Whether you’re strolling down the cobblestone streets of Alexandria or hiking the Blue Ridge Mountains, there’s no denying that Virginians have their own unique way of doing things.

If you’ve ever wondered how to spot someone from the Old Dominion State, here are ten telltale signs to look for.

They Have Strong Opinions About Barbecue

Virginians take their barbecue seriously, and they’re not afraid to let you know it.

While they might not engage in heated debates like their neighbors in North Carolina or Tennessee, they’ll still proudly defend the slow-smoked pork and tangy vinegar-based sauces found in their state.

The “Virginia style” might not be as famous, but locals swear it’s worth trying.

You’re also likely to hear them talk about local barbecue joints with reverence. They’ll mention places like Pierce’s Pitt Bar-B-Que in Williamsburg or County Grill & Smokehouse in Hampton as if they’re sacred.

For a Virginian, barbecue isn’t just food—it’s a way of life.

They’re Passionate About College Sports—Especially UVA and Virginia Tech

College sports are a big deal in Virginia, and the rivalry between the University of Virginia (UVA) and Virginia Tech is legendary.

UVA fans proudly wear their orange and blue, while Hokies sport maroon and orange with equal fervor.

On game days, you’ll find Virginians glued to their TVs or tailgating outside the stadiums. They’ll talk passionately about past games, star players, and memorable plays.

Just don’t bring up any losses unless you’re ready for a lengthy discussion.

They Call It “The Commonwealth”

While most states refer to themselves as just that, states, Virginians often call their home “The Commonwealth.”

This historical term is a source of pride, emphasizing the state’s commitment to the common good of its citizens.

If you’re in a conversation and someone refers to “the Commonwealth” without further explanation, you’re probably talking to a Virginian.

It’s one of those subtle but unmistakable signs that they’re from the Old Dominion.

They’re Loyal to Virginia Peanuts

Virginia peanuts aren’t your average snack. Known for their extra-large size and crunchy texture, these nuts are a point of pride for the state.

If someone offers you a tin of Virginia peanuts as a gift, you can bet they’re from the Commonwealth.

Virginians also love to remind people that their peanuts are grown in the sandy soils of southeastern Virginia, particularly around Suffolk.

They’ll tell you that their peanuts are the best for roasting and snacking, and they’re not wrong—Virginia peanuts have earned their reputation as some of the finest in the world.

They Love Saying “Bless Your Heart”

Virginians have mastered the art of Southern politeness, and “Bless your heart” is a phrase you’ll hear often.

Depending on the context, it can be a genuine expression of sympathy or a not-so-subtle way of calling someone out.

You’ll know you’ve met a true Virginian if they say it with just the right tone and timing.

It’s a versatile phrase that’s as much a part of their vocabulary as “y’all.”

They’re Obsessed With History

Virginia is steeped in history, and its residents are proud of it.

From Colonial Williamsburg to Thomas Jefferson’s Monticello, the state is home to some of the most important historical sites in the country.

Virginians love to talk about their state’s role in the founding of America. They’ll eagerly share stories about Jamestown, the Revolutionary War, and the Civil War.

If someone can’t stop talking about historical landmarks, they’re likely a Virginian.

They Have a Love-Hate Relationship With I-95

Ask any Virginian about I-95, and you’ll get an earful.

This major interstate runs through the heart of the state and is notorious for its traffic jams, especially near Richmond and Northern Virginia.

Virginians have a lot to say about the best times to travel, the worst bottlenecks, and the endless construction projects.

It’s a shared experience that unites residents in their frustration and serves as a conversation starter for anyone familiar with the region.

They Swear by Old Bay Seasoning

Old Bay isn’t just a seasoning in Virginia; it’s practically a religion.

Whether it’s sprinkled on seafood, French fries, or even popcorn, this blend of spices is a staple in many Virginian kitchens.

If someone’s eyes light up at the mention of Old Bay, chances are they’re from Virginia.

They’ll probably tell you it’s the secret ingredient to making any dish better.

They’re Wine Enthusiasts

Virginia’s wine scene has been gaining recognition in recent years, and locals are justifiably proud of their vineyards. With over 300 wineries across the state, there’s no shortage of options for wine lovers.

Virginians will eagerly recommend their favorite wineries, like Barboursville Vineyards or King Family Vineyards.

They’re especially fond of Virginia’s signature grape, Viognier, and they’ll encourage you to give it a try.

They Brag About All Four Seasons

One thing Virginians love to mention is how their state experiences all four seasons.

From colorful fall foliage in the Shenandoah Valley to sunny summers at Virginia Beach, they’ll tell you their state has it all.

They might even claim that Virginia’s seasons are “just right”—not too hot, not too cold.

While that might be up for debate, there’s no denying that Virginians take pride in their state’s natural beauty year-round.

