North Carolina Ranked As One Of The Most Fun States In America

A recent study ranked North Carolina as one of the most fun states in America. But that begs the question- What makes a place "fun"? As a kid, I would have answered that question with things like theme parks (hello Florida and Disney World), great playgrounds, and things to explore.

Heck, I even asked my parents one time why Charlotte had an airport because who would come here on vacation? In my defense, I wasn't familiar with the concept of traveling for work or to see family.

As an adult, I'd say great bars and restaurants, gorgeous beaches, entertainment options like concerts and shows, and places where my friends live better serve my definition of fun. Though I think I'd still rank Disney pretty high (as long as I'm not paying).

But which states are the most fun states in America? Of course, we have that answer for you! It comes to us from our friends at WalletHub. They recently compared each of the 50 states across "26 key indicators of a jolly good time that won't break the bank".

Factors included things like the cost of seeing a movie, national parks to visit, nightlife, and more. In these states "fun is not just an option but a way of life". So what are the most fun states and where did the Carolinas rank?

One and two overall are exactly what I would have guessed (and how I would have answered as a child). Florida took the top spot followed by California. Both are states that have countless entertainment options and consequently draw huge crowds of tourists. If you can't find it in one of those states does it even exist?

As for the Carolinas, I actually thought South Carolina might outrank North Carolina. But I was wrong. Both states ranked pretty close to one another. NC ranked 14th overall with SC at 18th.

Here is a breakout of North Carolina's score:

Fun in North Carolina (1=Most Fun; 25=Avg.):

Thanks to our friends at WalletHub for sharing their research with us. You can view the full study here.

Have you created your fall bucket list yet? This weekend is Labor Day and the unofficial kick-off to fall. The kids are back in school, football is back, and pumpkin spice lattes are in Starbucks. Now the weather just needs to catch up. But soon we will be in sweaters, with leaves falling around us, surrounded by pumpkins and the smell of fresh cider. Which means it's time to plan for the best season of the year. So I'm here with some must-do activities in North Carolina this fall.

So get your boots on, it’s time to Fall in love with Fall. There is no shortage of fun activities to partake in across the state of North Carolina this September through November. Which is your favorite part of the season? The leaves falling, the pumpkin carving, or all the delicious beverages to taste. I just want to scream "It's fall y'all". Except it still feels like a sauna outside currently, and this weekend it was too hot to even go to the pool. Which left me with plenty of time to daydream about the cooler weather and all the fun to be had.  I even put my football pumpkin on my porch because it's time ladies and gentlemen, it's time!

There is no shortage of breweries in Charlotte and across the state. Which means there is no shortage of pumpkin beer this time of year. My personal favorite? NoDa Brewing Company's "Gordegous". But there is no wrong answer when it comes to pumpkin beer.

College or NFL it doesn't matter! Fall is made for football. Take in a Panthers game, the Dukes Mayo College Kickoff battle of the Carolinas, or do as I do and road trip to a college game!

What's fall without pumpkins? And sure you could pick one up at the grocery store but what fun would that be. Instead visit a local farm including Hodges Family Farm, Millstone Creeks Orchard, Cotton Hills Farm, and Hunter Farm to pick your own pumpkins!

Test your problem solving (and patience) with a corn maze. This family-friendly activity will have you laughing and bonding with those you love. There are several mazes in the Charlotte area including at Hall Family Farm, Awe Shucks, and Kersey Valley.

If you haven't been to Windy Hill Orchard & Cidery yet make this the year you finally do. Windy HIll offers apple picking, apple cider donuts, alcholic /non-alcholic drinks and good old family fun.

Whether you choose to stroll a greenway, take a walk in your neighborhood, or venture out for a hike at a park like Kings Mountain. Maybe head to Asheville to experience leaf season in the mountains. It's not fall without seeing the leaves change and letting them crunch under your feet.

You're not scared are you? There are tons of screams to be had across the Carolinas at Scarowinds, Kersey Valley Spookywoods, and more.