What Are the Carolinas the Best & Worst At? You Might Be Surprised By the Answers!

Being from the Carolinas is somewhat of a badge of honor and pride you wear. Whether you are from South Carolina or North Carolina, calling the Carolinas home is somewhat important to you. You are going to tell people where you're from and outsiders will typically have a few things they know of the Carolinas. Whether it's them knowing Charleston when you say South Carolina or them knowing BBQ or the mountains when you say, North Carolina. It's cool to know what the Carolinas are known for. But, this list made me raise an eyebrow just a little.

Reader's Digest is naming what every state is the best and the worst at. Now, I know that does sound kind of off, but it made me want to learn more. I know plenty of things the Carolinas are great at or have, but the worst threw me for a loop. Until I read this list. Starting with North Carolina, we're the best at millennial living. This makes sense, I am only in my 20s and see tons of people around the same as me here and thriving in North Carolina. Especially with cities like Charlotte to really thrive and grow. But, what is North Carolina the worst at? Well, that's a different story. I guess millennials are bringing quite a bit more because North Carolina is the worst at the STD rates. A spike in STDs has continued over the last few years causing North Carolina to have the highest rate of diseases such as syphilis, chlamydia, and gonorrhea.

Now, lets sit and talk about South Carolina. South Carolina is best known for its sweet tea. And as someone who grew up on the true Carolina sweet tea, I know that this is a fact. No sweet tea is beating South Carolinas, specifically my aunt who makes it from scratch. Now, although South Carolina loves sweet tea we love some other drinks as well. The state is worst at the DUI rates. South Carolina's number of DUIs has increased and the state has a high number of deaths from drunk driving or impaired driving. Kind of crazy right?

Check out the full report here and see what other states have going on. If these two surprised you, never know what you might learn.

If you've been in Charlotte over the past few years, it is no surprise that the Queen City has a lot to offer for 'foodies.' There are literally hundreds of restaurants with a variety of cuisines. And according to Southern Living magazine, Charlotte has some of the best eating spots.

The magazine put together a list of the 22 best restaurants in Charlotte. It doesn't matter what you crave -- Southern traditional, Italian, Asian, or seafood -- Charlotte's culinary landscape has something for you. I have lived in Charlotte for more than two decades and I still have not experienced even half of the restaurants on their list.

In the article, Southern Living boasts of many of the successes made on Charlotte's food scene. It states "For years, the Queen City has steadily marched toward becoming a top food city in the South—with recent nods from the James Beard Foundation validating its expertise and growth."

And growth indeed. There are new restaurants popping up regularly. From fresh seafood, street tacos to rolled sushi, the sky is the limit. Charlotte's international flare (Vietnamese, Ethiopian) on food makes it even more difficult to decide just where to go.

Which is why I listed a few of the restaurants I've already visited. (In no particular order) And if you're open to trying something new AND  good, then check these out. Check out a full list of Southern Living's restaurant recommendations.

If seafood is your thing like it is mine, than you're in or a treat! What I loved most about Fin & Fino is they get fresh fish and shellfish delivered EVERY DAY. And the raw bar is everything! The "Penthouse" is a seafood lovers dream. It's a tower of  oysters, shrimp, lobster tails, crab and more.  And to top it all off, the ambiance is made for a nice date or a girls night out.

35 Levine Avenue of the Arts #100, Charlotte, NC 28202

It's been called a 'juke joint', but the best kind with food made with love and a Southern Mississippi flare. Owned by a husband and wife team, Leah & Louise describe what they've created as a space that provides 'Southern comfort food and cocktails and retro digs.' It's quaint, so not a lot of seating. I'd recommend reservations.

301 Camp Road, Charlotte, NC 28206

I got my first taste of Vietnamese food a few years ago at this spot and it's still banging! Lang Van’s owner Dan Nguyen is well-known and is the soul of the restaurant. That's because she brings passion to the dishes like the noodle dish I tried with fresh vegetables, pho and the spring rolls are to die for.

3019 Shamrock Dr, Charlotte, NC 28215

I've been loving this spot since I moved to Charlotte. And it's been around since the late 80's. It's a refurbished Victorian house that sits in the quaint and posh neighborhood of Dilworth. One of my favorites is its famous French Onion soup, and any one of the salads. It also a great go-to spot for brunch and you'll have to try the Wong drink - a single drink served in a pitcher. And you are only allowed to order ONE!

300 East Blvd, Charlotte, NC 28203

This sandwich shop proves some of the  'best restaurants' may not have all the esthetics, but the proof is in the puddin', so to speak. Brooks’ Sandwich House doesn't have high prices or even a classy view, but it DOES have some of the best burgers ($8) and hot dogs ($4) in the city. And did I mention their homemade beef chili? The shop has been around almost 50 years and is family-run. Here, they keep is simple. Only cash is accepted.

2710 N. Brevard St, Charlotte, NC 28205