What is your favorite PLACE?!

So you are going to think this one is a little hokey, since I live here....but my favorite place is North Carolina - and here's why....

1) The BEACH

I love the beach. I love everything about it, the smell, the sounds, you name it - I love it. I have been to almost every single one of North Carolina's beaches. I am so lucky to live in a state where I can have my choice of beaches, none of which are more than a 3 hour drive. Some of my best memories with my family have been at a beach. Whether it be Holden Beach, Beaufort, or the Outer Banks - the greatest memories were made. I am not much on getting in the ocean anymore. It seems the older I get, the less appealing getting beat up by water is to me. But I LOVE listening to the ocean. It is so calming. Im more of a pool at the beach kind of girl (I know, that makes me sound ridiculously spoiled).

 Beaufort Waterfront

 James and I at Holden Beach

2) Chapel Hill - more specifically UNC.

When I was in college, my dad used to say "Lauren would rather be in Chapel Hill than eat when she's hungry". And that was about as close to the truth as you can get!  From studying on the Quad under Carolina Blue skies, to a He's Not Blue Cup. From running to get Yogurt Pump (or YoPo as its now called...) on my 10-minute Phon-a-thon breaks, to running to Franklin Street after winning the 2005 National Championship. Those memories are burned in to my brain and bring the biggest feeling of nostalgia. Thomas Wolfe said it best when he said "Far from forgetting this blessed place, I think my picture of it grows clearer every year. For it was as close to magic as I have ever been". I made life long friends there friends that share my love for this place. I know every college town boasts this form of magic, but Chapel Hill really has it. Why do you think James Taylor was "Gone to Carolina" in his mind...and to quote a new country artist, Chase Rice (and UNC alum) "Hey Mr. Taylor, she aint only on your mind" ;)

The BEST picture of the magic that is UNC

3) My house

By now you are REALLY thinking this post is hokey...and it probably is. But whatever! I love my house. It is the absolute perfect size for us. Three bedroom, so some room for our family to grow one  day ;) I love the area we are in. I love my yard. I love that we are far enough away from Raleigh that we miss all the traffic and we have 3/4 acres land but that we are close enough that we are a 30 minute drive if we want to go. Thats the best thing about North Carolina I think. That there is diversity all within a maximum 4-hour drive from whereever you are.

The view from our patio...absolute perfection :)

What is your favorite place? It can be as specific as your house, or as general as the state you live in. Everyone has a favorite...I would love to hear what yours is and why!! :)