The southern states definitely get a bad rep from the other regions of this country and, as with most reputations, there is an element of truth. But for the most part the south is a wonderful area and as someone who was born in Texas, mostly raised in Florida and currently reside in Richmond, Virginia, I am here to vouch for it's many good qualities.

• The people:
  • Of course there are exceptions, but in my travels and life experience, I've found that the people in the southern United States are MUCH friendlier.
  • That sweet little old lady you just met will probably invite you in her home for some sweet tea and apple pie and treat you like one of her grandkids.
  • They also seem to have a better sense of humor and the ability to laugh at themselves.
• Segway into: Southern hospitality.
• The flora:
  • Palm trees.
  • Giant live oaks and Spanish moss.
  • Cypress trees in the swamps & bayous.
  • Magnolia trees and their gorgeous blossoms.
• The fauna:
  • Alligators & crocodiles.
• The classis cities and their architecture & landmarks:
  • Savannah, Georgia.
  • New Orleans, Louisiana.
  • St. Augustine, Florida.
  • Nashville, Tennessee.
  • Charleston, South Carolina.
• The food & drink:
  • Crabs.
  • Cornbread.
  • Bourbon.
  • Sweet tea.
  • Lemonade.
  • Gumbo.
  • BBQ.
  • Biscuits & gravy.
  • Mint juleps.
• The colonial history.
  • Plenty of battlefields and historic homes and plantations to visit.
• The weather.
  • At least in most southern states, you get to experience the seasons without it getting too extremely hot or cold.
• Mountains & forests:
  • Blue Ridge.
  • Shenandoah.
  • Smokies.
  • Appalachian.
• Good camping & hiking in said mountains.
• Southerners tend to slow down & live slower paced lives.
  • Sometimes this is bad but it's mostly good; living in the moment, enjoying precious time with family, etc.
• The accents.
  • Some people hate them & think they sound unintelligent, but I find them endearing.
  • Yes/no ma'am/sir.
  • Ya'll.
  • The Cajun dialect.
• The music. The south is the home of:
  • Rock & roll.
  • Bluegrass.
  • Country.
  • Folk.
• Pick-up trucks.
• Southern gentlemen:
  • I consider myself an independent woman but sometimes it's nice to have the door opened for you.
• The Kentucky Bourbon trail.
• The Kentucky Derby.
  • Big, fancy hats.
• The Grand Ole Opry.
• Rocking chairs on the front porch.
• Old dirt roads.
• Inspiration & setting for great literature:
  • To Kill a Mockingbird.
  • Most Tennessee Williams' and William Faulkner novels.
  • Tom Sawyer & Huckleberry Finn.