There are just some experiences that all Missourians have in common. If your new friend can’t tell you about their first float trip or their Branson vacation, they must be a Missouri impostor. Here are a few other ways to spot an impostor in the Show Me State.
1. They haven't been to the top of the Arch.
It seems like every Missourian has a few pictures of trips to the Arch in their photo albums. Most visitors plan to take a ride to the top when coming to St. Louis. If you're local, it's likely that you visited the Arch on a school field trip.
2. They've never been on a float trip.
In the Show Me State, the best summer weekend is spent on a float. Missouri has many calm rivers that are perfect for relaxing. A float is a classic Missouri summer trip that everyone looks forward to!
3. They haven't been underground.
Missouri is the cave state. With more than 6,000 known caves there's no reason for any Missourian not to have explored at least one.
4. The Chiefs aren't their favorite team.
Now that there's only one NFL team in the state, you'll find everyone rooting for the Chiefs. Visiting the loudest stadium in America is truly an awe-inspiring experience. If you haven't gotten to a Chiefs game yet make 2018 the year to visit.
5. They can't tell you where their family goes for a lake weekend.
Everyone in Missouri has a favorite lake to visit each summer. Each weekend you'll find Missourians skiing on bull shoals, boating across Lake Taneycomo, or partying at Lake of the Ozarks. Everyone has their favorite lake.
6. They don't know where Missouri's only president lived or where the Oregon Trail started.
Independence, Missouri is one of the most historically important towns in the state. The only president from Missouri, Harry S. Truman, lived in Independence both before and after his presidency. The Oregon Trail began in Independence and is truly the birthplace of the American West. All true Missourians could tell you these simple facts.
7. They say they don't like barbecue.
Regardless of what side of the state you're on, barbecue is a staple in Missourian diets. Enjoy slow smoked ribs in St. Louis or crispy burnt ends in Kansas City. If your new friend can't tell you where the best barbecue place around is, they're most certainly an impostor.
8. They've never been on a Branson vacation.
Affordability and fun are the two reasons why every Missourian has had a Branson vacation. Did you know more people visit Branson every year than the Grand Canyon? Catch a show, ride a roller coaster, cruise the lake, or explore a cave all in one Missouri town. So if a "local" tells you they've never been to Branson, they're surely an impostor.
9. They didn't know Missouri has mountains.
The St. Francois Mountains in southeastern Missouri are the remnants of a massive ancient mountain range. In fact, you'll find Missouri's tallest point among the St. Francois Mountains. Hiking to the top at Taum Sauk Mountain State Park is a can't miss Missouri experience.
10. They haven't read The Adventures of Tom Sawyer or Huckleberry Finn.
Mark Twain is required reading for Missourians. If you went to school in Missouri, one of these books was assigned to you in English class. Most Missourians have also visited Hannibal where you can find Twain's boyhood home.
How else can you spot an impostor in Missouri? Tell us what you think in the comments below.
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