Here Are 12 Things People from West Virginia Do That Seem Insane To Everyone Else

West Virginia is a land of jaw-dropping beauty, fierce independence, and a whole lot of habits that leave outsiders scratching their heads. To Mountaineers, these things are completely normal. To everyone else, they look like a mix of moonshine, mountain magic, and pure Appalachian confidence.

1. Give Directions Using Landmarks, Not Street Names

“Turn left at the old red barn” makes perfect sense to locals. Outsiders get lost halfway up the holler.

2. Treat Pepperoni Rolls Like a Food Group

Bread, pepperoni, cheese — it’s simple perfection. Outsiders don’t get the hype until they try one… then they never stop talking about it.

3. Sing “Country Roads” Like It’s the National Anthem

At weddings, football games, bars — if that song plays, everyone’s standing, swaying, and crying a little.

4. Drive Mountain Roads Like It’s NASCAR

Hairpin turns, no guardrails, and 60 mph? Locals call it “a quick trip to town.” Outsiders are white-knuckled and praying.

5. Treat Snow Days Like a Community Event

One inch or one foot — everyone’s out helping shovel, checking on neighbors, and posting road updates on Facebook.

6. Defend Coal and Country Music With Equal Passion

It’s heritage, not just industry or entertainment. Outsiders better tread lightly.

7. Call Soda “Pop” and Mean It

Say “soda” in the wrong town, and someone will correct you politely — but firmly.

8. Go Four-Wheeling for Fun

Mud, mountains, and ATVs. Outsiders call it dangerous; locals call it Saturday.

9. Wave at Every Passing Car

It’s not just friendly — it’s mandatory. Outsiders who don’t wave get suspicious looks.

10. Treat Church, Family, and Football Like a Three-Part Gospel

Outsiders think it’s intense. Locals think it’s balance.

11. Brag About “Real” Country Roads

Everyone sings about them, but West Virginians actually drive them — often without GPS or guardrails.

12. Casually Hunt, Fish, or Garden Like It’s a Survival Skill

Outsiders see hobbies. Locals call it “Tuesday.”

To outsiders, these West Virginia habits might seem old-fashioned, wild, or downright insane. But to locals, they’re the traditions that make life in the Mountain State something special. Stick around long enough and you’ll be waving at strangers, eating pepperoni rolls, and singing “Take Me Home, Country Roads” like you were born right there in the holler.