The annual North Carolina Chinese Lantern Festival at Koka Booth Amphitheater is an ideal holiday activity for the whole family. Running from November 16th through January 12th, the festival features all-new displays with hundreds of parts and thousands of lights. In addition to the dazzling lanterns, the event includes a rich history, tasty food, performances, and numerous retail vendors.
Raleigh
SCANDINAVIAN CHRISTMAS FAIR
December 7th
Raleigh
The Scandinavian Christmas Fair, also known as Julmarknad, will be held at the State Fair Grounds on December 7th. This authentic celebration showcases traditions from Sweden, Norway, Denmark, Finland, and Iceland. Attendees can find traditional food, dancing, and vendors. Additionally, tickets are available online or in person, making it a wonderful yearly tradition for the entire family.
RALEIGH CHRISTMAS PARADE
November 23rd
Raleigh
The 2024 Raleigh Christmas Parade will take place on November 23rd at 9:30 am and stands as the largest parade between Atlanta and Washington DC. As the parade makes its way down the 1.4-mile route, there is something for everyone. Over its 2-hour duration, attendees can enjoy local marching bands, various organizations, balloons, dancers, and floats. This year marks the 80th anniversary of the Raleigh Christmas Parade!
THE NUTCRACKER
Dec. 12th to Dec. 24th
Raleigh
The Nutcracker, presented by Carolina Ballet, takes place in downtown Raleigh. The shows run from December 12th to the 24th and are the most-attended Carolina Ballet production ever. Held at Raleigh Memorial Auditorium, the production features fresh choreography, vibrant sets, and stunning costumes.
THE RINK
November to January
Raleigh
THE RINK, a natural ice skating rink in the heart of downtown Raleigh, will operate from November to January. This year, visitors can enjoy a snack bar, games, and lounging stations. The event will take place at Red Hat Amphitheater. In addition, tickets start at $15 for skaters and $6 for non-skaters.
Greater North Carolina
POLAR EXPRESS TRAIN RIDE
Nov. 7th to Dec. 31st
Bryson City
Great Smoky Mountains Railroad presents the Polar Express train ride. The ride lasts 1 ½ hours and guests will enjoy beautiful scenery, hot cocoa, and treats while experiencing the story. The train finishes up at the North Pole where children can meet Santa Claus and be presented their silver bell. The experience finishes back at Bryson City Depot and tickets range from $29 to $63.
CHRISTMAS AT BILTMORE
Nov. 2nd to Jan. 5th
Asheville
Christmas at Biltmore will run from November 2nd to January 5th. Tickets, which range from $110 to $420 per person depending on the package, offer various experiences. Visitors can tour the grounds during the daytime or evening; thus, they will encounter stunning decorations, enjoy complimentary wine tastings, and participate in candle-lit tours.
Mike’s Farm
November 23rd
Beaulaville
Christmas festivities at Mike’s Farm begin on November 14th and run until December 23rd. During this period, activities include the Festival of Lights Hayride, Wilmington Celebration Choir, Supper with Santa, Christmas Show, and more. For further details, including all dates and times for individual events as well as ticket information, visit their website.
WINTERFEST AT CAROWINDS
Nov. 15th to Dec. 31st
Charlotte
Winterfest at Carowinds runs from November 15th through December 31st. During this festive period, activities include Christmas lights, ice skating, live entertainment, and holiday food. With something for all ages, the event also offers free admission for children two years old and under. For tickets and additional information, visit their website.
Chris Paul is an NBA point guard from Winston-Salem, North Carolina. Before being drafted in 2005, Paul spent two years playing basketball at Wake Forest University. He was selected fourth overall by the New Orleans Hornets, who are now known as the Charlotte Hornets, during their temporary relocation to New Orleans. While he has played for seven teams, currently the San Antonio Spurs, none of them were in his home state of North Carolina.
Richard Petty (Level Cross)
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Richard Petty, a North Carolina stock car racer, was born in Level Cross. He has a large number of achievements under his belt including his large number of NASCAR. Petty shares the record for the most NASCAR Cup Series Championships with Dale Earnhardt, a fellow North Carolinian, and Jimmie Johnson. His last race was in 1992, the Hooters 500, and he has earned his nickname “The King.”
