Here in Virginia, nothing warms our hearts quite like welcoming visitors to our favorite place on Earth. Having lived here for a while, we can sometimes take for granted the unique aspects of our lifestyle. Time and time again, we find ourselves explaining things to out-of-towners, often with a laugh or an eye roll. Because, well…only in Virginia!

See if you can relate to any of the following stereotypes about Virginia:

1. Our fascination with history
wanderingYew2/flickr
This one definitely comes with the territory. When you live in one of the oldest states in the country, you can't help but be drawn to its extensive history. A fascination with history may be one of the main stereotypes about Virginia, but we wouldn't trade our impressive museums and fascinating cultural centers for anything.
2. Our love of all things apple
Virginia Farm Market / Facebook
Apple butter, apple pie, apple cake, apple fritters, apple sauce...you get the picture. Virginia just so happens to be home to the apple capital of the world, Winchester, and we're proud of that honor.
3. Double names
드림포유/flickr
Unique names, and especially double names, are one of the most interesting aspects of living in Virginia. When you meet someone, you may have to clarify whether they've given you their full name or their first name, which might be a double name. There's no harm in asking as you're likely to get a fascinating backstory.
4. How to distinguish a first name from a last name
CollegeDegrees360/flickr
Is it Johnson Carter? Or Carter Johnson? For whatever reason, Virginians have a history of having first names that sound like they should be last names.
5. The weather...for better or for worse
Katy/flickr
It's not unheard of to experience all four seasons in one week. 75 degrees in winter, snowfall in April...we've seen it all! Of all the various Virginia traits, sporadic weather is surely at the top of the list.
6. The abundance of vanity plates
Tony Alter/flickr
For reasons unknown, Virginia seems to have the highest volume of vanity plates. We attribute it to our sense of humor and love for "Livvin" here.

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7. The accent...
Gregory Morris/flickr
8....or lack thereof.
Derek Bruff/flickr
Each region of Virginia has its own particular accent, and some of us may not have a detectable accent at all! As is true with just about any other state in the U.S., not everyone here will sound the same.
9. How to pronounce the names of our towns.
Pat M2007/flickr
As a fair warning, if you're passing through Staunton, Buena Vista, Tangier, Fries, or Dumfries, and don't pronounce the town name as the locals do, you'll immediately identify yourself as an out-of-towner. But fret not, small town charm is another of the major Virginia traits!
10. How to navigate the back roads
smilla4/flickr
With hairpin turns and winding roads, driving in Virginia takes its own particular set of skills.
11. Our state motto
Jimmy Emerson, DVM / flickr
"Virginia Is For Lovers" has been our state motto since it was introduced as a tourism slogan in the 1960s. Today, we embrace the motto as we share our love for all things: nature, wine, history, seafood, culture, and, of course, each other.
12. Why we'll never call any other place home
Beau Considine/flickr
We trust that after visiting Virginia for even a short time, you'll understand why we're head over heels for our beloved home.

Can you think of any other experiences in Virginia that you find yourself explaining to others? Do you agree with these stereotypes about Virginia? Feel free to share your thoughts and experiences with us — we’d love to hear from you!

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Stereotypes About Virginia

Beth C. | April 07, 2020

What are some interesting things about Virginia?

The answer to the question "what's so special about Virginia?" could be answered in countless ways. To begin with, the history of our state is equal parts impressive, complicated, and fascinating. The state was named for England's Virginia Queen, Queen Elizabeth I. Virginia officially became the 10th state on June 25th, 1788. Virginia is also known as being the mother of presidents, as 8 U.S. Presidents were born here. Lastly, Virginia is technically considered a commonwealth and not a state. The distinction is in name only, but it's a unique title that applies only to Virginia, Kentucky, Massachusetts, and Pennsylvania.

What are Virginians known for?

One of the major aspects of living in Virginia is our love of food. While we mentioned apples in the article above, that's just one of many food staples that we're known for. Other southern-inspired delicacies include peanuts, oysters, barbecue, mountain trout, ham, blue crabs, and Brunswick stew. Lately, Virginia is also known for cultivating delicious local wine and craft beer. Many local restaurants you visit in Virginia will offer at least one of these delicious food items or drinks for you to sample.

What is the most popular Virginia stereotype?

One of the most popular Virginia stereotypes is the fact that Virginians are often faced with an identity crisis. After all, the state isn't quite far south enough to be considered full-fledged Southern yet its not a northeastern state either. The term mid-Atlantic seems to sum it up the best, although even this description can be vague. The issue is further complicated by the fact that each region in Virginia varies greatly. From the Eastern Shore to NOVA to southwestern Virginia and the central region, no two places are exactly alike. But we wouldn't have it any other way!

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