For the most part, Virginians are the friendliest people you’d ever want to meet. They’ll talk about almost anything, they’ll go out of their way to help and they’re (usually) the sweeter-than-sugar kind of polite. Most out-of-staters would agree. But if you’re looking for a death-defying thrill or are just interested in seeing a Virginian get riled up for sport, here are a few things you could say to get the party started. Without further ado, we give you 18 ways to make someone from Virginia mad:

1. You’re from Virginia? That’s basically like D.C., right?
Nika Vee / flickr
No…no, no, no. Sure, a lot of NoVA is connected to DC through work and politics – and yes, Northern Virginians might sometimes SAY they’re "from the D.C. area" for the simplicity of it, but Virginia tourists even mentioning D.C. will give most Virginia residents stressful memories of braving I-95 traffic.
2. So, WHY do you cheer for the Redskins?
Ahson Wardak / flickr
Do not ask silly questions. Yes, we know we just got in your face about Virginia being separate from D.C. And yes, we know they are the WASHINGTON Redskins. But we don't care. We also know they play in Maryland. Still, don’t care. HTTR. End of discussion.
3. The Pilgrims had the first Thanksgiving.
Jimmy Emerson, DVM / flickr
Technically, the first Thanksgiving as recognized today took place on December 4th, 1619 on the banks of the James River. This was two years prior to the Thanksgiving that happened in Plymouth, Massachusetts. For more information on this historic Virginia event, click here.
4. There’s nothing to DO in Virginia.
O Palsson / flickr
If there's a sure-fire recipe for ways to make a Virginian mad, claiming there's "nothing to do around here" is at the top of the list. From adventure-seekers to nature and wildlife enthusiasts, just about everyone under the sun will find something to love about Virginia.
5. Aren’t Virginia and West Virginia the same thing?
Samuel Augustus Mitchell [Public domain] / Wikimedia Commons
As mountain lovers and outdoor aficionados, we'd be slightly hypocritical to deny the utter beauty that is West Virginia. And yet, there's just no comparison in our minds.
6. Where do you go to hear good music?
Daniel Lin / flickr
I can only answer that question with a question. Where CAN’T you go? From the incredible Wolf Trap National Park for the Performing Arts to the Friday Night Jamboree at the Floyd Country Store, there are countless places to experience music here in Virginia.
7. Northern Virginia doesn’t count.
Virginia Department of Transportation Virginia Megaprojects [CC] / Wikimedia Commons
Let’s be honest, NoVA is the place we love to hate. Stick a group of NoVAians and SoVAians in a room and it’s like the Hatfields and McCoys. But NoVA is so full of Virginia history, tradition, and culture, it will make your head spin. Get past the traffic and prices and it’s like when you always told your little brother he was adopted. You didn’t want to claim him, but you’d miss him if he was gone.
8. A Virginia winery? Can that be any good?
Veritas Vineyards and Winery / Facebook
You bet! Anyone who scoffs at a Virginia winery has clearly never sampled the grapes. Virginia has time and time again been designated as one of the most exciting wine destinations of the world. In fact, wine culture was established in the 1780s and since then, winemakers have been perfecting the art of growing grapes in Virginia soil. Curious to learn more about Virginia wine country? This article from the Travel Channel outlines a fascinating history.
9. If you want to see real mountains, you have to go out West.
Asaf antman / flickr
Really? The West can keep their rocks, we’ll take the Blue Ridge, the Appalachians, and all the rest any day of the week. Sure, they might not be the tallest mountains in the world, but there's no denying their breathtaking beauty. Plus, they're among the oldest mountains in the world, so please show a little respect and refrain from calling them "hills."

