North Carolina vs Kentucky, which state has a stronger "southern" feel? (cost, largest)
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Of course, this question is debatable because we all have different interpretations of "southern" and southern culture, but I thought it'd be interesting to compare and contrast North Carolina and Kentucky. Both states are located in the Upper South, with college basketball culture (Duke, UK, etc.) and a good amount of Appalachian influence. Kentucky is further north and close to the Midwest (Ohio, Indiana), especially around Louisville and the Cincinnati suburbs. North Carolina, while further south, has been (more so) impacted by transplants, especially around the Triangle and Charlotte.
Which state, in your opinion, has a stronger "southern" feel or vibe?
Another great thread, costello. I think these two states are indeed pretty comparable when it comes to perceived "Southernness" for the reasons you mentioned. I will go with NC overall by a little, though. Obviously, NC has plenty of transplants from outside the South, which "dilutes" traditional Southernness (or is it perhaps just a modern update on what Southern culture is/has evolved into?), at least in the urban metros, but I think the distinguishing factor in my eyes is that NC includes Eastern NC, the part of the state with an extensive agricultural legacy, large (rural) Black population, and quintessential Southern "feel" in terms of the landscape and scenery (or lack thereof, as some joke). In other words, very "Deep South" in nature, probably indistinguishable from what many people think of the South in areas of Alabama and Mississippi. Not to say that Kentucky does not have many of these elements, especially in its far western part, or that Deep South culture is more Southern than Upper South/Appalachian South culture, but I think NC has some of the most inclusive and representative instances of the South overall as a core Southern state. "Old South" (Wilmington, other Eastern areas), "New South" (Charlotte, the Triangle, etc.), coastal South, mountain South, etc., NC has it all. To me, NC as a state is overall more similar to Georgia than any other Southern state, even if metro Atlanta may feel slightly more Southern than say, the Triangle. And Georgia is a pretty all-encompassing state of the South itself, if not the most.
Of course, this question is debatable because we all have different interpretations of "southern" and southern culture, but I thought it'd be interesting to compare and contrast North Carolina and Kentucky. Both states are located in the Upper South, with college basketball culture (Duke, UK, etc.) and a good amount of Appalachian influence. Kentucky is further north and close to the Midwest (Ohio, Indiana), especially around Louisville and the Cincinnati suburbs. North Carolina, while further south, has been (more so) impacted by transplants, especially around the Triangle and Charlotte.
Which state, in your opinion, has a stronger "southern" feel or vibe?
Excuse you....... my alma mater will not be referred to as "etc"...
Excuse you....... my alma mater will not be referred to as "etc"...
LOL, I'm sorry! UNC is right up there with them. UNC, Duke, UK, Louisville. Honestly, I don't think college basketball is bigger in any other state. Indiana might come close, though.
I would say North Carolina is more representative of the modern South. The state is pretty balanced between traditional Southern influences and those that have come in more recently from elsewhere, of course in varying proportions depending on location.
Kentucky is more culturally homogeneous and has a more slowly evolving economy, and those attributes are really making it less typical of where the South is headed in the 21st century - in addition to the state being adjacent to the Midwest, and having a lot more cold weather than just about any other Southern state.
I certainly agree that North Carolina and Georgia have a lot of the same dynamics.
Another great thread, costello. I think these two states are indeed pretty comparable when it comes to perceived "Southernness" for the reasons you mentioned. I will go with NC overall by a little, though. Obviously, NC has plenty of transplants from outside the South, which "dilutes" traditional Southernness (or is it perhaps just a modern update on what Southern culture is/has evolved into?), at least in the urban metros, but I think the distinguishing factor in my eyes is that NC includes Eastern NC, the part of the state with an extensive agricultural legacy, large (rural) Black population, and quintessential Southern "feel" in terms of the landscape and scenery (or lack thereof, as some joke). In other words, very "Deep South" in nature, probably indistinguishable from what many people think of the South in areas of Alabama and Mississippi. Not to say that Kentucky does not have many of these elements, especially in its far western part, or that Deep South culture is more Southern than Upper South/Appalachian South culture, but I think NC has some of the most inclusive and representative instances of the South overall as a core Southern state. "Old South" (Wilmington, other Eastern areas), "New South" (Charlotte, the Triangle, etc.), coastal South, mountain South, etc., NC has it all. To me, NC as a state is overall more similar to Georgia than any other Southern state, even if metro Atlanta may feel slightly more Southern than say, the Triangle. And Georgia is a pretty all-encompassing state of the South itself, if not the most.
I appreciate the compliment! Topics like this are fun because there's no right or wrong answer, of course. However, I think this could be a good discussion because Kentucky hasn't exactly been impacted by outside influences, but it has always maintained a connection to the Midwest via the Ohio River. Most of Kentucky's population lives close to Ohio or Indiana, as well. Meanwhile, North Carolina is located deeper in the South, but has attracted a decent amount of northern transplants in recent decades, which leads many to believe that the state is "losing" southern culture (which is debatable, too).
I voted Kentucky, although these two are neck and neck.
Kentucky is significantly less influenced by transplants, which is a good and bad thing but has helped KY retain its individual culture. Even though KY is in proximity to the Midwest, Kentucky tends to be the bigger influencer of places like Southern Indiana and Southern Ohio versus the other way around.
It’s a unique blend of Lower Midwest and Southern but I have met so many people in that region along the Ohio River who are passionate Southerners and identify strongly with the South.
Kentucky is upper South in culture. Home of Bluegrass Music (sub genre of country music), home of the United States premiere Bourbon whisky production and warehousing, home to United States premiere equestrian breeding and racing, home to worlds largest Fried Chicken chain, KFC, created the Mint Julep.
To put it in the words of the Kentucky tourism bureau, “Kentucky is the front porch of the South” lol.
I lived in KY for a few years and it’s one of the few States that has been largely untouched by outsiders and feels very authentic, and Southern. Just my anecdotal experience.
North Carolina is also Southern, very much so, but transplants have changed the State, and brought many positive changes as well, but it feels less Southern in many parts.
“Front porch of the South”. I nailed it, lol. Outside looking in. I think it’s even north of the Sweet tea line.
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