The Midwest Years

The 19 or so years I have spent in the Midwest has embedded traits and showed me things many would long to experience. After recently moving to the east coast, North Carolina, I decided to write my thoughts on the glory of America. I won't bore you anymore with hype or nostalgia. This is a list of the Midwest things according to me.

10. Truck Stops and Highways- Getting lost on the ol' ghost highways anywhere in the Heartland is a trip. One highway can be three or more at a time, disorienting even the hardest road man. But you can always depend on a killer truck stop to pop up. Blowing up like Vegas in the middle of nowhere, providing legal matters inside while the truckers get down with who knows what outside. Next thing you know you got a mesh cap, dream catcher, jerky, brew, and chew. Take it back on the road and forget to tell 'em large marge sent ya.

9. Lake and Rivers- Pure Midwest Culture- a boat, a twelver, and a sandbar. The finest accommodations the Midwest have to offer, especially after a big day or week. Just throw the word out after a blue collar work day and eventually someone will come forward like "My cousins got a boat." and its on. Wash your crust away in the green water that's good living.

8. Cousins Subs or Jimmy Johns- Damn. That's a tough call. Whats yours? I know a few dudes that have to cross it off their list immediately upon their arrival. You can find some hidden ones around the country, but the Midwest is where they're at. Usually a debate heats up in the van on which is better of the two. Even though it usually ends up in a stalemate, it still kills an hour or so in the car on the way to the three dollar theater.

7. Louisville- OK, the skate park is growing to mythological territory. open through the night with a hint of anarchy in the air, unknowns ripping, Slipknot kids selling grass, and the tattooed moms. People from all over, basically showing up to get some or get served. A huge Midwest hub and people watching mecca. ICP, Fool.

6. Gary, Indiana- After the visiting Indianapolis and the gun-point hospitality of Fort Wayne, if you are heading North to Chicago, prepare for Gary. Whoa! Rusting industrial hell forgotten at the bottom of Lake Michigan. Seriously, brunt out Burger Kings and sidewalks that lead to nowhere but the twilight zone.

5. Chi-town- What can I say but tis the city. Many shared experiences here with great friends. I must say to the Chicago natives, however, grow a pair. Seriously I am not sorry for giving you a hard time. And if you don't live downtown and in the Suburbs you are not from Chicago, you belong to your respective 'burb. Don't let this discourage you there is plenty fun to be had with a fake id.

4. Wisconsin- The smell of cheese, breweries, and motorcycle exhaust all at once. Damn that stinks good. Homies usually get excited once the variety of beer sinks in: Blatz, Schlitz, Leinekugel, Sprecher- it's futile to attempt a list. Sorry, but people in Wisconsin get damn thirsty. Hence, Milwaukee. It's a right of passages for any out of towner to blindly pick up a dive in Mil and kick back with the locals.

3. The Upper Mississippi- Fucking ancient black water rolling to the Southern Delta cutting this fine country in Half. The divider, it's what makes the Midwest. Thee original Highway, inspiring authors and nomads alike. From harvest moonlights reflecting off the cold waters to the summer river boat rallies, it connects the heartland and makes it one. the region is huge, so its difficult to touch on all the aspects, but that's where you come in.

2. Ohio- Home to John Glenn, The Wright Brothers, Ohio River, 3C Highway, Poor Professional Sports, Oktoberfest, Geotta, First major league baseball squad, and Little Kings Ale. legit

1. ???- what are your Midwest experiences?