Things Illinois Locals Grew Up With
The shared experiences, traditions, and inside jokes that make Illinois feel like home. If you grew up here, you just know.
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You Might Remember...
Getting out of school for "cold days" (not just snow days)
WinterThe distinct smell of corn harvesting in fall
SeasonsKnowing exactly which Jewel-Osco or Mariano's is "your" store
Daily LifeComplaining about tolls on 294 and 88
DrivingThat one diner everyone goes to after Friday night games
CulturePortillo's runs being a legitimate meal decision
FoodThe unspoken rivalry between Cubs and Sox families
SportsKnowing what "dibs" means for parking spots in winter
WinterThe pilgrimage to the outlet malls in Aurora or Gurnee
ShoppingCalling it "pop" (or switching depending on who you're with)
LanguageUnderstanding that weather forecasts are mere suggestions
WeatherField trips to Springfield to see Lincoln's home
EducationThe taste of fresh apple cider donuts in October
SeasonsArguing about whether deep dish is "real pizza"
FoodKnowing which roads flood first when it rains
Local KnowledgeThe Traditions That Define Us
School & Sports Culture
- •Friday night football under the lights
- •March Madness brackets in every office and classroom
- •High school basketball rivalries that span generations
- •Marching band competitions that pack the stands
- •State championship dreams and heartbreaks
County Fairs & Summer
- •4-H competitions and blue ribbon dreams
- •Demolition derbies that shake the grandstands
- •Funnel cakes and lemon shake-ups
- •Carnival rides that have been there "forever"
- •Livestock shows and agriculture exhibits
Fall Traditions
- •Apple orchards and cider mills every weekend
- •Pumpkin patches and corn mazes as family traditions
- •The first chilly football game of the season
- •Fall color drives through Galena or Starved Rock
- •Halloween costume contests at school
Winter Realities
- •Snow days (and the disappointment when they're not called)
- •The salt truck's distinctive rumble at 5 AM
- •Arguing about who shovels which part of the sidewalk
- •Car warm-up rituals and remote starters
- •The first "this isn't even that cold" of the year
Illinois Originals
County Fairs
Demolition derbies, 4-H competitions, funnel cakes, and carnival rides. Every county celebrates summer with a fair that brings the community together.
Friday Night Lights
High school football is a religion in Illinois. Small towns empty out on Friday nights to pack the bleachers and cheer on the home team.
Fall Orchard Trips
Apple picking, pumpkin patches, corn mazes, and apple cider donuts. Every Illinois kid has memories of crisp autumn days at a local orchard.
Lake Michigan Summers
Beach days on the lakefront, watching the skyline from the sand, and the unspoken rule that Lake Michigan is basically an ocean (a cold one).
The Midwest Wave
That two-finger steering wheel wave when passing on rural roads. If you grew up downstate, you know. It's just what you do.
Casserole Culture
Whether you call it "hot dish" or casserole, Midwestern potlucks are legendary. Someone always brings that one dish everyone fights over.
Winter Survival Pride
Complaining about winter but secretly being proud you can handle it. "This isn't even that cold" when it's 10°F. Dibs on shoveled parking spots.
State Fair Season
The Illinois State Fair in Springfield is a summer institution. Butter cows, grandstand concerts, corn dogs, and enough fried food to last all year.
Regional Vibes
Illinois isn't one place—it's many. Here's what makes each region unique.
Chicagoland
- →Fast-paced but friendly
- →Deep sports loyalties
- →Pizza and hot dog opinions are serious business
- →Traffic complaints as bonding
- →Neighborhood pride runs deep
Suburban Life
- →Park district everything
- →Metra platform regulars
- →Friday night football is the social event
- →Mall culture and chain restaurants
- →Good schools as conversation topic
Downstate
- →Slower pace, genuine friendliness
- →Agriculture is a way of life
- →Everyone knows everyone
- →Friday night lights mean everything
- →Church suppers and community events
College Towns
- →Game days define the calendar
- →Bars and restaurants cycle with students
- →Town-gown dynamics
- →Cultural events year-round
- →Affordable with great amenities
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