1. If You’re From SoVa, You Love To Hate NoVa—And Vice Versa
Everyone knows that Virginians love battling over which part of the state is the “real” Virginia. Some even argue Virginia should be two states: Northern Virginia (NoVa) and Southern Virginia (SoVa).
Yes, it’s true that at times our rivalry mirrors that of the Starks and the Lannisters: NoVa and SoVa are politically, economically, socially, and even culturally two very different places. But at the end of the day, we know that neither NoVa or SoVa would leave one another if given the choice.
Virginians from both regions are like siblings who love to hate each other—we’ll pick a fight, but when it comes down to it, we’re family, regardless of which “side” we’re on.
2. Growing Up In The Same State As Colonial Williamsburg
Every Virginian has...
1) at some point in their lives been to the famous Colonial Williamsburg
and
2) loved every minute of it.
It doesn’t matter how old you are—there’s nothing like being transported back to the past in this living-history museum where interpreters work and dress as they did in colonial America, using colonial grammar and diction.
Side note: Don’t rent colonial outfits, dress your children up in them, and then walk around Colonial Williamsburg. If you do this, your child will inevitably be mistaken as one of the museum actors and instantly become the star of a tour group’s photo memories. Don’t ask me how I know this. Ahem.
3. United States Presidents: Just Can’t Get (Or Make) Enough Of ’Em
We’re not known as the "Mother of Presidents" for nothing. Eight former U.S. presidents claimed Virginia as their hometown, including four of the first five.
We’re all history buffs, as a result, and are obsessed with our presidents.
4. And We Love Popping In At The Presidents’ Home For A Visit
Mount Vernon (George Washington), Monticello (Thomas Jefferson), and Montpelier (James Madison) just to name a few…all beautiful places, and we’ve been to all of th]em on multiple occasions.
What can we say? We Virginians love soaking up our history. And we’ve got a lot of it to soak up! It’s homes like these that remind us we really are the birthplace of America…
5. But Everyone Knows Who Our Favorite P.O.T.U.S. Really Is: Hands Down, It’s T.J.
No one loves the one and only Thomas Jefferson like Virginians love him—this founding father and writer of the Declaration of Independence is Virginia’s favorite of all the presidents who have called Virginia home.
Monticello, Jefferson’s home, is one of the most visited sites in VA and we pretty much put good old Jefferson on a pedestal. Basically, he’s the best prez of all time…and we hold this truth to be self-evident. In other words: Duh.
6. Harris Teeter If You’re NoVa. Piggly Wiggly If You’re SoVa
Whether you’re at Harris Teeter on the regular, still getting the free sugar cookies from Harry even though you’re way too old, or a Piggly Wiggly lifer who refuses to shop anywhere else, these two grocery stores are loved by Virginians in equal measure.
7. Sheetz is the Sh*t
Sheetz gas station: the life blood of Virginia. Plus: cinnamon buns. True Virginians know exactly what I mean.
8. Trips To Tyson’s Corner
If you live in Richmond, Virginia Beach or pretty much anywhere in SoVa, a trip to Tyson’s is a big deal and you love, love, love when you get the chance to go.
If you’re from NoVa, it’s no big. It’s just the mall. But really…who doesn’t love the mall?
9. Tobacco, Baby!
While it’s no longer our largest produced crop, Virginia is still the fifth-largest producer of tobacco nationwide and 19 percent of Virginians smoke tobacco. We’re not saying it’s good for us. We’re just saying…we love it.
10. Dolla, Dolla Bills…And Nickels. Especially Nickels
OK, so this one really does mostly apply to NoVa (not to harp on the rivalry…) But regardless: we Virginians love our money. According to CNN Money Magazine the highest-income town in the nation is Great Falls, Vir and according to a 2013 study by Phoenix Marketing International, Virginia had the seventh-largest number of millionaires per capita in the United States, with a ratio of 6.64 percent.
Now here’s where NoVa comes in: eight Fortune 500 companies are headquartered in Northern Virginia—more than in 31 other states, including Maryland.
While Northern Virginia isn’t all that big, encompassing 7 percent of the state’s land area, it’s an economic hub that accounts for almost half the state’s economic growth, more than half its new jobs, and nearly half of income-tax revenues.
No matter how you look at it though: we Virginians love our nickels and dimes. Mostly nickels. Because Jefferson’s face is on them.
11. The Boardwalk On Virginia Beach
There’s nothing like heading to Virginia Beach in the summer.
The boardwalk is reminiscent of childhood vacations, warm summer sun, and that Virginia Beach breeze. Sure, it’s crowded and touristy at times, but it’s ours and we love it.
12. Supporting Our Soldiers And Vets
Virginia has one of the highest concentrations of war veterans of any state and is also home to the Pentagon, two Air force bases, seven Navy bases, a national guard facility, a marine base, four Coast guard bases, and eight army posts.
Basically, we love our soldiers, both past and present. The military is part of the way of life here, and we so appreciate all that these brave men and women have done, and continue to do, for us.
