1. Driving Through Snow Is Like Riding A Bike
Having to get on the road after a snow is pretty common in the winter months. Midwesterners are use to driving in packed cities or unpaved country roads in these horrible conditions. Ask a southerner, and they'll probable think you're crazy for driving during a snow storm, period. Speaking of the winter months...
2. Is It Below Freezing? No? Good, Shorts Day!
Even down to about 35 degrees Fahrenheit, you might still see us with shorts on. Honestly, when you're use to winters that get below zero on a regular basis (some weeks), 35 can feel like what 70 is to a southerner.
3. Caribou Coffee Is The Best
If you think you can find a better place for lattes, flavorful cappuccinos, and fresh coffee then be sure to point it out. This big Midwestern chain is hard to beat.
4. You Can See The Northern Lights
Have the money to go all the way up to Alaska with worrying about cost? Yeah, me too! Stop in the Midwest for ,yes seriously, the northern lights. Capture a moment like the one above pictured in Iowa.
5. Iowa And Ohio Are Different, And No, Neither Is The Potato State
Iowa and Ohio are actually quite different, but neither grows potatoes. That would be Idaho. Corn is grown in both though.
6. Summer Bike Rides Are Awesome
Biking is everywhere, but means a lot more here. Plenty of trails both paved and dirt with lots to explore and plenty of events, including Ragbri (crossing Iowa river to river).
7. The Food Is Better
If you drive through the Midwest, make sure to try Godfather's desert pizza, the cherry pie from the Amish, and stop at the local maid rite for a great beef sandwich and one of the best shakes. Honestly, the sweet corn doesn't taste the same anywhere else either.
8. Amusement / Water Parks
We may not have Disney, but we have an amusement park with seventeen roller coasters and several other great parks. We have the waterpark capital of the world, Wisconsin Dells. Alone, about 15 minutes from my doorstep, is one of the nation's top ten waterparks according to Trip Advisor.
9. We Know What Detasseling Is
Chances are that you did this at least one summer to earn money (if you lived here). Maybe you even had nightmares about the corn fields? Only the survivors understand...
10. Lakes Mean More Than "That Body Of Water"
Summer homes, weekend camping trips, and that place we went tubing and wiped out! No matter if you've gone to them to swim, tan, or whatever, they're important to us.
11. Yes, It's Called Pop Here
If you're a fellow Midwesterner, you might be able to relate the first time you were looked at funny for calling the carbonated drink "pop".
12. The Landscape Is More Than Farmers' Fields
People always look at the key landmarks, but never what's around. Mount Rushmore is amazing, but so are the other mountains, more flat fields where you can see for miles, and sunsets over our waterfalls.
13. Midwesterners Are Great
Maybe it seems like a myth, but most people here are friendly, humble, and extremely kind. Visit and see for yourself. No matter where I end up, I wouldn't trade my friends, family, and the area I grew up in.
