My Southern Summer

Five years ago I moved to the South. And though I’ve lived here for half a decade already, my understanding of the region and its culture haven’t deepened much. So, this summer, I have decided to immerse myself in southern culture–meet the people, eat the food, dance to the music, learn the plant names, partake in the pastimes, read the literature, etc.–as much as I am able. My hope is to compile a list of possible experiences I might have that would give me a comprehensive experience of the South without playing to stereotype or caricature. In my mind, this summer must include a range of experience from the rural life of farmers to the lifestyle of the so-called old money aristocracy. I plan to record my experiences and thoughts, together with photos, and produce a meaningful essay or memoir of some kind.

So, my southern friends, what should make the list?