Things Southerners do for fun that probably sound weird to you

Maryland – some consider it the “South,” some claim it’s the “North” and some, like myself, think of it as “in between.” However, even growing up 10 minutes from D.C., I know there are plenty of activities to do in this crab-loving state that would make those down South feel familiar.

These are some of the typically Southern activities we do in the “in between.”

Swimming in dirty creeks

My friends and I love taking a nice refreshing dip in “the creek” as we called it. A “luxurious” step up from your typical water holes, this wretched-smelling (on a good day) swimming and hangout spot started as the eccentric, “underground” alternative to hitting the local swimming pool.

The respected way of entrance was by scaling up a diagonally-sloped tree branch that stuck out over the water, making it a 20-foot jump. You could jump alone or with a couple of mates. The deepest part of the water was only around six feet with sand on the bottom.

Outside the water, there was a little sand dune that made the place beach-like. But nothing about this place was clean. That was the beauty of it, though. We tried to make it more “traditional” by bringing rugs, tarps and a pull-out sofa bed to the spot. Years ago, we even built a bamboo shelter from scratch that held up for a while.

When there was a huge thunderstorm, the water level would rise about 10 feet and there would be a wicked fast current, resembling an aggressive river. This gave us the bright idea to jump off the high bridge on the side of the road about a quarter mile away and float down the river. Although this was a bit dangerous at times, considering there were logs and branches speeding downstream, it was a blast.

As time went on, we swam less and less and used the secluded spot for other activities. We’d have pre-games in the daytime and bonfires at night. We somehow got our hands on a canoe at one time and enjoyed a nice trip downstream where we tipped over about eight times. At least we saved the beer.

The rope swing

This was the place to go when the weather was nice. A 25-minute drive, this secluded spot required you to park and then take a 20-minute hike. So pack your cooler, bring some fishing rods and a couple of portable mini-grills. And don’t forget the pigskin.

We’d spend most of the day here watching each other swing into the Potomac River, with some people eating absolute shit when they hit the water. You can swim out further down the river across a dam and along rocks for a decent fishing spot and a beautiful view. There would be grill-offs between us and makeshift “auctions” whenever the cook opened the grill.

Unfortunately, the tree that the rope swing was built on was cut down because of two separate instances when individuals actually died crashing into a sharp log. Rest easy rope swing and those two souls.

Farm parties

Who doesn’t love a hearty farm throw down? A friend had a farmhouse down in Virginia. With this comes a bunch of land, dirt bikes, horses, off-roading Jeep Wranglers and shooting fireworks.

Good ole muddin’

Back when I had my car, I’d love to take her mudding. From time to time, my friends did the same, as there was easy access to a few school’s back fields in our neighborhood. If it was a satisfactory muddin’ sesh, we’d celebrate with a firework or two.

People who came upon my friends and I doing some of these activities may have been caught a bit off guard. But who are we to care? That’s the type of moment I believe connects to the South. When I think of the South, I think about a place where the rules aren’t based off what’s on paper, but based on common sense.

While most outsiders don’t associate the D.C. area with “Southern activities,” I’ll always be glad that I grew up with this.