Kay Tee
    10:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m.
  • Apps

  • Instagram

  • Facebook

  • X

  • TikTok

  • Home
  • Hosts
    • Matt Murphy
    • MJ
    • Kay Tee
  • Contests
    • View All Contests
    • Contest Rules
  • Features
    • Recipes
    • News, Sports and Weather
    • Pet Adoption
    • Daily Comic Strips
    • Crossword Puzzle
    • Sudoku
    • Horoscopes
    • Coupons
    • Advice
    • Slideshows
  • Events
    • Community Events
    • Submit Your Community Event
  • Connect
    • Contact and Directions
    • Become a Pulse Insider!
    • Download the Pulse FM APP
    • Advertise
    • Social Media
      • TikTok
      • Twitter
      • Facebook
      • Instagram
      • YouTube
  • search
Flights
Getty Images

Flights

Raleigh-Durham International Airport’s Busiest Domestic Flights

Data for domestic flights from RDU are from April 2023 – March 2024

10. Newark, New Jersey (263,600)

Busiest Domestic Flights Out Of RDU - Newark
Photo by Getty Images

263,600 passengers took the flight from RDU to Newark with the top carriers being Delta and United. On average, there are 15 flights a week traveling from RDU to Newark.

9. Boston, Massachusetts (268,920)

Busiest Domestic Flights Out Of RDU - Boston
Photo by Getty Images

The 1 hour and 27 minutes flight from RDU to Boston carried 268,920 passengers. The top carriers for the flight were Delta, Frontier, and JetBlue. Flights from RDU to Boston are operated 40 times a week, 6 flights a day on average. 

8. Chicago-O’Hare, Illinois (289,450)

Busiest Domestic Flights Out Of RDU - Chicago
Photo by Getty Images

RDU to Chicago had 289,450 passengers with American Airlines, Frontier, and United as the top carriers. The flight time is approximately 2 hours and 15 minutes. 

7. New York, LaGuardia (291,790)

Busiest Domestic Flights Out Of RDU - Laguardia
Photo by Getty Images

291,790 passengers traveled from RDU to LaGuardia between April 2023 and March 2024. The top carriers are American Airlines, Delta, and Frontier with a flight time of approximately 1 hour and 32 minutes.

6. Dallas/Fort Worth, Texas (309,150)

Busiest Domestic Flights Out Of RDU - Dallas
Photo by Getty Images

The flight from RDU to Dallas Fort Worth carried 309,150 passengers with American Airlines and Frontier as the top carrier. The flight time lasts around 2 hours and 30 minutes.

5. New York, JFK International (310,470)

Flights to JFK
Photo by Getty Images

RDU to JFK International flew 310,470 passengers from April 2023 to March 2024. The flight lasted approximately 1 hour and 45 minutes and the top carriers were American Airlines, Delta, and JetBlue. 

4. Denver, Colorado (313,970)

Denver Airport Flights
Photo by Getty Images

The flight from RDU to Denver takes approximately 3 hours and 45 minutes and carries 313,970 passengers. The top carriers are Frontier, Southwest, and United Airlines. This is the longest of the top domestic flights at 1,436 miles.

3. Orlando, Florida (405,150)

Orlando Airport
Photo by Getty Images

Orlando, a popular tourist destination, had 405,150 passengers from April 2023 to March 2024. The top carriers include Delta, Frontier, JetBlue, and Southwest. The flight from RDU to Orlando takes approximately 1 hour and 45 minutes.

2. Charlotte, North Carolina (496,120)

Charlotte Airport
Photo by Getty Images

Charlotte, a popular flight connection, is the second busiest route from RDU with 496,120 passengers. The top carrier is American Airlines and the flight duration is approximately 1 hour and 5 minutes. This is the shortest of the top destinations at 129 miles.

1. Atlanta, Georgia (702,900)

Atlanta Airport
Photo by Getty Images

The most popular domestic destination out of RDU is Atlanta, Georgia with 702,900 passengers. The top carriers include Delta, Frontier, and Southwest. A flight from RDU to Atlanta, GA takes approximately 1 hour and 30 minutes.

Productions

Productions

North Carolina Movie and TV Show Productions

One Tree Hill (Wilmington, NC)

One Tree Hill Set in North Carolina Productions
Photo by Logan Mock-Bunting/Getty Images

Set in the fictional town of Tree Hill, North Carolina, One Tree Hill was filmed in several locations, including near the battleship USS North Carolina and the University of North Carolina Wilmington campus. The series premiered to 2.5 million viewers, quickly growing to 3.3 million by its second week. Notably, One Tree Hill was one of only three shows to increase its viewership in the second episode of the 2003-2004 season.

Dirty Dancing (Lake Lure, NC)

Dirty Dancing Set in North Carolina Productions
Photo by Vestron/Getty Images

Dirty Dancing, the 1987 American romantic drama, was primarily filmed in Lake Lure, North Carolina. Additionally, scenes were shot in Mountain Lake, Virginia, with meticulous editing to create the illusion of a single location. In Lake Lure, filming took place at Camp Chimney Rock, a former Boy Scout camp.

Outer Banks (Wilmington, NC)

Outer Banks Set in North Carolina Productions
Photo by Charley Gallay/Getty Images for Netflix

Outer Banks is set and filmed in North Carolina’s Outer Banks. Although co-creator Jones Pae initially envisioned Wilmington as a filming location, Netflix chose not to due to House Bill 2 legislation. Wilmington didn’t appear in the series until the fourth season in 2023. Additionally, the show filmed in Charleston, South Carolina, and Morocco. Outer Banks the TV show is one of the more popular North Carolina productions.

A Walk To Remember (Wilmington, NC)

A Walk to Remember Set in North Carolina Productions
Photo by Warner Brothers/Getty Images

A Walk To Remember, filmed in Wilmington, North Carolina, took over 39 days during the summer of 2001. Because of this, the production utilized sets shared with Dawson’s Creek, including the school, hospital, and Landon’s home.

