Literature such as The Notebook and A Walk to Remember make the South sound very endearing and a never ending Airbnb retreat of a lifetime. As California girl, I can truly say the charm and friendly faces have grown on me after all these years. From Mississippi to Tennessee and Texas to North Carolina, each state holds a uniqueness in lifestyle and accommodations that's unequal to its neighbor. From these beautiful places comes a few delightful takeaways.
1. Cheerwine
This beloved little cherry drink is reminiscent of a Shirley Temple, although some say nothing compares to this southern fizz.
2. Accents
Dialect is what makes this region distinctive. As with any old place, language connects people and represents that particular culture. Don’t be a surprise if you pick up a few slang and neologisms!
3. Cookout
Flavorful milkshakes and late night drives for burgers, quesadillas and more!
4. Muscadine
Not a Concord grape or a regular green one. The muscadine boasts a taste slightly similar to lychee.
5. Sweet tea
Oh, my! If you don't know how to make a pitcher, then it's over! Sweet tea is a conversation starter, relaxant, peace offering and just a simple staple of life.
6. Mardi Gras
The good times do roll down in New Orleans where the holiday is a hit with locals and tourists. Celebrations even go as far as Texas. Make sure to grab a beignet and a cup of coffee at Café du Monde after catching a ton of beads!
7. Mosquitoes
Horrible creatures that are not your friends. Stay bug-sprayed, my friend!
8. Bread pudding
A sweet treat made delicious by bread, milk and eggs. Other versions call for fruit, nuts and other goodies.
9. Manners
“Yes, Sir” and “No Ma’am” is a must if you expect anything to get done. You can even use these words for folks the same age as you!
10. BBQ
Barbecue has a totally different meaning in the South. Pork is the "go-to" option. Depending on where you travel, barbecue is interpreted as an actual get together and/or grilling beef on the open flame.
11. Snow
A foreign concept here. Grocery stores run out of milk and bread while local shops close early. It’s as rare as unicorns and when it does happen, even the most interesting man alive can’t make it better!
12. Crawfish
Described as a mix between a lobster and a shrimp, crawfish are small crustaceans making the bulk of étouffées, soups, and bisques. Every year, festivals are dedicated to this yummy thing.
13. Porches
The typical architecture here focuses on shotgun houses and single houses. Most include porches and outdoor ceiling fans.
14. Bojangles
I know a few people who can recall the spicy, cajun chicken and fries that only Bo Time can satisfy!
15. Monograms
On a bag. On a laptop. On a book. On a car. Everywhere.
16. Supper
Lunch. Dinner. Supper. Can’t we just have a Lupper or Slinner?
17. Moonshine
A very high-proof distilled spirit with an intense history. Don’t worry, it’s not illegal anymore, but a few old hands still make it in the trade.
18. Soft drinks
Consider every soft drink a Coke until further notice. Also, this region is renowned for Coca-Cola, Pepsi and Barq’s Root Beer.
19. Churches
Get to it and count how many churches are nearby! All in a day's walk.
20. Lilly Pulitzer
Almost overnight, these stores popped up out of nowhere. People love their boutiques, but no one can deny Lilly Pulitzer for Target!
21. Tailgates
Speaking of cookouts, no one does it better than frenzied, sports fanatics. Watch out for the long lines of traffic going to the game.
22. Goodberry’s Custard
Ice cream may have its hype, but custard beats the summer heat under the shade of a magnolia.
