Growing up in the south is many, many things. It’s football, Jesus, homestyle cooking, yes ma’am, no sir, and hunting season.

I used to be embarrassed that I was from a southern family, but then a trip home to Kentucky made me realize I should be proud of being from a small town. A small town where Friday night football was everything, and it was normal for your grandma to constantly be baking for you when you visited her.

I may not be completely okay with the fact that there’s still no snow in the south, but going to high school and growing up here is the best thing that could've happened to me.

1. Friday Night Football Games

This is just a given. If you live in the south, college football and high school football are what your world revolves around.

2. Southern Style Cooking

It’s the best. Simple as that.

3. Sweet Tea Is Everything

It really is served everywhere...and if it isn’t...then it’s not the south.

4. Pearls and Mason Jars

Mason jars are used for flowers, bacon grease, sweet tea, and basically everything else. Pearls are also worn like your favorite pair of shoes...with everything.

5. That One Place.

For MoCo...this is the Barony House & Country Corner.

6. Lace.

Just like pearls, lace isn’t just something you see in your grandma’s closet. It’s supposed to be on your wedding dress because, well, that’s the south.

7. Last but not least… Spring.

Spring in the south is perfect. It’s not cold, not hot, it’s occasionally rainy, occasionally sunny, and flowers are EVERYWHERE.

These things, among many other things, are what make living in the south so cultural and unique.