20 Things People ALWAYS Ask When They Know You're From Virginia
By Anna Strock|Updated on November 04, 2020(Originally published October 31, 2020)
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Anna Strock
Author
Virginia staff writer for Only in Your State, freelance writer and journalist. Even though Anna has lived other places, somehow Virginia is where she always seems to land.
When people find out you’re from Virginia, you might get a range of reactions. Some people who have been here before might remember some of the beautiful places and people they encountered. Others might jump straight to some of the stereotypes about “the South.” And others? They’re just curious. Here are some of the questions you’re likely to be asked, and many of them highlight some truly unique and — some might consider — weird things about Virginia. Now, I know not everyone has been asked each of these. But, personally, I have!
You mean all the historical markers? Consider it an outdoor classroom. Virginia's history is long, diverse, complex, tragic, and absolutely fascinating. It's hard to find a corner of the state that wasn't the site of something significant, and that's a fact we're proud of.
NO. No, it is NOT. Separate states completely. As in different state lines, different state governments and if you'll please pay attention closely here…COMPLETELY DIFFERENT NAMES! Otherwise, the confusion is understandable.
If you went to college in Virginia, you might have noticed the high percentage of out-of-staters. And the reason is simple. Virginia has some of the top schools in the nation, with many of our schools making national lists time and again.
Technically, a fish. Some will tell you that it's a fish that can drink twice its own weight. But "Wahoo" or "Hoo" is also a nickname for the University of Virginia Cavaliers, originally derived from the "Wa-hoo-wa" cheer that UVA students have been shouting for more than a century.
7. And a Hokie? I suppose you can explain that one, too?
Why, yes. As a matter of fact, I can. Like "Wahoo," the term "Hokies," as Virginia Tech students, fans and alum are known, came from a cheer used in the late 1800s. Today, the HokieBird (a turkey) is the official school mascot. You have to admit, being known as "The Hokies" is a step up from when they were called "The Gobblers."
This is usually asked by people from Boston or Denver or some other place where it snows 275 days out of the year. It's all relative, people. And we CAN drive in the snow…just not that well. Sorry. One of the weird things about Virginia is the fact that our winters are simply unpredictable at best.
It's simple really: apples, cinnamon, and love. It might be the most delicious thing ever spread on a piece of bread. Don't take our word for it, though, you need to try some of this delicious stuff yourself!
No, of course not. But I did...once. In the words of my companion at the time, I am what is known as "very loud." However, many people in Virginia DO hunt, effectively keeping deer and other wildlife populations at bay. And many use the meat throughout the year.
12. My brother-in-law's neighbor's Uncle Jim lives in Virginia. Do you know him?
No, I do NOT know him…oh. Wait. Where's he from? Because if it's near my hometown, most likely. And we are possibly related. Otherwise, let it be known, for the record, we're not the biggest state in the nation, but we don't ALL know each other.
13. Wait…if you live in Northern Virginia, why did you say you were from D.C.?
No, but it's an understandable mistake. Many farmers have made their living from tobacco for generations, and many people are employed thanks to Philip Morris. But Virginia's top crops are actually nursery plants, corn, soybeans, wheat, and hay.
Yes, sadly, I am afraid so. But, when you consider that 60% of the U.S. population lives within a day’s drive of Virginia, you're going to have to get through us to get many of the places you want to go. It's just something that we can all suffer together.
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19. Why can't you just have unsweetened tea? There's sugar on the table.
This is usually followed by, "Please stop. You're making a scene." But the answer is no, no, no!! It's just not the same. I can put 50 sugar packets in and it still won't be the same. Just trust me on this one.
20. Virginia is for Lovers…what does that even MEAN?
Spend a little time here. You'll get it. I promise.
What have we left off the list when it comes to weird things about Virginia? Tell us your favorite out-of-state questions about Virginia in the comment below!
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Weird Things About Virginia
Beth C. |November 04, 2020
What is Virginia known for?
As you might have guessed from reading our article highlighting the wonderful and weird things about Virginia, the Old Dominion is known for quite a lot. One of the main things Virginia is known for is being the home to a significant number of American Presidents. The eight presidents that were born in Virginia are George Washington, Thomas Jefferson, James Madison, James Monroe, William Henry Harrison, John Tyler, Zachary Taylor, and Woodrow Wilson. Many of them have historic homes that you can tour in Virginia, most famously George Washington's Mount Vernon and Thomas Jefferson's Monticello in Charlottesville. Virginia is also known for being the site of the first permanent English settlement of Jamestown. Those who are curious to learn more about this event can learn about the colonists as well as the Indigenous People who lived in Virginia for thousands of years before settlers arrived by visiting Historic Jamestown.
Is Virginia a great place to live?
If you're someone who appreciates the great outdoors, you will love living in Virginia. Virginia is considered a great place to live by all kinds of outdoor enthusiasts. To start with, Virginia is home to one of the most popular national parks in the U.S., Shenandoah National Park. Encompassing one of the most beautiful portions of the Blue Ridge Mountains, this park attracts visitors from all over the world. Other noteworthy outdoor attractions in Virginia include False Cape State Park, Mount Rogers National Recreation Area and Grayson Highlands, the James River, the Shenandoah River, New River Trail, the Chesapeake Bay, and much more. Lastly, Virginia is a great place to live if you're someone who loves food. From tacos to barbecue, pizza, seafood, and a variety of incredible ethnic cuisine, there's no shortage of delicious restaurants to try in Virginia.
What are some strange facts about Virginia?
Have you ever wondered if there were any strange facts about Virginia? Well, you're in luck! There definitely are some quirky and surprising facts about the Old Dominion. For example, did you know that the states of West Virginia and Kentucky were originally part of Virginia territory? And that the very first Thanksgiving was held in Virginia? Most people also don't realize that approximately half of all of the Civil War battles were fought on Virginia soil. And finally, there's an island in Virginia known as Chincoteague Island where wild ponies have roamed for hundreds of years. How fascinating!