The Hunger Games (Western North Carolina)

Hunger games
Photo by Christian Marquardt/Getty Images

Filming for The Hunger Games primarily took place in North Carolina in 2012. Because of North Carolina law, Lionsgate acquired $8 million in tax breaks for filming in North Carolina. DuPont State Forest in North Carolina became the scene for District 12. Charlotte, Asheville, and Shelby were amongst other locations where filming took place in North Carolina.

Eastbound & Down (Shelby and Wilmington, NC)

Eastbound and Down
Photo by Frazer Harrison/Getty Images

Eastbound & Down takes place in Shelby, North Carolina, but filming occurred in Wilmington (NC), Myrtle Beach (SC), and Puerto Rico. The show premiered on February 15th, 2009, and concluded on November 17th, 2013.

Forrest Gump (Blue Ridge Parkway, North Carolina)

Forrest Gump
Photo by Paramount/Getty Images

Filming for Forrest Gump mainly took place in Georgia, North Carolina, and South Carolina. The 1994 film was an adaptation of the 1986 novel by Winston Groom. North Carolina filming locations included Blue Ridge Parkway, Grandfather Mountain, and the Biltmore Estate.

Talladega Nights (Charlotte, NC)

Will Ferrell speaks during a press junket promoting his new film "Talladega Nights: The Ballad of Ricky Bobby" before practice for the NASCAR Nextel...
Photo by Rusty Jarrett/Getty Images for NASCAR

Talladega Nights is set in both North Carolina and Alabama and except for one week of shooting, all filming occurred in North Carolina in 2006. Talladega Nights is one of the most notable North Carolina productions with most of the filming occurring in the Charlotte Metropolitan Area. Filming locations include the Charlotte Motor Speedway, Rockingham Speedway, and Concord, North Carolina.

Bull Durham (Durham, NC)

Bull Durham
Photo by The Mount Company/Getty Images

Bull Durham is based around the Durham Bulls baseball team and Durham, North Carolina. The 1988 film is based on the experiences of minor-league baseball from the viewpoint of writer/director Ron Shelton. Filming for Bull Durham took place in Durham Athletic Park and various other locations around Durham.

Entertainment News
Winter Activities

Winter Activities

9 Fun Winter Activities in North Carolina

Cary

NORTH CAROLINA CHINESE LANTERN FESTIVAL

Nov. 16th – Jan. 12th

Cary

The annual North Carolina Chinese Lantern Festival at Koka Booth Amphitheater is an ideal holiday activity for the whole family. Running from November 16th through January 12th, the festival features all-new displays with hundreds of parts and thousands of lights. In addition to the dazzling lanterns, the event includes a rich history, tasty food, performances, and numerous retail vendors.

Raleigh

SCANDINAVIAN CHRISTMAS FAIR

December 7th

Raleigh

The Scandinavian Christmas Fair, also known as Julmarknad, will be held at the State Fair Grounds on December 7th. This authentic celebration showcases traditions from Sweden, Norway, Denmark, Finland, and Iceland. Attendees can find traditional food, dancing, and vendors. Additionally, tickets are available online or in person, making it a wonderful yearly tradition for the entire family.

christmas in sweden - cinnamon buns (kanelbullar) - swedish christmas stock pictures, royalty-free photos & images

RALEIGH CHRISTMAS PARADE

November 23rd

Raleigh

The 2024 Raleigh Christmas Parade will take place on November 23rd at 9:30 am and stands as the largest parade between Atlanta and Washington DC. As the parade makes its way down the 1.4-mile route, there is something for everyone. Over its 2-hour duration, attendees can enjoy local marching bands, various organizations, balloons, dancers, and floats. This year marks the 80th anniversary of the Raleigh Christmas Parade!

THE NUTCRACKER

Dec. 12th to Dec. 24th

Raleigh

The Nutcracker, presented by Carolina Ballet, takes place in downtown Raleigh. The shows run from December 12th to the 24th and are the most-attended Carolina Ballet production ever. Held at Raleigh Memorial Auditorium, the production features fresh choreography, vibrant sets, and stunning costumes.

young couple in love caucasian man with blond hair with long hair and beard and beautiful woman have fun, active date skating on ice scene in town square in winter on christmas eve - outdoor skating rink stock pictures, royalty-free photos & images

THE RINK

November to January

Raleigh

THE RINK, a natural ice skating rink in the heart of downtown Raleigh, will operate from November to January. This year, visitors can enjoy a snack bar, games, and lounging stations. The event will take place at Red Hat Amphitheater. In addition, tickets start at $15 for skaters and $6 for non-skaters.

Greater North Carolina

POLAR EXPRESS TRAIN RIDE

Nov. 7th to Dec. 31st

Bryson City

Great Smoky Mountains Railroad presents the Polar Express train ride. The ride lasts 1 ½ hours and guests will enjoy beautiful scenery, hot cocoa, and treats while experiencing the story. The train finishes up at the North Pole where children can meet Santa Claus and be presented their silver bell. The experience finishes back at Bryson City Depot and tickets range from $29 to $63.

polar express - polar express train stock pictures, royalty-free photos & images

CHRISTMAS AT BILTMORE

Nov. 2nd to Jan. 5th

Asheville

Christmas at Biltmore will run from November 2nd to January 5th. Tickets, which range from $110 to $420 per person depending on the package, offer various experiences. Visitors can tour the grounds during the daytime or evening; thus, they will encounter stunning decorations, enjoy complimentary wine tastings, and participate in candle-lit tours.

Mike’s Farm

November 23rd

Beaulaville

Christmas festivities at Mike’s Farm begin on November 14th and run until December 23rd. During this period, activities include the Festival of Lights Hayride, Wilmington Celebration Choir, Supper with Santa, Christmas Show, and more. For further details, including all dates and times for individual events as well as ticket information, visit their website.

closeup of christmas decoration - christmas hayride stock pictures, royalty-free photos & images
beautiful, colorful and cold winter snowman, with snow, trees and frost - carowinds amusement park winter stock pictures, royalty-free photos & images

WINTERFEST AT CAROWINDS

Nov. 15th to Dec. 31st

Charlotte

Winterfest at Carowinds runs from November 15th through December 31st. During this festive period, activities include Christmas lights, ice skating, live entertainment, and holiday food. With something for all ages, the event also offers free admission for children two years old and under. For tickets and additional information, visit their website.

