Welcome to Virginia, where history runs deep, the Blue Ridge Mountains meet the rolling vineyards, and the locals know how to balance southern hospitality with a little bit of that East Coast attitude. If you’re trying to figure out who’s really from Virginia, look no further than these 10 easy signs—faster than you can say “Y’all come back now, ya hear?”
They’ll Correct You if You Call It “Virgina” (No ‘i’ in the middle, please).
First things first: it’s Virginia, not “Virgina.” A true local will catch that slip-up faster than you can apologize, and they’ll probably laugh a little while kindly informing you. You’ll know it’s a local when they pronounce it perfectly—Vir-gin-ya, with emphasis on the last syllable.
They Know Their Civil War History—And They’ll Tell You About It.
Virginia is rich in Civil War history, and if you bring it up, prepare for a deep dive into battlefields, monuments, and who fought on which side. A true local might even take you on a road trip to see the most historic sites, offering up facts like “That’s where Robert E. Lee gave his farewell speech” or “You can still see the cannonballs in that old church wall.”
They’re Proud of Their Sweet Tea, But It’s Not Too Sweet (Don’t Ask for Sugar on the Side).
Virginia locals are picky about their sweet tea, and they’ll offer you some with a proud smile—but don’t even think about asking for extra sugar on the side. Their tea is just sweet enough to be satisfying but not so sugary it’ll make your teeth hurt. It’s a balanced art, and they take it seriously.
They’ll Tell You They’re From “The 757” or “The 804″—Not Just Virginia.
You might hear someone casually say they’re from “the 757” (Hampton Roads) or “the 804” (Richmond area) as if those are the only places that matter in Virginia. Locals are fiercely loyal to their area codes, and they’ll let you know exactly where they’re from in a split second. Mentioning “Virginia Beach” might get an eye roll, depending on the person’s hometown pride.
They Take Their BBQ Seriously—But They’ll Be Specific About What Kind.
BBQ in Virginia is a big deal, but locals will insist that the “best” BBQ depends on where you’re from. Expect a debate about whether you prefer Eastern or Western-style BBQ (with Eastern being vinegar-based and Western using a sweeter tomato sauce). Either way, expect plenty of sides, cornbread, and a lively discussion on who makes it best.
They’re Either Talking About College Football or College Basketball—Or Both.
College sports are a big deal in Virginia, especially when it comes to football and basketball. A true local will be passionate about either UVA (University of Virginia) or Virginia Tech, and you’ll hear all about the rivalry between them. Bonus points if they casually drop “Go Hoos” or “Let’s go Hokies!” in conversation, depending on where their allegiance lies.
They’re Either From the ‘Mountain’ or the ‘Coast,’ and They’ll Tell You Which is Better.
Virginians tend to identify with either the coastal flatlands or the Appalachian Mountains, and both areas come with strong opinions. If you’re talking to someone from the mountains, expect stories about hiking, nature, and avoiding the crowds. Someone from the coast will probably talk your ear off about oysters, beach life, and the best fishing spots.
They’ll Tell You “Y’all” Isn’t Just a Southern Thing—It’s a Virginia Thing.
Sure, “y’all” might seem like a purely Southern expression, but in Virginia, it’s just part of the vernacular. It’s used with such natural ease that you might even get a “y’all” in the middle of a sentence about their day at work. Don’t question it—just go with it and drop a “y’all” in your own speech. It’ll make you sound like you’ve lived there forever.
They’ll Tell You About the Best Local Winery (and Maybe Even Take You There).
Virginia is home to some world-class wineries, and a local will have an opinion on the best one, whether it’s nestled in the hills of Charlottesville or in the lush countryside of Loudoun County. They’ll offer you a wine tour and will have a favorite red, white, or rosé they insist you try. Don’t be surprised if they give you a “local’s discount” for the tasting.
They’ll Mention ‘Route 11’ Like It’s a Magical Place.
Route 11 is Virginia’s most famous highway, connecting the state from north to south. If you hear a local mention taking a trip down Route 11, they’re probably talking about something important—like visiting a quirky roadside attraction, grabbing a snack from a small-town diner, or just enjoying the beauty of the rolling hills. Either way, you’ll get a whole speech on why it’s the route to take.
And there you have it! With these 10 signs, you’ll be able to spot a true Virginia local in no time. Just remember, to blend in, you’ll need to embrace the history, enjoy some BBQ (and maybe a little rivalry), and be ready to drop a “y’all” at the right moment. After all, Virginia is for lovers—and for folks who really know how to take pride in their home state.