Julius Peppers (Wilson)
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Julius Peppers is a Defensive end Linebacker from Wilson, North Carolina. He spent three years playing for the University of North Carolina before being drafted 2nd overall in 2002. Peppers played for the Carolina Panthers until 2009, returning to Carolina again in 2017 for one final season. After 16 years of professional football, Peppers retired after the 2018 season.
Dale Earnhardt Sr. (Kannapolis)
Photo Credit: David Taylor/Allsport
Dale Earnhardt Sr. was a professional stock car driver born in Kannapolis, North Carolina. His first race was in Charlotte at the 1975 World 600 and his last was the Daytona 500 in 2001. Dale Earnhardt Sr. died in an accident at the 2001 Daytona 500 due to a three-car crash at only 49 years old. His son, Dale Earnhardt Jr., takes after his father and carries along his legacy as one of the most popular professional athletes from North Carolina.
Carl Eller (Winston-Salem)
(Photo by David Maxwell/Getty Images
Carl Eller, a Winston-Salem native, is a former Defensive end who played in the NFL for 15 years. He played nearly all of his career (1964-1978) with the Minnesota Vikings, eventually retiring with the Seattle Seahawks after less than a year. After retiring from football, Eller went back to school and obtained a degree in Human Services. Both the Pro Football Hall of Fame and the College Football Hall of Fame honor him.
Bobby Bell (Shelby)
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Bobby Bell is a former American football linebacker from Shelby, North Carolina. “He played his entire career with the Minnesota Vikings, who drafted him in 1963. After retiring in 1974, Bell secured his place in the North Carolina Sports Hall of Fame and the Rose Bowl Hall of Fame. He settled in Kansas City, Missouri, and opened Bobby Bell’s Bar-b-que.
Enos Slaughter (Durham)
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Enos Slaughter, also known as “Country,” was born in Roxboro, North Carolina. Slaughter was an MLB right fielder for 21 years, retiring in 1959. In his 21 years of professional baseball, Slaughter played for five teams before retiring in Durham, North Carolina. He coached Duke baseball from 1971 to 1977 and helped with other local organizations.
Raymond Floyd (Fort Bragg)
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Professional golfer, Raymond Floyd, was born in Fort Bragg, North Carolina. His father, a soldier in the U.S. Army at Fort Bragg, and Floyd started his gold career at the enlisted men’s course. He attended UNC Chapel Hill for one semester before starting his professional golfing career. He has won many notable tournaments including the Masters (1976), PGA (1969 and 1982), and the U.S. Open (1986). He officially retired in 2010 after nearly 50 years of playing and is notable for North Carolina professional athletes.
James Worthy (Gastonia)
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James Worth is a retired professional basketball player born and raised in Gastonia, North Carolina. He lived in North Carolina until the 1982 draft when the Lakers selected him 1st overall out of college. His playing career lasted 12 years in which he received many awards and honors with the Los Angeles Lakers. Both his UNC Chapel Hill jersey (52) and Los Angeles Lakers jersey (42) numbers have been retired.
First on our list of North Carolina state parks Is Umstead State Park. Located in Wake County, William B. Umstead State Park has everything you need for a weekend away with the family. The grounds include camping, activities, trails, and facilities. Trails range from a 0.4-mile loop called Inspiration Trail to the Sycamore Trail, a 7.2-mile loop. Spanning a large 5,599 acres, there is plenty to do at Umstead State Park.
9. Morrow Mountain State Park (5,702)
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Morrow Mountain State Park in Stanly County spans 5,702 acres. At Morrow Mountain, there are hiking trails, bridle trails, boat rentals, museums, Kron House, and boat rentals. You can “glamp” in a vacation cabin or connect with nature in the tent sites while enjoying beautiful scenery and fun activities.
8. Pettigrew State Park (5,951)
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Pettigrew State Park spans a large 5,951 acres across Terrell and Washington Counties. 75 miles northeast of Greenville, you can find a rich habitat and fun activities. There are five trails, ranging from 1.3 miles one way to 4.2 miles one way.
7. Gorges State Park (7,709)
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Gorges State Park is located in Transylvania County, where North Carolina, South Carolina, and Georgia meet. 56 miles of hiking, 17 miles of biking, and 12 miles of hiking span across 7,709 acres. Not the hiking kind? No worries! There is fishing, picnicking, and camping on site.
