Pennsyl-tucky. If you just understood that word then you’ve come to the right article. Sadly, many do not understand it and upon going to college I realized just how many of Pennsylvania’s little quirks and customs are lost upon the rest of the country. If you’re like me and find yourself missing good old Central PA while you’re away, then here are 45 things to remind you of home:
1. Your area code is 814, 570 or 717 (with 717 being the best).
2. Calling it “PA” just doesn’t sound weird even though nobody else would ever say that they’re from “TX” or “SC.”
3. Having the Monday after Thanksgiving off school for the first day of hunting season is a given.
4. You’ve visited the wonder that is Hershey Park.
5. If you lived in Hershey then you got a free Hershey Park ticket at the end of the school year along with your report card.
6. Going to the Farm Show for an “educational trip” when you really just wanted the milkshakes.
7. Farm Show milkshakes.
8. Just all Farm Show food in general.
9. Nearly hitting a deer with your car is a common occurrence.
10. You know someone that has hit a deer with their car.
11. When you’re not dodging deer, you’re dodging potholes.
12. Roads in all other states seem strangely smooth.
13. Sheetz vs. Wawa (the answer is sheetz).
14. Senior week at Ocean City, MD.
15. Visiting the Crayola Factory in Easton, PA makes crayons seem super cool.
16. Hershey’s Chocolate tastes just a bit sweeter because you know it came from your state.
17. The singing cows on the Chocolate World ride always leave you humming that tune.
18. You can pronounce the word Schuylkill.
19. Having to choose between the Eagles and Steelers.
20. But we all can agree on Penn State.
21. Knowing the difference between Penn State Main and Altoona.
22. Strites Apple Orchard is the go to place for a fun day of apple picking in the fall.
23. You feel a little sense of pride knowing that "The Office" is set in PA.
24. Pork & Sauerkraut on New Year's.
25. Having your mind blown when you realize that most other states are able to buy alcohol in non-state-owned stores.
26. You pretty much only call Philadelphia “Philly.”
27. You recognize words like yous and yinz.
28. A “crick” is not a knot in your neck or back.
29. Lebanon bologna feels like a slice of home.
30. Your patience is severely tested when you get stuck driving behind a tractor.
31. Or a horse and buggy.
32. But the Amish food is delicious.
33. Scrapple and dippy eggs.
34. Martin’s potato chips.
35. Middleswarth chips.
36. The real chicken pot pie.
*you’ve realized that this list is full of food which only affirms Central PA’s exquisite cuisine*
37. You know where to get a good Philly Cheesesteak.
38. Your place is “the best.”
39. Groundhog Day is a much bigger deal in PA than anywhere else.
40. You may have gone to a wedding reception at the local fire hall.
41. When your clothes are dirty you may throw them in the worsh.
42. A trip to King of Prussia seems like a national holiday.
43. Since we’re essentially land locked, going to the beach is a big deal because the nearest ones are a few hours away.
44. You complain about Central PA a lot.
45. But you secretly love it.
