1. You’ll Get A Weird Look When You Ask For Finger Steaks
While these deep-fried strips of steak might be popular in Idaho, they’re relatively hard to find in the rest of the country. But with a name like that, it’s not much of a surprise.
2. Football Fields Aren’t Blue Everywhere
Famous in the college football scene for their bright blue field, the Boise State Broncos play on a gridiron that’s truly one-of-a-kind.
3. Fry Sauce Isn’t A Typical Condiment
After one taste, there’s no doubt that “fry sauce” is the perfect dip for nearly everything.
Unfortunately for travelling Idahoans, it can’t really be found in most states. However, if an Idahoan is far from home and has a craving, a little ketchup mixed with mayonnaise will get them their fix.
4. Idaho, Iowa…Same Thing Right?
The out-of-staters that a travelling Idahoan encounters will really struggle keeping these two states apart. United by nothing but the first letter of their name, displaced Idahoans are sure to find this confusion annoying.
5. But No One Really Knows Were Idaho Is
For some reason, most Americans assume that Idaho is another flat flyover state somewhere in the Midwest. They couldn’t be further from the truth.
6. Everyone Associates Idaho With Potatoes
When someone announces they’re from Idaho, the first thing that comes to mind is always potatoes…baked potatoes, mashed potatoes, even potato crisps. Out-of-towners an Idahoan on the road encounters will assume this vegetable is the key component of every Idahoan’s diet.
7. Huckleberry Is Just The Name Of A Fictional Character To Most Americans
While huckleberries are a very popular food in Idaho, often found in pies and jams, most people around the country don’t realize this is actually an edible fruit. To many, it’s just the first name of Huckleberry Finn.
8. People Assume Life In Idaho Is Like The Oregon Trail
While Idaho life is well on its way into the 21st century, just like everywhere else in the country, there’s this misconception that the Idaho populace consists of extremely rural areas in which covered wagons roam the streets and the internet is still science fiction. Travelling Idahoans should expect to fight this inaccurate belief every step of their journey.
9. There’s This Thing Called Traffic
While bad traffic in Idaho is having to wait an extra cycle at the light, bad traffic in other places around the country can mean being delayed for several hours. Thanks to a relatively low population density, Idahoans are spoiled when it comes to driving to work in the morning.
10. You Might Want To Start Locking Your Doors
Idaho might have low enough crime rates to leave doors unlocked over night, but a lot of places around the country aren’t quite as safe. If an Idahoan is travelling, they should make sure they’re familiar with the local scene before bringing this practice with them.
11. Rodeos Can Be Hard To Find
Most states around the country have more mainstream professional sports to follow like the NFL and the NBA. If you’re a rodeo fan and you’re leaving the Gem State, these huge events are something you’re sure to miss.
12. No Pie Will Compete With Trudy’s
No matter where you are in America, you’ll never find a pie that’s quite as delicious as one from Trudy’s Kitchen. This special gem nestled in Idaho City simply can’t be beat.
13. Rafting Isn’t A Normal Weekend Activity
With more miles of white-water river than anywhere else in the lower 48, Idaho is a sort of mecca for rafters and kayakers. Unfortunately it’s not as easy to get wet and wild in most states.
14. You’ll Miss The Craft Beer
With Northwest America at the forefront of the craft beer movement, the local brews found across Idaho are truly in a class of their own.
If you leave this state, you’ll start going through withdrawals the second you realize you’ll be forced to drink something like Bud Light if you want a draft beer at the local pub.
15. You Might Have To Go Hunting For Stars
Due to low populations and lack of large cities, the stars seem to shine a bit brighter in Idaho than elsewhere in the country. Make sure you don’t take this for granted during the time before you leave.
16. Bring Some Sweet Corn Along For The Ride
A popular snack across the state, sweet corn can’t be found everywhere. If you grew up eating this stuff fresh, it’s one thing you’re sure to miss the most.
17. Deer Aren’t Always Out To Get You
With so many deer in Idaho, accidents on the road involving these mammals are very common. Fortunately, a lot of the country doesn’t have the same problem, meaning late night drives will be a bit safer.
18. Nature Isn’t Always So Close
One huge perk of living in Idaho is that nature seems to lurk around every bend in the road. Most states around the country don’t offer the same benefits.
19. Get Your Hot Spring Fix Before You Leave
With Idaho being home to the highest number of usable hot springs in the country, these scalding pools are just another thing that make Idaho so awesome. Many Idahoans that leave are shocked to realize that these natural tubs aren’t scattered around the entire country.
20. The Fish Aren’t Always Biting
If you’re a fisher that’s leaving Idaho, you’ll probably regret it. As one of the best places to cast your line in America, few places will really compare.
21. Cows Aren’t Typically Part Of The Landscape
Unless you’re headed to the Midwest, don’t expect to see a ton of cows everywhere during long drives. While these roadside animals can be spotted all across Idaho, that’s not usually the case.
22. Leave Your Fiddle At Home
If fiddles are your thing, Idaho is the best place for you. Home to the National Oldtime Fiddlers Contest and Festival in Weiser, few American cities share the same appreciation for this instrument.
23. Weather Everywhere Isn’t Quite So Wacky
Idaho weather is notorious for being unpredictable. One moment it might be sunny, the next rainy, shortly followed by snow…all while the sun stays out. If you’re headed to somewhere across the country, expect the weatherperson to be right a little more often.
24. It’s Assumed You Know Everyone In Idaho
Most Americans have a greatly exaggerated idea of how few people live in the Gem State. If you’re introducing yourself as “from Idaho” to a new person and they happen to have met someone else from the region, they’ll definitely ask you if you’ve met their old friend.
25. People Will Be Shocked That You Can Ski
While you might be missing the mountains after leaving Idaho, most people won’t even know that mountains are a thing in the Gem State. And they’ll never believe you learned how to ski there until you show off your skills at the local hill.
26. Drives Everywhere Don’t Take So Long
Things tend to be a bit spread out in Idaho. Fortunately, most places around the country don’t require quite as much driving to get from town to town.
When you’re used to being on the road for several hours to get from one place to another, that 30 minute drive to the next big town can seem like a breeze.
27. Out-Of-Towners Might Know Boise…If You’re Lucky
When it comes down to it, most people know absolutely nothing about Idaho. If you’re lucky they might remember the capital of your home state from 4th grade geography, but don’t expect much more.
Make sure you’re patient with them, as there’s a good chance they’ll be basing their opinion of the entire state on you.
28. Small Town Life Has Its Perks
If you’re moving to a bigger city, far across the country, you’ll long to live small-town life again in no time. There aren’t big crowds, there’s very little crime, and life is much more stress free.
Life in Idaho just doesn’t have the same hectic hustle and bustle found in most places around America…and that’s a good thing.
29. You’ll Never Be Anywhere Quite As Beautiful
While most of the country assumes that Idaho is a flat land of nothingness, anyone who’s actually been to this state knows it’s so much more. With mountains, rolling hills, huge valleys, and tons of rivers, there’s no better place to go exploring.
If you end up leaving Idaho, there’s a good chance you’ll be back soon.
What do you miss about Idaho? Tell us in the comments below!
