While watching Beauty and the Beast, you may be entranced by the idea of falling in love with a prince. Beauty and Pennsylvania go hand in hand regardless of where in the state you're from. However, here are some Central Pennsylvania specific things that I found to be a little too familiar while watching the new, live-action version of this Disney classic.
1. Snow In June
Yes, this is real life: someone understands our pain. The minute this line was said by Maurice, I was inspired to write this article. Central PA, along with the rest of the state, has been experiencing some pretty wicked weather this year.
Recommended for you
2. Hunters
We all know one person whose walls are covered from bottom to top in mounted deer heads LIKE GASTON.
3. Fireworks For Every Occasion
We central Pennsylvanians know how that it's a ritual for pretty much any occasion to set off some fireworks. So what if it's not the fourth of July? Why aren't you setting some off?
4. Hairy. People. Everywhere.
Ugh, please recognize that your neck beard is unattractive.
5. Hidden Authorities
What do The Beast and police officers have in common? They both hate criminals. The Beast spooks Belle and Maurice by lurching in the dark shadows, much like PA cops tuck themselves into the deepest crevices of the woods, on mall strips, and in highway medians.
6. We Go Big or Go Home
Fancy dinners? No problem. While Belle gets treated to an Oscar-deserving dinner and show, Central Pennsylvanians are content with getting hot vegetables thrown at their faces at a Hibachi grill.
7. "Oh Look, There's Hay."
Classic. When Maurice arrives at the castle, he says the same thing that any non-Pennsylvanian says when they get to any central PA town, along with, "Look at all the farmland."
8. Antiques Are A MUST
Central PA is known for a variety of antique stores that are tucked away in the smaller towns of the region. Like the Castle, many homes feature local finds from antique crawls, including those creepy mannequins and portraits of random people.9. There Are So Many Ways To Get Everywhere
Honestly, I wasn't surprised when Maurice found the way back to the castle. Central Pennsylvanians are notorious for knowing how to get everywhere at least 2 ways. That maze of a garden? Count me in; I'll find at least 3 ways to get us to the castle.
10. Reputation is Reputation
If you're bothered by yours, sorry. Belle is known as a weirdo because she reads, Beast is known as a monster because of his appearance, Gaston is stuck up because he is, and Maurice is thought to be a crazy automaton builder. In small towns, your reputation is only as relevant as you make it.
