12 Things People From Pennsylvania Always Have To Explain To Out Of Towners

It's pretty easy to spot an out-of-towner or a newcomer to PA, wouldn't you say? They have to get their bearings together just like we have to discover the nuances, local slang, and state traditions when we visit or move to another state. They also have to learn that all of those stereotypes about Pennsylvania they may have heard just aren't true. Here are just 12 things Pennsylvanians must explain to out of towners to help them feel more at ease.

1. Just say PA.

A dead giveaway you're from out of town? You refer to our beautiful state as Pennsylvania. We keep it short and sweet, simply calling it PA.

2. We played at the “crick” as kids.

What most people know as creek is often referred to by many Pennsylvanians as crick. And, boy did we have fun as kids, skipping rocks and jumping in the cricks of PA.

3. You don't have to leave PA to go to the beach.

Sure, the eastern part of the state is within easy driving distance to the Jersey shore, but why go out of state when you can head to the beaches of Presque Isle in Erie or to one of our beautiful state parks?

4. Pennsylvanians have a fierce interstate rivalry.

You're either a Steelers fan or an Eagles fan. You cheer for the Phillies or the Pirates, the Pens or the Flyers. You get the idea. PA's sports fans are fiercely loyal, adding fuel to the interstate rivalry.

5. We determine distance by time – not miles.

Ask a Pennsylvanian how far the local grocery store is from downtown and you're certain to hear, "Oh, about five or 10 minutes," rather than "it's about five miles down the highway."

6. Good luck trying to decide whether it's soda or pop.

It all depends on where in PA you live as to whether it's commonly called soda or pop. Philly calls it soda. Pittsburgh calls it pop. In the many charming towns and cities in between? It varies.

7. We save parking spots with chairs.

Illegal? Maybe. Still, it's a Pennsylvanian tradition to save our parking spots with a chair, especially in the winter after we've worked hard to dig our spot out.

8. We take action when snow is on its way.

At the mere mention of snow in the forecast, we make a beeline for the grocery store to stock up on the essentials: Bread, milk, and toilet paper.

9. PA has its very own Grand Canyon and…

Behold the breathtaking beauty of our very own Grand Canyon, Pine Creek Gorge, a spectacular natural phenomenon near Wellsboro that spans 50 miles and is more than 1,000 feet deep.

10. Switzerland and...

Journey to the picturesque town of Jim Thorpe to experience a tiny slice of Switzerland in the heart of Pennsylvania. Dubbed the "Switzerland of America," Jim Thorpe promises sweeping mountain views and a charming downtown dotted with quaint shops and restaurants.

11. Christmas City.

We in PA can celebrate Christmas any time of the year with a trip to Bethlehem, Christmas City itself.

12. There's no place like home sweet PA.

We may leave PA temporarily or for good but we always find our way back, even if just for a visit.

What are some of the stereotypes about Pennsylvania that bug you? Let us know in the comments! After you're done going over the 12 things Pennsylvanians must explain to your out of town visitors, make sure you tell those visitors why they should never move to PA (wink, wink).