Totally enamored

If you've been reading this blog for awhile, or probably not even that long, you know I'm not from New England originally.  I grew up in the heartland states, in a fairly typical suburban area outside of Minneapolis.  But I've been luckily enough to travel a fair amount, and I've managed to even live in a few different places.  But along my life journey, I've never really made it to the South.

This was not on purpose, and not because I haven't wanted to go.  But I've never known anyone who lives in the South (until recently), and somehow I don't think Disney World counts.

But I've always had this dream-like view of the Southern states, heavily influenced by the countless number of times I've seen Gone with the Wind, and thanks to people like Paula Deen, and a number of blogs I read.  I imagine that living in the South means that people are crazy friendly, and just "drop by" your place to say hello and have some lemonade.  It means gorgeous architecture, weeping moss-covered trees, and warm weather year round.  I also associate it with a lower stress lifestyle, a high level of common courtesy and manners, and a general happiness. 

So when I came across the magazine Garden & Gun, and all of their gorgeous photos and articles dedicated to southern living {not the magazine, just the lifestyle}, I felt all my preconceptions MUST be true!  Take a gander for yourself...

photos all from here

above photos from here

But is any of this true?  Are you from the South, and are any of my preconceptions accurate?  I would love to hear your thoughts!