15 Reasons Why the South is Best

I am Southern born and raised. Needless to say, I am a bit biased. But honestly, I have traveled some and I sincerely can say that while there are some pretty awesome places out there, the South supersedes them all. So I decided to come up with my top reasons why the south is the best. Originally I was going to do the top 10, but how can I name just 10 when there are a million reasons why the South is so great. So I compromised with myself and decided on the top 15. Here they are:

15. We still have manners.

Occasionally you will run into someone with their nose in the air, but truthfully, Southerners know how to still say, “Thank you,” “Yes ma’m,” “Your welcome,” and so on. And let’s not forget the song, “Ladies love a country boy.” Because our mamma’s raised our men right. Our men are gentlemen – they still open doors and bring you flowers. 

14. We have our own language

 The whole country is practically divided by different dialects, but nothing is sweeter than a little southern twang and drawl. After all, southerners have their dictionary – literally (ex. “How To Speak Southern – you can find it on Amazon).  And let’s not forget Jeff Foxworthy has made a living off Southern talk. No other phrase carries more meaning in the English language than the Southern phrase, “Bless your heart.”

13. Everyone wants to be us

Let’s just be honest, you do. My brother lived in California for a few years and has said many a time that he met multiple people who tried hard to look and be “Country.” But we don’t wear our Carhartt and boots as a fashion statement.

12. Mud, Mud, and more mud

Not all of us participate, but those who do know how fun it really is. Nothing is more thrilling than a horse-powered beast rumbling through a river of mud. It takes weeks to get “Ol’e Bessie” clean after a weekend spitting up muck.

11. BBQ

And I don’t mean a sun in the sky and a grill on the porch with sizzling bratwurst. No, I’m talking about driving out to the backwoods to your mom and pop BBQ shack. Hickory smoke in the air and the best pulled pork that leaves you wanting more.

10. Southern Food

I hate to put food down again, but honestly, I could make a top 10 or 15 reasons why the South is better just based on the food. Go anywhere else and ask for Sweet Tea and chocolate gravy and they will look at you like you are plumb crazy. Nowhere else has mommas that can cook fried chicken, okra, and biscuits like our southern mommas. 

9. Rich in History

The South has a colorful history. Some painful memories, but what place doesn’t. Let us not forget our amazing men: Andrew Jackson, Martin Luther King Jr., Davy Crocket, Robert E. Lee – just to name a few. And of course, some major points in history: The Alamo and the Battle of Shiloh.

8. Sunday Drives

If you’re not napping on your porch swing while listening to the cicadas or cheering on your favorite team, then you’re probably enjoying a relaxing drive through the countryside. It’s personally one of my favorite past times. Hand out the window, breeze blowing through my hair, mountains and hills rolling around me, the scent of honeysuckle in the air – it’s a sweet reminder of the simpler days.

7. We have our own holiday

It’s true – it’s called OPEN SEASON!

6. Winchester, Remington, or Browning

On the topic of guns, everyone and their brother owns one in the South. Even women proudly know how to load and shoot. Our preachers are even packing down here.

5. Country Music

We all love Luke, Carrie, Dierks, and Alan. Let’s not forget the legends too: Dolly, George, and Johnny. But country music touches us in a way it can’t touch the rest of the country. While everyone else is wishing and pretending they relate to “Up on the Ridge,” those in the South can.

4. 4 Seasons

While sometimes Mother Nature likes to confuse us, generally, most of our states enjoy all 4 seasons. Cold winters, mild springs, hot (and humid) summers, and cool falls. 

3. We have the Smoky Mtns.

Enough said there.

2. Bible Belt

While our country is taking a back seat to morals and God, the South, generally still acknowledges our roots. There’s a church on every corner and most still continue to stay strong in our conservative beliefs. “Amazing Grace how sweet the sound…” 

1. SEC

Football is almost a religion here and our fans our more devoted than anywhere else. And we have proof to back it up. Just visit Alabama and see how many crimson vehicles with a Roll Tide bumper sticker pass you and in Tennessee all you need to say is “Rocky Top” and you’ve made a new friend. Also, UA 15 national championships, UT 6, UF 2, & LSU 3. (Fairly certain I have my stats right)

 

What do you love about the South? What makes it the best place in the world to you? If you live elsewhere, why do you love where you live? What are you top reasons?