There's no denying that Virginia is a crazy mix of all different types of people. And yet, after living in Virginia most of my life with friends and family in every corner of the state, I have found that there are a few common threads that run through most of our lives — or in this case, our homes. After visiting lots of people and places, here are a few of the items that seem to show up in Virginia homes time and again.
I don't know what it is — maybe it's just a Southern thing — but Virginians love their monograms. From jewelry to silverware to hand towels in the guest bathroom, if you can see it, you can monogram it.
Maybe they're instant or maybe they're the good old-fashioned, slow boiling kind, but grits are a staple in many Virginia homes. You never know when you might need to whip up a breakfast side, a cheese and sausage casserole, or a big ol' pot of shrimp and grits.
Mosquitos are a part of life in Virginia during the summers — so we come prepared. There's just no reason to let a few skeeters keep you from a beautiful night on the porch.
Take a peek in just about any fridge in the Mother of States and you're sure to find a bottle or two. Whether it is sweet, smoky, tangy vinegar, or your uncle's homemade spicy sauce, you likely have a collection in your home. We love our BBQ and it's nice to have options, right?
Chances are, no matter where you live, there are tomatoes growing nearby. Maybe they're from your own garden, maybe they're from the neighbors' garden, or maybe you hit the local farmers' market every Saturday to stock up. But with so much emphasis on returning to homegrown foods, most people I know have a few vines of their own.
Admit it, somewhere in your house, there's a souvenir from Williamsburg. Maybe it's just a fridge magnet or maybe it's the "authentic" wooden fife you hid from your kids after they wouldn't stop playing it, but it's there …and it's okay. We all have one. This is just part of life in Virginia.
Old books about Virginia, new books about Virginia, books about the founding fathers, books about the Revolutionary War in Virginia, books about the Civil War in Virginia, books about the original colonies, biographies of famous Virginians, Virginia photography books, and books about books about Virginia … you get the point. No Virginia home is complete without at least a few of these in their library.
There may or may not be one on your car right now (we aren't judging!). Virginians sure love their personalized license plates and we bet, as you drive down the road, you'll see a handful of these types of plates.
Now, I know this one may not be in EVERY home … but if you're lucky, and I mean REALLY lucky, you not only have one, but you have one that's been passed down to you. The perfectly seasoned cast iron skillet, one that's cooked homestyle goodness for generations, is possibly one of the most valuable pieces of currency in many Virginia homes.
Maybe it's on a mug or is cross-stitched on a pillow by your grandmother, but chances are you've had this quote displayed in your house at some point or another.
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This is not the definitive list by any means, but it's what I've observed over and over again while living in Virginia. How many of these things are in your home? Better yet, what relatable things about Virginia do you think should be on this list? Share your thought in the comments below!
What do you love best about living in Virginia? Is there a place you love to visit? A hike you take every year? What about a favorite place to stay or a favorite day-trip destination? No matter what it is, we want to know about it! Nominate your favorite places and businesses in Virginia and tell us why you love them!
Best Travel Gifts of 2024, Hand-picked by Our Travel Experts
If you're looking for gifting ideas for the travelers in your life this holiday season, check out our list of our favorite, tried and true travel gifts.
Welcome to Hand-Picked, a curated series highlighting the travel gear and goods our staff truly love. From practical essentials to playful extras, these are the items that make travel fun—and shopping even better! Each pick is independently selected by our editors, and if you make a purchase through our links, Only In Your State may earn a commission.
There is nothing that makes me happier than picking out the perfect gift. Friends often ask me for ideas of what to gift to their family, children, partners, friends... the challenge of finding that special item (or experience) is my favorite kind of adrenaline rush. And because of this, the holiday season is like my version of sky diving.
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Our team of travel experts here at Only In Your State joined me in selecting our favorite travel gifts of the season. We've hand-picked 24 gifts that we own and love and would joyfully wrap up with a shiny bow for other travel lovers in our lives. We've chosen a variety of options, from candles to books, to the perfect travel shoes and bags. There is also a wide range of prices for any gifting budget. Pick out a few to gift this season and maybe even send some of these ideas to those who are shopping for you. It may be the holiday season, but it is also always travel season in our minds.
