My favorite personal "Pennsylvania does not play around when it comes to hoagies" story is that if it's an Eagles home gameday, Wawa will tape several hoagies together end-to-end, because the stadium has a "one hoagie per person" rule. People walking around like it's completely normal, everyone wielding gigantic sandwiches. It's glorious.
yes, and the fact that every stoned-out-of-their-mind gas-station-sandwich-artist within a 100-mile radius knows said hoagie rule is conclusive proof that the British didn't stand a chance in 1776
Hawaii is equal but opposite of Alaska- I do not understand how I can bike down a volcano, drink coffee that has travelled less than two football fields and eat enough tropical fruit to OD on Vitamin C without a passport.
Also, glad for the state seasoning callout, because that stuff helps pay the bills.
I am originally from NY. Lived on LI for 66 years, moved upstate to Malta, NY near Saratoga Springs, after my life partner passed from Alzheimer’s. Last October I was led to Kentucky., my new home.
The American West in general is difficult for me to comprehend. I am in Phoenix today, and I connected in DFW on the way out... I was a little stunned when I realized that DFW-PHX is longer than Louisville-DFW, because to me, Texas and Arizona are both Out West. But Dallas is actually 150 miles closer to Louisville than it is to Phoenix!
yeah growing up in Texas really skewed my sense of how far apart things should be, in Ohio now I am still blown away that I can easily drive to other states.
I flew through DFW a few weeks ago for the first time in a long time, and came away with two thoughts:
1. I have never seen so many planes in takeoff and landing patterns in my life. I have also never spent so much time taxiing between the gate and the runway.
2. One of my flights into DFW was delayed due to mechanical issues, so I missed my connection and had to stay the night in an hotel near the airport. The hotel seemed like it was right outside the southern end of one of the runways and a straight shot to and from the airport - should be no more than a 5-10 minute drive. Reader, it took 30 minutes each way. I was gobsmacked.
When you do go to Maine for lobster, stay away from Portland and head down east on Rt 1. Until you hit Rt 24 and head south to Orr’s Island and Bailey Island. Lobster is lobster but the views here will make the trip worthwhile.
Absolutely, and I’d be happy to throw down some recommendations. But there is something about dining on seafood while the angry Atlantic crashes on rocks below.
Saying nice things about every state I've lived in:
1) New Jersey: probably the most underrated state out there. It's the butt of so many jokes, and people overlook the geographic diversity (Del. Water Gap vs the Shore), cultural output (Bruce Springsteen, Whitney Houston, I could go on and on), role in early American history (America's first National Historical Park in Morristown plus the birth of American industry in Paterson), and food. The people behind the state's official social media are hilarious as well.
2) Maryland: I think Scott's comment about seasoning blend is spot-on. The Maryland flag rules, and is the best state flag by a long shot.
3) DC: the Smithsonian may be the best collection of world class museums out there, and best of all, they're FREE. Once you get out of downtown, you also have some really nice neighborhoods that are often overlooked by visitors.
4) Virginia: I live here now, I've found community here, and it really feels like home.
I think with the Smithsonians it’s a real case of strength in depth. The Louvre will blow your socks off, as will the British Museum & National Gallery in London, but the sheer range and quality of the Smithsonians is hard to beat. I don’t realize how spoiled I am with them until I go somewhere and am like “I mean that’s a nice Manet but kind of third tier,” what a gift.
The best thing about WV pepperoni rolls is that seemingly minor things like "stick vs slice" or "cheese vs no cheese" can literally rip families apart and end friendships. That's the sign of a great food IMO.
Another neat thing about Kansas is the Flint Hills - they cover much of the southeastern part of the state. We drove through them once going from the KC suburbs (where I grew up) to Wichita and I was in *awe*.
(Also thank you for not making a tired Wizard of Oz reference.)
I grew up in Chicagoland and went to grad school in MHK and when people from back home would go "what, was Chicago not flat enough for you?" I would pull up the Flint Hills.
After reading that headline, I changed it to 50 Stoats of Compliments and have been thinking positive thoughts about stoats, weasels, ferrets, and the like.
You know how hard this is for me to do, but Ohio has several really nice places to visit, the best of which is probably Hocking Hills State Park. Truly a worthwhile and fun place to go.
If I were to give a compliment to my home state - Virginia - it would be that you can be in the mountains or the ocean within four hours. If you live in Richmond, it's two hours each way. And it's just so damn beautiful.
I've never been to Idaho but my favorite Bodeans song is the live version of Idaho. It's glorious.
Not bad. Only one true snark (Idaho). Reminds me of the time my kid drove from Cleveland to Colorado for a music thing. I asked him what did he think of Kansas. He said "Corn". What did he think of Nebraska? "Corn".
I swear I didn’t mean it as snark! I like potatoes, and when I think of them I think of Idaho. I don’t know a ton about the state otherwise, though I’ve heard it’s great for outdoors activities.
My favorite personal "Pennsylvania does not play around when it comes to hoagies" story is that if it's an Eagles home gameday, Wawa will tape several hoagies together end-to-end, because the stadium has a "one hoagie per person" rule. People walking around like it's completely normal, everyone wielding gigantic sandwiches. It's glorious.
The mere fact that they have to have a hoagie rule is an endorsement of the state
yes, and the fact that every stoned-out-of-their-mind gas-station-sandwich-artist within a 100-mile radius knows said hoagie rule is conclusive proof that the British didn't stand a chance in 1776
(p.s. PA is a commonwealth)
I'm envisioning a looney tunes repeating animation cel of a mile long hoagie being escorted into the stadium. Thank you.
