Where you grow up influences who you become as an adult and how you view the world. Every city, state, and country has their own traditions, cultures, and languages associated with them that can drastically differ by even going a few miles away. The great state of Wisconsin is no different. For those of you who didn't grow up in the land of snow and cheese, you might think us Wisconsinites are rather strange. Give us a chance to show you our special little part of the country.
1. This is your state song.
2. You take pride in Culvers.
Butterburgers, cheese curds, and custard oh my! The restaurant chain that began in Sauk City, Wisconsin, back in 1984 that we never get sick of. And yes, custard does taste better than ice cream.
3. Cheese curds.
Everyone knows there are two very distinct kinds of cheese curds and both are equally satisfying. You have your golden crunchy fried curds and your soft and buttery fresh ones. Only truly fresh curds will squeak though.
4. Friday fish fry.
You know what you are eating every Friday night, there just isn't another option.
5. Brats must be boiled in beer and onions.
Another Friday night favorite, or game day favorite, or basically any day of the week favorite...brats. Yet unless they are boiled in beer with plenty of onions, we won't touch them.
6. This is a bubbler, not a "drinking fountain."
When I moved to Texas and asked to get a drink at the bubbler, someone asked if I was high. Obviously I wasn't, I'm just a Wisconsinite to the core.
7. Home to Sprecher, Miller, Leinenkugel, and more.
Sprecher, Miller, Point, Spotted Cow, and Leinenkugel's are all from Wisconsin; you're welcome. Just remember to "drink Wisconsinably!"
8. Wisconsin Dells = ultimate childhood vacation spot.
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The waterpark capitol of the world that has close to 100 waterparks and attractions. From the world's largest indoor waterpark to Duck rides and an upside down White House, there is something for everyone.
9. Door County.
The other major vacation spot filled to the brim with nature. Enjoy hiking in one of five State Parks or stop and see one of the famous lighthouses that line Lake Michigan. Just make sure to stop and pick some cherries on your way home!
10. Going "up North."
Camping, hiking, fishing, Wisconsin has it all. If you never went "up north" you seriously missed out.
11. Apple picking.
Every fall I vividly remember going apple picking with my family. The best part was the homemade apple pies, apple crumbles, and applesauce made for the following months. This was even a standard field trip.
12. Buying Halloween costumes two sizes larger than you needed.
October in Wisconsin is cold and that means that for Halloween there isn't any skimpy little scraps of fabric that constitute a costume. It means wearing a winter coat and sometimes even snow pants under your costume. Basically, making us all look like pudgy little marshmallow monsters.
13. Snow.
You are probably thinking, no duh, you live in Wisconsin, you better have snow. Well until you experience snow beginning in September and sometimes lasting until May, you truly don't understand snow. At least we can build snowmen though.
14. Cold days exist.
Snow days don't happen all that much in Wisconsin, but cold days do. In my school district growing up, if the temperature was -20 degrees Fahrenheit, school had to be canceled. You would be surprised how often that happens.
15. You own at least one Cheesehead.
If you don't own at least one, can you truly considered yourself a Wisconsinite? My family not only owns the standard version but also a cowboy hat version.
16. Bag.
Yes, we have an accent. No, we can't pronounce the "ag" in words like most people do. That means if you move to another state you quickly learn to not use words like bag, tag, flag, or even dragon.
17. You can pronounce these town names.
Oconomowoc. Waukesha. Mukwanago. Wauwatosa. Ashwaubenon. Need I say more?
Despite the cold and the hard to pronounce city names, there is no place I identify more with or would rather have grown up in. Once a Wisconsinite, always a Wisconsinite.