More Events

WPLW-FM

Photos by Getty Images

Professional Athletes

Professional Athletes

Notable North Carolina Professional Athletes

Chris Paul (Winston-Salem)

Chris Paul NC Professional Athletes
Photo by Ronald Martinez/Getty Images

Chris Paul is an NBA point guard from Winston-Salem, North Carolina. Before being drafted in 2005, Paul spent two years playing basketball at Wake Forest University. He was selected fourth overall by the New Orleans Hornets, who are now known as the Charlotte Hornets, during their temporary relocation to New Orleans. While he has played for seven teams, currently the San Antonio Spurs, none of them were in his home state of North Carolina.

Richard Petty (Level Cross)

Hall of Famer Richard PettyNC Professional Athletes
Photo by Chris Graythen/Getty Images

Richard Petty, a North Carolina stock car racer, was born in Level Cross. He has a large number of achievements under his belt including his large number of NASCAR. Petty shares the record for the most NASCAR Cup Series Championships with Dale Earnhardt, a fellow North Carolinian, and Jimmie Johnson. His last race was in 1992, the Hooters 500, and he has earned his nickname “The King.”

Julius Peppers (Wilson)

Julius Peppers NC Professional Athletes
Photo by Streeter Lecka/Getty Images

Julius Peppers is a Defensive end Linebacker from Wilson, North Carolina. He spent three years playing for the University of North Carolina before being drafted 2nd overall in 2002. Peppers played for the Carolina Panthers until 2009, returning to Carolina again in 2017 for one final season. After 16 years of professional football, Peppers retired after the 2018 season.

Dale Earnhardt Sr. (Kannapolis)

Dale Earnhardt NC Professional Athletes
Photo Credit: David Taylor/Allsport

Dale Earnhardt Sr. was a professional stock car driver born in Kannapolis, North Carolina. His first race was in Charlotte at the 1975 World 600 and his last was the Daytona 500 in 2001. Dale Earnhardt Sr. died in an accident at the 2001 Daytona 500 due to a three-car crash at only 49 years old. His son, Dale Earnhardt Jr., takes after his father and carries along his legacy as one of the most popular professional athletes from North Carolina.

Carl Eller (Winston-Salem)

Carl Eller NC Professional Athletes
(Photo by David Maxwell/Getty Images

Carl Eller, a Winston-Salem native, is a former Defensive end who played in the NFL for 15 years. He played nearly all of his career (1964-1978) with the Minnesota Vikings, eventually retiring with the Seattle Seahawks after less than a year. After retiring from football, Eller went back to school and obtained a degree in Human Services. Both the Pro Football Hall of Fame and the College Football Hall of Fame honor him.

Bobby Bell (Shelby)

Commentator Jim Nantz and NFL Hall of Famer Bobby Bell speak after the AFC Championship Game between the Kansas City Chiefs and the Tennessee Titans...
Photo by Matthew Stockman/Getty Images

Bobby Bell is a former American football linebacker from Shelby, North Carolina. “He played his entire career with the Minnesota Vikings, who drafted him in 1963. After retiring in 1974, Bell secured his place in the North Carolina Sports Hall of Fame and the Rose Bowl Hall of Fame. He settled in Kansas City, Missouri, and opened Bobby Bell’s Bar-b-que.

Enos Slaughter (Durham)

Statue of Enos Slaughter of the St. Louis Cardinals is outside of Busch Stadium on July 18, 2004 in St. Louis, Missouri.
Photo by Dilip Vishwanat/Getty Images

Enos Slaughter, also known as “Country,” was born in Roxboro, North Carolina. Slaughter was an MLB right fielder for 21 years, retiring in 1959. In his 21 years of professional baseball, Slaughter played for five teams before retiring in Durham, North Carolina. He coached Duke baseball from 1971 to 1977 and helped with other local organizations.

Raymond Floyd (Fort Bragg)

Raymond Floyd hits from the 18th tee during the first round of the Champion's TOUR 2005 SBC Championship at Oak Hills Country Club in San Antonio,...
Photo by Steve Grayson/Getty Images

Professional golfer, Raymond Floyd, was born in Fort Bragg, North Carolina. His father, a soldier in the U.S. Army at Fort Bragg, and Floyd started his gold career at the enlisted men’s course. He attended UNC Chapel Hill for one semester before starting his professional golfing career. He has won many notable tournaments including the Masters (1976), PGA (1969 and 1982), and the U.S. Open (1986). He officially retired in 2010 after nearly 50 years of playing and is notable for North Carolina professional athletes.

James Worthy (Gastonia)

James Worthy#42, Small Forward and Power Forward for the Los Angeles Lakers during the NBA Pacific Division basketball game against the Los Angeles...
Photo by J.D. Cuban/Allsport/Getty Images

James Worth is a retired professional basketball player born and raised in Gastonia, North Carolina. He lived in North Carolina until the 1982 draft when the Lakers selected him 1st overall out of college. His playing career lasted 12 years in which he received many awards and honors with the Los Angeles Lakers. Both his UNC Chapel Hill jersey (52) and Los Angeles Lakers jersey (42) numbers have been retired.

For Sports News
State Parks

State Parks

Top 10 Biggest North Carolina State Parks

10. William B. Umstead State Park (5,599 acres)

umstead state park in raleigh, north carolina - umstead state park stock pictures, royalty-free photos & images
Photo by Getty Images

First on our list of North Carolina state parks Is Umstead State Park. Located in Wake County, William B. Umstead State Park has everything you need for a weekend away with the family. The grounds include camping, activities, trails, and facilities. Trails range from a 0.4-mile loop called Inspiration Trail to the Sycamore Trail, a 7.2-mile loop. Spanning a large 5,599 acres, there is plenty to do at Umstead State Park.

