Here are 13 small things about Virginia that often take lifelong residents by surprise when they move away—comforts, quirks, and sensory moments that spark homesickness for the Old Dominion.
1. Smithfield Ham at Sunday Suppers
That salty, smoky cured ham is protected by state law and tastes like home—especially in a warm biscuit at church gatherings.
2. Peanut Soup on Chilly Afternoons
This colonial-era recipe, made with Virginia’s famous peanuts, is rarely found elsewhere and brings a unique comfort with its nutty aroma.
3. The Grits Debate at Breakfast
East or west, Virginians deeply care about stone-ground grits—simmered slowly, served with lots of butter, and never instant.
4. Marble Cake from Mennonite Bakeries
Rockingham County’s swirled marble cake, a special treat born of local tradition, reminds many natives of old family reunions and roadside stands.
5. Shoofly Pie at the Farmers’ Market
This sticky-sweet pastry is a Shenandoah Valley favorite—its molasses flavor evokes autumn mornings and generations of Pennsylvania Dutch heritage.
6. Hay Bale Decorating Contests
Every fall, Virginians of all ages craft artistic hay sculptures at festivals—a quirky marker of rural pride you won’t see just anywhere.
7. The Pumpkin Roll Derby
A rollicking Shenandoah Valley event: locals race pumpkins down grassy slopes, cheering for winners and saving pumpkins for composting or animal feed.
8. Brunswick Stew Cook-Offs
Once made with squirrel, now usually chicken or rabbit, this hearty stew is a badge of local pride in Brunswick County, often served at town celebrations.
9. Maypole Dancing in the Spring
Traditional “a-maying” still happens, with towns decorating poles in flowers and ribbons and hosting singalongs—a reminder of colonial roots.
10. Candlemas Day Folklore
Originating from early settlers, this anticipatory tradition of “predicting winter” feels uniquely Virginian, blending superstition with celebration.
11. The Feel of a Winter Sunrise on the Blue Ridge
Those crisp, pastel mornings are the backdrop for deep nostalgia—that familiar quiet and slow fog rolling over hills.
12. “Virginia is for Lovers” Roadside Signs
Seeing those iconic signs and slogans instantly conjures memories of family trips, first dates, and unexpected detours that just meant adventure.
13. Damson Plum Jams in Summer
Home-canned plum preserves and pies, a long-standing local specialty, mark Virginia’s brief and sweet plum season and taste like summer days gone by.
Every one of these small details carries a piece of Virginia’s warmth, history, and rural charm—quiet reminders that home can be found in the quirks and food, as much as the people.
Sources
(https://preservationvirginia.org/the-fascinating-holidays-of-colonial-virginia/)
(https://farmonaut.com/usa/celebrating-harvest-7-shocking-virginia-traditions)
(https://festival.si.edu/past-program/2007/roots-of-virginia-culture-the-past-is-present)
(https://fayadlaw.com/2024/10/15/top-cultural-festivals-in-virginia-for-immigrants-and-locals-to-enjoy/)
(https://kids.kiddle.co/Culture_of_Virginia)