6. Chimney Rock State Park (8,014)
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25 miles southwest of Asheville in Rutherford County, you can find Chimney Rock State Park. The 8,014 acres feature hiking, fishing, rock climbing, restaurants, an amphitheater, and more. You can take a hike (or an elevator) to the top of the 315-foot freestanding rock spire. While there is no camping on site, camping can be found at Lake James State Park.
5. Hanging Rock State Park (9,011)
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In Stokes County, 30 miles north of Winston Salem, you’ll find 9,011 acres of Hanging Rock State Park. There is everything from hiking and rock climbing to swimming and lounging at the lake. There are a whopping 31 trails ranging from 0.1 miles to 7.4 miles (one way).
4. Lumber River State Park (13,695)
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Lumber River State Park runs 13,695 acres across Scotland, Hoke, Robeson, and Columbus counties. 60 miles south of Fayetteville, a 115-mile river means possibilities are endless. There is a boat ramp and opportunities to paddle and fish. There are two accesses located in Princess Ann and Chalk Banks.
3. Stone Mountain State Park (14,353)
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Stone Mountain State Park is the perfect getaway for rock climbers and hikers alike. There are 10 miles for horseback riding, 20 miles for hiking, and fishing, and plenty of room for rock climbing. There is camping on-site, both tent sites and RV sites. Stone Mountain State Park is 14,353 acres across Alleghany and Wilkes County. Stone Mountain is known for its 600-foot granite dome and beautiful waterfalls.
2. Dismal Swamp State Park (14,432)
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Dismal Swamp State Park has 14,432 acres of abundant plant and wildlife. Located in Camden County, you can find 21.5 miles of hiking trails and 21.5 miles of biking trails. There are no camping spots at the State Park but sites can be found at Merchants Millpond State Park.
1. South Mountain State Park (20,949)
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The Largest of North Carolina’s state parks is South Mountains State Park. South Mountains State Park features beautiful scenery, waterfalls, and trails. Elevations reach up to 3,000 feet with nearly 50 miles of trails for hiking, horseback riding, and bikers. Located 55 miles east of Asheville in Burke County, South Mountains State Park boasts a whopping 20,949 acres.
In 1893, Pharmacist Caleb Bradgam began experimenting with soft drink concoctions for his friends and patrons to sample. One of Caleb’s beverages was “Brad’s Drink” which was eventually renamed to Pepsi-Cola in 1898. In 1902, he applied for a trademark and formed the Pepsi-Cola company. As of 2024, Pepsi has a net worth of $226.74 billion and is one of the most well-known of the NC chains.
Krispy Kreme (Winston Salem, NC)
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During the Great Depression in 1937, Owner Vernon Rudolph founded Krispy Kreme, another one of the most famous chains. Rudolph bought a year-raised recipe from a New Orleans chef, rented a building, and began selling to local grocery stores. That year, Vernon opened his store in Winston-Salem. Winston-Salem is where his favorite cigarette company, Camel Cigarettes, is headquartered. The first international location was in Penrith, New South Wales, Australia. As of 2024, there are now 1,400 locations and it operates in the United States, Canada, and over 36 other countries across the world and is one of the most popular North Carolina food and beverages.
Cheerwine (Salisbury, NC)
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In 1917, Lewis D. Peeler founded “the oldest continuing soft drink company still operated by the same family,” in Salisbury, North Carolina. Cheerwine officially became a registered trademark in 1926. Cheerwine began partnering with NASCAR, Krispy Kreme, and Old Carolina Barbeque, getting the name out to the public.
Hardee’s (Greenville, NC)
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Wilber Hardee, the founder of Hardee’s, began with his namesake restaurant in Greenville in 1960. A year later, Wilber expanded, opening a location in Rocky Mount as the first company store. At the end of the 1960’s, the corporation had expanded to almost 200 restaurants with its first international location being in West Germany.
Mt. Olive Pickle Company (Mount Olive, NC)
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In 1926, Shikrey Baddour founded the largest independent pickle company in the United States. It started in the mid-1920s when Baddour, a Lebanese immigrant, wanted to find a way to use wasted cucumber crops. This idea did not go as planned, leaving Baddour with no buyers, but by 1926 he began coming up with a new plan. The Mt. Olive Pickle Company became formally established when Baddour connected with the Mount Olive business people, led by Headley Morris Cox.