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Did you know that Americans eat over 3 billion pounds of avocados each year? That represents a more than seven-pound increase in avocado consumption per person between 2001 and 2022.

Whether you’re making guacamole, adding them to toast, or just eating them plain, one thing is for sure: Avocados are in style. But picking a perfect avocado at the grocery store isn’t always easy.

Here are six simple ways to know when the avocado you want to buy at your Colorado grocery store is ready to eat.

1. Look at the Color

A ripe avocado often changes color. When you walk down the grocery store aisle, you might notice that many avocados have a darker, almost black skin when they’re ready to eat.

This color change is a great first sign that the fruit is ripe. A lighter, greener color usually means the avocado is still too hard and needs a few more days to soften up.

Another tip is to compare several avocados at once. When you see one that is much darker than the rest, it’s likely riper.

Keep in mind that some avocado varieties naturally have a darker color, so it helps to be familiar with the type you usually buy.

2. Squeeze Gently

When you hold an avocado in your hand, give it a gentle squeeze. A ripe avocado will yield a bit under pressure without feeling mushy. This gentle squeeze test is a simple trick that many avocado pros use.

If the avocado you squeeze feels rock hard, you’ll need to wait at least a few days for it to ripen at home.

It’s important to use just a little pressure with your fingers; you don’t want to bruise the avocado by squeezing too hard.

A soft, slightly yielding feel is a good sign that the avocado is ready to be downed.

3. Check the Stem

Peeking under the little stem at the top of an avocado can tell you a lot. If the stem comes off easily and you see a green color underneath, the avocado is usually ripe.

This method is a handy trick that you can do right at the store. It’s like a secret signal that your avocado is good to go!

If the stem is hard to remove or if you see brown underneath, the avocado might be too green or starting to spoil, respectively.

You can thank us later for saving you from a brown, mushy mess.

4. Feel the Texture

A good avocado should feel firm yet a bit soft. When you run your fingers along the skin, you might notice a slightly bumpy texture on some varieties. This texture can help you judge whether the fruit is ripe.

Ripe avocados often have a consistent texture that’s not too rough or too soft.

Don’t be shy—the next time you’re at the grocery store, take a moment to feel the surfaces of several avocados and see what you discover.

5. Avoid Bruises

Inspect your avocado carefully for any bruises or dark spots on the skin.

Bruises can indicate that the avocado was handled roughly, which might mean the fruit inside is damaged or overripe.

Even if the color seems right and the fruit feels like a good amount of soft, a few bad spots might spoil your experience.

Looking for smooth, unblemished skin can lead you to a better avocado. Many grocery stores take good care of their fruit, but it never hurts to give your avocados a quick once-over.

A tiny bruise might not mean the whole avocado is bad, but choosing one without them can give you a fresher, tastier experience.

6. Consider the Weight

Weight can be another clue to picking a perfect avocado. When you hold a ripe avocado, it should feel a little heavier than it looks.

The extra weight is often a sign that the fruit is full of healthy, creamy flesh.

Comparing a couple of avocados by their weight can be a neat trick. If one feels lighter, it might have less fruit inside or may be drying out.

So, next time you’re shopping, pick up a few avocados and start practicing this little-known piece of advice.

Ask a Store Expert

Sometimes, the best advice comes from the people who work at the grocery store. If you’re not sure which avocado to pick, don’t be shy about asking an employee.

They often have lots of experience and can point you to the ripest options available.

Store experts might also let you know when a fresh shipment comes in, so you can plan your purchases around the best selections.

The next time you’re in the produce section, remember that a friendly question might lead you to the perfect avocado.

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Items such as caviar and truffles are commonly associated with opulence, but we bet you weren’t expecting some of the items on this list. From rare delicacies like moose milk cheese to unconventional treasures like black watermelon, the culinary world’s priciest offerings never fail to astonish.

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If you know a lot of Californians with debt, data points to you being spot-on.

Consumer credit reporting company Experian ran a study shedding light on numerous aspects of personal debt among Americans. For the purposes of their analysis, consumer debt included secured and unsecured debt, such as credit cards, vehicle loans, and mortgages.

The following states are home to residents who hold the most amount of consumer debt as of 2023.

Disclaimer: Since mortgages are included in these numbers and homes are often an appreciating asset, not all of these residents hold debt that many financial experts would classify as bad. In fact, Experian notes that approximately two-thirds of all consumer debt Americans hold is from a mortgage.

1: Colorado

The average Coloradan has $154,481 in consumer debt, which is a 2.6% increase from 2022.

Coloradans fall in the “good” range for their FICO credit score, with an 731 average score.

According to U.S. World & News Report, Colorado is the eighth-worst state for affordability. Housing is particularly a battle for residents, with it ranking as the fifth-most expensive state.

