The next time you have an out-of-town visitor, you’re going to have a lot of explaining to do. That’s because out-of-towners don’t always get Arkansas. We’ve got our own traditions, special tastes, and frankly, our own fair share of weirdness. Besides that, if your out-of-town guests haven’t been to Arkansas before, but they have seen the seemingly endless stream of terrible portrayals of Arkansas in movies and TV shows, then you’re going to need to educate them about all the wonders of the Natural State before they say something really stupid like “Arkansas isn’t the most beautiful state.” Below you’ll find a handy guide you can send to all your out-of-town guests before they arrive. Goodness knows they’re going to need to hear all of it. Take a look at some of the stereotypes about Arkansas we always seem to have to explain.

1. The one finger wave or head nod greeting on country roads.
Flickr/Matthew Peoples
Calm down, city fellas, we’re just friendly. It's one of the many Arkansas traits you'll learn to love.
2. We really do earn our state nickname.
Flickr/Topher.
We’re the Natural State, and we take our nature seriously. Living in Arkansas means we have natural beauty right outside our door.
3. The term “float trip” will need to have its full glory described.
Flickr/Sarah Kliewer
Folks from other places might know it as "kayaking" or "canoeing," but in Arkansas we call it a float trip, sometimes even "floating the Buffalo." After all, we’re home to the nation’s first national river.
4. Chocolate gravy is the food of the gods.
Flickr/Edsel Little
'Nuff said. We will not hear arguments on this point.
5. Our obsession with catfish is totally justifiable.
Flickr/Patrick Woodward
It’s absolutely fantastic. That’s why we love it. Duh.
6. We might not be Kansas City or Texas, but barbecue is still serious business here.
Flickr/ribarnica
Just think about how much Texans love barbecue and multiply that by about a thousand.
7. Arkansas tomatoes are hands down the best tomatoes.
Flickr/FreddieBrown
Don’t even talk to us about other tomatoes.

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8. “If the creek don’t rise” is a real thing.
Flickr/U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service
It means the weather has conspired with the creek to trap you.
9. Everything shuts down when it snows, but everybody buys all the milk and bread before that happens.
Flickr/Daniel Veazey
I mean, what's better on a snowy day than french toast? Don’t get all judgmental about it, Yankees, we’re just not used to snow. Let’s see how y’all do with a 110 degree heat index for about, I don’t know . . . three months.
10. Everybody has a “fraidy hole.”
Flickr/peggydavis66
As unpredictable as Arkansas weather may be, there’s one thing we can always count on: it’s going to try to kill us at least a few times a year. That's why we have "fraidy holes." You might know them as downstairs bathrooms, ground floor closets, basement, storm cellars, or middle school gymnasiums.
11. How to call the Hogs.
Flickr/Mark Barron
"Wooooooo! Pig! Soooie!"

Actually, you probably need to take them to a Hogs game to get the full effect.
12. Dry counties.
Flickr/Thomas Hawk
"Okay, imagine some of Arkansas’s counties are kind of like the pool area of every motel you’ve ever stayed in. . ."
13. The Pig Trail is not a trail where you can see a lot of pigs.
Flickr/JBull01
It’s a gorgeous scenic byway you definitely need to drive.
14. Arkansas is not actually a trash heap...
Flickr/Luke Cureton
Forget what you’ve heard at the movies. Arkansas is gorgeous. One of the most interesting things about Arkansas is how surprised people are to find out how much natural beauty we actually have.
15. ...it’s actually the most beautiful state in the nation.
Flickr/AR Nature Gal
If you're going to remember any of these Arkansas traits, remember this one.

So those of you living in Arkansas…what do you think of this list? What stereotypes about Arkansas do you think are true or definitely false? We’d love to start a conversation about our beautiful state in the comments!

To find non-touristy destinations to take your guests that will help them develop new stereotypes about Arkansas, click here. For surefire ways to spot a tourist in Arkansas, look at these. Send this to your out of town friends so they won’t stick out like sore thumbs.

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More to Explore

stereotypes about arkansas

Andrea Limke | January 20, 2020

What are some interesting things about Arkansas?

Where do we even start with a list of interesting things about Arkansas? Our beautiful state offers so much to both locals and visitors and it's easy to prove that those incorrect stereotypes about Arkansas are way off base. If you've been living in Arkansas for awhile, you know that it's an interesting place to be. For some unbelievable facts about Arkansas, check out this previous article for 12 of them.

What are Arkansans Known For?

Those living in Arkansas are lucky folks and hopefully you don't buy into any of the not-so-nice stereotypes about Arkansas and its people. In fact, locals are known for being friendly, laid back, and grateful for their beautiful state. And who can blame them when living in a state that's as beautiful and welcoming as Arkansas?

What is the most popular Arkansas stereotype?

As with every state, there are a few stereotypes that are widely discussed that are, in most cases, just not true. Unfortunately, Arkansas is thought of by many to have a "hillbilly" culture that lives behind the times a bit. We happen to think this is believed by many because we happen to live in the most beautiful, natural state, and we just love the outdoors and the laid back nature of Arkansas. If you'd like to read about more reasons to appreciate Arkansas, check out this list of 12 ways we are thankful for this state.

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