Texas Pete (Winston-Salem, NC)
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Don’t let the name fool you… Winston-Salem is the birthplace of Texas Pete. In 1929, Sam Garner, the operator of the Dixie Pig barbecue stand, introduced Texas Pete. After customers began asking for a spicier sauce, his son, Thad Garner, developed the hot sauce we know today. The original name “Mexican Joe,” was shut down by his father, saying the name should be American.
Biscuitville (Graham, NC)
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The idea of Biscuitville came to Maurice Jennings in 1966 with the first official Biscuitville opening in Danville, VA in 1975. The original concept was a Pizza restaurant named Pizzaville in Burlington in 1967. Maurice wanted a way to have the business work for morning hours so he started offering made-from-scratch biscuits, a Jennings family recipe. Eventually, the biscuits began selling more than the pizzas. As of April 2024, there are over 82 Biscuitville locations across North Carolina, South Carolina, and Virginia.
Bojangles (Charlotte, NC)
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Jack Fulk and Richard Thomas of Charlotte, North Carolina developed the concept of Bojangles in 1977. Bojangles became popular after being the only restaurant to remain open during Hurricane Hugo. The chain has restaurants in 17 US states, Honduras, Grand Caymen Island, Jamaica, Mexico, and China. Ot’s home state of North Carolina has the largest number of chains with 353 restaurants.
Cook Out (Greensboro, NC)
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Cookout was founded in 1989 in Greensboro, North Carolina by Morris Reaves. He remains the owner of Cook Out with his son, Jeremy Reaves, serving as the CEO. As of November 2022, there are 326 locations across ten states, primarily in the Southeast. Bojangles is the most recent of the food and beverages but has risen to popularity across the state.
Bright Leaf Hot Dogs (Smithfield, NC)
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Originally the Carolina Packing Company, Bright Leaf Hot Dogs was founded in Smithfield, North Carolina by John A. Jones Senior. Bright Leaf Hot Dogs is a family-owned business that was founded in 1939. The name “Bright Leaf” is a nod to North Carolina’s agriculture and tobacco industries.
New Orleans Hornets December 20, 2002 (Photo by Otto Greule Jr/Getty Images)
The original Charlotte Hornets moved to New Orleans in 2002 and became the New Orleans Hornets. They eventually moved back to Charlotte in 2004 as the Charlotte Bobcats. Michael Jordan eventually purchased a majority stake in the franchise and changed the name back to Hornets for the 2014-2015 season.
Name History
Charlotte Hornets 1988-1989 (Photo By Tim de Frisco/Allsport)
The name “Hornets” came from British General Cornwallis who referred to Charlotte, NC as “a hornet’s nest of rebellion” after the Battle of Charlotte in 1780. They originally were going to name the team the Charlotte Spirit but eventually scrapped the idea after a team naming contest.
Uniform
A detailed view of the Jumpman logo (Photo by Stacy Revere/Getty Images)
The Charlotte Hornets are the only team in the NBA without Nike on their jerseys. They instead have the Jumpman logo for Michael Jordan, the owner of the team. When the team went back to their original “Hornets” name, the logo was updated and is now their current uniform logo.
Mascot
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Hugo the Hornet was created in 1988 and Hurricane Hugo hit the Carolinas one year later. It was decided that the mascot’s name would not change despite Hurricane Hugo. Hugo was designed by Cheryl Henson, daughter of Jim Henson. Through over 6,000 fan suggestions, they selected Hugo the Hornet as their mascot. During an intermission in 2008, Hugo the Hornet jumped through a ring of fire to dunk a basket. The cleanup crew could not clean up fast enough, causing the arena to fill with smoke and resulting in a 19-minute delay.
Players
Kemba Walker #1 of the Charlotte Bobcats (Photo by Streeter Lecka/Getty Images)
As of February 2023, 296 players have played one or more games with the Hornets. Some notable players include Glen Rice, Kemba Walker, Larry Johnson, Robert Parish, Vlade Divac, and Alonzo Mourning.
Games
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In total, the Hornets have won over 1,174 times. They played their first game on November 4th, 1988, losing to the Cleveland Cavaliers. They won their first game against the LA Clippers only 4 days later, beating Michael Jordan at his first NBA game in North Carolina.
Every morning, Matt Murphy and Pulse FM set you up for a movie date ON US! Listen every day around 9:20 a.m. for your chance to win a pair of movie passes and free popcorn thanks to our partners at Paragon Theaters!