Why We Love Them: How fun is this candle? I love picking out meaningful gifts and this one is perfect for the woman in your life who can't help but plan another trip. Or, maybe this is you and this candle needs to make its way into your own stocking! The LEADO store on Amazon actually has several unique gifts and it's worth checking out. Where to Buy Them: Shop this candle and more on Amazon. Price (at time of publication): $16.99 Bonus: Manager of Editorial Megan Shute swears by these rechargeable USB lighters – add one to your favorite candle lover's stocking, and they will not be disappointed.
Why We Love It: We've tried some pretty spiffy eye masks, but have you ever experienced an eye massager? The Bob & Brad EyeOasis 2 is as relaxing as it gets. With adjustable pressure & heat settings, this is a must-have if you want to tune out the world and treat yourself. It's the first thing we reach for when we feel a migraine coming on! Where To Buy It: Buy Now On Amazon Price (at time of publication): $59.99 (normally $74.99)
Why We Love Them: It's safe to say I am in my sneaker era and I know I'm not alone. When I discovered Kizik shoes, especially their sneakers, I felt like I discovered gold at the end of the rainbow. I love that the brand is size inclusive (I have big feet) and you literally just slip these on and go. Hands-free shoes! This makes them perfect for travel and the fact that these go with everything means no over-packing necessary. Where to Buy Them: Check out the Milan sneaker and several other styles (boots, too!) on the Kizik website. Price (at time of publication): $149
Why We Love Them: I discovered Frankie Jean while in Austin with my daughter and once I saw the Y'ALL Baseball Cap, I knew it would make the perfect souvenir -- and travel hat! I always travel with a baseball hat; they're handy for post-plane hair and offer protection from the elements. Frankie Jean has an array of adorable caps for non-y'allers, too, with all 50 states represented in the web store. Where to Buy It: Visit Frankie Jean online for this hat and many others! Price (at time of publication): $32
Why We Love Them: The Yoto Mini is an excellent gadget for kids on the go. Physical cards allow children to expand their imagination through audiobooks, music, activities, and educational audio. Manager of Editorial Megan Shute purchased the mini-player for her daughter's 4th birthday earlier this year ahead of an overseas move and has been endlessly impressed: "Not only did it replace her standard sound machine with its white noise options, but it has given us another portable screen-free entertainment option for at home and while traveling. The Yoto is also perfect for anyone who asks what your child wants for the holidays — cards for their new Yoto collection, please!" Where to Buy Them: Yoto is available on their website and Amazon. Price (at time of publication): $69.99 for player
Why We Love Them: The Vuori Performance Joggers might just be the most comfortable piece of clothing we own. The buttery-soft, stretchy material is the perfect weight, and the slim yet relaxed fit is one of the most universally flattering styles we've tried. Engagement Editor Meg Archer has gifted these to many people over the last few years: "I have yet to hear anything but rave reviews (and a bit of friendly shaming for spawning new obsessions). Don't be surprised if these just so happen to, umm... multiply... in your closet. I couldn't stop at just one pair." Bonus: The matching Vuori Halo Performance Hoodie is one of our favorite lightweight layers for all types of travel! Where To Buy Them: Buy Now From Vuori Price (at time of publication): $94
Why We Love Them: If you have a friend or family member who loves to travel and loves bags (who doesn't?), then this Calpak tote bag is the ultimate gift. When I say ultimate, I mean it, because this is the ultimate bag. My own tote bag is pictured above, when used on an overnight trip. I've also used it as a carry-on bag on flights, to tote sports equipment around for my kids, and for a weekend getaway. It is much larger than it looks in this photo and keeps everything organized. It also wipes clean! Where to Buy Them: Calpak has countless travel bags, but you can find this particular one on their website. Price (at time of publication): $131.75
Why We Love Them: I've purchased two of these portable hammocks with lightweight frames throughout the years — one as a gift for my father and one for myself after realizing how fantastic the hammock was. While it's not a travel product, per se, it has made my everyday life feel more like a vacation, something we could all use a bit more of these days. Where to Buy Them: Buy Now On Amazon Price (at time of publication): $69.99
Why We Love Them: All of the staff at Only In Your State loves to represent their roots and Wear Your Roots allows you to do that in a fashionable - and comfortable - way. We love the wears from this Montana-based company and we happen to believe that these hoodies, shirts, hats, and more make the perfect gift. Where to Buy Them: Shop now on the Wear Your Roots website Price (at time of publication): Varies by Product
Why We Love It: It's taken several trips for me to figure out my perfect "weekender bag that's TSA approved," but I've found my perfect carry on with the TOBIQ Colorado 30L. An Instagram ad caught my eye during a late-night scroll session and I was intrigued by the colorful compartments and versatility of the bag, which can be carried as a duffle or as a backpack (I prefer the backpack for even weight distribution and airport navigation.) Made of durable, weather-resistant recycled materials, I've stashed this bag under my seat and in the overhead compartment; it's easy to maneuver and the top zip pocket is perfect for easy phone/ID access. Bonus: I loved this carry on bag so much, I purchased TOBIQ's Toiletry Bag; it fits perfectly inside one of the Colorado's four compartments and has a smart, intuitive design with the brand's signature "plethora of zippered pouches and pockets."
