Happiness comes from inside, but it’s also influenced by external factors in our lives. Factors like who we spend time with and doing things we enjoy. It turns out, where you live can also have an impact on how happy you are. Since we're in the "Carolinas" I wanted to know which state has happier people North or South Carolina. And new research reveals which states are the happiest. Let's break it down and find out which state is happiest!
WalletHub has just come out with their latest report on the Happiest States in the U.S. They compared all 50 states on 30 key metrics in three main areas: emotional & physical well-being, work environment and community & environment. So who won North Or South Carolina?
North Carolina landed at #26 on the list. North Carolina scored a 53.55 overall. 15 for emotional and physical well being, 28 for work environment, and 38 for community and environment. 38 is a little high if you ask me. We have great parks, beaches and mountains. Who else can say that?
South Carolina scored a 55.27. This lands SC ahead of NC at #20 on the list. With scores of 28 for emotional & physical well-being, 20 for work environment and 11 for community & environment.
Congrats South Carolina you officially have a happier state!
Here's what else the study found:
- They looked at everything from the depression rate to the physical health index to income growth.
- Utah tops the list as this year’s happiest state, coming in first for both work environment and community & environment.
- Hawaii, second overall, is number one for emotional and physical well-being.
- At the other end of the list is West Virginia, which is 50th overall and 50th for both work environment and emotional and physical well-being, making it the least happy state.
Top 10 Happiest States for 2023
(check out the complete list here)
- Utah
- Hawaii
- Maryland
- Minnesota
- New Jersey
- Connecticut
- California
- Florida
- Idaho
- Nebraska
North Carolina Apple Orchard Voted One Of The Best In The Nation
Check your calendars, people! September is here, and October isn't far behind. If you're looking forward to doing some apple picking I have good news for you! A North Carolina apple orchard was voted one of the best in the nation. The website Study Finds put out it's best Orchards in the country list recently. Travel experts voted on the 5 best.
Apple picking can be a great family activity. Heck, even if you don't have a family it can be fun! It allows people to spend quality time together, bond, and create lasting memories.
Many orchards also offer activities like hayrides, corn mazes, and petting zoos, making it a fun outing for families and friends. Apple picking offers a chance to spend time outdoors, away from the usual urban areas. It's honestly a refreshing change and an opportunity to enjoy nature and the changing seasons.
I appreciate the opportunity to connect with nature and see the source of their food firsthand. Picking apples directly from trees can offer your kids an appreciation for where food comes from and how it grows.
Orchards with rows of apple trees, the fall foliage, and the overall rustic setting provide picturesque backgrounds for photographs. Many people enjoy taking photos during their apple-picking trips. You'll see your Instagram fill up with these pictures right after Labor Day.
In essence, apple picking is more than just about harvesting apples; it's about the experience, the connection to nature, and the sense of tradition and community that it brings.
North Carolina has plenty of spots to spend the day apple picking. My wife and I enjoy going to Hendersonville to pick there. There's some great apple picking in spots closer to Charlotte too. Carrigan Farms is one of those. But one North Carolina apple orchard is on the top of the list. Let's have a look!
1. Mercier Orchards Blueridge, Georgia
Welcome to Georgia (Getty)
Nothing says apple-picking like the "Peach State." Well, it's true. Mercier Orchards in Blueridge, Georgia takes the top spot on the list. The veteran-owned orchard also features a winery with hard cider tastings. Yumm!
2. Jaswell’s Farm (Smithfield, Rhode Island)
fotoguy22/ Getty Images CreativeWho would think Rhode Island was home to a great orchard? They are apparently. Study Finds says the apple fritters are to die for. Then they also have caramel/chocolate/Oreo-covered apples. Yummm! I'm going!
3. Sky Top Orchard (Flat Rock, North Carolina)
(Shutterstock)
Home sweet home! Sky Top in Flat Rock has been running for decades! They offer more than 20 apple varieties to pick from August through October. The farm is huge with over 100 acres atop Mount McAlpine in Flat Rock. Perfect for picture taking!
4. Carter Mountain Orchard (Charlottesville, VA)
(Photo by Jeff T. Green/Getty Images)
At Carter Mountain Orchard you can pick over 20 varieties of apples. Good ones like; Fuji, Pink Lady, and York. There's hayrides around the property and enjoying fresh-pressed apple cider, apple cider doughnuts, and wine. While there you can take in the views from the observation deck overlooking the Blue Ridge Mountains.
5. Applecrest Farm Orchards (Hampton Falls, New Hampshire)
AndrewSoundarajan/GettyMy cousin swears New Hampshire is a great place. I've never been. But he goes to his vacation house near Applecrest Farm Orchards. You can listen to bluegrass music, go apple picking, jump on hayrides too!
