Getting annoyed with out-of-staters is common, but there are some actual residents who even get it wrong sometimes. Below are 11 ways some people are the worst at being an Illinoisan.
Scroll through this list to make sure you're not disgracing your state. Check it out:
1. Giving directions in miles.
No one in Illinois understands distance in miles. We need to hear it in minutes in order to understand how far we are going.
2. Only visiting Chicago.
If the only city you've ever been to in Illinois is Chicago, you are missing out. There are a plethora of other amazing towns, like Galena and Springfield, that are also perfect for vacations and quick getaways.
3. Only eating at chain restaurants.
The worst Illinoisan is the one who doesn't eat local. There are so many fantastic places to dine in the state that eating at a national chain seems like a waste.
4. Claiming we have no views.
If you think Illinois is ugly, you're not a very good citizen. Pockets of beauty abound throughout the entire state. From lakes and rivers to rock formations and waterfalls, natural wonders are all around.
5. Thinking Illinois is flat.
Sure, some parts are flat, but there are also places where the earth is not so smooth. As previously mentioned, rock formations abound, as do caves and rock walls.
6. Thinking everything below Chicago is Southern Illinois.
Southern Illinois doesn't really start until after Springfield. Many hate it when people forget about the central portion of the state because it has so much to offer, including great universities and natural attractions.
7. Passing up the chance to visit the farmers market.
These late summer and fall markets are a haven for most people in Illinois. If you only buy your produce from supermarkets, you are missing out on all the wonders of fresh-picked fruit and veggies.
8. Not eating sweet corn in season.
You're definitely the worst if you don't grab some ears of sweet corn while you're at the market. Nothing says harvest time like this treat.
9. Believing Lincoln wasn't an Illinoisan.
There are some that argue that Abraham Lincoln was a Hoosier or Kentuckian. It's true that he was born in another state and spent his early years in yet another, but Illinois was his home for most of his life.
10. Letting weather deter your plans.
The worst thing you can do in Illinois is let a little weather stand in your way. Get those wipers going and drive slow when you need to. We don't mind too much if it takes a little longer to get where we're going.
Another thing that might make you a bad Illinois resident is revealing all our secrets. Here are 13 things Illinoisans don't want you to know.
What else makes Illinoisans the worst? Share your thoughts with us in the comments below!
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