Things I love about living in North Carolina

Now that we've been in North Carolina for almost three months (craziness!), I thought I'd introduce you to a few of the things I love about this area.

1. Magnolia Trees

They're everywhere and they're huge. There's even one on our property! But really, it's pretty awesome just having trees everywhere you look. Unless, of course, they have been torn down and replaced by ginormous fields of tobacco.

2. Farmer's Markets and Fruit Stands

There aren't as many fruit stands around as there were when strawberries were in season, but I still love being able to buy local fresh fruits and vegetables by the side of the road. I'm getting so spoiled that I don't want to buy them from the grocery any more. Plus, I like learning what's in season when. It makes me appreciate each season more, and I just feel less...processed, I guess. Just this last week I made peach cobbler out of locally bought peaches and an apple crisp from apples my neighbor shared with us that fell off a friend's tree. Yumminess.

3. The Weather in General and the Absence of Wind in Particular

It does get hot and humid here, but for the most part I enjoy the heat and the knowledge that I won't have to put up with very cold or very long winters. And it really hasn't even been that hot. The highs have been staying in the 80s and 90s for the most part. Plus, after training for a half marathon in Altus, OK, and facing a minimum of 10-20 mph winds on practically every single run, I am reveling in the gentle breezes of North Carolina.

4. Day Trips to the Beach

The ocean is an hour away, and we can be at a handful of perfectly adequate beaches in under two hours. Enough said.

5. Weekend Trips to DC

The place where we met, got married, and made many amazing friends is only a four-hour drive away! Plus, there are just a whole lot of cool things to do and see there. Free museums, anyone? Yes, please! I know we won't get up there as much as I would like, but I still love that it's so close.

6. Proximity to Three Major Colleges

University of North Carolina, Duke, and North Carolina State University are all within an hour and a half's drive. That's great for athletics in general, and in North Carolina, basketball in particular. I'm also really looking forward to getting acquainted with the performing arts schedules.

And the thing I love most of all...
7. I Get to Live Here for More Than Six Months!

Although friends will always come and go in the military community, I am happy that my days of having to start fresh every few months has come to an end.

Come visit, and I promise to introduce you to any or all of these amazing North Carolina perks.

What's one of the favorite aspects of your city/town/state?