You are from New York? Like New York City? Uh, no. Northern New York is certainly overlooked. The small towns scattered throughout St. Lawrence County have created their own reputation and if you grew up here, you definitely know the struggles and habits.

1. Traveling: “Where are you from?”

(Insert North Country town here) “Where’s that..?” “Basically Canada...”

There’s usually both flags flying in your arenas, schools and in front of the stores.

2. You’ve probably heard this song at least once if not a million times:

Sorry, if you hate this song because now it’ll be stuck in your head all day.

3. Friday nights you won’t be out clubbing, you’ll most likely be at a hockey game.

At least one varsity team from our area always makes it to the final four. Roadie to Utica boys?!

4. So, it’s -20 degrees and there’s a snow warning up to 18 inches, school’s still in session and you still have to go to work.

Because of this, you also laugh at southern states that panic and cancel life over two inches of snow.

5. Tim Horton’s isn’t just for Canada.

America Runs on Dunkin? Not in the North.

6. You’ve probably spent time just driving around and burning gas for entertainment.

When you have nothing to do there is literally nothing to do.

7. Sure there’s a mall near you, but it’s St. Lawrence Centre and it’s got a total of like five stores.

Yes, this is actually our mall..

8. Wanna run into the store to grab something in your pj’s? Good luck running into at least three people you know.

But you really need that coffee...

9. Stewart’s is the main source of last-minute ice cream/coffee/everything.

Western/Southern New York will never understand.

10. You’ve probably crossed the border just for dinner.

(Or for a drink because you share Canada’s love for beer and you only have to be 19 for it to be legal.)

Or 18 in Quebec…

11. Where will/did you spend your 18th birthday? Probably the Akwesasne Mohawk Casino.

Because again, there’s not much to do up North.

12. You know what poutine, cheese curds and glazier hot dogs are.

These pictures probably made you hungry. Sorry…

13. High school rivalries are life-long rivalries.

Oops…

14. Small town diners are the best source of morning breakfast or really any meal.

These include but are not limited to: The Goose Landing, Via Main, Nana’s Kitchen, the Hometown Cafe, etc.

There’s nothing quite like home cooking and a welcoming atmosphere.

15. When you drive anywhere your view usually looks similar to this:

And snow the other seven months of the year.

16. People are often confused why you love going home so much, but it’s something you just can’t explain.