Seven signs that indicate you grew up visiting the Smokies
Almost everyone takes pride in the state where they were born and raised, or at least, where they now live. This is probably truer with people who call Tennessee and the Smoky Mountains home. One of a Tennessean’s first childhood memories is a trip to the Great Smoky Mountains. You have visited the attractions, eaten the food, hiked the Smokies and enjoyed every minute of every excursion. This is the place you love. Here are a few signs that you grew up around the mountains:
1. You have an impressive collection of Pigeon Forge swag
You have enough Dollywood, Titanic, Rod Run and Comedy Barn T-shirts that you could make a small fortune selling them on eBay. However, most of the ones in your closet have only been worn once.
2. You know the lingo
Tennesseans didn’t invent the English language, we just readjusted it to suit our needs. You’ll hear mama’s call their babies “Young’uns.” Tourists will hear, “Y’all ain’t from around here, are ya?” and “Just tell ‘em I sent you. My cousin works there.”
3. You’ve learned some questionable driving habits
Driving in Tennessee involves two separate and different interpretations concerning the rules of the road: lawful and Tennessean. True Tennesseans firmly believe turn signals are a violation of state law and are never used. You must learn to second guess the car in front of you, and then you understand why auto insurance rates are higher than where you came from. When rounding a curve, the driver’s side of the car must be at least two feet to the left of the yellow line in the road. When asked what happens when two cars are meeting in a curve and both are at least two feet left of the yellow line, the reply is, “Ever hear of the car game, ‘Chicken?’ This is where it was invented.”
4. You prefer distilleries to bars
Visiting the Smokies regularly, you soon learn that visiting a moonshine distillery is much cheaper than going to a bar. For around $5-$10, a patron can sample all the different flavors of moonshine and don’t have to tip a bartender, although it is recommended. They will even walk you to the front door.
5. You believe pancakes deserve their own food group
Visiting the Smokies you realize there are more pancake houses in Sevier County than people. Okay, maybe that’s an exaggeration. But from morning till noon, pancakes rule. The close runner-up to pancakes is biscuits and gravy, which is revered as much as communion. Most true Tennesseans are on the last notch on their belt.
6. You believe Dollywood is the 8th Wonder of the World
Annual visits to Dollywood are almost mandatory. You grew up visiting the attraction at least once a year. If you’re lucky you may even get to see Dolly Parton in person. Dollywood is more than rides. It’s educational, it’s inspirational and it’s fun. Annual passes are a cherished Christmas gift. Regardless of your age, you can be a kid again.
7. You’ve witnessed the Volunteer spirit
The final item on our list is the true Tennesseans themselves. You will discover they are honest, friendly and helpful. If you should run your car into a ditch, you can bet that within fifteen minutes someone in a pickup truck will come by, stop, hook a chain to your car and pull it out of the ditch. Try to pay him, he’ll refuse. He’s just being a true Tennessean. And just know, If you should decide to move here and become a Tennessean, you better process, or quickly learn these qualities. True Tennesseans take pride in just that, being Tennesseans.
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