Carolina(s)...on a Snowy Day in Richmond

Enjoying a snowy day in Richmond; as expected getting a good amount here, though less than originally forecast, but enough to keep it indoors. Watching qualifying in sunny Daytona, a nice track; went there a few years ago though not to the race, but rather as a stop on the way to the Kennedy Space Center.
However, as mentioned in my previous post, giving equal time to North Carolina today. Last post talked about Richmond, today a bit on the Carolinas. There, I ride my motorcycle usually with friends, and we have done a lot of exploring over the years. Like with Richmond and my transplanted co-workers here, there many of those I came with from Louisville (where this current journey started) were amazed at some of the things I mentioned seeing. To be honest, so were some of the natives.
At any case, what is cool about North Carolina ,and for that matter South Carolina for Charlotte is on the border of the two states. In fact the Charlotte Knights AAA baseball team plays actually in South Carolina. Sports I guess would be the first item. Been to quite a few Carolina Panthers games, went to see the Hornets (not the Bobcats yet, though my son is a big fan), and also enjoy hockey games with the Charlotte Checkers. Fair basketball team at UNCC, though college football is a few years away with them (but coming).
NASCAR is also huge, as is the track the (formerly) Lowe's Motor Speedway. It is in nearby Concord, NC which is also the home to Concord Mills (which is North Carolina's largest tourist attraction...go figure!). There are a lot of raceshops in Concord. Hendricks Motorsports, Roush Racing, and Earnhardt Ganassi are all within a stones throw of each other. Nearby Mooresville also has a lot of teams (pretty much the rest of them) based there. There is drag racing at Z-Max Dragway; Bruton Smith sure had a time building it, but its a first class facility. There is also a little used dirt track as part of the racing complex on Bruton Smith Blvd. Richard Petty runs often at the big racetrack; where for a price you can do Ride Along's and drive the cars. I have done both, its a rush!
North Carolina is famous for its barbecue, and are quite passionate about it. Different than what you get in Richmond and Louisville for that matter, though pretty good. Usually comes topped with slaw (and usually "red" slaw), and slaw is also a popular topping on hot dogs. Not bad, just different.
Motorcycling is great in North and South Carolina. Been on some big rides, but fun just riding around the small towns. Not a lot of Civil War history; was a Confederate Prison at nearby Salisbury, NC but not many battles there (at least in the Charlotte/Concord area). Was a hot bed during the Revolutionary War, though one battlefield is under Lake Norman, but a nice one at Kings Mountain. Lots of Civil War sites in South Carolina (especially Charleston, SC) and around the state.
Speaking of Charleston, SC...one of my favorite cities. Patty and I have been often; great seafood, nice beaches, lots to see and do. Any city with US Navy ships to explore is pretty neat in my book. Myrtle Beach is pretty good, though tends to get crowded at times. Made a motorcycle ride (a day trip) to Carolina Beach in NC...came back impressed.
Though a former sailor, the mountains are really remarkable. Asheville is a cool town. The Biltmore is something to see, especially at Christmas time. Beautiful area and a nice drive. I also like both Chimney Rock and Blowing Rock...make quite a few yearly motorcycle rides to the mountains. Lake Lure is really something to see (and even has a small beach). I mentioned a few places to eat in Richmond, if you are ever in Blowing Rock check out "The Canyons"....great prices and views to die for. Daniel Boone Inn at Blowing Rock is also remarkable, with great food. Course, the big attraction there is the mountains; both Grandfather Mountain, and Blowing Rock give remarkable views of the Blue Ridge Mountains. For a biker, nothing beats The Blue Ridge Parkway, a remarkable ride (and also runs into Virginia). I have seen it from a drive last year through Virginia back to Louisville, beautiful here too.
The Carolinas are a real melting pot, was a popular area for transplants. When I first got there, seemed like everyone I knew was from someplace else. Much of New York especially seems to be moving there. So you get a lot of regional attitudes; not always as friendly as I have found in Richmond, though it can be. When the locals get to know you, they tend to really open up, but seem sort of wary at first. Unlike Richmond, history takes a back seat to progress. There are few "old" things in Charlotte. They tend to ram things through (like the downtown arena which replaced a not very old Charlotte Coliseum at the airport). The airport is growing like a weed and gets a lot of use. Lots of direct flights just about everywhere you would want to go. Not a great many old things to see though and buildings don't tend to be re-used. Rather they tend to be torn down. Housing is cheap in comparison to Richmond, and (at least until the real estate meltdown) was springing up all over.
It is an interesting and fun place. Nothing like the James, but Lake Norman is pretty nice a few rivers in the area; though not as many fun things happen as they do along the James. It is a good place to live with great weather, and many interesting things to do and see.