Vote for your favorites in these 9 classic North Carolina rivalries

If you couldn’t tell by the countless political commercials, yard signs, and airplane flyover banners, tomorrow is Election Day.

This election is one of the most contentious elections in modern history, and as you would expect, tensions are high. I figured it could be a good idea to get people in the voting spirit, minus the politics, with some light-hearted North Carolina rivalries.

Place your votes below:

Duke’s vs. Hellmann’s mayonnaise

If you want to cause a stir in some Southern kitchens, just bring up the subject of the best mayonnaise. Most Southerners swear by Duke’s and wouldn’t think of making deviled eggs without it. However, a handful of people reach for Hellmann’s as their dressing of choice.

So, which do you prefer: Duke’s or Hellmann’s?

Sweet potato pie vs. pumpkin pie

It’s not Thanksgiving in the South without sweet potato pie on the menu. More sweet potatoes are grown in North Carolina than any other state, so it’s no surprise that we love sweet potato pie. But beyond the South, more Americans prefer pumpkin pie on their holiday table. The sweet potato/pumpkin pie divide runs deep across some regions.

So, which do you prefer: sweet potato pie or pumpkin pie?

The mountains vs. the coast

OK, when it’s the summertime in Charlotte, and you have just one vacation left to take, would you head to the beach or the mountains?

Where would you spend your vacation?

Duke vs. UNC

As a proud Duke grad, I’m biased here. As one of the biggest rivalries in the history of college basketball, the Duke-Carolina rivalry is legendary, and so are the months-long camp-outs to get a ticket.

So, which shade of blue do you prefer: Duke or UNC?

Sweet vs. savory grits

The great grits debate rages on with no shortage of opinions on how to serve the corn-based dish. Some Southerners believe the only way to eat grits is with butter and salt, or by mixing it up with bacon, cheese, or other savory toppings.

Do you prefer sweet or savory grits?

Eastern-style vs. Lexington-style barbecue

Barbecue is king in North Carolina, but if you want to start a food fight, just mention the sauce. Eastern-style barbecue is made from the whole hog with a vinegar-based sauce. In Western North Carolina, Lexington-style is popular, made from pork shoulder and served with a thicker, ketchup-based sauce.

Which style of barbecue do you prefer: Eastern-style or Lexington-style?

Price’s Chicken Coop vs. Shell Gas Station’s Chicken

Price’s Chicken Coop has gained national attention for its famous fried chicken, but it faces some stiff competition. Just one block away on the corner of East and South Boulevard, loyalists say a Shell Gas Station has the best fried bird in Charlotte.

Who do you think has the best chicken: Price’s or Shell Gas Station?

Uptown vs. Downtown

If we’re being technical, Charlotte doesn’t have a “Downtown.” The Uptown designation apparently surfaced several decades ago when city leaders sought to upgrade the Queen City’s image. Some residents don’t mind the term “Uptown” while others say it’s unnecessary.

Which sounds better to you: Uptown or Downtown?

Sweet Tea vs. … just kidding sweet tea is the only tea

Sweet Tea, or as I like to call it, “Nectar of the Gods,” is a Southern staple. If you’re not from around here, and you order unsweetened tea at a restaurant, a little sugar container may follow.

So which do you prefer: Sweet tea or unsweetened tea?