Where to Buy Them: Visit tobiqtravel.com to purchase the Colorado 30L and/or Toiletry Bag. Price (at time of publication): $199 (Colorado 30L)/$69 (Toiletry Bag)
Why We Love Them: The Zestt Dreamsoft Travel Scarf doubles as a blanket, making it the perfect travel accessory for year-round adventures – especially on airplanes! Made from organic cotton and easy to wash and care for, we have even used this piece as a makeshift picnic blanket while traveling. Where to Buy Them: Buy Now On Amazon Price (at time of publication): $50
Why I Love It: This raincoat is absolutely perfect: it's light (12.4 ounces!) and super packable, "self stuffing" into one of its pockets in a Houdini-like feat. The hood is generously sized to fit over a hat and has a cord-and-hook design that keeps rain out (seriously -- this photo was taken after a trip to Portland, Oregon, where its water resistance was put to the test!). I purchased my Torrentshellfive years ago and it still looks brand new, the fabric has never snagged or ripped despite being put through the ringer! Bonus: The Patagonia Torrentshell 3L Rain Jacket comes in men's sizes, too! Where to Buy It: Buy it now on REI. Price (at time of publication): $179 (both men's and women's)
Why We Love Them: I love gifting books. Maybe it's the writer in me or the nostalgia I feel every time I sit down and open up an actual book. Coffee table books make for great gifts and I absolutely love this collection of photography of New York City. Whether you know someone who loves NYC or has a wanderlust for the Big Apple, this gorgeous book just needs a bow on top and it's ready to gift. Where to Buy Them: Buy this book and others in the collection on Amazon. Price (at time of publication): $19.78
Why We Love Them: A well-stocked first aid kit is essential for any traveler, and we love these small Welly kits. They're the perfect option to keep in your car, diaper bag, or carry-on for accidents on the go. Another excellent stocking stuffer for anyone in your life. Where to Buy Them: Buy Now On Walmart Price (at time of publication): $9.70
Why We Love Them: The OluKai Pehuea Lī Sneaker is lightweight and breathable, but also extremely comfortable and surprisingly supportive. It's our go-to shoe when we know we're going to be on our feet all day! We love that they can be worn as either sneakers or slides, so they're easy to slip off when going through TSA checks. Plus, the style goes with just about everything. Where To Buy Them: Buy Now From OluKai Price (at time of publication): $110
Why I Love It: Fact: Airplanes are notoriously dry, dry, dry. No matter how much water I drink both before and during the flight, I always find myself in a hydration deficit for days. My skin feels so tight and parched during flights, and while I've been known to slap on a sheet mask at 12,000 feet, my 11 year old's mortification on a recent trip had me rethinking this strategy. My solution? BioRepublic's Lost Baggage biocellulose eye masks. These mini moisturizers contain an uber-hydrating cocktail of peptides, hyaluronic acid, squalene, rose water, and vitamin E that feel oh-so-refreshing on parched skin. Bonus: Each of these little masks has enough moisture that I'm able to massage the excess into the rest of my face after my brief, in-flight spa moment. Where to Buy It: I have a BioRepublic Lost Baggage Under Eye Emergency Repair Mask Subscribe & Save order through Amazon -- you'll get a slight discount if you set this up! Price (at time of publication): 3/$15.00
Why I Love It: I am a dedicated Stanley girl, but when I travel, I like to keep things as light and portable as possible. A recent trip to Washington D.C. had me singing the praises of my Hydaway Collapsible Water Bottle, especially after paying $6 for a tiny bottle of water the afternoon we arrived and embarked sans water. I love the bottle's muted color options (I have the Hydaway in Twilight), sturdy handle, and fuss-free cleaning; fully extended it holds 17 ounces of water, making this smart little number perfect for filling up on the go. Where to Buy Them: The Hydaway Collapsible Water Bottle is available at several online merchants; I purchased through REI. Available here on Amazon. Price (at time of publication): $27.95.
