People from Georgia know our state is rich in culture and history, and we're all hashtag blessed to live in such a warm, hospitable state. We've all read the articles praising Chick-fil-a nuggets, sweet tea and southern hospitality. But Georgia has a lot of other stuff going for it, things which won't be featured in 500 different viral posts, but deserve shout-outs nonetheless.

1. The Hiking

North Georgia is full of hiking trails with incredible views like the one above. Though we all have our favorite spots like Brasstown Bald and Preacher's Rock in Dahlonega, some of the best days of my childhood were spent hiking behind my house and in other unnamed woods. In my childish mind, the woods had potential for the most magnificent secrets. I've tried to maintain a little bit of that sense of adventure as an adult.

2. The Small Towns

I love Atlanta, don't get me wrong. But I grew up and go to college in various small towns, and those rural, homey communities are really what I think of when I think of Georgia. While small town life isn't as picturesque as movies would have you believe, I'll always have a soft spot for these homey little towns.

3. The Little Restaurants

We all get that Zaxby's, Chick-fil-a and Waffle House are Georgia's best-known and most widely praised gifts to the culinary world. But the best food, in my opinion, is found in random, scary-looking dives. From Mr. P.'s in Ellijay, to Sue's Burgers in Blue Ridge, to El Jimador in Dahlonega, to Jomax BBQ down in Metter, the tastiest food is in places you wouldn't expect it.

4. The Food Trucks

Food Truck Fridays are a thing in Downtown Atlanta, offering everything from burgers to Mexican to Mediterranean cuisine.

5. The Regular People

We all know Georgia is the birthplace of a former U.S. president, several critically acclaimed authors, and a handful of talented artists. But stereotypes about the "regular folks" still persist. The image of backwards, racist "white trash" is all too familiar. Tourists don't consider that the kid handing them fried pies at the apple house is incredibly smart, because to them, a country accent signifies lack of education. While I'm not saying ignorant people don't exist, I will continue to defend most Georgians as some of the most hardworking, proud and interesting people you will ever meet.

6. The trip from the mountains to the beach in about 5 hours

Georgia road trips are unique because north and south Georgia are almost completely different states. You can go from the mountains to the city to the beach in about five or six hours. People who aren't from Georgia don't realize how much diversity is in our scenery.

7. The diversity between each region

To outsiders, a Georgia accent is a Georgia accent. But I can tell you whether someone hails from the mountains, the coast or somewhere in between just by how fast they talk, how they pronounce "pecan" and whether they drink water or "worrrter". But that fact's pretty boring-- more interesting are the distinctive cultural differences. Southern hospitality exists statewide, but mountain people are still super clannish and wary of outsiders. Our state is rural, but I have plenty of friends from the suburbs who experience major culture shock when visiting small-town festivals and farms. Georgia's nothing like New England, where states are tiny and less variety exists throughout each one.

We all love the Braves, sweet tea, mild fall days spent at Sanford Stadium or eating fried pies at local festivals, and late nights laughing over pecan waffles at Waffle House. But the some of the best things in Georgia are neither nationally acclaimed nor frequently written about.