Tarheel Profile

     North Carolina is a big state, one of the largest geographically on the eastern seaboard.  It also has a large and diverse population, ranking 9th among our 50 nifty United States.  Its landscape ranges from sea level to Mt. Mitchell, the highest point east of the Mississippi River at 6,684 feet.  It it a full day's journey to traverse from the Outer Banks to the Great Smoky Mountains.

     The Tar Heel State has three main geographic regions.  Starting at the coast line there is the Atlantic Coastal Plain which makes up about 45 % of the state.  The Piedmont region is in the center of the state and is home to both agriculture and industry.  Then on the western side of the state there is the Appalachian Mountains and foothills, among them the scenic Blue Ridge.  As each region is distinct geographically as they are culturally and with their own unique cuisine as well.

     My visit this past week gave me a greater appreciation for the people, their way of life and their food.  In the next several posts I will attempt to relay to you what I experienced.