Did you know today is North Carolina Day? What an exciting way to kick off the week, Asheville.

Never heard of North Carolina Day? Don’t worry. It’s only been around for a couple of years. In 2017, the folks over at National Calendar Day decided to celebrate all 50 states with their own state day. #DYK: A day called North Carolina Day was also observed from 1901-1926. It promoted local pride and spurred growth after the devastating economic effects of the Civil War and Reconstruction.

These state holidays are meant to celebrate and recognize the best that each state has to offer, from important cultural and historical facts to recognizing our state's beauty + sharing quirky facts.

Here are some fast facts about our amazing state:

🌻 Each year more people visit the Blue Ridge Parkway than Yellowstone, Yosemite, and the Grand Canyon combined.

🏰 The Biltmore Estate is not only the largest mansion in NC, but in the entire country. It was built in the late 1800s by railroad scion George Washington Vanderbilt II. The French chateau-inspired mansion has 255 rooms, gorgeous gardens, and even has a winery.

🎷 Many Jazz legends were born in the Tar Heel State, including John Coltrane, Billy Taylor, Thelonious Monk, and the iconic Nina Simone.

💧 Whitewater Falls is the highest waterfall in the eastern US. It falls 811 ft. and sometimes you can see a rainbow on the water, when the sun hits the water at just the right angle.

🍠 NC produces more sweet potatoes than any other state in the country. Students have even petitioned the NC General Assembly to establish the sweet potato as the official state vegetable.

Looking for a few ways to celebrate North Carolina Day? Click the button below for our list of recs.

Blue Ridge Parkway | Head to the Parkway to go hiking, biking, picnicking, or take a scenic drive.

Visit a brewery | Asheville is pretty much America’s brewery central. So whatever beer or cider you’re looking for, you’re sure to find it here.

Bellyak | If you haven’t heard of Bellyaks, they are boats designed specifically for paddling on your stomach + you use webbed gloves to paddle. The coolest part: they were invented + are manufactured right here in Asheville. Rent one here. More of a boater? Invest in a LiquidLogic kayak – also locally made.

Asheville Art Museum | There’s always something exciting happening at the Asheville Art Museum, like Intersections in American Art. Plus, stroll down to the Center for Craft or the Black Mountain College Museum + Arts Center to see even more.

Southern Food | BBQ + Southern foods are an NC staple and we’ve got some of the best options in the South. Grab a meal from Little Pigs BBQ, Buxton Hall Barbecue, or any other number of local gems. Read up on the great BBQ debate here while you chow down.