The Smell of North Carolina

What is the smell of North Carolina?

Fragrances and scents from our childhood carve indelible memories that stick with us for life. What are the ones that you remember about growing up in North Carolina?

Maybe it’s the smoke from your grandfather’s pipe? Maybe it’s the scent of hotdogs roasting on the midway at the State Fair? Perhaps it’s the smell of a mountain meadow after a hard rain?

Several summers ago I was walking in downtown Marion and a specific smell suddenly awakened my memory. It transported me to a specific childhood moment with my father at the Morganton train depot. It was both a powerful and pleasing experience as I recalled the day I was allowed to operate a real train for a few minutes.