Perhaps because I’m a native Arkansan and generally just a friendly gal, newcomers to Arkansas frequently ask me what there is to do here. I tell them about our scenic beauty, of course. I mention state parks and resort towns and restaurants and lakes. What no one ever asks, though, is how to act like a local in the natural state. In the spirit of making sure newly arrived Arkansans feel at home, here are 16 undeniable dos and don’ts of living in Arkansas:

1. DON’T scowl at strangers.
DO wave at people you don’t know.
Flickr/University of Central Arkansas
2. DON’T trespass.
DO make friends with property owners.
Flickr/lucianvenutian
That color means no.
3. DO go fishing.
DON’T go fishing without a fishing license
Flickr/Daniel Weber
You can get a pretty steep fine.
4. DO know that we refer to groups of people as “y’all.”
DON’T refer to groups of people as “y’all” if you have a strong accent that is not from the South.
Wikipedia/Theshibboleth
Honestly, it feels a little condescending.
5. DON’T be surprised if strangers offer to help you when you look lost.
DO accept the help. Most of the time, you’ll be glad you did.
Flickr/Gordon
6. DO go out and explore the Natural State.
DON’T try outdoor activities without knowing what you’re getting into.
Flickr/Jonathan Ball
The rapids on the Cossatot River are not for the faint of heart.
7. DO strike up conversations with strangers.
DON’T be surprised if you learn something new.
Flickr/uacescomm
8. DO float the Buffalo River.
DON’T watch Deliverance before you float the Buffalo River.
Flickr/John McBride

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9. DO get used to seeing Razorback-themed everything.
DON’T speak against the Hogs in front of a Razorback fan.
Flickr/r_dawn_dew
Pa's party would be a terrible place to test this one.
10. DON’T google WPS.
DO learn how to call the hogs.
Flickr/Mark Barron
Honestly, googling WPS will get you some useless results. it means "Woo Pig Sooie." There. Now you know.
11. DON’T be squeamish about getting dirty.
DO learn to wash off with the water hose.
Flickr/Andy Hay
12. DO learn to love rural areas.
DON’T condescend to the people who live there.
Flickr/Noah Darnell
That, friend, is a surefire way to make sure no one likes you.
13. DO get used to dirt roads.
DON’T forget to wash your car.
Flickr/Matthew Peoples
Or, you know, do avoid washing your car. It’s probably going to rain here in a minute anyway.
14. DO go muddin’.
DON’T go muddin’ in a tiny car.
Flickr/The Greater Southwestern
Sometimes even the big guys get stuck.
15. DON’T be surprised if someone says “bless your heart.”
DO rethink your actions if someone says “bless your heart” immediately after you’ve said or done something stupid.
Pixabay/mintchipdesigns
Bless your heart is the polite Southern answer to the facepalm.
16. DO visit Arkansas’s gorgeous scenic overlooks.
DON’T climb over the railing and fall off a cliff
JB Weisenfels

For more on how to spot a tourist, click here.

If you’re interested in places to go in Arkansas, try this article.

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