North Carolina’s diverse geography and natural beauty make it an ideal setting for a variety of films and TV shows. Many remember the folksy, easy-going (fictional) town of Mayberry and the gritty but charming world of Bull Durham’s minor league baseball shenanigans. And the misty Blue Ridge Mountains happen to be a perfect setting for many horror films.
If you’re in for a night of streaming your favorite movies or bingeing classic TV series, going with a North Carolina theme promises a wealth of options, including the following eight.
Talladega Nights: The Ballad of Ricky Bobby (2006)
Will Ferrell’s NASCAR-inspired comedy is the rare film that pokes satirical fun at the sport while simultaneously showing it some love. Ferrell portrays Ricky Bobby, a strong-headed driver who dreams of being a racing star. Cameos by real-life drivers Jamie McMurray and Dale Earnhardt Jr. lend some good-natured credibility for racing fans.
While the eponymous Talladega Speedway is in Alabama, much of the film was shot at Lowe’s Motor Speedway in Concord. Additionally, many of the nonracing sequences were filmed in Charlotte.
Nell (1994)
This Appalachian drama earned Jodie Foster a nomination for the Academy Award for Best Actress for her portrayal as Nell, the lead character. Neglected, abused, and sheltered by her mother, Nell’s journey into civilized society is set among the beautiful and moody Blue Ridge Mountains. Other real-life locales used in the shoot include Robbinsville and Charlotte.
This Is Spinal Tap (1984)
This beloved mockumentary is always good for a few laughs—though the portrayal of a dim-witted yet oddly charismatic heavy-metal band from the UK might be a little more accurate to real-life bands than the film intended. As Spinal Tap embarks on the American leg of their world tour, they play a show at the University of North Carolina. It’s a bit of reach to say the movie was “set” in North Carolina, but any excuse to watch this head-banging classic is worth it.
Bull Durham (1988)
Bull Durham, set and filled in Durham, is one of those rare movies that appeals to everyone for the romance and sports angles. Kevin Costner and Susan Sarandon co-star as mentors (sort of) to a young up-and-coming minor league pitcher. Largely cheeky and occasionally raucous, Bull Durham nonetheless is remembered for its witty writing and baseball-centric plot with a lot of heart.
Cat’s Eye (1985)
As previously mentioned, there are a lot of horror movies either filmed or set in North Carolina, so it made sense to pick one that was written by master horror writer Stephen King. Cat’s Eye is a collection of three short pieces, with the most memorable segment, “General,” set in Wilmington, NC. General is a stray cat who befriends young Amanda, who happens to be the target of a murderous troll. General makes it his feline life’s work to protect her.
American Horror Story: Roanoke (2016)
Moving to the small screen, we continue the horror genre with American Horror Story: Roanoke, a fictional paranormal documentary set on the North Carolina island of the same name. Combining modern horror themes with the historical creepiness of the colonial Roanoke Colony, the mystery of the cursed farmhouse at the center of the story is unveiled over the course of ten episodes.
Mayberry RFD, Andy Griffith Show, and Matlock (1960s on)
Andy Griffith is synonymous with North Carolina. The well-loved actor was born in Mount Airy and created the fictional town of Mayberry (the setting of both The Andy Griffith Show and Mayberry RFD) based on his childhood in North Carolina. In later life, Griffith portrayed the cantankerous but savvy lawyer Matlock in the series of the same name. Matlock was set in Atlanta, but real-life production moved from California to North Carolina to accommodate Griffith.
Wicked Tuna: Outer Banks (2014 to present)
Despite being an unapologetic follower of the real-life documentary style established by The Deadliest Catch, Wicked Tuna: Outer Banks has its own cast of memorable fishing die-hards. Originally set up as a North vs. South reality program, the show has matured in its five seasons, championing the captains and crew that fish for bluefin tuna in the Outer Banks.
No matter what you favor, CenturyLink’s high-speed internet connection lets you stream content clearly and easily. The next time you want to watch a movie, just pop some corn, grab an icy drink, and settle in for the night. CenturyLink can handle the rest.
Recent weather trends have produced storms of increased intensity and frequency, and power. Reports from the US National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration state that natural disasters caused over $1.5 trillion in damage since the ‘80s. Hurricanes, floods, and wildfires contributed to that staggering total. Hurricanes Maria, Harvey, and Irma, plus forty other tropical cyclones, caused the lion’s share of the damage last year—over $807 billion—with California’s relentless wildfires burning through billions more.
Future climate change models predict increased warming, which fuels more robust hurricanes and tropical storms while drying out inland areas, making them prime targets for fires. In an ever-changing world of erratic weather, it’s vital to prepare for trouble before it happens.
The Basics of Natural Disaster Preparedness
Most people are aware of the risks and dangers associated with their location. Residents in coastal areas prone to flooding and wind damage, for example, tend to prepare for these predictable storms. Inland areas susceptible to random floods and fires need to have action plans in place because these disasters are less predictable.
All homes should have updated and fully stocked first aid kits, access to clean water and weather information (from reliable portable radios), and action plans during an emergency. You may also want to have an active landline if you live in a storm- or fire-prone area. Even if the power goes out and data towers and internet service shut down, landlines may still work and can provide a critical connection to the outside world—especially in rural areas.
Coastal Areas
Because coastal areas have advanced warning for most deadly weather, you shouldn’t rush preparation; instead, be diligent. Invest in storm shutters to protect windows and doors during high winds. Or keep plywood and tarps on standby in case you don’t get the shutters installed before a storm. Securely store lawn furniture, umbrellas, and any other yard items that may be blown away.
You should leave the area before the height of a storm, especially if local law enforcement requests you to evacuate. Just remember to elevate valuables off the floor and out of basements before you head out. Securing documents and other important items in safes can help ensure these possessions are still intact when you return.
If you’re willing to ride out the storm, invest in a generator to power internet routers, refrigerators, and portable heaters. As Hurricane Harvey proved to Houston in 2017, having enough food, water, and medication—for yourself, your family members, and your pets—for at least ten days is essential in case emergency personnel can’t get to you right away.
Mountain/Forest Fire Zones
Wildfires are unpredictable, but that doesn’t mean you can’t be prepared for them. Implement fire-mitigation strategies, including creating a flora-free zone within a thirty-foot radius of your home. Keep gutters and porches free of branches and pine needles, install in-house sprinkler systems, and move grills and propane tanks at least 100 feet away from your house. You should also create ready-to-go emergency bags and a five-minute plan for getting out of your home—remember to practice this drill with your family a few times a year. Form a neighborhood network to help pets should anyone be away from home during an evacuation.
Many rural, remote areas allow homeowners to sign up for reverse 911 calls to warn of mandatory or pending evacuation notices. Landlines can come in handy in this situation, as they’ll continue functioning in cases where smoke or fire may hinder cell tower coverage.
Safety Guidelines
Preparedness before natural disasters is by far the best strategy to help you avoid becoming a victim. But if you find yourself in a sudden weather catastrophe, stay calm and work with friends and family to stay informed and proactive in case conditions worsen. Keep camping stoves, fuel, fresh water, and hygiene supplies in your home for emergencies. These items will help keep your food warm, your body hydrated, and your comfort maintained.
Preparing for trouble before it happens can help ensure your family’s safety and can mean the difference between your home enduring natural disasters or taking on irreparable damage. Think ahead and be ready to respond, as mother nature can pack a serious punch.