Five Things I Learned Moving to the South
From George Strait to Alan Jackson, and Miranda Lambert to Morgan Wallen, country music artists have a beautiful way of painting a distinct picture of Southern culture, one that I have always been captivated by. While I had never been to the South until age 31, I had always imagined myself living there. When my husband and I first visited Nashville, I immediately fell in love with the warm Southern culture, friendly locals and beautiful scenery. I also instantly understood the references in so many famous country songs I listened to all my life. In six short days, Nashville left an incredible first impression, and the thought of living there excited us.
After that short trip, we took a giant leap of faith, and immediately put the wheels in motion to make the cross country move from San Diego. The risk and immense effort was all worth it. Looking back on our first two years of living in Tennessee, I can honestly say that it’s been better than I had even imagined it would be. It has been an incredible fit for us, and we’ve learned so much more about this endearing way of life along the way.
Here are five of many cherished aspects I have learned and embraced after moving to the South, a place we are so proud to call home!
1. Southern Hospitality is Real
People are SO DARN FRIENDLY! Southerners have always been known for their hospitality, and we’ve experienced this firsthand. We’ve made more neighbor friends than we had in all our years living in San Diego! The first walk around our short block lasted over an hour after getting stopped by people who wanted to meet and welcome us to our new home. True Southerners are extremely friendly, and take the time to have genuine conversations with complete strangers. Don’t be surprised if you engage in a full-on conversation with your server at a restaurant, while walking your dog, or even while in line at the grocery store. People are incredibly welcoming here, and to me, there’s nothing like the warmth of a sweet Southern drawl and a friendly, genuine conversation. Just don’t tick drivers off on the road, because that’s a whole different story!
2. Banana Pudding is a Dessert Staple
Vanilla custard, banana slices, whipped cream and Nilla wafers…who would’ve thought? The first time I had ever heard about banana pudding was during my first trip to Nashville at Edley’s in 12 South. It was listed on the chalkboard menu, right along with mac n’ cheese, bean salad and coleslaw, and made me wonder why it would be considered a side order with BBQ. While I still haven’t quite made the connection between bananas and BBQ, banana pudding is a dessert staple here, and an INCREDIBLE one at that! Nearly every true barbecue restaurant proudly has it on the menu, and everyone knows where their favorite iteration of it is (or has a homemade recipe!). Luckily enough, to this day, Edley’s banana pudding is still my favorite out of the dozens of recipes I have tried across town. Banana pudding is light, incredible, and addicting – and is now one of my own favorite desserts. If you see it on the menu, you need to try it!
3. Embrace the Front Porch Sittin’ Lifestyle
One attribute I absolutely love about Southern homes is the front porch. My ultimate goal someday is to have a wrap-around porch (like in The Notebook!) and then I’ll know I really made it in life. The key element on any welcoming Southern porch is a pair of rocking chairs. While we don’t have a wrap-around porch (yet!), we invested in our own rocking chairs after seeing them in front of almost every home in our neighborhood. During quiet mornings sipping coffee, and late afternoons watching the sunset with a beer (or tea!) in hand, we have really embraced the front porch lifestyle. It’s a slower pace of life, allowing time to appreciate the little things, like listening to the birds, observing the growth of different seasons, and spending time with neighbors. Front porch sittin’ (in the words of Alan Jackson!) is a nice tradition in the South, and something I think everyone needs a little bit more of in their lives!
4. Southern Summer Heat is No Joke
One minute you’re taking your dog for a quick walk around the block, the next minute you’re dripping in sweat, counting down your steps to get back inside to the AC. Here, you come to accept the fact that in the summertime, your hair will frizz and you’ll be constantly glistening. Southern summers get HOT, especially in July and August, and there’s no escaping the humidity in the shade. I distinctly remember worrying that I might pass out from the heat at a few summer events, but staying hydrated was key! Another summer tidbit – storms will rain on your parade…or concert, but make for unforgettable memories! While you might get wet at outdoor events, the rain adds so much more to the fun (as long as lightning doesn’t postpone a concert, like it has for us!). Bottom line – if you have air conditioning, pool access, and light summer clothes/sundresses, you’ll get used to Southern summers. Who knows, with our crazy winter and spring weather, you might even welcome the heat!
5. College Football is LIFE
On one of our last nights on our first visit to Nashville, we took an evening walk around my brother-in-law’s neighborhood. I loved looking at all the different Nashville homes in the area and imagining a life there (like a creeper!). One thing I noticed right away, ALL TVs were fixed on one thing – the UT game. The orange and white uniforms were reflecting in every house (including my brother-in-law’s). That was the moment it really occurred to me how big college football was in the South. In San Diego, it wasn’t as big of a thing! Fast forward to living in Tennessee for over two years – we are now huge Volunteers fans, and watching a Vols game at Neyland Stadium in Knoxville is now on our bucket list. Orange is also now a staple in our closet, which I never thought I would ever say! Saturday game day is a sea of orange across the state, and we embrace the Vols references Morgan Wallen sneaks into so many of his songs. It’s safe to say this love of college football is a staple across all southern states, and the SEC rivalries make it all the more entertaining! College football is life…and it really brings so much culture, electricity and camaraderie. Go big orange!
While Southern culture goes far beyond hospitality, banana pudding, front porch sittin’, summer heat and college football, these are five of the many things I love about the South. I hope this provides a little introductory glimpse for any of you who are wanting to learn more, or debating making a similar move someday! The South is truly a wonderful place to call home, and with plenty of culture, traditions, and fun, it’s an easy place to fall in love with, no matter where you move from!
