If you were lucky enough to be raised here in the breathtaking Great Lakes State, you undoubtedly maintain a host of wonderful memories from Michigan. Whether you spent your childhood exploring the metropolis of Detroit, sunbathing along the shores of Lake Michigan, or getting lost among the natural splendor of the Upper Peninsula, there are a few dead giveaways that symbolize a Mitten State upbringing. Here are 11 surefire signs you grew up in Michigan: do they ring true for you and your loved ones?
1. It will always be "pop" to you.
No matter how many times we say it, this one holds true: that fizzy stuff we drink is called pop, and there are no exceptions. If you grew up in Michigan, chances are good that you’ll defend your favorite beverages against that silly "soda" title for as long as you live.
2. When you think about hitting the beach, you prefer freshwater or nothing at all.
Going to the beach should always entail a healthy amount of sand between your toes, not saltwater in your eyes! If you’re a lifelong Michigander, the word "beach" conjures images of lounging on the stunning shorelines of our state’s Great Lakes. No need to worry about strange sea creatures!
3. You were raised on Meijer or Kroger-brand groceries.
The sight of one of these classic grocery stores is a welcomed and familiar experience for those of us who spent our childhoods in the Great Lakes State. There’s nothing better to do on a late night in small-town Michigan than head to the 24-hour Meijer and roam around aimlessly.
4. Vernor’s still seems like the ultimate healing elixir.
When you get an upset stomach, your instinct will always be to grab a bottle of Vernor’s. Growing up in Michigan meant that this all-healing ginger ale was your go-to remedy for nausea, and you’ll never doubt its magical benefits!
5. The words "Up North" fill you with excitement.
Is there anything better than heading Up North with your family and friends? No matter how old you are, these two words bring up memories of lakeside campfires, fishing from the dock, and enjoying delicious ice cream on a hot summer evening. It doesn't get much more wonderful than that.
6. When thirst hits, you start craving Faygo.
Michigan is the original home of Faygo pop, and we’re also its biggest fans. No matter how much your tastes have matured over the years, there will always be something perfectly nostalgic and refreshing about cracking open a can of fruity, fizzy Faygo.
7. Football Sundays trigger feelings of disappointment.
Even if you’ve relocated to a city whose NFL team performs well, your Michigan upbringing won’t let you forget the disappointment experienced every Sunday while watching the Detroit Lions play. Of course, this depends on your age, but chances are good that the Lions let you down at least a few times growing up.
8. Snow days still feel like a rare and precious commodity.
Here in Michigan, we’re used to functioning normally in blizzard-like conditions. As a child in the Great Lakes State, it took a whole lot of serious snow and ice to call off school for the day, and we cherished every snow day as if it were gold.
9. You show people where you’re from by pointing to your palm.
It’s nearly impossible to unlearn this classic Michigan trait. After all, we’re lucky to have a built-in map right on our bodies! When someone asks where you’re from, there’s no quicker way to explain than to point to a specific spot on your hand.
10. Non-Michiganders often poke fun at you for your "accent."
If you’ve traveled far from Michigan or even simply ventured to one of America’s coasts, we’re sure you’ve been called out for your "accent." We certainly can’t hear it, but apparently we sound a bit nasally to non-Michiganders. That said, we’ll always think that out-of-staters are the ones with strange ways of speaking!
11. There’s no place you’d rather be than Michigan.
No matter where life has taken you, your Michigan upbringing will always summon you home. Your best memories, family cottages, and favorite childhood hangouts are all here in Michigan, and it would be impossible to erase your past in the Great Lakes State. Luckily, Michigan is a uniquely wonderful place to grow up — and we’re lucky to call it ours.
What are some other signs you're from Michigan? What are some of the things you miss most if you've relocated to a different part of the country or even across the world? We're always eager to hear your thoughts, so be sure to leave us a Facebook comment. Are there any other silly things Michiganders do or fun facts about Michigan that we should write about in a future piece? Share your best ideas with us by filling out our official nomination form here.
Looking for another way to celebrate your Michigan state pride? Be sure to about the most iconic restaurants in Michigan.
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