There are certain rites of passage that all Massachusetts natives experience over the course of their time in this awesome state. Many are completed during childhood while others come during adult life. In all cases, these things set Bay Staters apart from their New England cousins. Check out these things that all Massachusetts people have to do before they’re a true native.

1. You've been to a Red Sox game at Fenway.
Flickr/mgstanton
This iconic stadium is a symbol of Boston and Massachusetts pride. Go root for the home team at historic Fenway Park.
2. You've taken a field trip to Plymouth Rock.
Massachusetts Office of Travel & Tourism
Better known as the most disappointing field trip of your school career.
3. ....and Plimouth Plantation or Old Sturbridge Village.
Flickr/rickpilot_2000
These living-history museums make tending the garden, dying wool, building fences and working the land all seem so....fun!
4. You've gone apple-picking in Western Mass.
Flickr/MOTT
Apple-picking in the Berkshires is one of the most classic autumn activities in Massachusetts. Nothing better than freshly-baked apple dumplings!
5. You've attended at least one concert at Tanglewood.
Flickr/Stew Stryker
This music venue in Lenox and Stockbridge is host to some of the best shows of the summer. It's the summer home of the Boston Symphony Orchestra, and an all-around amazing place to spend a balmy evening.
6. You've packed a Fluffernutter sandwich for lunch. Maybe with a bag of Cape Cod Potato chips.
Flickr/Javcon117*
It's a classic Massachusetts snack that never gets old.
7. You've stuffed your face at a clam or lobster bake.
Flickr/Justin De La Ornellas
Both aren't strictly required, but why not? Massachusetts summers are all about fresh seafood, and sharing hot days with friends and family.

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8. You've attended at least one chowder festival.
Flickr/rg-fotos
Even if you don't like chowder (I guess that's possible), chowder festivals are a great place to sample other local seafood and catch some great live entertainment.
9. You've had the time of your life at the Big E.
Flickr/Dave Hosmer
Who knew agricultural fairs could be such a big hit? This year's expo is Sept. 16 - Oct. 2.
10. You've had a Fribble at Friendly's.
Flickr/Allison Richards
What's a Fribble? Slurpable ice cream heaven.
11. And you've probably eaten at least a few slices of this watermelon ice cream cake.
Flickr/Mike Mozart
These things just show up like magic at cook-outs and birthday parties.
12. You've shoveled your driveway while it's STILL snowing, because you might as well get a head start.
Flickr/chaim zvi
Pulling on your snow boots and puffy coat, grabbing your snow shovel and headed out in the middle of a blizzard to shovel your car out is a Massachusetts tradition.
13. You've saved a parking spot with a lawn chair.
meryddian
The jury is still out on whether this is clever or just rude, but hey, it works.
14. You've hopefully wondered aloud whether the warm April weather is here to stay.
Flickr/Sam
Spoiler: It's not.
15. You've dipped your ice cream in Dunkin' Donut's iced coffee.
Flickr/theimpulsivebuy
Sounds weird, but it makes both the coffee and the ice cream taste even better.

Are you an official Massachusettsian? What else would you add to this list?

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