Get ready for the ultimate North Carolina State Fair food experience! With the State Fair just around the corner, we’ve put together a complete guide to help you savor every delicious moment. Below, you’ll find a handy food map showcasing this year’s new food, State Fair-inspired recipes, and a full list of all the must-try eats for 2024!
Fried, seasoned Alaskan King Crab skewered and topped with half a lemon
Crack Fries
GoldenKdog
Fries tossed in cheese seasoning with several dipping sauce options
Chamoy Pineapples
N&T Concession
Flavored pickles wrapped in Fruit Roll-Ups and stuffed with a variety of fruit candy, sprinkles, and Takis chips. Dipped in Chamoy sauce and sprinkled with Tajin seasoning
Mexican Street Corn Nachos
Red Carpet Amusements
Tortilla chips topped with nacho cheese, corn, a drizzle of mayo, parmesan cheese, and tajin. For an extra kick, add Takis or hot Cheetos.
Jerk Pork Belly Bao
Cool Runnings Jamaican
Tender slow-cooked jerk pork belly in a fluffy bao with a zesty vegetable mix
Tanghulu
The Candi Queen
Traditional Chinese snack with a crunchy, sweet exterior and a soft, tart interior, made with a variety of fresh fruits like strawberries, grapes, and mandarin oranges.
o Acai & Dragon Fruit Bowl: Acai bowl with fresh fruit, including dragon fruit, bananas, strawberries, and blueberries. (Brazilian Bowls)
o Affogato: One shot of espresso poured over vanilla ice cream. (Magdalena’s Chimney Cakes)
o Alaskan King Crab Pop: Fried, seasoned Alaskan King Crab skewered and topped with half a lemon. (Oak City Fish & Chips)
o Aqua Loca: Lime juice, orange juice, tomato, and grapefruit mixed to make a strong and exciting drink. (Just Popping Around)
o Bacon Cheeseburger Corn Dog: Burger and cheddar cheese hand dipped in corn dog batter, topped with cheese and real bacon. (Pioneer Wagon)
o Barbecue Bacon Queso Sandwich: Authentic Eastern NC smoked chopped pork BBQ, drizzled with queso and BBQ sauce. Topped with bacon. (Lawerence & Perry BBQ, LLC)
o Battered Bologna Fries: Bologna sliced into long-cut fries, battered and deep fried, served with Carolina gold dipping sauce. (Granny’s Country Kitchen)
o Big Bacon Wrapped in Cheese on a Stick: Bacon and cheese on a stick deep fried to perfection. (Bubba’s Bacon)
o Birthday Cake Cookie Dough on a Stick: Handcrafted cake batter cookie dough dipped in a birthday cake confetti coating, and sprinkled with rainbow sprinkles. (Kora’s Cookie Dough)
o Buffalo Chicken Pizza Cone: Mozzarella, breaded chicken, Ranch dressing, and buffalo sauce inside a warm pizza cone. (Kono Pizza)
o Buffalo Mac Bowl: Sauteed collards, grilled buffalo chicken, mac and cheese, drizzled with buffalo sauce. (Safari Eatz)
o Buffalo Oyster Mushroom Sandwich: Oyster mushroom, lettuce, and tomato topped with buffalo sauce on a bun. (Fresh AF Vegan)
o Cake Parfaits: Red velvet, brandy almond, and lemon meringue cake parfait served in a covered jar. (Cool Runnings Jamaican)
o Candied Oatmeal Pies: Traditional Little Debbie Oatmeal Cream Pies covered with a sweet crunchy candy exterior. (The Candi Queen)
o Candied Oreo Cakesters (Cake Pops): A soft chocolatey snack cake filled with whipped cream filling and covered with a crunchy candy coating. (The Candi Queen)
o Carmel Apple Mini Cakes: Mini pancakes covered in apple pieces, caramel sauce, and whipped cream. (Hot Chix Hotcakes and Chicken)
o Chamoy Pickles: Flavored pickles wrapped in Fruit Roll-Ups and stuffed with a variety of fruit candy, sprinkles, and Takis chips. Dipped in Chamoy sauce and sprinkled with Tajin seasoning. (N&T Concession)
o Chamoy Pineapples: Flavored pineapple wrapped in Fruit Roll-Ups and stuffed with a variety of fruit candy, sprinkles, and Takis chips. Dipped in Chamoy sauce and sprinkled with Tajin seasoning. (N&T Concession)
