Growing up in a military family has given me the luxury of living in many different places. Out of all the places we have lived, nothing compares to the great state of North Carolina, where we have been stationed two times. For the past 10 years, I have been able to live in the Tar Heel state and go to college at North Carolina’s first public university. From the North Carolina coast to our beautiful mountains, I have never lived in a place so perfect. I am currently living in the Sunshine state for the next few months, and I can already tell that I’m going to miss home. North Carolina will always have a special place in my heart, especially these things while I’m gone.

1. The barbecue

Pick your poison. Eastern or western barbecue? North Carolina seems to have a divide when it comes to its styles of barbecue. Easterners top their pulled pork with a vinegar based sauce and a white coleslaw. Those who enjoy western, which is also known as Lexington barbecue, use a ketchup based sauce with red vinegar-laden slaw. Personally, I prefer a nice pulled pork sandwich eastern style. Don't forget the sweet tea!

2. Our beautiful mountains

Nothing beats taking a weekend trip out west to the various North Carolina Mountains. A personal favorite of mine is Grandfather Mountain. The different trails and beautiful scenery never disappoint, no matter the season. The highlight of any trip to Grandfather Mountain is the Mile High Swinging Bridge, which has been around for over 60 years.

3. The beaches

You can't forget the North Carolina beaches! They're just as breathtaking as the mountains. From the Outer Banks to Wrightsville Beach, there's so much to see along the coast.

4. The best rivalry in sports

Eight miles separates two universities involved in the the greatest rivalry in all of sports. It's the Battle of the Blues or the Battle for Tobacco Road. Duke and UNC fans have very strong feelings towards this rivalry that's been around for decades. People from other states don't realize the importance of this great rivalry and might even argue that other schools have greater rivalries. They may say to you, "It's just a silly game." No it's a way of life, and nothing compares.

5. It's Bo Time!

A tailgate or Saturday morning isn't complete without your Bojangles fix. Anyone from North Carolina knows that Bojangles has the best chicken and biscuits. Their biscuits, sweet tea and yummy fixings will definitely make any day better. Going to a UNC Basketball game? Well if the team scores 100 points everyone wins free Bojangles biscuits. Another perk is they serve breakfast all day! Chicken biscuit anybody?

6. The unpredictable weather

This year we were wearing shorts and flip flops on Christmas Day. I thought I lived in North Carolina, not Florida! Many North Carolinians will agree that it's pretty common to experience all four seasons within a week. Our unpredictable weather will always hold a special place in my heart.