If you ever find yourself below the Mason Dixon line, there are some things you need to keep in mind. Don’t worry, y’all will be just fine as you pass on through. But life down there? There is a different way of life than wherever you’re from. There’s a whole new perspective. So sit back, sip slowly, talk sweetly. They sure do.

Now, you might be put off by how much slower things seem at first glance, but later, when the thermometer reads somewhere upwards of 95 degrees, you’ll understand. You might hear someone say they’re stuck in molasses due to the way the heat drags them around. You might even hear something along the likes of “it’s hotter than a billy goat's ass in a chili pepper patch.” Hey, they won’t judge on how you reply because it is a guarantee that your sweatin’ like a sinner in church. See what I did there? The phrases, the sayings—they give color to the local dialects, making sure that their chatter represents their culture. Move a little slower, talk a little softer, and breathe a little harder. Quickly, you’re going to forget why you criticized their speed of life.

I might have misjudged and suggested you were in Dixie during the long summer. If you find yourself there when the leaves are changing, not a single Saturday will be spent much farther than the tailgate of a family truck outside the closest college football stadium. Every truck has its tailgate down, lined with the essential fried chicken, burgers, or barbecue. Oh, stop worrying, we’ll talk food soon. Clothed in the home team color, the stadiums are packed with fans, students and families alike. So you say there isn’t a game this week? We’ll bet the State or County Fair will be hosted downtown, loaded with deep fried Oreos or… well, anything. Wander the fair and try your hand at the certain shooting-game located in the center of the fair. And maybe while you’re there, you’ll win a prize that will actually be cherished forever. Hell, anyone’s sister has her prizes sitting either on top of their dresser or in the closet.

Regardless of what time of year you wind up in God’s country, the evenings end around a bonfire probably located on the back acre of someone’s land. Someone will have a guitar and if they don’t, they’ll direct music for the night. Someone will have brought a gun, and everyone will spend time trying to hit a beer can target. The rest of the group will probably watch you miss when you try to shoot, but don’t be offended. They’d laugh with anyone who tried to shoot a bottle however many yards away. And you can bet that the music will, of course, be country permeating the air around the bonfire. That isn’t the only place you’ll hear some good Willie Nelson, George Strait, or Johnny Cash. Country will follow you from the fair to the bonfire, and from the bonfire to your car stereo, to your TV. The concerts are almost as good as the bonfires but better because you’ll find a tailgate there, too. Southern music will find you in Dixie, with sweet voices harmonizing while singing stories of hard-working families and southern pastimes.

Expect to be invited to church on Sunday, no matter what your religion. Reserved for paying homage to a higher power, Sundays are sacred. You’ll find yourself dressed in the finest of fine, ready to realize your blessings. Expect to be inspired by the motivation and passion you find once you’re invited; expect to find yourself part of tradition. See, tradition is big beneath the Mason Dixon line. From wearing white only after Easter to the coming of age pastime and Junior League, the south is entrenched in tradition. Find yours, celebrate them, and participate year after year.

Since we’ve covered traditions, football, accents and music, maybe it’s time to talk about the food you’ll eat when you’re celebrating any of the above. From fried chicken to barbecue, shrimp po’boys to jambalaya, Dixie has her own distinct palate. Expect to taste flavorful food that might just actually set your mouth on fire. From fried ‘gator to okra, biscuits to gravy, the south will find her way to your heart through your stomach—that’s if the sweet tea doesn’t get there first.

I hope you enjoy your time while you’re here. We’d welcome you back again as soon as your legs could carry you here, but my guess is you already knew that. Aside from the obvious traits, the south is more than monograms and rules, food and football. Truly God’s country, there is something different about the south and the mysticism you find there. It’s history. It’s tradition. It’s family, and it’s forever.

Sweet potato pie and I’ll shut my mouth—the hiss of cicadas and the sound of waves hitting shore. Oh, it’s the song of the south.