New York is a lot more than just "the city," we're people up in Central New York, too. The Mohawk Valley has a lot to offer (mostly just amazing food) and holds so many tourist attractions.
1. RIGGIES
Chicken riggies are the best food creation ever. Whenever you're away, you crave the creamy sauce and pasta. Then one day, it dawns on you that nobody knows what "riggies" are outside of the Valley and, suddenly, you feel bad for all those who will never get to know the taste of Utica riggies.
2. You say "wicked," and whenever you leave the area and it slips out, you're instantly picked on.
"Whoa, that was wicked cool!"
"...wicked??"
3. Whenever you tell someone you're from New York, you get, "Oh, New York City?"
No, I'm not from the city...There's actually this whole big area that's not the city that is also considered New York.
4. Stewart's
It has anything, literally anything, you ever want and it has the best food from a "convenience" store that you'll ever get. Breakfast sandwiches, ice cream, coffee, milk, gasoline; you name it, they got it. All the food is from local farmers, which makes it even better.
5. High school sports are a big deal.
The Valley lives for high school athletics. From kids to parents to the elderly, you will always find every one of these people at games supporting their peers, children and alma maters. There are so many rivals and those are the best games to go to, whether you're looking for a show from the teams or the fans, you're bound to see something good. Watch out when sectionals time rolls around, it gets intense because everyone is out for that title.
6. You know almost everyone and almost everyone knows you.
You pretty much know everyone around, or at least have heard about them.
7. Roma's
Best. Tomato. Pie. Ever.
Tip: Don't even try to say tomato pie when you're out of the area because everyone thinks it's actually a pie, like apple pie, with tomatoes in it...
8. You apparently have a "southern accent" whenever you pronounce something with an "A" in it.
You don't ever notice this until you're with people from another state and they mock everything you say.
9. Half-Moon Cookies
Some people do know of these when you change the name to "black and white cookies," but that's too boring for Central New York. They're way better as half-moons from here anyways.
10. You know February is jelly bun month at Holland Farms.
The Holland Farms jelly bun commercial every February is always interesting because you see so many people shoving their faces with powdered covered donuts, usually resulting in a big mess all over their faces. Their homemade jelly buns are the best, yet messiest, homemade donuts you'll ever have. Holland Farms even ships to all over the country all year round!
11. You know what Casey Road is.
No words are needed for this...
12. You love getting out of the area, but coming back will always feel like home.
There's just something about the area that gives you the "homey" feeling that you love.
13. No matter how much you say you hate the valley or can't wait to leave it, you couldn't imagine being from anywhere else.
The Mohawk Valley will always hold a special place in your heart. It may not be the best place in the world, but you have no idea what your life would be without it. I mean, where else would you get to eat the best pizza ever, party with friends on backroads around a fire, get Stewart's milkshakes, and have one of the most popular brewary's and gun companies in the country all in one place?
