Friendliness

People in the Midwest are ALWAYS friendly. At the grocery store, we say "hi." "Please" and "thank you" are always used. People typically hold the door. It's these daily gestures of kindness and respect for one another that make the Midwest a kind place to be.

Homestyle food

Chicken and noodles. Sausage and gravy. Beans and cornbread. All of these foods our grandmothers make on Thanksgiving Day. I didn't realize until I traveled that these are NOT foods that people make all over the country. In fact, a lot of people from other parts of the country have not even heard of these foods. So, next time you're in a Midwest kitchen don't take it for granted.

Amusement Parks

The Midwest is home to a large number of Amusement parks. When I was living away and told someone I was from Ohio they would ask me if I like Cedar Point. From Cedar Point to Kings Island to Six Flags just to name a few. Each state in the Midwest has its own set of theme parks and we are ALL loyal to a theme.

"Ope" and "Ya Know"

We in the Midwest also have our own language. A couple words I've noticed in my area are "ope" which is typically used if you accidentally run into someone or mess up in a particular way. I've also noticed "ya know" which is usually used as an affirmation at the end of explaining something. I've talked to some of my friends from other Midwest states and we all agree our state has a special lingo. Mixed all together we have a special language in the Midwest that might sound a little different to everyone else.

SPORTS

In the Midwest, we are DEDICATED to our respective sports teams. My family is a die-hard Ohio State Football family. Then we cheer for the Bengals in the fall and the Cavs in the winter. Whatever Midwest team your family grew up cheering on you know that the dedication is REAL even if they aren't doing too hot that year. In the Midwest, we love our sports teams no matter what.

The Scenery

The beauty of the Midwest... Between the Great Lakes and the plains. The Midwest is a sprawling with land that has not yet been bothered. This provides the most beautiful hiking trails, canoeing, and camping. The untouched land provides beautiful scenery that cannot be seen in other parts of the country.

Chili on hotdogs AND spaghetti

Chili on hotdogs AND spaghetti

Whether your pick is Skyline or Gold Star you know that this classic originated in the Midwest and remains a staple. I've found few other places in the country that offer this food, and if they do it never taste quite as good as the Midwest version. The only tough decision is if you want cheese on top.

Just being a Midwesterner

The Midwest is such a unique part of the country with so many things to enjoy. There are far more trademarks of the Midwest that you'll just have to experience for yourself if you haven't yet. If you are a Midwesterner you get it.