This Is North Carolina’s Favorite Christmas Meal

Unlike Thanksgiving where the main components of your meal are probably someone set, Christmas dinner can vary a lot more. In my family, it isn't even consistent year to year. So in an effort to find out the most popular Christmas meal, our friends at BonusFinder decided to conduct some research. To do this they surveyed more than 3,000 Americans on their favorite foods that have become Christmas traditions in their families. And in doing so they provided us with data on North Carolina's favorite Christmas meal. In this case a meal consists of the most popular side dish, main dish, and dessert.

And it turns out that in North Carolina our most popular meal was also consistent with the most popular in the US. So what was it?

Honey Baked Ham is definitely on the Christmas rotation so that comes as no surprise to me. And while not the most exciting to say the least, I would consider some form of bread a staple on the menu as well. I've also certainly had cheesecake for Christmas as well. But coconut or red velvet cake tends to be where we lean. Other popular sides were mashed potatoes, stuffing, gravy, and macaroni and cheese. Rounding out the top 5 main dishes were roast turkey (2), roast chicken (3), roast beef (4), prime rib (5). And other desserts included both sugar and chocolate chip cookies, hot chocolate, and egg nog (yes please!).

Have you planned your Christmas menu yet? If not it may be time to get working on it! We are just a few weeks away. Thanks to our friends at BonusFinder for sharing their research with us. You can read the full study results and methodology here. Merry Christmas and Happy New Year. And happy feasting!

There is just something magical about traveling during the holidays. So many cities around the world are transformed around Christmas. I just returned from 4 days in New York City, which is probably the first destination that comes to mind when you think of traveling to a Christmassy destination. And while highlights such as the tree in Rockefeller Center, Christmas window displays, and stage shows like the Rockettes. But while not on as grand a scale, many other cities are full of Christmas charm. I've been told Walt Disney World and Orlando at Christmas (though incredibly crowded) is a wonderful experience. I've also had the opportunity to travel to places like Williamsburg, VA, St. Augustine, Fl, and Nashville, TN around the Christmas season. Even here in Charlotte, there are some incredible lights and festive events to experience.

So when I was sent a study by Cloudwards.net about the places each state most desires to travel for Christmas I was intrigued. My mind immediately went to New York as being the most popular destination. Based on the number of people I experienced in NYC this weekend I can't imagine it's anywhere else. I truly have never seen that city as crowded as it was. And if you've ever been to New York, you know it's ALWAYS crowded. This was almost to the point where you couldn't move in multiple places. I even made the joke that they should not allow any more hotels to be opened. The city is full!

But spoiler alert, NC's top domestic destination for the holidays wasn't New York. It wasn't even one of the major US cities that North Carolina residents are desiring to travel to this Christmas. It isn't even in the state- I'd put Asheville near that top of the list as well. Thanks to places like Biltmore Estate and the Grove Park Inn. Cloudwards determined the most sought-after locations for each US state including an international and domestic destination. Keep reading to see both the international and domestic destinations for North and South Carolina. Thanks to our friends at Cloudwards for sharing their research with us. You can see the full study here.

Vienna takes the crown for the most desirable international travel destination in both the Carolinas. Not only that but it topped the list in 25 states. I honestly don't know what I would have bet on to take this crown, but it wouldn't have been Austria. Perhaps the German Christmas Markets, or Paris? But according to Cloudwards Vienna is known as Europe's "most livable city". It also has plenty of it's own Christmas markets, as well as stunning lights, and Christmas markets. Visitors to Vienna also have a good chance at experiencing those elusive White Christmases here in Charlotte we can only dream about!

North Carolina's most desired Christmas destination? None other Myrtle Beach, SC. I guess North Carolinians don't want to travel far. Listen I've been to Myrtle Beach countless times. There is plenty to do, and it's conveniently located. But you can pick anywhere to travel for Christmas and you're selecting Myrtle Beach? I don't get that. But to each their own! The most common answer nationwide was Branson, MO. Another city I wouldn't have thought of!

And South Carolina's choice is also just a state away- it's Helen, GA. The German town hosts Decemberfest each year featuring a Christmas Market, parade, and other events like a Victorian Christmas program and Breakfast with Santa.