Hey there, fellow travelers! Today, we’re talking about what NOT to do when you take a trip to the South of the USA. Specifically, we’re talking about the southeast states like Georgia, Louisiana, South Carolina, and other nearby states. While many travel blogs will tell you the best things to do in the South, we want to be sure you know about the things you should NOT do during your Southern vacations!
Don’t Forget Your Manners
Manners are still a big deal in the South. Saying “please” and “thank you” or “yes, sir” and “no, ma’am” are all part of the Southern lexicon. It’s not optional, it’s how you should speak when you’re in the South. Respect for elders is still very much part of Southern culture, so expect to hold the door for anyone behind you, and you will give up your seat when an elderly person comes by, and the list of Southern manners you need to remember will be long, but don’t worry, the locals will remind you if you forget one.
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Don’t Forget to Smile in the South
Along with manners, most people in the South are happy and friendly. A smile goes a long way, and when you see everyone else smiling, you can’t help but smile, too! So don’t think the locals are sizing you up or think you are silly they are just happy to live in the part of the US with the best food and friendliest people.
Don’t Be Surprised if Locals Approach You
People in the South are so friendly that they think nothing of approaching a stranger on the street and striking up a conversation. Whether you’re at the grocery store, eating at a restaurant, shopping at the mall or just out for a walk, you better put on a smile and be ready to converse with anyone who crosses your path. The best part is they will be more than glad to help! Which leads into our next don’t…
Don’t Be Shy About Asking for Help
Because the locals are so friendly, there’s no reason not to ask them for help if you need it. If you get turned around while exploring a southern town like Savannah, you’ll see that southern hospitality right away when you ask someone to point you in the right direction. They also take a lot of pride in their hometowns, so they are usually happy to give recommendations.
Don’t Assume a Lack of Intelligence with the Southern Accent
The southern accent has been the butt of a lot of jokes over the years, but there really is no correlation between intelligence and an accent. And after you spend some time in the South you will realize that while you pass time drinking sweet tea shooting the breeze with some of your new Southern friends.
Don’t Be Surprised if You Get Some Parenting Help
This goes back to instilling manners at a young age. If you’re out with your kids and they are acting up, it’s highly possible that someone else will step in to correct your kid. This may not fly in other parts of the country, but you can expect it in the South, and you can’t get worked up about it. They’re not judging you, they’re just trying to help out. As the old adage goes, It takes a village to raise a child.
Don’t Melt!
If you visit the South in the summertime, don’t say I didn’t warn you! July and August are the worst, with oppressive heat and humidity. Winter is the best time to visit the South, especially if you live in a cold climate and need to escape. But honestly, your sweat may sweat if you visit in August.
Don’t Confuse Coke with Coca-Cola
You might want to order a soda or a pop, but in the South, they call everything Coke. If they ask “what kind of Coke do you want?” they mean what kind of soda do you want. So, when a Southerner says “Coke” they could mean Sprite, Root Beer, Dr. Pepper or even just the “real” Coke. Best to ask to clarify when you are ordering. This is not as big of a thing as it used to be, but it is still a good idea to know it might happen.
Don’t Expect Southerners to be Prompt
If you are making plans in the South, don’t expect anything to start on time. They are definitely more “laissez-faire” in the South, especially when it comes to timeliness. If you’re meeting up with someone, plan a little extra time and don’t sweat it if you’re running late, too. It’s the Southern way! Besides, it gives you more time to get all fancied up for when you go out.
Don’t Expect Unsweetened Tea
In the South, there’s only one kind of tea and that’s sweet tea. There is no other kind of tea in the South. And sweet tea isn’t just a bunch of sugar tossed in regular iced tea; it’s a special Southern thing. Though I should be honest, you can get unsweet tea in the South, but don’t expect anyone to understand why you would order such a strange unsweetened concoction.
Don’t Be on a Diet
Southern cuisine is almost as famous as southern hospitality, maybe even more so. Health food just isn’t a thing in the South. Some of the best food in the South includes fried chicken, biscuits, grits, and barbecue. Don’t forget about Waffle House! And then there are the decadent desserts of the South, like pecan pie and pralines. We have a video that goes over some of the best Southern Foods that you should have, so I won’t make your mouth water twice.
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Don’t Confuse BBQ with Grilling
Somehow, BBQ has become synonymous with grilling, but in the South, these are two very different things. You grill hot dogs, hamburgers, and steaks. In the South, BBQ involves smoked meat that is prepared in a smoker for several hours. Along with that, BBQ sauce varies greatly. Some regions favor a sweet sauce, others prefer a spicy sauce, while other places go for a dry rub, regardless where you are you will have some fine BBQ and the locals will swear that their style of BBQ is the best!
Don’t Assume all Southern States are the Same
The BBQ sauce isn’t the only thing that changes from state to state. Atlanta, Savannah, Charleston, Memphis, New Orleans, and the Outer Banks are all great places to visit in the South. All the southern vacation spots are unique and have something different to offer to travelers. Just because you’ve been to Nashville doesn’t mean you shouldn’t visit Memphis. Each city has a different history and vibe, and it’s really cool to compare and contrast them.
Don’t Touch the Spanish Moss
One of the cool things you’ll see in areas like Savannah is the Spanish moss that drapes from the trees. It’s very tempting to want to touch it and see what it feels like. However, I don’t recommend that. There are little chiggers in there that will leave your skin itching for hours. This is really important to mention to your kids if they are getting tempted by it.
Don’t Be Surprised If You’re Underdressed
Chances are, you’ll feel underdressed at some point when you visit the South. You’ll see a gamut of fashion choices in the South, but they tend to dress up a bit more than you might be used to. Especially women. You’ll see women wearing high heels at a football game or the grocery store.
Don’t Mess with the Mayo
Mayonnaise is a pretty big deal in the South. Duke’s is the best brand of mayonnaise in the South, followed by Blue Plate. Leave your Miracle Whip up north! And it may seem like a silly thing, but the Mayo you use says a lot about your soul… or so says some of my Southern friends.
Don’t Have Grits Only for Breakfast
Grits are often associated with breakfast, and it’s a common thing to have for breakfast in the South. Although grits look like oatmeal or cream of wheat, it’s actually a corn-based food, so it’s usually served in a savory dish. Shrimp and grits are a really popular lunch or dinner meal in the South.
Don’t Miss the Biscuits
You may think all biscuits are the same, but you would be wrong! Biscuits in the south are so much better than what you’ve had anywhere else. The flour is different and they are just amazing. See for yourself! And if biscuits aren’t your thing, you can always get some cornbread.
Don’t Insult SEC Football
Football, or American Football, is practically a religion in the South. Don’t knock it, and definitely don’t try to argue that hockey or basketball is better than football. If you get a chance to go to a football game in the south, take it! Not only is the game a great experience, but they take tailgating to a whole new level down south!
The moral of this story is: Don’t skip out on planning a few southern vacations! You will fall in love! Friendly people, amazing architecture, fascinating history, great winter weather, and delicious food. What’s not to love? The South is one of the most interesting regions of the United States. Looking for more tips on visiting the USA? Check out these blog posts!