33 Lessons an Out-of-Stater Has Learned About Ohio

  1. Spelling out Ohio is a common form of greeting.
  2. There actually are cities, Ohio is not just made up of farms.
  3. Everyone is either from Cleveland, Columbus, Cincinnati, Dayton or a small town.
  4. The phrase “and Michigan still sucks” added on to any sentence is always welcomed.
  5. Buckeyes are not merely nuts, they are also delicious combinations of peanut butter and chocolate to which Reese’s cannot compare.
  6. “Oval Beach” is the best beach … it’s the only beach … and it’s not actually a beach.
  7. Every football Saturday is the equivalent of a national holiday.
  8. 24 astronauts came from Ohio.
  9. Tractors are not only used on farms, but they are also used for transportation (and they are not very conducive to the flow of traffic).
  10. Two-lane highways without street lights are real.
  11. High school sweethearts exist beyond high school. Their cute social media posts may induce nausea.
  12. When people mention Miami they are not usually referring to Florida.
  13. U-turns are illegal; attempt at your own risk.
  14. When people say they need a sweeper they may be referring to a vacuum. Always clarify when asked to sweep a carpet.
  15. There are high schools with graduating classes that have more people than some Ohio towns.
  16. LeBron returning to Cleveland evokes many strong emotions.
  17. Ohio sports fans reveal the idyllic optimism that many Ohioans possess.
  18. Buckeye Spirit is felt across the entire state; if you are purple and polka dotted but you cheer in scarlet and gray, you are accepted.
  19. Soccer is a big deal in Columbus, the city has its own professional team. Crew games are a blast!
  20. Take advantage of Discount Tickets (D-Tix) at the Ohio Union, you are going to want to see Columbus.
  21. Marcella’s is one of the best restaurants in the Short North, even if you are gluten free, vegan, vegetarian or lactose intolerant!
  22. Just because it is raining doesn’t mean it won’t be sunny within the next ten minutes.
  23. … The reverse is also true; always carry an umbrella.
  24. Snow boots are a great investment.
  25. Presidential elections in Ohio are times every four years Ohio when receives more attention than any other state.
  26. I talk funny. (I’m from Chicago).
  27. Ohio has their own version of a hot dog. It includes both corn and mashed potatoes I am still not sure how I feel about that.
  28. People live with animals that are not their pets.
  29. The summers are humid; you will start sweating when you open the front door.
  30. Jeni’s ice cream does the impossible: makes a dessert out of cayenne pepper.
  31. All roads will forever be under construction, you cannot escape it.
  32. Ohio is the heart of the U.S., it will worm its way into yours.
  33. Most importantly, one day you will realize that while Columbus may be a temporary home, it becomes a place that will forever be a home away from home. 🙂

 

Next week stay tuned for Connor’s post, The 34 Best Instagram Opportunities on Ohio State’s Campus!