In Michigan you’re never more than 6 miles from water and 85 miles from a Great Lake. That fact is fun to me
that is a great fact!
Hawaii is equal but opposite of Alaska- I do not understand how I can bike down a volcano, drink coffee that has travelled less than two football fields and eat enough tropical fruit to OD on Vitamin C without a passport.
Also, glad for the state seasoning callout, because that stuff helps pay the bills.
I liked this a lot. All the states are good and we should be nicer to each other.
I am originally from NY. Lived on LI for 66 years, moved upstate to Malta, NY near Saratoga Springs, after my life partner passed from Alzheimer’s. Last October I was led to Kentucky., my new home.
I am sorry for your loss, but welcome to Kentucky! I hope you’ve found it welcoming.
For Texas, El Paso is actually closer to the Pacific Ocean than Hosuton - not just LA. Always blows my mind!
The American West in general is difficult for me to comprehend. I am in Phoenix today, and I connected in DFW on the way out... I was a little stunned when I realized that DFW-PHX is longer than Louisville-DFW, because to me, Texas and Arizona are both Out West. But Dallas is actually 150 miles closer to Louisville than it is to Phoenix!
yeah growing up in Texas really skewed my sense of how far apart things should be, in Ohio now I am still blown away that I can easily drive to other states.
I flew through DFW a few weeks ago for the first time in a long time, and came away with two thoughts:
1. I have never seen so many planes in takeoff and landing patterns in my life. I have also never spent so much time taxiing between the gate and the runway.
2. One of my flights into DFW was delayed due to mechanical issues, so I missed my connection and had to stay the night in an hotel near the airport. The hotel seemed like it was right outside the southern end of one of the runways and a straight shot to and from the airport - should be no more than a 5-10 minute drive. Reader, it took 30 minutes each way. I was gobsmacked.
When you do go to Maine for lobster, stay away from Portland and head down east on Rt 1. Until you hit Rt 24 and head south to Orr’s Island and Bailey Island. Lobster is lobster but the views here will make the trip worthwhile.
I would recommend a certified Food Guy like Scott spend some time in Portland as well. But yes, get out on the coast somewhere for a roll.
My favorite thing about Portland is that the bagels at Scratch Baking are better than any in New York.
Absolutely, and I’d be happy to throw down some recommendations. But there is something about dining on seafood while the angry Atlantic crashes on rocks below.
Even just driving down to that shack at Two Lights will get you what you need
Oh yeah, I love the Shack, but that place can get packed
Saying nice things about every state I've lived in:
1) New Jersey: probably the most underrated state out there. It's the butt of so many jokes, and people overlook the geographic diversity (Del. Water Gap vs the Shore), cultural output (Bruce Springsteen, Whitney Houston, I could go on and on), role in early American history (America's first National Historical Park in Morristown plus the birth of American industry in Paterson), and food. The people behind the state's official social media are hilarious as well.
2) Maryland: I think Scott's comment about seasoning blend is spot-on. The Maryland flag rules, and is the best state flag by a long shot.
3) DC: the Smithsonian may be the best collection of world class museums out there, and best of all, they're FREE. Once you get out of downtown, you also have some really nice neighborhoods that are often overlooked by visitors.
4) Virginia: I live here now, I've found community here, and it really feels like home.
I think with the Smithsonians it’s a real case of strength in depth. The Louvre will blow your socks off, as will the British Museum & National Gallery in London, but the sheer range and quality of the Smithsonians is hard to beat. I don’t realize how spoiled I am with them until I go somewhere and am like “I mean that’s a nice Manet but kind of third tier,” what a gift.
As an Ohioan I am defensive of our great flag but I will not fool myself by claiming it’s better than MD’s
The best thing about WV pepperoni rolls is that seemingly minor things like "stick vs slice" or "cheese vs no cheese" can literally rip families apart and end friendships. That's the sign of a great food IMO.
Another neat thing about Kansas is the Flint Hills - they cover much of the southeastern part of the state. We drove through them once going from the KC suburbs (where I grew up) to Wichita and I was in *awe*.
(Also thank you for not making a tired Wizard of Oz reference.)
I grew up in Chicagoland and went to grad school in MHK and when people from back home would go "what, was Chicago not flat enough for you?" I would pull up the Flint Hills.
How dose my brain work, you ask.
After reading that headline, I changed it to 50 Stoats of Compliments and have been thinking positive thoughts about stoats, weasels, ferrets, and the like.
Couldn’t be. It is a widely regarded truth that the place I am from sucks.
Incorrect! It’s good.
You know how hard this is for me to do, but Ohio has several really nice places to visit, the best of which is probably Hocking Hills State Park. Truly a worthwhile and fun place to go.
(is anyone else sweating with effort?)
Going there for a bachelorette weekend in April! Ohio has some good parks.
Wow, didn't expect to deploy the Hocking Hills autorec today, but here we are.
Yes, very
If I were to give a compliment to my home state - Virginia - it would be that you can be in the mountains or the ocean within four hours. If you live in Richmond, it's two hours each way. And it's just so damn beautiful.
I've never been to Idaho but my favorite Bodeans song is the live version of Idaho. It's glorious.
Not bad. Only one true snark (Idaho). Reminds me of the time my kid drove from Cleveland to Colorado for a music thing. I asked him what did he think of Kansas. He said "Corn". What did he think of Nebraska? "Corn".
I swear I didn’t mean it as snark! I like potatoes, and when I think of them I think of Idaho. I don’t know a ton about the state otherwise, though I’ve heard it’s great for outdoors activities.