There’s no denying that Virginia is a crazy mix of all different types of people. And yet, after living in Virginia most of my life with friends and family in every corner of the state, I have found that there are a few common threads that run through most of our lives — or in this case, our homes. After visiting lots of people and places, here are a few of the items that seem to show up in Virginia homes time and again.

1. Virginia Pride
Abbey Hendrickson / flickr
Be it a plate, the state flag, or "Virginia is for Lovers" on a t-shirt, Virginia homes often feature their fair share of Virginia flair.
2. SOMETHING Monogrammed
Yvonne Larsson/Flickr
I don't know what it is — maybe it's just a Southern thing — but Virginians love their monograms. From jewelry to silverware to hand towels in the guest bathroom, if you can see it, you can monogram it.
3. Tea Bags
raj / flickr
Just check the cupboards — you're sure to find them. Virginians are always ready to make the next pitcher of ice-cold sweet tea.
4. Grits … they're not just for breakfast
Ernesto Andrade [CC BY 2.0] / Wikimedia Commons
Maybe they're instant or maybe they're the good old-fashioned, slow boiling kind, but grits are a staple in many Virginia homes. You never know when you might need to whip up a breakfast side, a cheese and sausage casserole, or a big ol' pot of shrimp and grits.
5. A Stockpile of Citronella Candles
Vilseskogen / flickr
Mosquitos are a part of life in Virginia during the summers — so we come prepared. There's just no reason to let a few skeeters keep you from a beautiful night on the porch.
6. Barbecue Sauce
Brandon Burke / flickr
Take a peek in just about any fridge in the Mother of States and you're sure to find a bottle or two. Whether it is sweet, smoky, tangy vinegar, or your uncle's homemade spicy sauce, you likely have a collection in your home. We love our BBQ and it's nice to have options, right?

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7. Homegrown Tomatoes
humdingor / flickr
Chances are, no matter where you live, there are tomatoes growing nearby. Maybe they're from your own garden, maybe they're from the neighbors' garden, or maybe you hit the local farmers' market every Saturday to stock up. But with so much emphasis on returning to homegrown foods, most people I know have a few vines of their own.
8. Souvenirs from Williamsburg
Marko Forsten / flickr
Admit it, somewhere in your house, there's a souvenir from Williamsburg. Maybe it's just a fridge magnet or maybe it's the "authentic" wooden fife you hid from your kids after they wouldn't stop playing it, but it's there …and it's okay. We all have one. This is just part of life in Virginia.
9. Books about Virginia
Lin Kristensen [CC BY 2.0] / Wikimedia Commons
Old books about Virginia, new books about Virginia, books about the founding fathers, books about the Revolutionary War in Virginia, books about the Civil War in Virginia, books about the original colonies, biographies of famous Virginians, Virginia photography books, and books about books about Virginia … you get the point. No Virginia home is complete without at least a few of these in their library.
10. A Personalized License Plate
cylent / flickr
There may or may not be one on your car right now (we aren't judging!). Virginians sure love their personalized license plates and we bet, as you drive down the road, you'll see a handful of these types of plates.
11. A Cast Iron Skillet
winhide/Flickr
Now, I know this one may not be in EVERY home … but if you're lucky, and I mean REALLY lucky, you not only have one, but you have one that's been passed down to you. The perfectly seasoned cast iron skillet, one that's cooked homestyle goodness for generations, is possibly one of the most valuable pieces of currency in many Virginia homes.
12. This Quote...
Anna Strock
Maybe it's on a mug or is cross-stitched on a pillow by your grandmother, but chances are you've had this quote displayed in your house at some point or another.

This is not the definitive list by any means, but it’s what I’ve observed over and over again while living in Virginia. How many of these things are in your home? Better yet, what relatable things about Virginia do you think should be on this list? Share your thought in the comments below!

What do you love best about living in Virginia? Is there a place you love to visit? A hike you take every year? What about a favorite place to stay or a favorite day-trip destination? No matter what it is, we want to know about it! Nominate your favorite places and businesses in Virginia and tell us why you love them!

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More to Explore

Living in Virginia

Courtnie Erickson | December 01, 2021

What is life in Virginia like?

There is no doubt that life in Virginia is wonderful. You are not only surrounded by historic places and exciting attractions, but the views all around the state will take your breath away. No matter what your passions and hobbies are, you’ll find something that captures your interest. For example, you can spend an entire weekend at Highland County, also known as the Little Switzerland of Virginia. Here, you’ll enjoy jaw-dropping mountain views, farmlands, and tasty food. It's a wonderful day trip destination.

You can also spend your early mornings at Croatan Beach. This unique east-facing beach in Virginia is beautiful and a popular place for photographers. It is one of the best ways to start your day in the Mother of States.

What are some of the benefits of living in Virginia?

  • Unique history
  • Historic buildings to explore
  • Mesmerizing sunsets
  • Stunning scenery

 

When living in Virginia, even for just a short period of time, you'll quickly begin to reap the benefits of this great state. For example, in Virginia, we love our history and after a while, you will too. With so many historic buildings and events that took place in this great state, it is easy to become a bit of a history buff.

No matter where you visit around the state, you can admire some of the most mesmerizing sunsets. It doesn't matter if the sun sets on the Blue Ridge Mountains or the Chesapeake Bay, you can bask in its beauty. Virginia is certainly home to some stunning scenery.

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