o Chocolate Dipped Strawberry Iced Tea: Fresh brewed strawberry flavored iced tea infused with Hershey’s chocolate syrup and garnished with three hand-dipped chocolate strawberries. (Tiki Tea)
o Cotton Candy Mini Cakes: Mini pancakes covered in whipped cream, cotton candy syrup, and topping. (Hot Chix Hotcakes and Chicken)
o Cowboy Bites: Smoked white cheddar cheese mixed with award-winning Texas-style brisket and a generous shake of “Bobby’s Original Rub,” rolled in panko and deep fried. (Fat Boys BBQ)
o Crabcake Sammie: Fried crabcake served on a bun with AF sauce. (Fresh AF Vegan)
o Crack Fries: Fries tossed in cheese seasoning with several dipping sauce options. (GoldenKdog)
o Deep Fried Cannoli: A modern twist on a traditional Italian dessert. Hand-filled cannoli on a stick, deep fried, and topped with powdered sugar. (Fontana Foods)
o Deep Fried Loaded Cheese Puffs: Deep fried cheese puffs loaded with cheese, bacon, jalapenos, and Ranch dressing. (Chester’s Gators & Taters)
o Deep Fried Ribs: Deep-fried baby back ribs hand-tossed in a variety of sauces, including BBQ sauce, lemon pepper, Carolina gold, and sweet chili jerk. Each flavor is inspired by a North Carolina area code. (Lawerence & Perry BBQ, LLC)
o Dill Delight Funnel Cake: Funnel cake with powdered sugar, Ranch dressing, and dill pickles. (The Busy Beaver)
o Dilly Dog: A tangy dill pickle stuffed with an all-beef hotdog, fried in panko batter until golden brown. Try it with peanut butter! (Red Carpet Amusements)
o Fried Cheesy Croissant: Mini layered pastry, fried and topped with cheddar cheese and jalapeno slices. (LaFarm Bakery)
o Fried Fufu: Fufu with a chef’s blend of seasoning and deep fried. (Ethio-Indi Alkaline Cuisine)
o Fried Hazelnut Croissant: Mini layered pastry fried and drizzled with hazelnut topping. (LaFarm Bakery)
o Fried Pickle Mac & Cheese: Loaded fried pickle mac & cheese with a drizzle of Ranch dressing. (Chester’s Gators & Taters)
o Glazed Donut Coffee Float: Rich glazed donut-infused iced coffee over creamy vanilla ice cream, topped with a golden glazed donut hole, and delicate glazed donut crumble rim. (Fluffy’s Hand Cut Donuts)
o Granddaddy Nats Fufu Plate: Signature burger covered in gravy with gomen greens and fufu. (Ethio-Indi Alkaline Cuisine)
o Honey Butter Mozza Dog: Mozzarella cheese rolled in homemade batter with panko then deep fried, drizzled with honey butter sauce. (GoldenKdog)
o Jerk Pork Belly Bao: Tender slow-cooked jerk pork belly in a fluffy bao with a zesty vegetable mix. (Cool Runnings Jamaican)
o Kale Me Shawarma: Sweet potato fries topped with beef and lamb shawarma, pickled red onion, feta crumbles, kale chips, and house-made beet barbecue sauce. (Neomonde Mediterranean)
o Korean BBQ Kimchi Nachos: Korean BBQ kimchi nacho chips with corn, beans, kimchi, jalapenos, mozzarella cheese, nacho cheese, choice of beef or chicken Korean BBQ. (Bulkogi Korean BBQ)
o Loaded Bologna Fries: Battered bologna fries loaded up with chili cheese sauce. (Granny’s Country Kitchen)
o Mango Boba: Cool and refreshing smoothie with mango boba, mango juice, and a small scoop of mango sorbet. (Just Popping Around)
o Mangonada: A unique and delicious drink with chamoy and fresh mango. (Just Popping Around)
o Mexican Street Corn Potato: Baked potato stuffed with Mexican street corn topped with cilantro and lime. (Spudtastic Potato)
o Mema Mia: Battered and deep-fried spaghetti with meat sauce nestled on top of a garlic parmesan toasted hoagie bun with extra meat sauce and cheese topped with sweet southern slaw. (Ezzell’s Something Good)
o Mexican Street Corn Nachos: Tortilla chips topped with nacho cheese, corn, a drizzle of mayo, parmesan cheese, and tajin. For an extra kick, add Takis or hot Cheetos. (Red Carpet Amusements)