2: Washington

Washingtonians don’t look much better on the debt front than Coloradans, with $150,462 in average debt as of 2023. That’s a 2.3% increase in debt from 2022.

U.S. News ranks Washington as the second-best state in its “Best States Overall” category.

However, affordability in the Evergreen State is rough, ranking 46th in the nation.

3: California

Between expensive places to live, like Beverly Hills and Silicon Valley, some people might be surprised that Californians don’t rank as having the highest amount of average consumer debt.

Nevertheless, many people likely lose sleep over the $148,428 of debt the average California resident has.

California is the worst-ranking state for affordability, according to U.S. News. So, it’s easy to see how some residents might have to turn to their credit cards to help them get by.

4: Hawaii

$147,103 is the total amount of consumer debt the average Hawaiian has. That equates to a 1% increase from 2022.

While 1% may not sound like a lot, imagine what it amounts to if residents increase their consumer debt by 1% year after year.

Hawaii falls right after California on the affordability front, being the second-worst state to get the most money out of your income.

5: Utah

Utah’s $138,485 in average consumer debt is a head-turner. What’s equally troubling for debt-holding residents is that there was a +2.6% change in debt balances between 2022 and 2023.

Unlike the previous four states, Utah isn’t overly expensive; it ranks 28th in the country for affordability.

Given that The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints is so popular in Utah and Mormons must pay 10% of their income to the church, perhaps Utahn Mormons would have relatively less debt if they didn’t pay a tithing.

6: Maryland

Maryland residents had relatively slower debt growth between 2022 and 2023, with a 0.4% increase. Nevertheless, Marylanders’ $131,948 in debt is still high compared to most of the nation.

According to Forbes, the total average cost of living in Maryland is $48,235.

That leaves Marylanders with an average of $21,515 in disposable income, which they could put towards paying down their debt.

7: Idaho

Idaho residents hold an average of $120,766 in debt. The troubling part?

That’s a 3.2% increase from 2022, where they “only” held $116,988 in debt.

U.S. News ranks Idaho as the third-best state in its “Best States Overall” category. It also ranks in the middle of the road for affordability.

However, Redfin reported that in February 2024, the cost of a home had increased by 6.9% compared to the year prior, which can help explain why some residents have high debt.

8: Massachusetts

Residents from the states on this list might not see a lot of reason to celebrate.

But here’s one for Massachusetts residents: The debt change in Massachusetts between 2022 and 2023 was only +0.1%, which amounted to a $111 increase.

That’s far under the rate of inflation.

The average Bay Stater has $127,277 in consumer debt and a 732 FICO credit score.

9: Virginia

Virginia residents reading this might be able to relate to their state’s $128,386 average consumer debt.

It’s little wonder that residents in the Mother of States have relatively high debt, given that Virginia ranks 39th in the country for affordability.

Nevertheless, there’s a reason why people love living there. Virginia ranks as the 13th-best state overall, according to U.S. News.

10: Oregon

Oregon’s ninth-place average consumer debt ranking with Experian is on par with U.S. News ranking it as the tenth-worst state for affordability.

Oregonians have an average of $123,090 in consumer debt.

As Experian points out, inflation often plays a role in debt increases, such as Oregon’s 1.7% debt increase between 2022 and 2023.

11: Alaska

Given its remote location, which can lead to high food and fuel prices, it’s easy to see why some Alaskans rack up debt to survive.

Plus, housing is extremely expensive there.

The average Alaskan has $117,409 in consumer debt. That’s a 1.6% increase from 2022.

12: Arizona

Arizona’s consumer debt trajectory is troubling. The average debt a resident had in 2022 was $111,531. In 2023, it was $115,963, representing a 4% increase in the average amount of debt residents carry.

Interestingly, WalletHub determined through a study that four of Arizona’s cities ranked among the nine metros that have the least financially stressed residents.

So, perhaps many Arizonans’ debt is in the form of equity-building debt, like mortgages.

13: Connecticut

Connecticut residents carry an average of $109,519 in personal consumer debt.

That’s a relatively better 0.5% increase from 2022.

Not only do Connecticuters have relatively high amounts of debt, but they also rank in 49th place in the nation for taxpayer debt. Ouch.

14: Nevada

Nevadans have $116,440 in consumer debt as of 2023, and many people are probably feeling the pinch. Between 2022 and 2023, Nevada residents experienced a 3.1% increase in total debt.

According to Blue Water Credit, the debt-to-income ratio among Nevada residents is out of balance.

The Urban Institute even found that 47% of residents had one or more debts that went to collections.

15: Wyoming

Wyoming squeezes into last place on this list, with residents having an average debt of $108,846.

Luckily for residents, this is a 0.3% decline from 2022.

However, $108,846 sounds like a lot of consumer debt compared to other states. West Virginians have the lowest average debt in the nation, at $64,320.

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