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10. How can you STAND the humidity?
m01229 / flickr
There's no doubt about it: humidity is a real thing. Many Virginians are accustomed to humidity so intense that you can literally see it fuming from the pavement. But we'll take our humidity along with beautiful coastal views and creative activities it inspires any day of the week. Just take a look at some of our beloved swimming holes and you'll see that humidity isn't all bad.
11. There just isn’t history here like there is in Europe.
Official U.S. Navy Page / flickr
Are you kidding me? Aside from being home to the oldest permanent English settlement, which gives us more than 400 years to start with, we have rich Native American history, archeological treasure troves, and so much more.
12. I hate ham.
Gloria Cabada-Leman / flickr
Not in Virginia, you don’t. If you THINK you hate ham, you’ve probably never had Smithfield ham on a fresh biscuit.
13. What are grits?
Ray Sawhill / flickr
Only a little bit of heaven when cooked just right with some salt and butter. Or with cheese. Or with shrimp. Or in a casserole. Or with red-eye gravy. You get the point.
14. Why would anyone want to live in Virginia?
vastateparksstaff / flickr
Eric B. Walker / flickr
The real question is: why would you live anywhere else? From the mountains to the coast, every square mile of Virginia is lovely.
15. Why does a mere dusting of snow shut everything down?
Janet Moore-Coll / flickr
Ok. That’s a good question. It’s mainly because things tend to get icy, as well as snowy. But we also have four stunningly-perfect seasons. If we have to slow down a little for snow, that’s okay. We’ll make up for it in the spring.
16. Fireflies.
B Rosen / flickr
Do not say this. They are called "lightnin’ bugs." It is mandatory to drop the "g." I know this because when writing a recent article, I accidentally said "fireflies." The funny thing is, I’ve always called them lightnin’ bugs, but I typed "fireflies" because that’s the title of the picture I was using. I will never make this mistake again. Suffice it to say, I was put in my place.
17. We only serve unsweetened tea…
enigmachck1 / flickr
Go ahead and say it if it’s true, but for the love of all that is holy, do NOT follow it up with, "But there’s sugar on the table." It is not the same thing…no matter how many packets I use. I’ll just have a Coke, thanks.
18. What does “Virginia is for Lovers” even MEAN?
Jimmy Emerson, DVM / flickr
Spend some time here. You’ll get it.

What are your thoughts on this list of ways to make someone from Virginia mad? Is there anything you would add to the list? We’d love to hear from you in the comments below and remember to be friendly!

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Ways To Make Someone From Virginia Mad

Beth C. | June 29, 2020

What stereotypes are there about Virginia?

As is the case with just about any state in the U.S., there are stereotypes associated with Virginia. Many of them have to do with our passion for food, especially seafood and ham. Virginians are passionate about these foods in particular as they've influenced our culture over the decades. Not to mention that Virginia happens to have the best seafood — namely blue crabs and oysters — in the world. Perhaps we're a bit biased, but you can check out some of our seafood restaurants and hometown kitchens and test out our theory for yourself!

Is Virginia a great place to live?

We're so glad you asked. The answer is a resounding yes! Virginia is a great place to live for countless reasons. If you're someone who values time in the great outdoors, you'll find no shortage of beautiful natural spaces in Virginia to enjoy. Starting with the Blue Ridge Mountains and stretching all the way to the Atlantic Ocean, Virginia's landscapes are tailor-made for outdoor adventure. Activities you can enjoy in the Old Dominion include hiking, swimming, boating, fishing, white water rafting, canoeing, skiing...the list goes on! Virginia also enjoys cultural resources, historical landmarks, museums, and countless other ways to experience interactive learning. For further proof, check out these 10 Unimaginably Beautiful Places You Must See In Virginia Before You Die.

What is Virginia known for?

Virginia is often cited as "the birthplace of a Nation," given the fact that the first permanent English settlement was established on Virginia's soil. Our state is also known for being "mother of presidents," as there have been eight U.S. presidents born in Virginia. Aside from these two nicknames, Virginia is known for its variety of outdoor attractions, incredible dining opportunities, small-town charm, friendly people, historic attractions, and exquisite seasons. Yet of the most remarkable things about Virginia is that it isn't known for just one thing; Virginia defies stereotypes and tradition and its residents are as unique as the state itself. Meet any Virginian and they'll gladly tell you why their home state is the best.

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