How many counties have you visited?

North Carolina has a perfectly round 100 counties. Those counties have been "hot" of late on the old social media machines. First, WRAL legend Bill Leslie asked "Would you visit all 100 counties?" (Why wouldn't you?! is what I would counter!)  And my friend Jed has offered to help us all out with this:

Seriously, use this list, people!

This all made me think about a post we did here almost exactly 10 years ago. For many of us who went to public school in North Carolina, we had to learn all 100 counties. I called it "the 8th Grade N.C. County Challenge." Back then -- after a few tries - I made it to just past 80. How would you do if you tried to list all 100 counties? And what strategy would you use?

What's the food you must eat in your county?

Our State magazine has published a list of the "must-eat" foods from all 100 North Carolina counties. You can view it here (PDF).

From those counties close to me, I'm ashamed to say I've never had the Apple Pie MmmMarmalade from Mrs. Picky Fanicky's Foods in Erwin (Harnett County). I can boast to enjoying a steak from the Angus Barn (Wake County), 'cue from Kings (Lenoir County) and the ribs from 12 Bones in Asheville (Buncombe). I've also been to the Beaufort Grocery Co. (Carteret County), but have not had the Apple Granny Chicken Sandwich; same with the Magnolia Grill's grits concoction (Durham County).

And one of these days I'm gonna brown bag it to he Beefmastor (Wilson County).

The 8th Grade N.C. County Challenge

If you grew up in North Carolina and attended public middle school here, then you no doubt remember having to memorize all 100 N.C. counties in eighth grade. Well, every now and then, in my attempt to ward off the loss of memory as I get older, I take pen to paper and attempt to see if I can remember all 100 of them.

The first time I tried it I think a couple of years ago, I got about 68 correct. The next time was about 75. I'm proud(?) to say that with my most recent attempt I correctly remembered 81 of them. Mr. Bradham would be so proud -- I think.

Having grown up in Eastern N.C., it shouldn't shock me that I missed mostly those in the "State of Franklin" areas of North Carolina, our westernmost counties. (Still, I'm disappointed I didn't do better with those; my dad's "people" are mostly mountain folk.)

So, how would you do if you took half an hour and tried the "8th Grade 100 County Challenge?" Think you could top my 81? Could you nail all 100? Maybe it would be tough to get past 40?

Try it and report back here afterward.