o Milly’s Jerk Barbecue Sauce: Sweet and spicy barbecue sauce that provides a kick to any meal. (Cool Runnings Jamaican)
o Minne Cookie Dough Pie: Deep-fried chocolate chip cookie dough wrapped in our light and flaky crust. Served with your choice of vanilla or cinnamon ice cream. (The Original Minneapple Pie)
o Monster Tots: Crispy jumbo tater tots stuffed with massive flavor. Tater tots three times the size of an average tot, stuffed with either buffalo chicken or bacon cheddar and chive fillings. (Hot Chix Hotcakes & Chicken)
o NC Crab and Shrimp Bomb Crusted in Hot Cheetos: A bomb of cheesy N.C. blue crab meat and shrimp rolled in hot Cheetos to form a crunchy outer shell. (Waypoint Oyster Bar)
o Peach Cobbler Pizza Cone: Warm pizza cone with peach filling, cinnamon crumbles, and the icing on the top. (Kono Pizza)
o Philly Chicken Egg Roll: Just like the original Philly Roll, but with chicken instead of steak. (Woody’s Wing Wagon)
o Philly Eggroll: Vegan beef, onions, peppers, and mushrooms wrapped in an eggroll and fried golden. (Fresh AF Vegan)
o Pickle Dr. Pepper: Dr. Pepper infused with pickles. (Red Carpet Amusements)
o Pineapple Bowl: Pineapple bowls with rice or gaucho fries, charcoal chicken, Brazilian steak, island shrimp, black beans, and corn. Extra toppings can be added, such as pico de gallo, chimichurri, cheese, pineapple spicy sauce, and homemade sour cream (grandma’s recipe). (Brazilian Bowls)
o Pumpkin Spice Iced Tea: A perfect blend of vibrant spices and rich pumpkin flavor that helps to welcome fall with a sense of cozy tranquility. (Tiki Tea)
o Red Velvet Glazed Funnel Cake Chicken Sandwich: Nashville-style chicken on a red velvet cake bun with sweet syrup and hot sauce. (Mediterranean Grill)
o Sausage & Peppers Egg Roll: Italian sausage with cherry peppers, diced onion, and cheese, wrapped in an egg roll wrapper and deep fried until golden brown. Comes with a side of marinara sauce. (Woody’s Wing Wagon)
o Simba Dessert: Fried viapati stuffed with sweet apple filling topped with vanilla ice cream drizzled with old-fashioned caramel sauce. (Safari Eatz)
o Sizzling Hot Funnel Cake: Funnel cake with nacho cheese and Flamin’ Hot Cheetos. (The Busy Beaver)
o S’more Pizza Cone: Warm pizza cone filled with marshmallows, chocolate, and graham crackers. (Kono Pizza)
o Strawberries & Cream Waffle Stick: Strawberry shortcake cookie dough baked inside a Belgian waffle, covered with whip topping and strawberry sauce. Served on a stick. (Waffle Chix)
o Strawberry Daiquiri Crunch: Moist strawberry cake baked with a white zinfandel wine, topped with a strawberry shortcake crumble and a strawberry daiquiri drizzle. (Boozie Bakes)
o Strawberry Lemonade Donut: A Fluffy donut topped with tang lemon frosting, strawberry lemonade crumbles, garnished with a freeze-dried strawberry slice and gummy candy. For added flavor, a pipette filled with strawberry lemonade is included! (Fluffy’s Hand Cut Donuts)
o Summerween Slush: Orange Creamsicle slush served in a Jack-O-Lantern cup with a whipped cream center, topped with a whole creamsicle popsicle, more whipped cream, and orange cookie crumble. Comes with a Halloween-themed duck. (Moose Joose Slush)
o Swedish Meat Pizza Cone: Warm pizza cone filled with mozzarella, meatballs, cranberry sauce, and gravy sauce. (Kono Pizza)
o Sweet & Spicy Cheese Puff Fried Pickles: Fried pickle chips drizzled in cheese sauce and topped with cheese puffs and a sweet & spicy sauce. (Chester’s Gators & Taters)
o Sweet Cheese Pie: Cheese-stuffed pancake, fried and dipped in a sweet syrup. Served hot with pistachio and chocolate syrup. (Mediterranean Grill)
o Sweet Heat Peanut Clusters: Spicy Peanuts with a hint of citrus wrapped in gourmet dark chocolate, served in clusters. (America’s Best Nut Company)
