9 Strong Beliefs Mississippi Natives Stand By

No matter the state, there are likely certain beliefs about living there that natives hold in high regard. And Mississippi is no exception: Between our sweet tea, crawfish boils, king cakes, and surviving humid (not hot!) weather, we have some pretty strong opinions on how life is done around here.

Curious to know what living in Mississippi is really like? Here are nine strong beliefs many Magnolia State natives can agree on—and live by every day.

1. All Soda Is Coke

If it’s root beer, it’s Coke. If it’s Sprite, it’s Coke. If it’s Coke, you guessed it... It’s Coke. Shall we go on? That's just how lingo goes around here, and if it's called anything else—like pop or cola—then we know you're not a local.

2. It’s Not the Heat; It’s the Humidity

High temperatures are one thing, but high temperatures paired with intense humidity are a whole other monster that, unless it's you've experienced it, you wouldn’t understand this simple truth about life in Mississippi. Temperatures can reach up to 100 degrees Fahrenheit at the peak of summer, but may feel even hotter thanks to the muggy air.

3. Chocolate Is an Acceptable Breakfast Food

Homemade biscuits topped with chocolate gravy = the breakfast of champions. This is one of the things about growing up in Mississippi that we love. A sweet, delectable breakfast can be enjoyed homemade from Grandma's kitchen or at local diners and dives across the state, like Buzzy's Breakfast Joint in Ocean Springs.

4. We Have 7 Seasons

Along with winter, spring, summer, and fall, there’s hurricane season, crawfish season, and hunting season here in Mississippi. While hurricane season is between June and November, crawfish season is from February through June, and hunting season varies throughout the year depending on whether you're going for deer, small game, or birds.

5. All King Cakes Are Not Created Equal

King cakes are sold just about everywhere during carnival season in the Magnolia State. But that doesn’t mean we buy our king cakes from any old place. Most everyone has their preferred bakery during Mardi Gras. Some of our faves include Paul's Pastry Shop in Picayune and Fleur De Lis Gourmet Bakery in Gulfport.

6. Po’ Boys Reign Supreme

Subs, hoagies, and grinders? They’ve got nothing on po’ boys, the iconic southern sandwich most popular in Louisiana and Mississippi. It features crispy fried shrimp, lettuce, and creamy remoulade dressing on a toasted French baguette. Some of our favorite spots to pick one up are Shaggy's (it has several locations) and Taranto's Woolmarket in Biloxi.

7. Pro Football Is Overrated

Mississippi doesn’t have a professional football team, but sports fans in the state aren’t missing out. Between a bevy of high school teams and some great college teams, like the Mississippi State Bulldogs, there’s plenty of football to be seen—at home, at the bars, or in person at local stadiums.

8. Making Tea Is an Art

Mississippians take pride in their tea, and most of us have our own tips and tricks for brewing the perfect batch. While the oldest recipe dates back to Virginia in 1879, the refreshing beverage has become a staple all across the South. For us, the sweeter the better, but we'll also settle for something a little light and lemony, too.

9. Ranch Is a Standard Condiment

When it comes to must-have condiments, it goes ketchup, mustard, and ranch. Seriously, ranch dressing—whether homemade or store-bought—goes on just about everything we eat, from our wings to our pizza and all kinds of fried food. Visitors may cast perplexed looks towards our strange food combinations, but we don't care: It's delicious.

Did we miss any strong beliefs that Mississipians hold? Find out for yourself by taking a trip to the Magnolia State and partaking in a college sporting event, seafood boil, or even a carnival celebration. For more personalized trip plans, try out Only In Your State's itinerary planner before you go.