Taking Flight...

North Carolina

Why taking flight? Well North Carolina was the state that the The Wright Brothers tested different prototypes of their planes making it the "first in flight" and also that was the motto for the Falls Lake Academy Firebirds. This was the school where I accepted a 1st grade position and packed up my whole life for a new adventure. 

I didn't win "Most spirited" in high school so I figured I would try during my teaching career...

So for those of you who didn't know, I lived in North Carolina for 2 years. Hands down the best two years of my life... so far! ;) This was the place where I really became an "adult." I moved knowing literally no one and it was for the first time I was away from my family (full 6 hours on a good day). Even my college was less than 2 hours away and I saw my parents weekly at my lacrosse games. So I completely took a risk and I am forever grateful that I did. Long story short, North Carolina will always have a piece of my heart and will be my second home. ​​

So instead of listing tons of random facts, I am going to tell you why I fell in love with NC. 

1. The Rivalry 
 I just love the rivalry and passion everyone down here has for their teams! I like to view myself as Switzerland since I do own a shirt for all three teams.... (NC state, UNC and Duke) I mean if someone buys me clothing I'm not gonna say no. That's not the only rivalry they have in going on in NC. They also battle between BBQ sauce... vinager or tomato based sauce. People are also very passionate about their sauce choice. I personally like it all! If you have good pork, top it with whatever and I'll eat it!   

2. Beaches
Personally, I am more of a mountain/lake person. I enjoy fishing, nothing overpopulated, and just relaxing on a boat on the lake. That all changed when I visited the NC coast. Not only was my favorite tv show, "One Tree Hill" filmed in Wilmington but the beautiful and peaceful vibe their beaches have is something I never experienced before. Topsail Island became one of my favorite places to visit throughout my time in NC. Also during one of my trips to the North Carolina Aquarium, I had one of my FAVORITE donuts ever, the maple bacon glazed. After thinking back on this, my mind started rolling on my cookie flavor. 

2. THE FOOD/DRINKS
I am not gonna lie, my friend from my new school told me I could not move officially to North Carolina until I had Bojangles. So what did I do when I crossed the state line? I went to Bojangles and had my first cajun chicken deluxe, LARGE sweet tea and a boberry biscuit. Although, I do love me some Bojangles, I am talking about all the great food restaurants/bars all around the city. There are many gems all around Raleigh, that you need to experience if you are ever in town. The fact I wasn't 700 pounds when I left Raleigh was a miracle since me and my best friend decided #tasteraleigh and try new restaurants almost every weekend.

• The Pit (located in Bull City and Downtown Raleigh) This is authentic BBQ food served family style so you are left fully satisfied. This was also the place where I went on my first date when I moved into the city. 
• Crafty Beer Shop- This shop has an amazing selections of the best beers, international and national. They have a huge focus on all the great beer NC has to offer. It is a great atmosphere and amazing bar tenders. Kirk the owner is awesome and extremely personable with his costumers. 

Yes, I did make Kirk stand awkwardly in front of his sweet Raleigh sign in exchange for cookies. He did not seem to upset with the trade ;) Go visit him today!

• Flying Burrito - A place where you can get great tacos for just two dollars on Tuesday and ANYDAY after 10 while listening to live music Thursday - Sunday! This was definitely one of my favorite places to sit, enjoy salsa and chips and good company! :)
• Coglin's​ - I have to mention Coglin's... if you are going to go to downtown Raleigh late night, Coglin's should be your night ender. You can get your fix of 80's and 90's music while catching up on your "Save By the Bell" episodes. I mean what better place to practice your dirty dancing moves.
• This leads to the best late night foods: Tasty 8's for the best hotdogs and sweet potato fries and Armadillo Grill for awesome authentic tacos and guac!  These two places will solve your late night munches.

If you're ever in the Raleigh area check these places out! For more details, events and menus check out their websites by clicking on their names! :)

4. Lastly, the people

I remember my first month living in NC, I was in the grocery store and this stranger walked up to me and was like, "Hey! What are you making for dinner?" I honestly didn't know what to do.. I thought to myself.. excuse me, none of your business, go on now... Soon I learned that people are genuinely THAT nice. And I fell in LOVE with it and them! Now that I am back in the north I walking and talking to everyone (now I am THAT person and I'm totally okay with it!)

These people all had I huge impact in my life and helping me grow as a person. This is where people became family and helping me believe in my dreams of my cookie business. They taste tested more cookies then I could count and helped make my dreams a reality. I will forever cherish these people and your roles they had in my life.

With all the mushy gushy stuff aside I Introduce the NC state cookie....

Bacon Me Crazy

Bacon salted caramel chocolate chip with a maple BBQ glaze!

Because of the strong passion for BBQ and pork in NC, I decided to go with bacon as the main ingredient in the cookie. Also every weekend we made pounds of bacon to feed our "friend family." So much bacon, that we sold the Walgreens next to my place out of bacon regularly. Also, It is topped with a maple BBQ glaze. I used BBQ sauce from one of my favorite places in Raleigh, The Pit. 

Get your BBQ sauce!

Thanks for reading and continuing to follow me throughout my journey to create a cookie for each state! 

If you have any ideas or places you want me to visit, email me! 
​I would love to add you to my adventure! 
​
xo 

Jessica Rose