13. Anything And Everything Related To Technology
Virginia has the highest concentration of technology workers of any state. In fact, computer chips became the state's highest-grossing export in 2006, surpassing its traditional top exports of coal and tobacco combined.
As of 2013, the state has one of the highest average Internet speeds in the world, and Northern Virginia's data centers carried 70 percent of the nation's Internet traffic.
14. Eating All The Smithfield Ham We Can
Smithfield Ham, sometimes called “Virginia Ham,” is a type of country ham which is protected by state law, and can only be produced in the town of Smithfield, Virginia.
It’s argued that Virginia Ham is the flavor of Southern hospitality: and we agree. Perfectly cured, delicious ham… yum.
15. Jammin’ Out to Bluegrass
No matter what you’ve heard, our bluegrass scene is the best in the South. There’s nothing better in the world than a Virginia bluegrass festival.
And weve got dozens of them, like the Cabin Fever Piickin Party, Graves Mountain Music Festival and the Old Fiddlers Convention, just to name a few!
16. The Cavaliers vs. Hokies Rivalry
Regardless of who you route for, Virginia Cavaliers or the Virginia Tech Hokies, there is some serious love (and hate) on both sides of this rivalry.
It’s followed statewide, everyone’s picked a side, and we’ll stick to it ‘til we die.
17. Deletable BBQ Pork—Virginia-Style!
Nothing better than a good old fashioned Virginia BBQ.
And by BBQ we mean BBQ pork, because… well, what else would we barbeque? There’s nothing like it.
Whats Virginia-style BBQ? Well Im glad you asked, its smoky and mildly sweet, the sauce is made with bourbon or wine, vinegar, peppers, corn, and a tomato-based sauce. And its delicious!
Speaking of delicious.. .
18. Eating Mountains Of Peanuts In Every Form
What can we say? Peanuts are our thing. We love them: roasted, boiled…we even love peanut soup. Don’t knock it until you try it.
19. Eating Loads Of Fried Peaches
Cut them in half, simmer them in butter with brown sugar melted in their hollows, and serve with vanilla ice cream. Best. Thing. Ever.
20. Apple Doughnuts, Apple Cider, Apple Butter…Anything Apple, Really
If you haven’t tried an apple doughnut, you’re not really from Virginia. And trust me. Once you try one of these, your life will be complete. Your heart will melt and you’ll never look at doughnuts the same.
For the best of the best, swing by The Apple House in Linden.
21. Wine, Wine, And More Wine
Virginia’s had a wine renaissance. And we’re so glad. “Decanter” magazine called us “the next big thing in American wine.” And we are. Try any one of our 230 wineries and we’ll prove it to you.
22. Whipping Up Some Antique-Style Furniture
For some reason, we’re really good at making old-style, antique-looking furniture. Yes, it has something to do with our colonial past. But really, we’re just the best carpenters. Like if Jesus and Gepetto combined their talents. That’s our carpentry skills.
23. The Natural Bridge
This Virginia landmark is so epically wonderful, it’s hard not to love it. Thanks, Mother Nature. You’re awesome.
24. Hiking The Humpback Rocks…As Grueling As It May Be
Flickr user: smnorthrunner
Hands down one of the best hiking spots in Virginia. And the view. My God. It’s breathtaking.
25. Everything about the Blue Ridge Mountains
There’s a reason these mountains have inspired so many songs. Every time we look at these mountains, we’re home.
26. And Driving On Blue Ridge Parkway In The Fall
It was named “America’s Favorite Drive,” and it’s obvious why. This is some heavenly scenery. The minute you get on this parkway in Autumn, you fall in love with Virginia all over again.
27. Sallies And Jimmies
You know you’re from Virginia when you know the difference between a Sally and a Jimmy: You look at their stomachs. Jimmies have the Washington Monument on their stomachs, and Sallies have the Capital. But what do we love even more than finding them and telling them apart? Umm…Crab cakes.
28. Pineapples On Christmas—Thanks Williamsburg
No one knows for certain exactly how, or why, the pineapple became an essential element in the Christmas decorations of Colonial Williamsburg. But as far back as Virginia goes, Christmas and Pineapples go together like peanut butter and jelly.
29. Secret And Not-So-Secret Gardens
Virginia has the best gardens. And I don’t just mean Busch Gardens (though we love that too!) Seriously—our climate makes for some excellent flora. Maymont, Agecroft, the Virginia House, Boxerwood, Norfolk Botanical…and so, so many more.
Basically, you can’t travel a few miles without finding yourself in some sort of beautiful garden. Sigh.
30. Kicking Back On Our Front Porches
Whether it’s adorned with rocking chairs, swings, or antique furniture, hanging out on a Virginia front porch is one of the best parts about living in this state.
There’s nothing like kicking back with old friends over a beer and some BBQ pork on your front porch.
Feature Image Source: Flickr user Mobilus In Mobili 