9. Morrow Mountain State Park (5,702)

view from atop morrow mountain nc on a foggy morning - morrow mountain nc stock pictures, royalty-free photos & images
Photo by Getty Images

Morrow Mountain State Park in Stanly County spans 5,702 acres. At Morrow Mountain, there are hiking trails, bridle trails, boat rentals, museums, Kron House, and boat rentals. You can “glamp” in a vacation cabin or connect with nature in the tent sites while enjoying beautiful scenery and fun activities.

8. Pettigrew State Park (5,951)

elk island national park | alberta | canada - hiking trail swamp stock pictures, royalty-free photos & images
Photo by Getty Images

Pettigrew State Park spans a large 5,951 acres across Terrell and Washington Counties. 75 miles northeast of Greenville, you can find a rich habitat and fun activities. There are five trails, ranging from 1.3 miles one way to 4.2 miles one way.

7. Gorges State Park (7,709)

linville falls in blue ridge parkway near asheville, north carolina - gorges state park nc stock pictures, royalty-free photos & images
Photo by Getty Images

Gorges State Park is located in Transylvania County, where North Carolina, South Carolina, and Georgia meet. 56 miles of hiking, 17 miles of biking, and 12 miles of hiking span across 7,709 acres. Not the hiking kind? No worries! There is fishing, picnicking, and camping on site.

6. Chimney Rock State Park (8,014)

chimney rock - chimney rock state park stock pictures, royalty-free photos & images
Photo by Getty Images

25 miles southwest of Asheville in Rutherford County, you can find Chimney Rock State Park. The 8,014 acres feature hiking, fishing, rock climbing, restaurants, an amphitheater, and more. You can take a hike (or an elevator) to the top of the 315-foot freestanding rock spire. While there is no camping on site, camping can be found at Lake James State Park.

5. Hanging Rock State Park (9,011)

hanging rock state park , north carolina , usa - hanging rock state park stock pictures, royalty-free photos & images
Photo by Getty Images

In Stokes County, 30 miles north of Winston Salem, you’ll find 9,011 acres of Hanging Rock State Park. There is everything from hiking and rock climbing to swimming and lounging at the lake. There are a whopping 31 trails ranging from 0.1 miles to 7.4 miles (one way).

4. Lumber River State Park (13,695)

scenic view of river flowing through rocks in forest,asheville,north carolina,united states,usa - lumber river nc stock pictures, royalty-free photos & images
Photo by Getty Images

Lumber River State Park runs 13,695 acres across Scotland, Hoke, Robeson, and Columbus counties. 60 miles south of Fayetteville, a 115-mile river means possibilities are endless. There is a boat ramp and opportunities to paddle and fish. There are two accesses located in Princess Ann and Chalk Banks.

3. Stone Mountain State Park (14,353)

stone mountain in north carolina - stone mountain state park stock pictures, royalty-free photos & images
Photo by Getty Images

Stone Mountain State Park is the perfect getaway for rock climbers and hikers alike. There are 10 miles for horseback riding, 20 miles for hiking, and fishing, and plenty of room for rock climbing. There is camping on-site, both tent sites and RV sites. Stone Mountain State Park is 14,353 acres across Alleghany and Wilkes County. Stone Mountain is known for its 600-foot granite dome and beautiful waterfalls.

2. Dismal Swamp State Park (14,432)

reflection on pond - dismal swamp state park stock pictures, royalty-free photos & images
Photo by Getty Images

Dismal Swamp State Park has 14,432 acres of abundant plant and wildlife. Located in Camden County, you can find 21.5 miles of hiking trails and 21.5 miles of biking trails. There are no camping spots at the State Park but sites can be found at Merchants Millpond State Park.

1. South Mountain State Park (20,949)

blue ridge parkway in north carolina, one of the most beautiful scenic roads in the usa, especially in autumn - south mountain nc stock pictures, royalty-free photos & images
Photo by Getty Images

The Largest of North Carolina’s state parks is South Mountains State Park. South Mountains State Park features beautiful scenery, waterfalls, and trails. Elevations reach up to 3,000 feet with nearly 50 miles of trails for hiking, horseback riding, and bikers. Located 55 miles east of Asheville in Burke County, South Mountains State Park boasts a whopping 20,949 acres.

More Fun Events/Places
Pet Costumes

Pet Costumes

Our Top 10 Pet Costumes for Halloween 2024

10. Count Dogula Strikes Again (Dracula)

Luna wearing a Dracula costume (AP Photo/Aaron Favila)

9. Un-bee-lievable (Bumble Bee)

Bumble Bee Dog (AP Photo/Aaron Favila)

8. Dr. Dog is in (Doctor)

Persian cat, Willow, dressed as a doctor (AP Photo/Aaron Favila)

7. Bringing Treats, Not Bills (Mail Carrier)

Mail Carrier Dog (AP Photo/Yuki Iwamura)

6. All Bark, No Sting (Scorpion)

Elsa, a 7-year-old poodle, wearing a scorpion costume (AP Photo/Aaron Favila)

5. Playtime’s Over (Chucky)

Chucky Doll Dog (AP Photo/Aaron Favila)

4. Pawsitively Posh (Victorian Tea Party)

Victorian Tea Party pups (AP Photo/Yuki Iwamura)

3. Ain’t Nothing but a Hound Dog (Elvis Presley)

Elvis Presley Dog with his owner, Priscilla (AP Photo/Yuki Iwamura)

2. Bob (Beetlejuice)

Beetlejuice Dog (AP Photo/Yuki Iwamura)

1. Chewie’s Little Sidekick (Ewok)

Starwars Ewok Dog (AP Photo/Yuki Iwamura)
Chains

Chains

9 North Carolina Food and Beverage Chains

Pepsi (New Bern, NC)

Food and Beverage Pepsi Chains
Photo by Getty Images

In 1893, Pharmacist Caleb Bradgam began experimenting with soft drink concoctions for his friends and patrons to sample. One of Caleb’s beverages was “Brad’s Drink” which was eventually renamed to Pepsi-Cola in 1898. In 1902, he applied for a trademark and formed the Pepsi-Cola company. As of 2024, Pepsi has a net worth of $226.74 billion and is one of the most well-known of the NC chains.

