Life in Virginia is pretty wonderful, isn’t it? We have gorgeous landscapes (including the beach and mountains), endless historic landmarks, charming small towns, and vibrant cities as well. Truly, we wouldn’t have it any other way. And that’s why we’ve developed some pretty strong opinions about life here in the Old Dominion. Without further ado, here are 7 things Virginians will defend ’til the bitter end.

  1. Our mountains are the most beautiful

Curtis Goodnight / Getty Images Sure, they may not be the tallest in the country. But they’re absolutely magical. Whether you’re hiking them, photographing them, or simply enjoying a scenic drive, you’ll agree that it doesn’t get much better. For proof of this, look no further than Shenandoah National Park.

  1. Vanity plates are more fun

Eli Christman / flickr About 16% of drivers in Virginia opt for vanity plates, and it’s no mystery why – they’re just more fun!

  1. Taking the scenic route is always a good idea

wakr10 / Getty Images There are so many ways of getting from here to there, but 9 times out of 10, we’d prefer the scenic route, even if it adds a little time.

  1. Talking about the weather is the best kind of small talk

ablokhin / Getty Images Weather in Virginia can truly be wild, so why not talk about it with other fellow Virginians?

  1. Old Bay works on just about every food item

Mike Mozart / flickr Crab meat, sure. But also potato chips, chicken, casseroles…you name it.

  1. Ghosts are (most likely) real

LollyKnit / flickr Virginia is home to some of the country’s most historic buildings as well as some of the most infamous battlefields. If ghosts are real, they likely reside right here in Virginia.

  1. Virginia’s wine country is a must-visit

Kevin Oliver / flickr It’s not as famous as Napa, but in our minds, it’s just as special. Plus, we have quite a few award-winning wineries in Virginia!

Well, there you have it, folks: a list of things Virginians will surely defend. Which things would you add to the list? Share your thoughts with us in the comments below — we’d love to hear from you!

Curtis Goodnight / Getty Images

Sure, they may not be the tallest in the country. But they’re absolutely magical. Whether you’re hiking them, photographing them, or simply enjoying a scenic drive, you’ll agree that it doesn’t get much better. For proof of this, look no further than Shenandoah National Park.

Eli Christman / flickr

About 16% of drivers in Virginia opt for vanity plates, and it’s no mystery why – they’re just more fun!

wakr10 / Getty Images

There are so many ways of getting from here to there, but 9 times out of 10, we’d prefer the scenic route, even if it adds a little time.

ablokhin / Getty Images

Weather in Virginia can truly be wild, so why not talk about it with other fellow Virginians?

Mike Mozart / flickr

Crab meat, sure. But also potato chips, chicken, casseroles…you name it.

LollyKnit / flickr

Virginia is home to some of the country’s most historic buildings as well as some of the most infamous battlefields. If ghosts are real, they likely reside right here in Virginia.

Kevin Oliver / flickr

It’s not as famous as Napa, but in our minds, it’s just as special. Plus, we have quite a few award-winning wineries in Virginia!

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