I've lived in the Buckeye State for all but two years of my life, calling several towns "home" over the years. I spent many weekends as a kid in the hills of Gambier and Mount Vernon; I practiced driving on rural roads in Clermont and Brown counties; I regularly roadtripped up 1-71 to Cleveland to visit my best friend during college; I spent time as a poor newlywed in Bowling Green; and today, I take my kids to some of the very same Cincinnati parks and playgrounds I visited as a kid. Like a sprawling genealogy tree, I have strong roots in Ohio, and I wear my pride proudly. If you, too, are proud to call Ohio home, be sure to check out the Wear Your Roots brand to represent OH. Their logo is shown below and it’s the perfect intro to our list of surefire signs that you have strong roots in Ohio:
You know the saying about "wearing your heart on your sleeve?" Well, WYR Clothing takes this sentiment to heart.
Each of the 50 great United States of America are represented, but of course, I'm partial to the Ohio-branded hoodies and tees... because I'm proud to call the Buckeye State home! Speaking of buckeyes...
1. Buckeyes are the best dessert ever.
Ohio is famous for ice cream and Amish-baked goodies, but there's nothing that compares to a hand-dipped buckeye. It's the unofficial state dessert and while some compare it to a Reese's cup, the ratio of peanut butter to chocolate in an authentic Ohio buckeye makes our version far superior.
2. You're on a first-name basis with Ohio's First Family.
Fiona and her brother Fritz are Buckeye State celebrities and chances are you've visited this hip pair of siblings at the Cincinnati Zoo.
3. Forget NYC or LA, Ohio's Three Cs Reign Supreme.
Ohio is home to three major metropolises and each offer world-class attractions, adventures, and experiences. We have some of the most acclaimed museums in the world and some of the most robust city park systems in the country, and between Cincinnati, Columbus, and Cleveland, unlimited (and affordable!) adventures await.
4. You know the Ohio State Fair is the BEST state fair.
There's simply nothing that compares to the Ohio State Fair. Ohio is home to epic amusement parks and some of the best seasonal festivals around, but nothing -- nothing -- compares to the Ohio State Fair. I attended my first fair when I was eight years old, and I still remember the feeling of riding the Ferris Wheel with my younger brothers and being completely awestruck by the grandeur of it all.
5. You'd happily "head for the hills" 24/7/365.
And by "the hills" we mean Hocking Hills, NOT an early-aught MTV show. Whether you come to explore caves, chase some waterfalls, or stay in a cozy little cabin in the woods, there's a reason Hocking Hills is the crown jewel of Ohio.
6. You don't know the meaning of "fair-weather" fan.
Ohio might not have the best track record when it comes to professional sports, but we know what it means to be a fan. Whether you root, root, root for the Redlegs, tailgate before every Browns game, or chant "Who Dey" with emotion, if you live in Ohio, you have a lot of pride for your home team.
7. You're not afraid to take a snow day.
Ohioans like to brag about our state having four seasons, but winter remains a complicated subject. We want a White Christmas and one "good" snow each season, please and thank you. Forget about driving in it -- it's a hopeless cause, so take the snow day!
8. You'd Never Leave A Fellow Buckeye Hanging...
O-H-I-O! Ohio might be the easiest state to spell, but that doesn't mean we won't *show* folks how to spell it! No matter where in the state, country, or world you are, you can always find fellow Ohioans by using your arms to spell out O-H-I-O. (Sometimes, though, a simple "O" will do!)
Wear your Ohio pride proudly, friends! Head over to Wear Your Roots for the coziest and comfiest Buckeye State swag.
Be sure to use the code Ohio10 to save 10% on your next Wear Your Roots order!
What's your favorite part about living in Ohio? For me, it's how accessible our "Great Outdoors" are. Whether it's a city garden, metropark, state or even national park, there are so many wonderful and accessible adventures here in Ohio!
Now that you're repping Ohio with some new Wear Your Roots swag, listen to our podcast so you can talk like an Ohioan, too!
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