Krispy Kreme (Winston Salem, NC)

Food and Beverage Krispy Kreme Chains
Photo by Getty Images

During the Great Depression in 1937, Owner Vernon Rudolph founded Krispy Kreme, another one of the most famous chains. Rudolph bought a year-raised recipe from a New Orleans chef, rented a building, and began selling to local grocery stores. That year, Vernon opened his store in Winston-Salem. Winston-Salem is where his favorite cigarette company, Camel Cigarettes, is headquartered. The first international location was in Penrith, New South Wales, Australia. As of 2024, there are now 1,400 locations and it operates in the United States, Canada, and over 36 other countries across the world and is one of the most popular North Carolina food and beverages.

Cheerwine (Salisbury, NC)

Food and Beverage Cheerwine Chains
Photo by Getty Images

In 1917, Lewis D. Peeler founded “the oldest continuing soft drink company still operated by the same family,” in Salisbury, North Carolina. Cheerwine officially became a registered trademark in 1926. Cheerwine began partnering with NASCAR, Krispy Kreme, and Old Carolina Barbeque, getting the name out to the public.

Hardee’s (Greenville, NC)

Food and Beverage Hardees Chains
Photo by Getty Images

Wilber Hardee, the founder of Hardee’s, began with his namesake restaurant in Greenville in 1960. A year later, Wilber expanded, opening a location in Rocky Mount as the first company store. At the end of the 1960’s, the corporation had expanded to almost 200 restaurants with its first international location being in West Germany.

Mt. Olive Pickle Company (Mount Olive, NC)

Food and Beverage Pickles
Photo by Getty Images

In 1926, Shikrey Baddour founded the largest independent pickle company in the United States. It started in the mid-1920s when Baddour, a Lebanese immigrant, wanted to find a way to use wasted cucumber crops. This idea did not go as planned, leaving Baddour with no buyers, but by 1926 he began coming up with a new plan. The Mt. Olive Pickle Company became formally established when Baddour connected with the Mount Olive business people, led by Headley Morris Cox.

Texas Pete (Winston-Salem, NC)

Food and Beverage Texas Pete
Photo by Getty Images

Don’t let the name fool you… Winston-Salem is the birthplace of Texas Pete. In 1929, Sam Garner, the operator of the Dixie Pig barbecue stand, introduced Texas Pete. After customers began asking for a spicier sauce, his son, Thad Garner, developed the hot sauce we know today. The original name “Mexican Joe,” was shut down by his father, saying the name should be American.

Biscuitville (Graham, NC)

homemade buttermilk biscuits - biscuit and gravy stock pictures, royalty-free photos & images
Photo by Getty Images

The idea of Biscuitville came to Maurice Jennings in 1966 with the first official Biscuitville opening in Danville, VA in 1975. The original concept was a Pizza restaurant named Pizzaville in Burlington in 1967. Maurice wanted a way to have the business work for morning hours so he started offering made-from-scratch biscuits, a Jennings family recipe. Eventually, the biscuits began selling more than the pizzas. As of April 2024, there are over 82 Biscuitville locations across North Carolina, South Carolina, and Virginia.

Bojangles (Charlotte, NC)

fried chicken sandwich on a biscuit - chicken strips and biscuit stock pictures, royalty-free photos & images
Photo by Getty Images

Jack Fulk and Richard Thomas of Charlotte, North Carolina developed the concept of Bojangles in 1977. Bojangles became popular after being the only restaurant to remain open during Hurricane Hugo. The chain has restaurants in 17 US states, Honduras, Grand Caymen Island, Jamaica, Mexico, and China. Ot’s home state of North Carolina has the largest number of chains with 353 restaurants.

Cook Out (Greensboro, NC)

burguer and hot dog with french fries - hot dog and corndog and fries stock pictures, royalty-free photos & images
Photo by Getty Images

Cookout was founded in 1989 in Greensboro, North Carolina by Morris Reaves. He remains the owner of Cook Out with his son, Jeremy Reaves, serving as the CEO. As of November 2022, there are 326 locations across ten states, primarily in the Southeast. Bojangles is the most recent of the food and beverages but has risen to popularity across the state.

Bright Leaf Hot Dogs (Smithfield, NC)

a tray with prepared hot dogs wrapped in bread - red hot dog stock pictures, royalty-free photos & images
Photo by Getty Images

Originally the Carolina Packing Company, Bright Leaf Hot Dogs was founded in Smithfield, North Carolina by John A. Jones Senior. Bright Leaf Hot Dogs is a family-owned business that was founded in 1939. The name “Bright Leaf” is a nod to North Carolina’s agriculture and tobacco industries.

Charlotte Hornets

Charlotte Hornets

Did You Know: Charlotte Hornets Edition

From The Top

New Orleans team
New Orleans Hornets December 20, 2002 (Photo by Otto Greule Jr/Getty Images)

The original Charlotte Hornets moved to New Orleans in 2002 and became the New Orleans Hornets. They eventually moved back to Charlotte in 2004 as the Charlotte Bobcats. Michael Jordan eventually purchased a majority stake in the franchise and changed the name back to Hornets for the 2014-2015 season.

Name History

Shooting a basket
Charlotte Hornets 1988-1989 (Photo By Tim de Frisco/Allsport)

The name “Hornets” came from British General Cornwallis who referred to Charlotte, NC as “a hornet’s nest of rebellion” after the Battle of Charlotte in 1780. They originally were going to name the team the Charlotte Spirit but eventually scrapped the idea after a team naming contest.

Uniform

Detailed view of the jumpman logo on the jersey of Dwight Howard
A detailed view of the Jumpman logo (Photo by Stacy Revere/Getty Images)

The Charlotte Hornets are the only team in the NBA without Nike on their jerseys. They instead have the Jumpman logo for Michael Jordan, the owner of the team. When the team went back to their original “Hornets” name, the logo was updated and is now their current uniform logo.

