Posted in South Carolina June 22, 2015 by

15 Ways You Know You Grew Up In A Small Town In South Carolina

Ever hear the phrase, “You just had to be there”? That’s what small town people want to say when they meet someone who grew up exclusively in the city. Things are totally different for you when you grow up in a small town. You don’t take things for granted like going to a movie or skipping down the block to the grocery store. And, we may tend to laugh at you for complaining about a 15 minute commute to get to the other side of a city.

We’re aware that these uncertain times are limiting many aspects of life as we all practice social and physical distancing. While we’re continuing to feature destinations that make our state wonderful, we don’t expect or encourage you to go check them out immediately. We believe that supporting local attractions is important now more than ever and we hope our articles inspire your future adventures! And on that note, please nominate your favorite local business that could use some love right now: https://www.onlyinyourstate.com/nominate/
1. When driving 30 minutes or more to a bigger town with a grocery store and/or clothing store is just a "thing". P.S. Don't forget a cooler or two on those summer days for those frozen foods or they won't be frozen by the time you get home!
Timo Newton-Syms/Flickr
2. When you wave and say "Hello" to everyone because that's what you did when you lived in a small town. Everybody knew everybody. Why is it different here?
Tom Szymanski/Flickr
3. When you can't wait for the small annual fall festival because it's just the best fun ever!
Baker County Tourism/Flickr
4. Going to a mall is a HUGE deal because it can take up to an hour and a half each way.
Indraneel/Flickr
5. When it is hard to fathom locking your doors/windows and you still have to think about it because it's not second nature yet.
J. Triepke/Flickr
6. Interstates can seem a bit tricky and exciting all at the same time because it means you're going somewhere else far away.
Alan Stark/Flickr
7. The city moves fast and if you move there permanently even after 10 years, it will still astound you sometimes.
Steve Davidson/Flickr
8. When going for a swim means your favorite swimming hole and not a swimming pool.
E_Bass/Flickr
9. Going out to dinner or getting "take-out" only happens on special days.
Mo Riza/Flickr
10. You never have money for parking meters because your town doesn't even know what these things look like!
Jeramey Jannene/Flickr
11. Going to the movies was considered a big deal and you had to plan at least a day in advance.
Chris Martino/Flickr
12. When something bad happens to someone you know or if someone is sick...you bring food...and lots of it!
Calgary Reviews/Flickr
13. You didn't get cable until 5 or so years after everyone else did so you had to spend the night with a friend who did have it. That way you wouldn't be the only one who didn't know what the talk was about.
Fred Seibert/Flickr
14. Any building that stands over 3 stories deserves a double take or three. We just don't have these things where we come from.
omk_489/Flickr
15. We will tend to laugh at city people who complain about a 10-15 minute commute across town. Just be forewarned.
Peter Thiers/Flickr

There’s absolutely nothing wrong with growing up in a small town. In fact, there’s something special about it. You learn some very valuable life lessons that’s for sure. What are some other ways you know someone grew up in a small town? Let us know in the comments below!