Growing up, I always had a dream to live in the south. I practiced my southern drawl (and my British accent as well) in the confines of my own bedroom until I was absolutely certain I could “make it” down there. I wanted a huge plantation house on the banks of a river with a porch that wrapped around the entire house. I wanted summer year-round and to say “hey y’all” to my neighbors on warm nights while drinking tea on the porch.
Then when I was seventeen, my (then nineteen year old) sister got up and followed her boyfriend at the time down to Savannah, Georgia. While part of me was sad she was leaving, I did get a lot of perks — driving the third family car was just one of them. So while the devil went down to Georgia, I dreamt of the day where I could visit her and really experience southern living.
Turns out… I’m not cut out for the south. Growing up in Chicago kind of ruined me — I move fast, I don’t slow down, and I have no patience for people who get in my way. I want you all to close your eyes and imagine a native Chicagoan driving in Savannah for the very first time. It’s okay — go ahead and laugh. I was more than surprised when two lanes of traffic stopped for me so I could make a left hand turn. The day that happens to me in Chicago is the day pigs fly.
I was upset though — I really was. I wanted to fit into the land of Paula Dean, biscuits and gravy, and sweet tea.
Just so you know, if you order unsweetened tea in the deep south, someone will look at you like have at least three heads — maybe four.
Which is why when Gen-Y Knot reached out to me for their new Lipton 100% Natural Iced Tea promotion, I knew I had to jump on board.
Lipton Iced Tea is partnering up with Pandora and urging customers to experience the “natural side of music” to go along with their 100% natural iced teas.
I’ve never been a big bottled tea drinker — I’d rather drink water. Bottled teas have always had too much sugar for me, or the diet versions would taste artificial and well, fake.
I was sent six different teas to try out and review — four regular and two diets.
I was pleasantly surprised with all of the flavors of this tea. More specifically, I really enjoyed the Blueberry Pomegranate (regular) and the Watermelon (diet green tea).
I also even liked the flavor of the diet teas more than the regular teas, which surprised me.
The next time I go to the South, I’ll have to bring my own tea.. and perhaps a sedative. My Chicago personality is too much for the South!
Until then, I’ll keep working on my “y’all’s” and “bless her heart’s” in the Windy City.
Question: What do you love most about the South?
I wrote this review while participating in a blog campaign by Gen-Yknot on behalf of Lipton and received Lipton product samples and a subscription to Pandora One to facilitate my candid review. Gen-Yknot also sent me a promotional item to thank me for my time.
{ 40 comments… read them below or add one }
Even more reason for you to come to Atlanta. We have that southern charm but drive fast too. We actually get pissed at the people from out of state who don’t know how to keep up with our speed and then slow down our highways. Probably because with ATL traffic we only get to push the gas pedal once in a blue moon. LOL
I got stuck in Atlanta rush hour once - on a Good Friday. It was horrific.
Great way of describing the horror that is Atlanta traffic
We’re the same here in Charlotte! Fast-paced. It’s those South Carolina drivers you have to watch out for… slowpokes!
I live in the south, but don’t fit in here. IL native!
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Unfortunately I’m a big sister, so I didn’t get to use the family car… ever. You know, I don’t know much about the south, other than that they have amazing music! My dad’s really into it. These iced teas look amazing!
I love the SUNSHINE, the homes, the culture, and the accents! I denied a request from lipton about their teas — I was skeptical about sugar and aspartame in “diet” teas. I’m glad you enjoyed them!!
The sweet tea for sure (it’s the husband that got me hooked - he’s so southern!) and the atmosphere. You’re right, it is so laid back (and like you, I’m not), and I could learn something from them! The hubby got me hooked on Hilton Head and now it’s set…MUST buy a house there! haha
I love Hilton Head! So pretty!
I lived in Florida for 21 years before moving to Michigan. Although I wouldn’t really call Miami “the South.” It’s a unique place. There are plenty of things I enjoy about the North- having seasons, for one. That didn’t exist for me growing up. Having summer all year round really isn’t that great. It’s hot! And you crave change that never comes…a cold front will last a day or two in Miami. Anywho, the what I love about the real south are the homes with their wrap around porches, like you said.
I get angry just driving through central IL or MO. It’s pretty bad when I sigh out of relief getting back into the Chicagoland area…
Lipton asked me about reviewing this tea, too! I love Lipton, but am not much for flavored tea… booo…
“I move fast, I don’t slow down, and I have no patience for people who get in my way. ” Hahaha, story of my life. I was raised in Mass, and live in SC. Woah. You get used to it.
I love tea … you are so right, it just feels like one should be drinking tea of a large wrap around porch in a rocking chair, ha.
I lived in Mississippi till I was seven, and even though I don’t really remember much of their culture I definitely retained a habit for saying “y’all!”
I lived with my sister in Columbia, SC last year and it was a blast! It just felt more relaxed there. My favorite sayings: “Bless your heart”, “I’m fixin’ to…,” and “I might could…” Also LOVED all the the pinstripes and bow ties, huge hats and pretty sundresses, and front porches with swings!
While i do love the south(if Florida is even considered the south) I would really appreciate some vegetarian/vegan restaurants and perhaps even a trader joes!
The watermelon diet tea sounds great!
Being from Texas and currently living in Dallas after living in several other cities, I love that people here are just so friendly!! There’s a kindness to most strangers you encounter. Spending time in NYC made me realize just how different it is in other parts of the country!
