I have technically "lived" in Kentucky now for about a month for my new job. But I have a problem saying I live in Kentucky, because for me, Wisconsin will always be home.
You never truly appreciate a place to its fullest extent until you no longer live there. These are some of the aspects I miss most about Wisconsin:
1) The abundance of lakes.
You never truly appreciate a place to its fullest extent until you no longer live there. These are some of the aspects I miss most about Wisconsin:
1) The abundance of lakes.
Want to go to the beach? No problem. You have your choice of lakes to choose from. Back home, I could even bike to a lake if I wanted. When you move away from Wisconsin and the upper midwest in general, going to the lake becomes a full excursion. Down here, when people say they're going to the beach, they mean they're going on vacation to the ocean. Beach=ocean. In Wisconsin, beach=lake. We may not be close to any oceans, but that's okay because nothing beats a lake day. And we have plenty of lakes.
2) Being able to actually go outside in the summer.
2) Being able to actually go outside in the summer.
Wisconsinites enjoy summer after brutally cold and snowy winters, but we don't want it to be too unbearably hot. When it's in the upper 90's every day for weeks, with the heat index over 100 like it has been down here, it makes it hard to get outside and do anything. Even when you wake up early to go for a run, you'll be dripping in sweat in no time. I don't want to have to wait for fall in order to go hiking. I value summer time for being able to do outdoorsy things, not hang around inside. Although I will say I do not miss the mosquitoes. The nice thing about living farther south is that it's even too hot for the mosquitoes, and it's not as wet.
3) Wisconsin summers in general.
3) Wisconsin summers in general.
The endless festivals, lake days, camping at Devil's Lake, kayaking/canoeing, biking on the bike trails, hiking at any number of nearby nature reserves and state parks, neighborhood walks, bonfires, etc.
4) Cheese cheese cheese, dairy products, cows, farmland.
4) Cheese cheese cheese, dairy products, cows, farmland.
Yes, there are cows and plenty of farmland in Kentucky and elsewhere, but nobody does dairy like Wisconsin. And no, happy cows do NOT come from California, thank you very much.
5) Beer.
5) Beer.
Who can forget beer? Not me. Do you like Miller, Leinenkugel, Pabst, Spotted Cow? You're welcome.
6) The Packers.
6) The Packers.
I haven’t been able to follow the Packers much lately because of my work schedule, but that doesn’t mean I don’t smile every time I see people in the South sporting Packer gear or adorning their cars with Packer bumper stickers. When it comes to football, everyone in Wisconsin is pretty united about who you’re supposed to vote for. I will admit it: I was a Vikings fan for a brief stint when Brett Favre switched over (we won’t even talk about that). I wore an Adrian Peterson jersey to a jersey party my freshman year of college, and I actually thought I might get kicked out. I received a lot of crap for that jersey. Being a Packer fan in Wisconsin is actually a lifestyle for many. I will never cheer for another team. (Because with a beast like Clay Matthews and a natural like Aaron Rodgers on the team, why would you?)
7. People actually know how to drive in snow and ice.
7. People actually know how to drive in snow and ice.
We’ve all heard about how southern states close schools for just a few inches of snow because cities aren’t equipped to plow lots of snow efficiently. We also know accidents ensue because people who don’t get a lot of snow in the winter don’t know how to drive in it. Where I went to college, snow days were UNHEARD of. The snow gets plowed, teachers can make it to work, you get your butt out of bed. Yes, even when it’s -15*, not including wind chill. When it gets in the 20s or 30s after those cold days, you’ll probably see people ditching their winter coats for sweaters.
8. Its natural beauty.
8. Its natural beauty.
Down here in Kentucky, it seems that I meet someone every other day who either lived in Wisconsin at one point or another, has family in Wisconsin, or has gone on vacation in Wisconsin. Each of the ensuing conversations revolves around just how beautiful the state of Wisconsin truly is. Whether it’s Devil’s Lake, Door County, or the Northwoods, it’s hard to deny the natural beauty found in WI.
Fellow Wisconsinites, after reading this list, I’m sure you’re as glad as I am that you grew up in the Dairy State. After all, there’s no place like home.
Fellow Wisconsinites, after reading this list, I’m sure you’re as glad as I am that you grew up in the Dairy State. After all, there’s no place like home.