o Sweet Maple Bacon Iced Tea: Crafted with pure maple syrup and savory maple bacon flavoring, served over ice in a Tiki Tea jar with a strip of crispy bacon. (Tiki Tea)
o Tanghulu: Traditional Chinese snack with a crunchy, sweet exterior and a soft, tart interior, made with a variety of fresh fruits like strawberries, grapes, and mandarin oranges. (The Candi Queen)
o Trompi Al Pastor Stick: Traditional mini trompo on a stick made of slow-roasted pork with marinade, achiote, onion, and cilantro. (Las Gringas)
o Turducken Burger: A mouth-watering blend of turkey, duck, and chicken on a bun. (Chick-N-Que)
o White Chocolate Cranberry Cooke Dough on a Stick: Handcrafted cinnamon swirl cookie dough mixed with creamy white chocolate and tart-dried cranberries. (Kora’s Cookie Dough)
The Carolina Hurricanes’ journey began in 1971 as the New England Whalers in the World Hockey Association. In 1979, they transitioned to the NHL as the Hartford Whalers. The biggest change for the franchise occurred in 1997 when they relocated to Raleigh, North Carolina, becoming the Carolina Hurricanes we know today.
Stanley Cup
Photo by Jim McIsaac/Getty Images
The 2005-2006 season was unforgettable for the Carolina Hurricanes as they won the Stanley Cup. Under the leadership of captain Rod Brind’Amour, the team beat the Edmonton Oilers in a thrilling seven-game series. Brind’Amour, now the head coach, has impressively led the Hurricanes to the playoffs every season since 2018.
Colors
Photo by Jared C. Tilton/Getty Images
Upon moving from Hartford, the Hurricanes swapped their iconic green for new colors. Settling in the PNC Arena, home to NC State Wolfpack, the team adopted red, white, and black, aligning with the local spirit and giving the franchise a fresh identity.
Building The Team
Defenseman Nikos Tselios #48 (Photo by Dave Sandford/Getty Images/NHLI)
In 1997, the Hurricanes made their first NHL draft pick, selecting Greek player Nikos Tselios 22nd overall. He wrapped up that season with the AHL’s Lowell Lock Monsters. In 2003, Eric Staal was picked second overall and became the first player post-relocation to surpass 1,000 NHL games.
Mascot and Team Name
RALEIGH – APRIL 19: Mascot Stormy of the Carolina Hurricanes drives an ATV through a ring of fire during game two of the Stanley Cup playoffs against the New Jersey Devils at the ESA in Raleigh, North Carolina on April 19, 2002. The Hurricanes won 2-1 in overtime. (Photo by Kent Smith/Getty Images/NHLI)
Meet Stormy, the Carolina Hurricanes’ mascot, proudly sporting number 97 in honor of the year the team relocated. Representing Eastern North Carolina’s rich hog farming history, Stormy the Ice Hog was a playful nod to the area’s culture. The team initially considered the name “Ice Hogs” but ultimately settled on the Hurricanes.
Traveling
SEATTLE, WASHINGTON – OCTOBER 19: Seth Jarvis #24 of the Carolina Hurricanes celebrates his goal against the Seattle Kraken during the third period at Climate Pledge Arena on October 19, 2023 in Seattle, Washington. (Photo by Steph Chambers/Getty Images)
The Hurricanes rank 10th in the NHL for the most travel. In the 2022-2023 season alone, they covered a staggering 53,783.30 miles, making them the only team from the Metropolitan Division to make the top 10 in travel distance.
Bunch Of Jerks
Photo by Grant Halverson/Getty Images
In 2019, commentator Don Cherry dubbed the Hurricanes a “bunch of jerks” for their creative post-win celebrations, known as Storm Surges. These playful antics included themes like fishing, boxing, lightsaber duels, and basketball. Though the Storm Surges have toned down, the team still enjoys celebrating victories with their fans in style.
