13 Things Every Georgian Wants The Rest Of The Country To Know

1. We don’t have an accent—you do.

People who come to Georgia hear us speak and automatically assume that we are the ones with the accent. Truthfully, if you’re in our neighborhood, you are the one with the accent.

2. We have more culture than you ever could imagine.

Flickr Evangelio Gonzalez

It is often assumed that Georgians aren’t cultured, or that even worse, our state lacks culture. Truth be told, Georgia is overflowing with culture not only from all different parts of the world, but also true Southern culture, too.

3. Our state isn’t all farmlands and agriculture.

Flickr Peter Miller

Most people assume that Georgia is all farms and barns and plows. And while we do 100% love and support our agriculture in Georgia, there is so much more to be explored.

4. We sure are an educated bunch.

Flickr justine warrington

Look, for some reason people think that Georgians aren’t educated. Just because we can condense words (you all into ya’ll) doesn’t mean that we’re lacking brainpower. In fact, Georgia has renowned colleges that people from all over the country seek to attend.

5. Georgians are as active as any other part of the country.

Flickr Jarrod Doll

For some reason, people think that Georgians aren’t healthy. Whether it is because our food comes out fried most of the time, or Paula Dean's buttery ways are enjoyed here, we’re not too sure. But you have to understand that not only do we have ample hiking throughout our great state, but we also make sure our meals are stocked with one vegetable or another.

6. Georgians like to have a good time outdoors, too.

Flickr Nikki Frazier

Do you think we just sit on our porch all day drinking sweet tea with our neighbors?! Okay, sometimes yes. But Georgians too, like to get out and explore our great state. And believe us when we tell you, there are TONS of things to do and see outside.

7. Our beaches are just as stunning as those in Florida.

Flickr Vanessa Hernandez

Don’t just assume that because we don’t have crystal clear blue water that our beaches aren't worthy of stopping. In fact, this year Coastal Georgia has been voted one of the top places the world to visit. So beat that, Florida.

8. Georgians are as loyal to their sports teams as they are to their family members.

Flickr Ross Catrow

Here’s the thing— whether the Atlanta Falcons have a winning season or a losing season, Georgians are right there in those stands regardless. There is loyalty in our sports teams that most other states cannot beat.

9. There is way more to see in Georgia besides Atlanta.

Flickr Richard Cawood

Look, Atlanta really does rule. It’s an awesome city that we are proud to have. But when you are thinking about visiting Georgia make it a point to go elsewhere, too. North Georgia is beautiful, and unlike anything you’ve ever experienced and South Georgia is filled with good weather and friendly people.

10. We have some of the most incredible food in the country, fine dining and otherwise.

Flickr Ralph Daily

There seems to be a big misconception about food in Georgia. While we do love some good old fashioned Southern home-style cooking, we also have an amazing array of fine-dining options as well. Everything you could hope for in a culinary experience in Georgia, we’ve got.

11. We smile at strangers because we’re kind, not creepy.

Flickr Anders Adermark

Visitors from other states tend to assume that just because we smile at you, we’re being weird. Not really sure when smiling wasn't just a nice thing to do, but get used to it! We smile, and shake hands, and open doors. That’s just what we do.

12. ‘Mater sandwiches are not gross, they’re friggin delicious.