It’s pretty easy to spot an out-of-towner or a newcomer to PA, wouldn’t you say? They have to get their bearings together just like we have to discover the nuances, local slang, and state traditions when we visit or move to another state. They also have to learn that all of those stereotypes about Pennsylvania they may have heard just aren’t true. Here are just 12 things Pennsylvanians must explain to out of towners to help them feel more at ease.

1. Just say PA.
Flickr/Dennis
A dead giveaway you're from out of town? You refer to our beautiful state as Pennsylvania. We keep it short and sweet, simply calling it PA.
2. We played at the “crick” as kids.
Flickr/Russell Borogove
What most people know as creek is often referred to by many Pennsylvanians as crick. And, boy did we have fun as kids, skipping rocks and jumping in the cricks of PA.
3. You don't have to leave PA to go to the beach.
Flickr/Cathy Smith
Sure, the eastern part of the state is within easy driving distance to the Jersey shore, but why go out of state when you can head to the beaches of Presque Isle in Erie or to one of our beautiful state parks?
4. Pennsylvanians have a fierce interstate rivalry.
Flickr/Jon Dawson
You're either a Steelers fan or an Eagles fan. You cheer for the Phillies or the Pirates, the Pens or the Flyers. You get the idea. PA's sports fans are fiercely loyal, adding fuel to the interstate rivalry.
5. We determine distance by time – not miles.
Flickr/Free Stock Images
Ask a Pennsylvanian how far the local grocery store is from downtown and you're certain to hear, "Oh, about five or 10 minutes," rather than "it's about five miles down the highway."
6. Good luck trying to decide whether it's soda or pop.
Flickr/Allen
It all depends on where in PA you live as to whether it's commonly called soda or pop. Philly calls it soda. Pittsburgh calls it pop. In the many charming towns and cities in between? It varies.

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7. We save parking spots with chairs.
Flickr/Bart Heird
Illegal? Maybe. Still, it's a Pennsylvanian tradition to save our parking spots with a chair, especially in the winter after we've worked hard to dig our spot out.
8. We take action when snow is on its way.
Flickr/Bart
At the mere mention of snow in the forecast, we make a beeline for the grocery store to stock up on the essentials: Bread, milk, and toilet paper.
9. PA has its very own Grand Canyon and…
Flickr/fishhawk
Behold the breathtaking beauty of our very own Grand Canyon, Pine Creek Gorge, a spectacular natural phenomenon near Wellsboro that spans 50 miles and is more than 1,000 feet deep.
10. Switzerland and...
Flickr/Raymond
Journey to the picturesque town of Jim Thorpe to experience a tiny slice of Switzerland in the heart of Pennsylvania. Dubbed the "Switzerland of America," Jim Thorpe promises sweeping mountain views and a charming downtown dotted with quaint shops and restaurants.
11. Christmas City.
Flickr/Christmas City
We in PA can celebrate Christmas any time of the year with a trip to Bethlehem, Christmas City itself.
12. There's no place like home sweet PA.
Flickr/las initially
We may leave PA temporarily or for good but we always find our way back, even if just for a visit.

What are some of the stereotypes about Pennsylvania that bug you? Let us know in the comments! After you’re done going over the 12 things Pennsylvanians must explain to your out of town visitors, make sure you tell those visitors why they should never move to PA (wink, wink).

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Stereotypes About Pennsylvania

Beth Price-Williams | January 17, 2020

What are some interesting things about Pennsylvania?

Living in Pennsylvania certainly can be a lot of fun. After all, we have so many things to do – from visiting our 121 state parks to eating at the eclectic restaurants that dot the state. Did you know, however, that Pennsylvania isn’t really a state? It’s actually a commonwealth – alongside Virginia, Massachusetts, and Kentucky. A commonwealth is essentially the same as a state.

Pennsylvania’s bookend cities – Philadelphia and Pittsburgh – both boast some impressive facts, too. Philadelphia, for example, is home to Wanamaker’s, the first department store in the United States. Pittsburgh, on the other hand, is the birthplace of the Ferris Wheel. Click here for some more fun and interesting facts about Pennsylvania.

What are Pennsylvanians known for?

Pennsylvanians have had a huge impact on society – from Mister Rogers providing guidance to generations of children to Jonas Salk (not born in Pennsylvania but an honorary Pennsylvanian nonetheless) who developed the polio vaccine. Some of the Pennsylvanians with whom you might be most familiar include Jimmy Stewart, Fred Rogers, Grace Kelly, Betsy Ross, Patti LaBelle, and Will Smith.

Did you know that, we, Pennsylvanians are also known for having our own language? It’s true! If you don’t know what it means to outen the lights or to rid up your room, you definitely need to read about 13 phrases that are uniquely Pennsylvanian.

What is the most popular Pennsylvania stereotype?

The idea that Pennsylvanians are either from Philadelphia or Pittsburgh may just be the most popular Pennsylvania stereotype. Those may be our bookend cities, but Pennsylvania’s a big state. In fact, many people who aren’t living in Pennsylvania, don’t realize that Philadelphia and Pittsburgh are actually nearly five hours apart.

The inter-state rivalry, however, certainly is true for most. Pennsylvanians tend to root for the Steelers or for the Eagles, for the Pens or the Flyers, for the Phillies or the Pirates. Our biggest rivalry, however, may be: Wawa or Sheetz. Here are some more weird side effects of growing up in PA.

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