Upstate New York is a broad area of New York that was never clearly defined to anyone, not even a true New Yorker. To those who live in Long Island and the city, Upstate is anywhere north of the five boroughs. However, to someone actually from north of the five boroughs Upstate New York is anything from Dutchess County on. Here are ten signs you're from Upstate New York.
1. You're from a small town
You know everyone from your high school, including their families. People rarely date because they've known each other since diapers, so it's just weird. Your parents may have even gone to high school together.
2. Backroads always
Because it's the most scenic route and has terrific shortcuts.
3. You can't imagine fall foliage anywhere else
Nothing can top these crazy colors reflecting on the water.
4. You pick almost everything (multiple times a year)
Strawberries, blueberries, blackberries, apples, pumpkins. And make just about everything into a pie.
5. You know how amazing the fireworks ice cream at Stewart's is
The best part of your childhood was stopping at Stewart's for gas and leaving with a scoop of ice cream.
6. You go hiking (a lot)
Because there really isn't much else to do with your friends.
7. You also drive around a lot
Driving and blasting music is the new hanging out.
8. City folk infest your town on the weekends
It's "quaint' and "lovely" and the perfect place for a country house.
9. Having to build a longhouse in elementary school
I didn't know that was something only New Yorkers did until I went to college out of state.
10. Sneaking your friends into the drive-ins by stuffing people in the trunk
11. Nothing is better than food from the farmer's market in the summer
I could eat falafel from the farmer's market every day for the rest of my life and I would be perfectly content.
12. You don't understand why people from Long Island are obsessed with Long Island
What is traffic?
13. Bonfires
The best thing about summer.
14. You're grossed out by the Hudson River
PCBs man! (but you've jumped in at least once anyway).
15. You take way too many sunset pictures that include mountains or water
You race down to the river with 2 minutes to spare just so you can snag a sunset pic for Instagram.
