Growing up in small town Mississippi is truly an amazing experience. One that’s full of both perks and quirks. And whether you like to admit it or not, there are certain things everyone who’s grown up in small town Mississippi has done at least once. Not so sure? Here are 13 perfect examples.
- Eaten lunch at a gas station.
Sean Kimmel/Flickr Folks from a big city may turn their nose up at the thought of dining at a gas station. But if you grew up in small town Mississippi, you know that some of the best food – from barbecue to po’ boys – can be found in southern gas stations.
- Bought food from roadside vendor.
FotoGuy 49057/Flickr From fresh fruit to boiled peanuts, you never know what you’ll find being sold on the side of the road in small town Mississippi. But what you do know is that it’ll be good.
- Waved back at someone even if you didn’t recognize them.
Morgan Schmorgan/Flickr Waving, in general, is practically second nature if you grew up in small town Mississippi. So waving back at someone, even a complete stranger, is like a knee-jerk reaction that just can’t be stopped.
- Hung out in a parking lot.
Mark’s Postcards from Beloit/Flickr When you’re a teenager in a small town, you have to be creative when it comes to things to do. And spending time with friends in vacant parking lots is at the top of the list.
- Reserved Friday nights for football games.
Jimmy Smith/Flickr Just like we said, there’s not a lot to do in small towns, so the Friday night football game is a big deal. You’ll find everyone, from young children to senior citizens, at the high school game.
- Stopped in the middle of the road to talk to someone.
Patrick Dalto/Flickr When you live in a small town, the chances of running into someone you know is pretty likely. So, even though it might not be safe to stop in the middle of the road for a quick chat, you’ve probably done it a time or two.
- Went out after 10:00 pm only to be reminded everything’s closed.
Jeff Baldock’s Creative Visions We’ve all done it; drove to a nearby store or restaurant only to find out it’s closed. Then, the only option is to drive the 30 minutes “to town” to find something that’s opened.
- Said, “I know her; she’s my kin.”
Felipe Cabrera/Flickr In small town Mississippi, everybody knows everybody, so it’s not uncommon to be talking to someone and find out they know a relative of yours.
- Told strangers you live in a nearby town that’s more populated.
Annette Dubois/Flickr You know they’ve never heard of your small town, so why not make things a bit easier for everyone?
- Gasped upon hearing big-city prices.
Ben/Flickr From groceries to homes, things tend to cost much more in larger cities. And those prices can be pretty shocking after living in a small town for an extended period of time.
- Accepted the fact that you can’t visit mom-and-pop shops on Sunday.
christopher sebela/Flickr In small town Mississippi, Sundays are reserved for family and church. So you can count on just about everything, especially locally owned businesses, being closed for the day.
- Realized you’ve never locked your doors.
Piyushgiri Revagar/Flickr What’s the point? Everybody knows everybody. Not to mention your neighbors, who are like family, can be counted on to look out for you.
- Used the expression, “Going to town.”
Kevin Dooley/Flickr You’ve most likely used this phrase when travelling anywhere further than the local Dollar Store, like to Wal Mart.
So, how many of these things have you done? What would you add to this list? Tell us in the comments section!
Sean Kimmel/Flickr
Folks from a big city may turn their nose up at the thought of dining at a gas station. But if you grew up in small town Mississippi, you know that some of the best food – from barbecue to po’ boys – can be found in southern gas stations.
FotoGuy 49057/Flickr
From fresh fruit to boiled peanuts, you never know what you’ll find being sold on the side of the road in small town Mississippi. But what you do know is that it’ll be good.
Morgan Schmorgan/Flickr
Waving, in general, is practically second nature if you grew up in small town Mississippi. So waving back at someone, even a complete stranger, is like a knee-jerk reaction that just can’t be stopped.
Mark’s Postcards from Beloit/Flickr
When you’re a teenager in a small town, you have to be creative when it comes to things to do. And spending time with friends in vacant parking lots is at the top of the list.
Jimmy Smith/Flickr
Just like we said, there’s not a lot to do in small towns, so the Friday night football game is a big deal. You’ll find everyone, from young children to senior citizens, at the high school game.
Patrick Dalto/Flickr
When you live in a small town, the chances of running into someone you know is pretty likely. So, even though it might not be safe to stop in the middle of the road for a quick chat, you’ve probably done it a time or two.
Jeff Baldock’s Creative Visions
We’ve all done it; drove to a nearby store or restaurant only to find out it’s closed. Then, the only option is to drive the 30 minutes “to town” to find something that’s opened.
Felipe Cabrera/Flickr
In small town Mississippi, everybody knows everybody, so it’s not uncommon to be talking to someone and find out they know a relative of yours.
Annette Dubois/Flickr
You know they’ve never heard of your small town, so why not make things a bit easier for everyone?
Ben/Flickr
From groceries to homes, things tend to cost much more in larger cities. And those prices can be pretty shocking after living in a small town for an extended period of time.
christopher sebela/Flickr
In small town Mississippi, Sundays are reserved for family and church. So you can count on just about everything, especially locally owned businesses, being closed for the day.
Piyushgiri Revagar/Flickr
What’s the point? Everybody knows everybody. Not to mention your neighbors, who are like family, can be counted on to look out for you.
Kevin Dooley/Flickr
You’ve most likely used this phrase when travelling anywhere further than the local Dollar Store, like to Wal Mart.
If you enjoyed this, be sure to check out “12 Phrases That Will Make You Swear Mississippians Have Their Own Language.“
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