1. Big Events Get Planned Around Game Day
There’s nothing Georgians are more passionate about than college football. Big games tend to shut down entire cities with residents often planning huge events like weddings and even births around game day.
Whether someone is cheering for the Georgia Bulldogs or the Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets, their love for this sport is insanely high.
2. Georgia Is The Land Of The Free And The Home Of The Braves
Georgia doesn’t stop loving their hometown teams at football. The Atlanta Braves have a huge group of backers in the Peach State and all around the country, thanks to several decades of their games being broadcasted nationwide.
3. If It’s Carbonated And Full Of Sugar, It’s A Coke
With Coca-Cola headquartered in Atlanta, it shouldn’t be a surprise that in the pop vs. coke debate, Georgians use the latter to describe their soft drinks.
If an out-of-towner is ordering a soda and asks for a “coke”, they shouldn’t be too surprised when the waiter asks “what type of coke?” in response.
4. Normal Tea Is Sweet Tea Here
If an out-of-towner orders tea expecting a hot drink, they’ll probably be disappointed. In Georgia, standard tea is sweet and served with lemon. Georgians drink so much that it might as well be its own food group.
5. Peachtree Streets Are Everywhere
It’s the Peach State, what did you expect? Most towns seem to have at least one road named after peach trees, and some will have several, despite there being no peaches in sight.
6. Well, Yah, It’s Because The Peaches Are Really That Good
It’s called the peach state for a reason and Georgia peaches live up to the hype. One you start eating them, it’s nearly impossible to stop.
7. But Give The Blueberries Some Credit
This might catch most out-of-towners off guard, but Georgia should also be known for their blueberries. With huge levels of production every year, this tiny fruit might give their peaches a run for their money.
8. Even The Vegetables Get Deep-Fried
Lots of things get deep-fried in Georgia, but one of the best things to stick in the fryer is the local produce. One taste of deep-fried okra will stop all complaining about finishing the greens at the dinner table.
9. People Here Shop With Buggies And Sacks
In most places around the country, people put their items in a cart while they’re in the grocery store and then get a bag to take them home. In Georgia, people put them in the buggy while they’re shopping and in a sack after they pay for the goods.
10. It’s All About Y’all
Some states say “you guys”, some areas says “youse”, in Georgia it’s all about the “y’all.” An out-of-towner might not use it at first but they’ll find a “y’all” or two sneaking out of their own mouth in no time.
11. Get Used To Hearing “Sir” and “Ma’am”
It might make an out-of-towner feel old, but the words “sir” and “ma’am” are huge in the Peach State. Just chalk it up to Southern hospitality.
12. Jawja Isn’t Some Star Wars Character
If an out-of-towner visits a more rural area of Georgia, the word “Jaw-Ja” is sure to have them doing a double-take at first. It’s just the way that some people pronounce the state they love.
13. Dinner Is Served Around Lunchtime
In Georgia, lunch means tiny snacks, dinner means a midday meal, and supper is a feast in the evening. Lots of the older residents in the state still use these terms to describe their eating habits, sure to confuse an out-of-towner at first.
14. It’s Not Morning Unless You’re At A Waffle House
To an out-of-towner, it will be a bit strange to see a Waffle House restaurant on nearly every exit while they’re driving through the state. There’s obviously a reason for this, Waffle House is simply that good.
Nothing works better at getting someone moving in the morning than a plate full of food and a few cups of coffee.
15. Grits Taste Way Better Than They Look
Most out-of-towners find the color and texture of grits a bit off-putting at first. Force them to try some and it’s a sure thing they’ll be coming back for more.
16. No Two Pots Of Brunswick Stew Are Alike
Nearly every Georgian family has a secret recipe for this local stew, often including meats like squirrel and rabbit. Filled with tons of secret ingredients, it’s nearly impossible to go wrong.
17. Humidity Is A Fact Of Life
If an out-of-towner is visiting Georgia for the first time, make sure they bring plenty of fresh shirts. Stepping outside for only a few minutes in the Georgia sun on a hot summer day can leave someone soaked in sweat.
18. Don’t Be Surprised If Your Car Turns Yellow
Georgia has a huge problem with pollen. Every year, yellow dust from pine trees seems to coat the state in a golden hue.
19. Snow Flurries Tend To Cause Panic
A mere report that snow might happen tends to cause people to freak out in Georgia. Roads get backed up and grocery stores seem to instantly sell out of milk, bread, and water as if the end of the world is on its way.
With an infrastructure not prepared for winter weather, sometimes it’s best to just stay home when flurries are on the horizon.
20. Tornado Warnings Send More People Outside With A Beer Than Seeking Cover
While tornados are well-known as dangerous storms, a Georgian’s curiosity often gets the best of them when one is about to hit. They can’t help themselves from heading to the driveway to watch the clouds roll in.
21. ALWAYS Bring Bug Spray
Mosquitos might as well be the state bird in Georgia. If an out-of-towner is spending much time outside, make sure they remember the bug spray, the best line of defense when it comes to keeping these critters away.
22. It’s Normal For The Ground To Be Red
Have no fear, nothing’s wrong with the ground in Georgia.
The dirt here is red mostly due to the high presence of iron oxides in the soil.
23. Peanuts Are Best When Boiled
Around the entire country, peanuts are a favorite snack. However, Georgia is one of the few places that’s somehow made them better. By boiling peanuts, they become much more flavorful, with a salty bite and a softer feel.
24. Georgia Fried Chicken Puts Kentucky To Shame
While the peaches seem to cast a shadow on all other Georgian foods at a national level, their chicken is something that simply can’t be missed. Georgians might be a bit biased, but they’ll all probably say it’s the best in the country, something an out-of-towner will have to judge for themselves.
25. Parking Spots Are Judged By Shade, Not Distance
In a state with such powerful sunshine, the best spots in the parking lot might seem like they’re a mile away from the front door. All that matters to a Georgian when they’re looking for a spot is whether or not their steering wheel will be too hot to handle when they get back to their car.
26. Falcons Always Have A Shot At The Playoffs
Even in years with a losing season, the Falcons always seem to somehow have a shot at post-season play. With Matt Ryan at the helm, every game is potentially winnable as there always seems to be a trick up his sleeve.
27. Don’t Forget To Buy Booze For Sunday Football
Until recently, Georgia was one of three states to ban alcohol sales on Sundays. However, despite this law changing at a statewide level, cities still have a say in whether or not they allow sales on this day of the week.
28. Georgia Is A Beach State
Some out-of-towners often forget that Georgia touches the ocean. People rarely associate the Peach State with the beach. Guess what? The state actually has some awesome sandy spots. Nothing beats the summer heat like a quick dip in the water.
29. There’s Only One “T” In Atlanta
Locals don’t pronounce their state’s capital “At-lan-tah”, it’s just “At-lan-a.” Incorrect mispronunciation is one of the easiest ways to pick out a visitor to the state. Also, it’s important that out-of-towners know that no one really says “Hotlanta” anymore.
30. County Pride Is A Thing
If someone is asked where they’re from in Georgia, there’s a good chance they’ll respond with a county instead of a city, especially if they’re living in a small town. But then again, finding out where someone is from is usually as easy as checking out their license plate.
If you’re in a city that’s dry on Sunday, make sure you pick up your booze early for that big Falcons game.
What have you had to explain to out-of-towners about Georgia? Tell us in the comments below! 
