To someone who has lived in one particular part of Georgia their whole life, this might sound crazy. But this is coming from someone who lived in Brunswick, Georgia their whole life and later moved north to Athens, Georgia for college. For reference, Brunswick one of the most Southeast towns of Georgia and is in the same county as St. Simons Island. Athens is in the Northern part of Georgia and east of Atlanta. When I left for college, I didn't think there would be much of a difference in setting considering I stayed in state. But after living in Athens for two years now, I am certain there's a difference.
1. Country accents.
If you ever met a Georgian, they are most likely going to have some kind of Southern accent. But South Georgians have a different type of drawl. When I first came to college in North Georgia, almost every person I met made a comment about my accent. It made absolutely no sense to me because I thought everyone in Georgia had the same accent. I know now that my accent sounds more like I grew up on a farm and their accents are just a hint of country.
2. The land.
In North Georgia, there are mountains, hills, and everything in between. The roads are winding and to me, it is super duper easy to get lost. In South Georgia, it is flat land and straight roads pretty much everywhere you go. My hometown is on the coastline, so it is easier to navigate. You are either going towards or away from the water.
3. The beaches vs. the lakes.
South Georgia is the home of Tybee Island, St. Simons Island, Jekyll Island, and all of the tiny little islands that you probably have never heard of. Being in short driving distance to the beach is what I miss most about my hometown. If you are craving a day on the water in North Georgia, your best bet is finding a nearby lake. And let me tell you, lakes and beaches are totally different things. Beaches come with beach towns and sand. Lakes come with boats and dirt.
4. The climate.
It's safe to say that anywhere you go in Georgia, it's going to be hot. But the South Georgia heat is nothing to play with. The humidity is nearly unbearable. But if you are looking to see some snow, North Georgia is your place. South Georgia has barely ever seen any snow in history and people there freak out over flurries.
All and all, Georgia is full of sweet Georgia peaches and hot weather across the board. We are known for our farms, hard workers, and worldwide/national businesses (shoutout to Coca-Cola and Chick-fil-a). The Georgia Bulldog fans are all over, and everyone loves a good ice cold sweet tea. I am glad to have spent some significant time in both North and South Georgia. I encourage everyone to get more in touch with the land around you. Appreciate the little things.
