If you know what Dyngus Day, Chiavettas, and Loganberry are, you're most likely from Buffalo. Unfortunately, not everyone can be so lucky, which means we sometimes have some explaining to do. Read on for 11 things people from Buffalo always have to explain to out of towners.
1. It's Western New York.
Not Upstate. Not Central. WESTERN.
2. We're nowhere close to New York City.
In fact, we're on completely opposite sides of the state. From Buffalo City Hall to Times Square is approximately 400 miles. Not exactly close neighbors.
3. Yes, we do have a summer.
It might not last long, but from June to September, our days are long, we flock Lake Erie, and the temperatures even reach upwards of 90º!
4. The fizzy stuff.
If you live anywhere inside the Western New York border, it's "pop," not soda.
5. It's just "wings."
We already know we're from Buffalo, there's no need to clarify. We get that Buffalo is a kind of sauce, but here, we just call them "wings."
6. Blue cheese, not ranch.
Do not – I repeat – do NOT ask for a side of ranch with your wings or chicken finger subs. If you're going to dip anything from the local pizzeria in a white sauce, it better be blue cheese.
7. Speaking of dip...
There IS one other white dip Western New Yorkers approve of. Whether you're dipping veggies or chips, Bison dip is a Buffalo staple item. No other french onion dip compares!
8. It really does snow a lot.
While we know to expect multiple feet of snow each winter, when it arrives is always a guessing game. Will it start in October with seven feet of snow? Hide on us until after Christmas? We're never quite sure, but when it does come, it makes its presence known!
9. We have plenty of reasons to celebrate.
It doesn't matter what nationality you are. On Dyngus Day, you're Polish. On St. Patrick's Day, you're Irish. We make a big deal about our parades and festivals in Buffalo, and we have several annual celebrations to prove it!
10. The Bills make us want to shout.
The things we shout might not always be G-rated, but our love for the Bills "runs deep," no matter how many years it's been without a playoff run. #BillsMafia
11. That Cheerio smell.
No, it's not your imagination. Downtown Buffalo is home to the General Mills factory, which fills our city with the aroma of the classic breakfast cereal. Talk about a sweet welcome into the city!
What's the weirdest thing you've had to explain to an out-of-towner? Share your story with us!
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