Only In Ohio 8 Traditions Foods And Phrases Unique To The Buckeye State
Ohio isn’t just another state on the map. It has quirky foods, wild traditions, and phrases that make locals smile and visitors scratch their heads.
Explore what makes the Buckeye State truly one of a kind!
1. Buckeye Candy
Peanut butter lovers rejoice because this sweet treat combines creamy peanut butter with chocolate coating in the most delicious way. Shaped like the nut from Ohio’s state tree, it’s a holiday staple at every family gathering.
You’ll find homemade versions at bake sales and fancy versions in candy shops across the state. Once you try one, you’ll understand why Ohioans guard their family recipes so fiercely!
2. Lake Erie Perch Fries
Nothing beats fresh fish pulled straight from Lake Erie and fried to golden perfection. Local restaurants along the shoreline serve this crispy delicacy with coleslaw and fries, creating the ultimate comfort meal.
Families drive hours just to taste the flaky white fish that melts in your mouth. Friday fish fries become community events where neighbors gather and share stories over heaping plates.
3. The Great Serpent Mound Festival
Ancient earthworks shaped like a giant snake wind through southern Ohio, creating one of the most mysterious landmarks in America. Every year, folks gather to celebrate this prehistoric wonder with music, crafts, and educational programs.
Walking along the serpent’s curves feels like stepping back thousands of years in time. Kids love learning about the Native Americans who built this masterpiece without modern tools or technology!
4. Skyline Chili
Cinnamon in chili might sound weird, but Cincinnati residents will fight anyone who disagrees with this genius combination. Served over spaghetti noodles with a mountain of shredded cheese, it’s called a three-way and tastes absolutely incredible.
Add beans and onions to make it a five-way for the full experience. First-timers always look confused, but one bite converts them into lifelong fans of this unusual dish!
5. Ohio State Football Cheers
Saturdays in fall mean one thing: Buckeye football takes over the entire state with religious devotion. Fans scream “O-H!” and wait for someone to yell back “I-O!” creating an instant connection between strangers.
Stadium crowds of over 100,000 people sing “Carmen Ohio” after games, win or lose. Scarlet and gray colors flood every street, bar, and living room across Ohio during game days!
6. Jeni’s Splendid Ice Creams
Forget boring vanilla because Jeni’s creates wild flavors like brown butter almond brittle and goat cheese with red cherries. Started in Columbus, this ice cream empire now ships nationwide, but Ohioans claim bragging rights.
Every scoop uses grass-fed milk and real ingredients you can actually pronounce. Lines wrap around the block during summer as people wait patiently for their frozen happiness in a cup!
7. Barberton Chicken
Crispy, juicy, and served with hot rice and tangy coleslaw, this fried chicken style originated in the small city of Barberton decades ago. Serbian immigrants perfected the recipe, creating a culinary tradition that locals fiercely protect.
Hot sauce on the side adds the perfect kick to every bite. Restaurants specializing in this style stay packed with customers who refuse to eat chicken prepared any other way!
8. O-H-I-O Hand Spell
Raise your arms and spell out each letter with your entire body, and you’ve just performed Ohio’s most famous gesture. At sporting events, concerts, and random street corners, people throw up the letters with serious pride.
Even Ohio astronauts have spelled it in space, proving the tradition knows no bounds. Spotting someone doing it instantly identifies them as a fellow Buckeye, no words needed!
