! Finish it off with a drizzle of hot fudge, raspberry, marshmallow, or salted caramel, and you’re on your way to the best donut you’ve ever concocted! Duck Donuts started in the Outer Banks, but they’ve expanded so no matter where go you in North Carolina, you’ll find a Duck Donuts nearby.
Southern Fixin’s
It’s easy to forget that North Carolina really is part of the south, and that means Southern food. Boiled peanuts are a southern treat you can buy along the side of the road. Fried green tomatoes are another southern specialty we love to try. And you can’t visit the South without drinking sweet tea. Skip right by the unsweetened tea and try the sweet tea. It’s a southern staple and it goes with everything!
Five Things You Will Love & Hate About Visiting the South
North Carolina food is just one reason to visit this state. There are a ton of cool cities and areas to explore. From the Outer Banks to the Smoky Mountains, North Carolina is pretty amazing. Looking for more tips on travel in the southern United States? Check out some of these other blog posts!