Why We Love Them: This is one of those things that we don't know how we traveled without them. Packing cubes keep things organized, save space in a suitcase, and take the pain out of the packing process. If you know and love someone who travels, this set would make the perfect gift. Where to Buy Them: There are so many options for packing cubes on Amazon, but we particularly LOVE this set. Price (at time of publication): $16.99 for 8 cubes
Why We Love Them: I've been a fan of Beis for years now, starting with the Weekender (it’s my absolute favorite travel bag for short car trips or flying and is surprisingly roomy). I recently purchased another Beis item — the backpack. With a padded interior sleeve, two water bottle pockets, and plenty of organization built-in — we’re talking zippered interior pockets, pen slots, a key leash, and more — this is the best backpack I’ve ever owned. It also has a full-zip opening, so it’s easy to pack, and the trolley pass-through makes it the perfect carry-on companion. This olive beauty is officially my new favorite personal item while traveling, and I’ve already brought it on several trips. Where to Buy Them: Buy Now On Beis Price (at time of publication): $88
Why We Love Them: We bought this set of two accessory organizers for a recent trip and think they would make a fun stocking stuffer filled with all sorts of small and useful travel goodies — chapstick, hair ties, mini lotions, bandaids, etc. The gift recipient can then use the organizers for travel. Where to Buy Them: Buy Now On Amazon Price (at time of publication): $17.66
Why We Love It: The sleek style of the Away Everywhere Zip Backpack looks at home in just about any environment, making it a great transition bag if you need to hop right from a flight into a work meeting (or want to start exploring as soon as you land). It's water-resistant, has a padded laptop sleeve to keep your devices safe, and the full wrap-around zipper makes it incredibly easy to grab what you need in a cramped airplane seat. I love it! Where To Buy It:Buy Now From Away Price (at time of publication): $195
Why We Love It: Engagement Editor Meg Archer recently travel-testedthis high-end aluminum travel case, and it can only be described as the Lamborghini of Luggage: "The Sterling Pacific 40L Travel Case is hands down the best I've ever owned or reviewed. It's stunning inside and out, timelessly stylish, and rolls like a dream. Honestly, I didn't know luggage could move like this." It's undeniably a splurge, but if you're looking for a piece of eye-catching yet understated luxury-tier luggage, this is it. Where To Buy It: Buy Now From Sterling Pacific Price (at time of publication): $2,150
Why We Love It: Throw out all your assumptions about generators. The Anker Power Bank Portable Generator is all-electric (so it's totally silent), super compact, and has a massive 60,000 mAh capacity that can power multiple devices dozens of times on a single charge. It also retains an impressive 85% charge after a whole year of non-use, making it absolutely vital during emergencies. This bad boy kept us in touch with family during a multi-day blackout, but we also love it for camping trips and off-grid adventures. Where To Buy It:Buy Now On Amazon Price (at time of publication): $149.99
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If you need anymore ideas for the best travel gifts of the season, we have you covered. Check out more of our travel-themed gift guides...
America is called the melting pot because, as a nation, we are made up of hundreds of nationalities, backgrounds, and customs. But, fortunately, we somehow manage to come together in our little corners of the world and create a culture that is all our own. After 400 years, Virginia has seen changes and evolutions in her culture - but there are definitely a few little quirks and oddities that remain. I don't know about you, but I'm pretty proud of the things that make me a Virginian...even if they are a little weird. Without further ado, here are some strange things people from Virginia do:
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1. We streak the lawn, we kiss on bridges, we pit cadets against civilians in the snow…and the list goes on. I am talking, of course, about our college traditions.
