Virginians are among the most welcoming and friendly groups of folks you’ll encounter. We love our state, and want you to enjoy your time here as well. That being said, there are some things you should know about the Old Dominion. Here’s what every Virginian would like you to know:

  1. To start off with, we are NOT West Virginia.

Google Maps Hundreds of years ago, sure, there was only one Virginia. But today, there are two distinct states: West Virginia and Virginia. The territories can be confusing, seeing as some parts of Virginia are actually further west than some parts of West Virginia. To eliminate confusion, familiarize yourself with the map.

  1. Not all of us have accents.

megvmeg/flickr While this is true for every state, it’s especially true in VA. There are many forms of dialect around here.

  1. We mind our manners.

Meme Generator Some things never go out of style. And for us here in Virginia, that’s a common sense of manners. Don’t be alarmed to hear us say “yes ma’am” or “yes sir” to just about everyone we encounter.

  1. Our beaches are actually amazing.

Jeff Self/flickr Drive all the way down to Florida? I don’t think so!

  1. Hail to the Redskins!

Maggie/flickr Don’t bother trying to explain that they’re not actually from Virginia. We can’t hear you over our cheering.

  1. Things made in Virginia taste so much better. Whether we’re talking Hubs peanuts…

Jim/flickr

  1. VA wine…

Lauren Parnell Marino/flickr

  1. Smithfield Ham…

Julia Frost/flickr

  1. Or freshly baked bread.

Prairie Grain Bread Co. The list goes on!

  1. Virginia is where country music really started.

Caobhin/flickr Sure, Tennessee is home to all things country music, but most don’t realize it’s a movement that began in Virginia. The Southern Appalachian tradition was founded in folk tunes that would evolve into the country music scene.

  1. Traffic here can be bad. Really bad.

Jennifer Schleich/flickr It’s not all dirt roads around here. If you don’t believe us, try heading north on I-95.

  1. Colonial towns are a beautiful thing.

Mobilus In Mobili/flickr There’s so much to be learned from our history, and we embrace our colonial towns such as Williamsburg and Jamestown.

  1. We’ve got our share of adventure.

Mike Procario/flickr Some people might think the lifestyle in Virginia is rather laid-back. While this is true, there’s also an incredible amount of adventure to be discovered.

  1. Virginia barbecue is the BEST.

Project Healing Waters/flickr That’s all there is to say on the matter.

  1. We’re just crazy about our beautiful home state!

Nicola Ibba/flickr Can you blame us?

What else would you add to this list of things every Virginian wants the rest of the country to know? Feel free to share with us!

Google Maps

Hundreds of years ago, sure, there was only one Virginia. But today, there are two distinct states: West Virginia and Virginia. The territories can be confusing, seeing as some parts of Virginia are actually further west than some parts of West Virginia. To eliminate confusion, familiarize yourself with the map.

megvmeg/flickr

While this is true for every state, it’s especially true in VA. There are many forms of dialect around here.

Meme Generator

Some things never go out of style. And for us here in Virginia, that’s a common sense of manners. Don’t be alarmed to hear us say “yes ma’am” or “yes sir” to just about everyone we encounter.

Jeff Self/flickr

Drive all the way down to Florida? I don’t think so!

Maggie/flickr

Don’t bother trying to explain that they’re not actually from Virginia. We can’t hear you over our cheering.

Jim/flickr

Lauren Parnell Marino/flickr

Julia Frost/flickr

Prairie Grain Bread Co.

The list goes on!

Caobhin/flickr

Sure, Tennessee is home to all things country music, but most don’t realize it’s a movement that began in Virginia. The Southern Appalachian tradition was founded in folk tunes that would evolve into the country music scene.

Jennifer Schleich/flickr

It’s not all dirt roads around here. If you don’t believe us, try heading north on I-95.

Mobilus In Mobili/flickr

There’s so much to be learned from our history, and we embrace our colonial towns such as Williamsburg and Jamestown.

Mike Procario/flickr

Some people might think the lifestyle in Virginia is rather laid-back. While this is true, there’s also an incredible amount of adventure to be discovered.

Project Healing Waters/flickr

That’s all there is to say on the matter.

Nicola Ibba/flickr

Can you blame us?

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