12 Surefire Ways To Always Spot A Tourist In Arkansas

Tourists are easy to spot in Arkansas, and not only because of their lack of Razorback paraphernalia. It's not really because of the close-knit communities that comprise most of the state, either. We've compiled a number of other dead giveaways.

1. They don’t say "y’all."

In Arkansas, "y’all" is a proper way to address any group of people. It’s not informal. It’s the correct way. The informal address, frequently used by country grandmamas, is "you’uns."

2. They’re confused by the use of y’all.

Sometimes Arkansans will address a single person as y’all. So, when in Arkansas, if you’re alone and someone looks at you and calls out, "How y’all doing’?", don’t look behind you to see who else they mean. They mean you.

3. Head nods are weird to them.

No, you don’t know that guy in the ball cap who just nodded as he passed you on the street. He only meant to say, "How y’all doin’?" The same applies when driving on slow country roads. See also: the head nod plus a one finger raised off the steering wheel. No one is pointing at you. They just want you to know you’re welcome. This guy is even greeting his passenger.

4. They don’t hold doors for people.

In Arkansas, politeness is important. It is so important that folks will rush ahead to open doors for others. We call it Southern hospitality, even if the doors are to a shop and not a home. Look at those doors just waiting to be opened.

5. They don’t get why they’re being called a “Yankee.”

It doesn’t matter if the person is from California or the Midwest. Anyone without a discernible Southern accent is a Yankee. Don’t fret though, bless your heart, it’s usually a term of endearment. No one thinks you play baseball.

6. They think the nickname “the Natural State” is somehow ironic.

Really, that nickname is right on the money. Nature in Arkansas is truly fantastic, and you’re never far from it. Check out this picture from Beaver Lake.

7. They don’t know what goes on chicken fried steak.

White gravy goes on chicken fried steak. Not peas. Not gravy with mushrooms. White gravy only.

8. They’re bewildered by the concept of “dry counties.”

There are places in Arkansas where it’s illegal to sell or buy alcohol. Spirits, wine, and beer are off-limits. So don’t be surprised if a waitress cocks her head to the side and says, "No sir, we do not serve liquor. Can I get you some sweet tea?"

9. They don’t really get sweet tea.

Arkansas tea is sweet—so sweet your spoon may stick up all by itself. This is called Mammaw-sweet. Sweet, iced tea is default here. If you don’t want sweet tea, you’ll have to specify.

10. Chocolate gravy is a mystery.

No, it doesn’t go on meat. Or potatoes. Gross. Biscuits. It goes on biscuits.

11. They want yellow queso.

To find yellow cheese dip in Arkansas, you'll have to look pretty hard.

12. They may try to do a “casual float” on the Cossatot River.

Does this look casual? Cossatot means "skull crusher."

Arkansas loves tourists and tourists love Arkansas. Folks here are friendly, and we’ll talk your ear off no matter where you’re from. So come on down and see us. Sit awhile. How y’all doin’? You want some sweet tea?