The weather!!! I love the warmth so that is definitely the best part about the south.
When we moved to Atlanta, I could not stand the southern accents. Not only did they annoy me, but I couldn’t understand a thing! People thought I was funny with my Boston accent, and I thought they all sounded like a bunch of hicks. BUT after about 11 years of living in the South, I love the accents and the people. And the food isn’t all that bad either!
I’m Canadian but I live in Florida now and I have to say I don’t mind the milder winters down here. It’s wayy to hot in the summer time though!
I can’t wait to try the watermelon green tea! Such an interesting flavor to add to green tea- I’m used to citrus or berry only.
I’ve never been to the South, but I assume I would enjoy the hospitality that people offer one another. Living in a city (San Jose), I see that people aren’t very “close” with most people. I don’t even know my neighbors and I’ve been living in my house for 6 years! It’s sad, but true.
I’m from NY and now I live in NC and I don’t know if I will ever go back up north. I like the heat, and I appreciate the niceness of people. I’ll go home to visit and get seriously mad when someone doesn’t hold a door for me. People ALWAYS hold doors here, women are always first.. it’s just nice
However I do get crazy looks for ordering unsweet tea, (HATE sweet tea,) and a lot of people ask me to slow down when I talk. I think it’s funny.
That is nice - I love the chivalry!
I like the accents, the charm, the houses, and the WEATHER!
Love that you had such big dreams for your Southern living lifestyle- how was your sister’s drawl when she moved?!
I’ve never actually been to the South, but would like to visit just because I hear that it is so, so different than CA! And 2 lanes of traffic stopped for you? Wow, that would never happen for LA or SF either! I think I’d like to spend a weekend soaking it in but then would happily go back to my fast-paced lifestyle!
My sister to this day still has a bit of a southern accent - and so does her Husband. Hew grew up in southern Florida!
I love the fresh food, warm weather, and beautiful architecture . Savannah is one of my favorite cities!
I used to live in the south and didn’t really like it. That’s probably because I lived in the Beverley Hills of Texas. I love Savannah and I’d love to go back. I definitely don’t have the patience for it, though!
I went to Florida State for a couple years before transferring back to Maryland. I’m not completely in love with the south either. Although, sometimes I wish I could slow down. It seems like they have the ability to appreciate the little things a little more!
I worked in Georgia for one summer and realized I’m not a southern type either. But I love me some sweet tea. That discovery was about the only good thing to have come from that summer.
I love the slower pace of life (outside major cities, of course). And clearly - sweet tea
I was flying back from a conference in Birmingham once and the nice older lady across the aisle heard me talking about how much I’d fallen in love with it (first time for me) and she gave me her recipe, ha!
I have this weird fascination with the south too. I’ve never been there, but the movies always make it seem so hospitable and laid back. It seems like such a different way of life!
I am from Ohio but live in North Carolina now. My favorite thing about life down here is the warm weather! Our “winter” was only two months of 40-50 degree weather and it only “snowed” once. The laid-back attitudes and sweet tea do have their drawbacks though, they are usually found in areas called the “bible belt” and you get dirty looks and preached upon if they dont think you’re religious enough. But in the city it’s a little more open minded, and overall great =)
I love the South! It’s wonderful here! I’ve lived in various places in the country, and to me there’s no people like Southern people. My favorite thing about the South is the fact that people, even random strangers, look you in the eye and say hello when you pass them by.
Literally laughing out loud @ “So while the devil went down to Georgia.” You’re hilarious, Chelsey!
Here are a list of my favs about the south (I live in SC): the smell of the marsh, shoes are not required, cold drinks out of mason jars, sunburned shoulders with a layer of salt from letting yourself air dry after a dip in the ocean, hammocks, fried seafood while looking at the ocean - oh heaven! I do love Chicago too (can’t beat that deep dish pizza in my opinion!)
I’m a true Southern girl! Actually, I was born in Michigan, but I’ve lived in South Carolina since I was 5 and this is my home. I’ve been back up north a few times… and I just can’t imagine living there! Everyone’s so much… nicer down here, haha. My favorite part of the South is summer in general-more time on the water than on land, fresh fruit, veggies, and seafood, late nights around a bonfire, morning runs watching the sun come up, driving with all the windows down and country music blaring… God, I live a lucky life.
I don’t like the South actually. I want to move North. There is a reason I’m looking at grad schools up North.
Okay, the South isn’t too bad, but I’m more of a fast paced girl, and it’s a little slow down here sometimes.
i grew up in a tiiiiny southern town, but moved to an average sized city for college. small town life is NOT for me, but i have grown to appreciate the south so much more in the past 4 years. i love the heat (just not the humidity!), the mild winters, perfect fall and springs, the college football culture, the nice young men (oh, the men!), sweet tea, fried chicken, gravy and biscuits, seersucker, saying “bless his/her heart,” the value of extended family and community, lightening bugs and crickets seen/heard from front porches, canning green beans like they’ll never grow again… almost everything haha.
i used to think i wanted to move far away from the south (and i’ve recently considered moving out west), but i’ve found that i really love the pace of knoxville (tn). it’s a much faster-paced, more cultured place than where i grew up, but it still has that slow, southern feel.
this is so long, but i could brag about the south all day long!
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