Mascot

Hugo the Hornet in action during their game against the Chicago Bulls at Time Warner Cable Arena on November 3, 2015 in Charlotte, North Carolina....
Photo by Streeter Lecka/Getty Images

Hugo the Hornet was created in 1988 and Hurricane Hugo hit the Carolinas one year later. It was decided that the mascot’s name would not change despite Hurricane Hugo. Hugo was designed by Cheryl Henson, daughter of Jim Henson. Through over 6,000 fan suggestions, they selected Hugo the Hornet as their mascot. During an intermission in 2008, Hugo the Hornet jumped through a ring of fire to dunk a basket. The cleanup crew could not clean up fast enough, causing the arena to fill with smoke and resulting in a 19-minute delay.

Players

Kemba Walker of the Charlotte Bobcats against the Washington Wizards during their game at Time Warner Cable Arena on January 28, 2012 in Charlotte,...
Kemba Walker #1 of the Charlotte Bobcats (Photo by Streeter Lecka/Getty Images)

As of February 2023, 296 players have played one or more games with the Hornets. Some notable players include Glen Rice, Kemba Walker, Larry Johnson, Robert Parish, Vlade Divac, and Alonzo Mourning.

Games

Brandon Miller of the Charlotte Hornets reacts following their win over the Cleveland Cavaliers at Spectrum Center on March 27, 2024 in Charlotte,...
Photo by Jared C. Tilton/Getty Images

In total, the Hornets have won over 1,174 times. They played their first game on November 4th, 1988, losing to the Cleveland Cavaliers. They won their first game against the LA Clippers only 4 days later, beating Michael Jordan at his first NBA game in North Carolina. 

Matt Murphy’s “Date Night!”

Matt Murphy’s “Date Night!”

Every morning, Matt Murphy and Pulse FM set you up for a movie date ON US! Listen every day around 9:20 a.m. for your chance to win a pair of movie passes and free popcorn thanks to our partners at Paragon Theaters!

State Fair Food

State Fair Food

Get ready for the ultimate North Carolina State Fair food experience! With the State Fair just around the corner, we’ve put together a complete guide to help you savor every delicious moment. Below, you’ll find a handy food map showcasing this year’s new food, State Fair-inspired recipes, and a full list of all the must-try eats for 2024!

Tasted and Approved

Featured New Food Items

Photos by Getty Images

Alaska King Crab Pop

Oak City Fish & Chips

Fried, seasoned Alaskan King Crab skewered and topped with half a lemon

Crack Fries

GoldenKdog

Fries tossed in cheese seasoning with several dipping sauce options

Chamoy Pineapples

N&T Concession

Flavored pickles wrapped in Fruit Roll-Ups and stuffed with a variety of fruit candy, sprinkles, and Takis chips. Dipped in Chamoy sauce and sprinkled with Tajin seasoning

Mexican Street Corn Nachos

Red Carpet Amusements

Tortilla chips topped with nacho cheese, corn, a drizzle of mayo, parmesan cheese, and tajin. For an extra kick, add Takis or hot Cheetos.

Jerk Pork Belly Bao

Cool Runnings Jamaican

Tender slow-cooked jerk pork belly in a fluffy bao with a zesty vegetable mix

Tanghulu

The Candi Queen

Traditional Chinese snack with a crunchy, sweet exterior and a soft, tart interior, made with a variety of fresh fruits like strawberries, grapes, and mandarin oranges.

State Fair Inspired Recipes

Schools use AI to monitor kids, hoping to prevent violence. Our investigation found security risks

Schools use AI to monitor kids, hoping to prevent violence. Our investigation found security risks
See Full Recipe

Peanut Butter Fudge

Peanut Butter Fudge
See Full Recipe

March 12th 2025

March 12th 2025
See Full Recipe

US resumes military aid and intelligence sharing as Ukraine says it is open to a 30-day ceasefire

dummy-img
See Full Recipe

Trump halts doubling of tariffs on Canadian metals, after Ontario suspends electricity price hikes

Trump halts doubling of tariffs on Canadian metals, after Ontario suspends electricity price hikes
See Full Recipe

Republicans are marching ahead with a government funding bill despite Democratic opposition

Republicans are marching ahead with a government funding bill despite Democratic opposition
See Full Recipe
  • 1
  • …
  • 47
  • 48
  • 49
  • …
  • 386

Complete List of New Food Items

o  Acai & Dragon Fruit Bowl: Acai bowl with fresh fruit, including dragon fruit, bananas, strawberries, and blueberries. (Brazilian Bowls)

o  Affogato: One shot of espresso poured over vanilla ice cream. (Magdalena’s Chimney Cakes)

o  Alaskan King Crab Pop: Fried, seasoned Alaskan King Crab skewered and topped with half a lemon. (Oak City Fish & Chips)

o  Aqua Loca: Lime juice, orange juice, tomato, and grapefruit mixed to make a strong and exciting drink. (Just Popping Around)

o  Bacon Cheeseburger Corn Dog: Burger and cheddar cheese hand dipped in corn dog batter, topped with cheese and real bacon. (Pioneer Wagon)

o  Barbecue Bacon Queso Sandwich: Authentic Eastern NC smoked chopped pork BBQ, drizzled with queso and BBQ sauce. Topped with bacon. (Lawerence & Perry BBQ, LLC)

o  Battered Bologna Fries: Bologna sliced into long-cut fries, battered and deep fried, served with Carolina gold dipping sauce. (Granny’s Country Kitchen)

o  Big Bacon Wrapped in Cheese on a Stick: Bacon and cheese on a stick deep fried to perfection. (Bubba’s Bacon)

o  Birthday Cake Cookie Dough on a Stick: Handcrafted cake batter cookie dough dipped in a birthday cake confetti coating, and sprinkled with rainbow sprinkles. (Kora’s Cookie Dough)

o  Buffalo Chicken Pizza Cone: Mozzarella, breaded chicken, Ranch dressing, and buffalo sauce inside a warm pizza cone. (Kono Pizza)