From streaking the lawn and kissing the bum of Homer's statue at UVA, to the traditional cadets vs. civilians snowball fight on the drillfield at Virginia Tech, to locking down our love life by kissing on the Crim Dell Bridge at William and Mary, Virginia's colleges are full of traditions and ceremonies - from weird to wild to romantic.
2. We support the Washington Commanders. It's a complicated love affair, but it's ours.
And yes, we know they are the WASHINGTON Commanders. But we do not care. We also know they play in Maryland. Still, don’t care. HTTR. End of discussion.
3. Even with some of the most beautiful coastline in the world, we have a strange obsession with the Outer Banks of North Carolina. (#OBX..woohoo!!)
Don't get me wrong - we also take advantage of our beautiful beaches. We love Virginia Beach and the Eastern Shore. But somehow, many, many, MANY Virginians find themselves heading to OBX for a getaway.
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4. We haven't quite let go of the war of north vs. south…that's Northern Virginia and Southern Virginia to be exact.
The Great North vs. South (vs. East vs. West) Debate rages on in Virginia as we all like to claim that our corner of the state, with its unique culture, customs and accent is the best.
5. And speaking of accents, WE don't have an accent. Everyone else does.
I don't know why this is. Can we not hear ourselves? The funny thing is that we like to talk about how OTHER parts of Virginia have accents but we most certainly do not. It's one of life's simple ironies.
It’s hard to say exactly how a fruit indigenous to South America ended up being a significant part of colonial design, decoration and architecture in Virginia – but it did. Today, especially in Williamsburg, pineapples are a traditional part of the Christmas holiday décor, as well as serving as an ongoing symbol for Virginia and as a sign of welcome.
You don’t ask a Virginian where they’re from without expecting a detailed explanation. We’re not just "from Virginia." We’re either from "DC", but actually Northern Virginia, but actually a suburb that’s just outside of another suburb that maybe you’ve heard of. Or we’re from Southern Virginia, but it’s an hour outside of Richmond, just east of another town. Or we’re from Southwest Virginia. No, no, no, not Southern WEST Virginia. [Insert detailed explanation here.] Sigh.
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9. We like to douse a perfectly good piece of ham in coffee and pork drippings (a.k.a. Red-Eye Gravy).
If you grew up anywhere near the Chesapeake Bay or the Potomac River, chances are you’ve known how to crack and pick a crab from the time you could walk. And if you’ve ever sailed the inlets of the Potomac or Chesapeake, you know how to weave in and out of the "crab pots" that decorate the water as far as the eye can see.
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11. And we really, REALLY love our Oysters…roasted, baked or raw.
You have to wonder who first looked at an oyster and said, "Hey, that's a slimy mess…I think I'll eat it." But oysters have been part of the Virginia diet beginning with Native Americans hundreds of years ago. Today we are known as the Oyster Capital of the East, with 7 oyster regions, oyster-themed festivals and events and the world’s only Oyster Museum on Chincoteague Island.
Step 1: Open a bag of peanuts. Step 2: Pour peanuts into your Coke. Step 3: Enjoy. I have to admit, I've never understood it, but it's just how things are done.
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13. We say, “Yes, Ma’am”, even if the person is younger and it annoys them. And we do this because we can picture our mother’s face if we didn’t.
The weirdest thing is that this would be considered weird. Unfortunately, these days, too many folks don't remember that manners matter…thankfully, most Virginians haven't forgotten.
14. We don't even notice that our flag has a half-naked woman on it.
Our flag, of course, shows "Virtue" stomping on Tyranny. And yes, she's having a bit of a wardrobe malfunction, but, hey, dress standards were different back then.
15. We will order a Coke when standing in front of a Pepsi fountain.
And then we’ll look confused when the waitress says, "Is Pepsi, OK?" Of course it is. Isn’t that what we just ordered?
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Weird is definitely a relative term. Personally, I think that these are just a few of the things that make us special, but hey, I'm a Virginian. What are some strange things people from Virginia do that we may have left off of our list? Let us know what you think sets Virginia apart in the comments below! And, if you're feeling proud to hail from the Old Dominion, check out this unique apparel from Wear Your Roots.
For more Virginia fun, take a look at this short-but-sweet tour of the iconic Shenandoah National Park:
