I was born and raised in Monroe, Michigan. It’s a little southeastern city about halfway between Ann Arbor, Michigan and Toledo, Ohio. Although I frequented Toledo, it wasn’t until I came to Bowling Green State University that I realized just how many things change across the Michigan-Ohio border.
1. No one understands The Hand
When someone asks you where in Michigan you’re from, your first instinct WILL always be to whip out your hands and show them where in the mitten you’re from. Unless they’ve previously encountered The Hand, it is entirely likely you will be looked at like you’re crazy.
2. Dunkin’ Donuts is a thing here for some reason
I had a Dunkin’ back in Michigan, but no one really ever went there. It was more of a “if it’s on my way” kind of spot. Starbucks or other local coffee shops were the thing back home. Here? You can’t walk ten feet in the morning without spotting a Dunkin’ Donuts coffee in someone’s hand. I’m a Starbucks girl myself and I just can’t seem to understand the Dunkin’ obsession.
3. As soon as you cross the border, Big Boy becomes Frisch’s
I realized this one on one of my visits before I came here and was sufficiently shook. The delightful institution Big Boy takes on the disgusting name of “Frisch’s Big Boy” in Ohio. I saw the name on the wall and thought it was just a restaurant-specific quirk, but no. It was not. And every single waitress said “Welcome to Frisch’s!” upon a new customer’s entry, adding to my growing Frisch’s disdain.
4. Everyone is from (or near) Cleveland, Cincinnati, Columbus, or literally nothing
If someone from Ohio introduces themselves to you, you will commonly (literally almost every time) find that they are from one of these three cities or near enough to it to not care enough to differentiate. If they are not from one of these places, they are likely from a town that is unable to be seen on any common map and does not know what a Frappuchino is.
5. Everyone knows someone from Cincinnati
Prior to moving to Ohio, I knew literally nothing about Cinci other than that it existed. After coming here, it is literally impossible to go without meeting someone from this specific city. Two of my suitemates and my RA are all from Cincinnati.
Don’t even get a Cinci native started on Skyline.