o  Buffalo Mac Bowl: Sauteed collards, grilled buffalo chicken, mac and cheese, drizzled with buffalo sauce. (Safari Eatz)

o  Buffalo Oyster Mushroom Sandwich: Oyster mushroom, lettuce, and tomato topped with buffalo sauce on a bun. (Fresh AF Vegan)

o  Cake Parfaits: Red velvet, brandy almond, and lemon meringue cake parfait served in a covered jar. (Cool Runnings Jamaican)

o  Candied Oatmeal Pies: Traditional Little Debbie Oatmeal Cream Pies covered with a sweet crunchy candy exterior. (The Candi Queen)

o  Candied Oreo Cakesters (Cake Pops): A soft chocolatey snack cake filled with whipped cream filling and covered with a crunchy candy coating. (The Candi Queen)

o  Carmel Apple Mini Cakes: Mini pancakes covered in apple pieces, caramel sauce, and whipped cream. (Hot Chix Hotcakes and Chicken)

o  Chamoy Pickles: Flavored pickles wrapped in Fruit Roll-Ups and stuffed with a variety of fruit candy, sprinkles, and Takis chips. Dipped in Chamoy sauce and sprinkled with Tajin seasoning. (N&T Concession)

o  Chamoy Pineapples: Flavored pineapple wrapped in Fruit Roll-Ups and stuffed with a variety of fruit candy, sprinkles, and Takis chips. Dipped in Chamoy sauce and sprinkled with Tajin seasoning. (N&T Concession)

o  Chocolate Dipped Strawberry Iced Tea: Fresh brewed strawberry flavored iced tea infused with Hershey’s chocolate syrup and garnished with three hand-dipped chocolate strawberries. (Tiki Tea)

o  Cotton Candy Mini Cakes: Mini pancakes covered in whipped cream, cotton candy syrup, and topping. (Hot Chix Hotcakes and Chicken)

o  Cowboy Bites: Smoked white cheddar cheese mixed with award-winning Texas-style brisket and a generous shake of “Bobby’s Original Rub,” rolled in panko and deep fried. (Fat Boys BBQ)

o  Crabcake Sammie: Fried crabcake served on a bun with AF sauce. (Fresh AF Vegan)

o  Crack Fries: Fries tossed in cheese seasoning with several dipping sauce options. (GoldenKdog)

o  Deep Fried Cannoli: A modern twist on a traditional Italian dessert. Hand-filled cannoli on a stick, deep fried, and topped with powdered sugar. (Fontana Foods)

o  Deep Fried Loaded Cheese Puffs: Deep fried cheese puffs loaded with cheese, bacon, jalapenos, and Ranch dressing. (Chester’s Gators & Taters)

o  Deep Fried Ribs: Deep-fried baby back ribs hand-tossed in a variety of sauces, including BBQ sauce, lemon pepper, Carolina gold, and sweet chili jerk. Each flavor is inspired by a North Carolina area code. (Lawerence & Perry BBQ, LLC)

o  Dill Delight Funnel Cake: Funnel cake with powdered sugar, Ranch dressing, and dill pickles. (The Busy Beaver)

o  Dilly Dog: A tangy dill pickle stuffed with an all-beef hotdog, fried in panko batter until golden brown. Try it with peanut butter! (Red Carpet Amusements)

o  Fried Cheesy Croissant: Mini layered pastry, fried and topped with cheddar cheese and jalapeno slices. (LaFarm Bakery)

o  Fried Fufu: Fufu with a chef’s blend of seasoning and deep fried. (Ethio-Indi Alkaline Cuisine)

o  Fried Hazelnut Croissant: Mini layered pastry fried and drizzled with hazelnut topping. (LaFarm Bakery)

o  Fried Pickle Mac & Cheese: Loaded fried pickle mac & cheese with a drizzle of Ranch dressing. (Chester’s Gators & Taters)

o  Glazed Donut Coffee Float: Rich glazed donut-infused iced coffee over creamy vanilla ice cream, topped with a golden glazed donut hole, and delicate glazed donut crumble rim. (Fluffy’s Hand Cut Donuts)

o  Granddaddy Nats Fufu Plate: Signature burger covered in gravy with gomen greens and fufu. (Ethio-Indi Alkaline Cuisine)

o  Honey Butter Mozza Dog: Mozzarella cheese rolled in homemade batter with panko then deep fried, drizzled with honey butter sauce. (GoldenKdog)

o  Jerk Pork Belly Bao: Tender slow-cooked jerk pork belly in a fluffy bao with a zesty vegetable mix. (Cool Runnings Jamaican)

o  Kale Me Shawarma: Sweet potato fries topped with beef and lamb shawarma, pickled red onion, feta crumbles, kale chips, and house-made beet barbecue sauce. (Neomonde Mediterranean)

o  Korean BBQ Kimchi Nachos: Korean BBQ kimchi nacho chips with corn, beans, kimchi, jalapenos, mozzarella cheese, nacho cheese, choice of beef or chicken Korean BBQ. (Bulkogi Korean BBQ)

o  Loaded Bologna Fries: Battered bologna fries loaded up with chili cheese sauce. (Granny’s Country Kitchen)

o  Mango Boba: Cool and refreshing smoothie with mango boba, mango juice, and a small scoop of mango sorbet. (Just Popping Around)

o  Mangonada: A unique and delicious drink with chamoy and fresh mango. (Just Popping Around)

o  Mexican Street Corn Potato: Baked potato stuffed with Mexican street corn topped with cilantro and lime. (Spudtastic Potato)

o  Mema Mia: Battered and deep-fried spaghetti with meat sauce nestled on top of a garlic parmesan toasted hoagie bun with extra meat sauce and cheese topped with sweet southern slaw. (Ezzell’s Something Good)

o  Mexican Street Corn Nachos: Tortilla chips topped with nacho cheese, corn, a drizzle of mayo, parmesan cheese, and tajin. For an extra kick, add Takis or hot Cheetos. (Red Carpet Amusements)

o  Milly’s Jerk Barbecue Sauce: Sweet and spicy barbecue sauce that provides a kick to any meal. (Cool Runnings Jamaican)

