One day in New Bern in May 1893, a local pharmacist by the name of Caleb Bradham was hard at work. He was busy concocting the original formula that would soon become Pepsi-Cola. And that’s when Pepsi was born in the Carolinas.

Since then, the Carolinas have always been our home – and our favorite place to be. Here are four reasons we’re proud of that.

(1) There are always cool community events going on.

We’ve loved sponsoring artistic events like the Sound Check live music series in Greenville, SC, as well as family events like the Better on Ice – Ice Challenge Event at the North Carolina Zoo in Asheboro. Gotta love the variety of options.

(2) Amazing nonprofit organizations are everywhere.

Not only do they show up for our community in big ways, but they’re awesome partners. The Humane Society of Charlotte helped us spread awareness about the best ways to prepare to adopt an adult dog into our families (hint: positive reinforcement is one key step). Then there’s the Marine Toys for Tots Foundation, which worked with us to provide more local families in need with presents during the holidays.

(3) Carolina flavors inspire the best recipes.

We can’t help spending a lot of time in our kitchens when there are locally-themed recipes to whip up, from hush puppies with Pepsi Hot Honey Sauce to Sweet Cayenne Fries for something with a kick. Free for a backyard cookout, anyone?

(4) There are so many fun places to explore.

We’re always up for an adventure. We map out road trips across both states (beaches and hiking trails included). And we indulge in must-try fall activities, from local corn mazes to the best leaf-peeping drives. Those are just a few of our hobbies.

Really, there’s just no place like the Carolinas. That’s why it’s our greatest joy to share all of these opportunities to connect with our neighbors and visitors in both states. The more the merrier. And that’s why we’re here, as Born in the Carolinas, celebrating what it means to live, work and play in the communities we call home.

Connect with Born in the Carolinas and keep up with us on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram at @PepsiCarolinas. See you around!