o  Minne Cookie Dough Pie: Deep-fried chocolate chip cookie dough wrapped in our light and flaky crust. Served with your choice of vanilla or cinnamon ice cream. (The Original Minneapple Pie)

o  Monster Tots: Crispy jumbo tater tots stuffed with massive flavor. Tater tots three times the size of an average tot, stuffed with either buffalo chicken or bacon cheddar and chive fillings. (Hot Chix Hotcakes & Chicken)

o  NC Crab and Shrimp Bomb Crusted in Hot Cheetos: A bomb of cheesy N.C. blue crab meat and shrimp rolled in hot Cheetos to form a crunchy outer shell. (Waypoint Oyster Bar)

o  Peach Cobbler Pizza Cone: Warm pizza cone with peach filling, cinnamon crumbles, and the icing on the top. (Kono Pizza)

o  Philly Chicken Egg Roll: Just like the original Philly Roll, but with chicken instead of steak. (Woody’s Wing Wagon)

o  Philly Eggroll: Vegan beef, onions, peppers, and mushrooms wrapped in an eggroll and fried golden. (Fresh AF Vegan)

o  Pickle Dr. Pepper: Dr. Pepper infused with pickles. (Red Carpet Amusements)

o  Pineapple Bowl: Pineapple bowls with rice or gaucho fries, charcoal chicken, Brazilian steak, island shrimp, black beans, and corn. Extra toppings can be added, such as pico de gallo, chimichurri, cheese, pineapple spicy sauce, and homemade sour cream (grandma’s recipe). (Brazilian Bowls)

o  Pumpkin Spice Iced Tea: A perfect blend of vibrant spices and rich pumpkin flavor that helps to welcome fall with a sense of cozy tranquility. (Tiki Tea)

o  Red Velvet Glazed Funnel Cake Chicken Sandwich: Nashville-style chicken on a red velvet cake bun with sweet syrup and hot sauce. (Mediterranean Grill)

o  Sausage & Peppers Egg Roll: Italian sausage with cherry peppers, diced onion, and cheese, wrapped in an egg roll wrapper and deep fried until golden brown. Comes with a side of marinara sauce. (Woody’s Wing Wagon)

o  Simba Dessert: Fried viapati stuffed with sweet apple filling topped with vanilla ice cream drizzled with old-fashioned caramel sauce. (Safari Eatz)

o  Sizzling Hot Funnel Cake: Funnel cake with nacho cheese and Flamin’ Hot Cheetos. (The Busy Beaver)

o  S’more Pizza Cone: Warm pizza cone filled with marshmallows, chocolate, and graham crackers. (Kono Pizza)

o  Strawberries & Cream Waffle Stick: Strawberry shortcake cookie dough baked inside a Belgian waffle, covered with whip topping and strawberry sauce. Served on a stick. (Waffle Chix)

o  Strawberry Daiquiri Crunch: Moist strawberry cake baked with a white zinfandel wine, topped with a strawberry shortcake crumble and a strawberry daiquiri drizzle. (Boozie Bakes)

o  Strawberry Lemonade Donut: A Fluffy donut topped with tang lemon frosting, strawberry lemonade crumbles, garnished with a freeze-dried strawberry slice and gummy candy. For added flavor, a pipette filled with strawberry lemonade is included! (Fluffy’s Hand Cut Donuts)

o  Summerween Slush: Orange Creamsicle slush served in a Jack-O-Lantern cup with a whipped cream center, topped with a whole creamsicle popsicle, more whipped cream, and orange cookie crumble. Comes with a Halloween-themed duck. (Moose Joose Slush)

o  Swedish Meat Pizza Cone: Warm pizza cone filled with mozzarella, meatballs, cranberry sauce, and gravy sauce. (Kono Pizza)

o  Sweet & Spicy Cheese Puff Fried Pickles: Fried pickle chips drizzled in cheese sauce and topped with cheese puffs and a sweet & spicy sauce. (Chester’s Gators & Taters)

o  Sweet Cheese Pie: Cheese-stuffed pancake, fried and dipped in a sweet syrup. Served hot with pistachio and chocolate syrup. (Mediterranean Grill)

o  Sweet Heat Peanut Clusters: Spicy Peanuts with a hint of citrus wrapped in gourmet dark chocolate, served in clusters. (America’s Best Nut Company)

o  Sweet Maple Bacon Iced Tea: Crafted with pure maple syrup and savory maple bacon flavoring, served over ice in a Tiki Tea jar with a strip of crispy bacon. (Tiki Tea)

o  Tanghulu: Traditional Chinese snack with a crunchy, sweet exterior and a soft, tart interior, made with a variety of fresh fruits like strawberries, grapes, and mandarin oranges. (The Candi Queen)

o  Trompi Al Pastor Stick: Traditional mini trompo on a stick made of slow-roasted pork with marinade, achiote, onion, and cilantro. (Las Gringas)

o  Turducken Burger: A mouth-watering blend of turkey, duck, and chicken on a bun. (Chick-N-Que)

o  White Chocolate Cranberry Cooke Dough on a Stick: Handcrafted cinnamon swirl cookie dough mixed with creamy white chocolate and tart-dried cranberries. (Kora’s Cookie Dough)

← Older posts
Newer posts →

Recent News

Furry Friday: Meet Forrest!

Matt Murphy Interviews Jeremy Piven

Furry Friday: Meet Priscilla!

Why the ninebark shrub deserves a spot in your garden

Furry Friday: Meet Sadie!

Furry Friday: Meet Franklin!

Furry Friday: Meet Roger!

Furry Friday: Meet Ray J!

Furry Friday: Meet Desmond!

Furry Friday: Meet Chucky!

  • QDR logo

  • La Ley 101.1FM

Copyright © 2025 WPLW-FM. All Rights Reserved.

View Full Site

  • Advertise
  • Privacy Policy
  • Terms of Service
  • Contest Rules
  • EEO
  • Public Inspection File: WPLW-FM
  • Employment Opportunities
  • FCC Applications
Powered By SoCast