Pennsylvania is a state that defies expectations, offering layers of diversity, deep-seated traditions, and cultural quirks that often surprise newcomers. Whether you’re in the gritty cities, scenic countryside, or quirky small towns, these are eight of the most unusual things you’ll experience once you become a Pennsylvanian.
1. Two Kinds of Hoagies—And Endless Sandwich Debates
The Commonwealth is sandwich country, but even locals can’t agree on terminology. In Philadelphia, “hoagie” is iconic, though the cheesesteak steals the spotlight. Move beyond Philly, and “hoagie” becomes the catch-all term for any stuffed roll, sparking fierce loyalty and endless arguments about which is the superior sandwich.
2. Pretzel Passion (with a Side of Mustard Fights)
Pennsylvania is the birthplace of the soft pretzel, and locals take it seriously. The true debate divides those who love theirs salty and those who want them plain—sometimes with a little rivalry about the “right” dip (mustard is king for many!). Don’t be surprised if a trip to a local pretzel factory becomes a weekly ritual.
3. The Weather Makes You a Layering Expert
Pennsylvania’s forecast is famously unpredictable. You might need snow boots in the morning, shed them for flip-flops by noon, and reach for a raincoat by dusk. Locals master the art of layering, relying on weather apps and last-minute outfit changes to survive all four seasons in just one week.
4. “Jawn”—A Word That Means Everything and Nothing
Move to Philadelphia and you’ll hear “jawn” everywhere. It’s a magical catch-all noun that can mean anything: a person, place, thing, or event. You’ll quickly learn context is (almost) everything. Ask what it means, and you’ll likely get a grin and little clarity—it’s a language lesson that never ends.
5. Cookie Tables at Weddings
If you attend a wedding in southwestern Pennsylvania, expect the beloved cookie table. Friends and family bake dozens of homemade cookies to create a sprawling dessert buffet—a sweet regional tradition that often eclipses the wedding cake itself.
6. Bizarre Animal Holidays and Parades
Pennsylvania is home to unique festivities. The best-known is Groundhog Day in Punxsutawney, a three-day festival revolving around Phil, the winter-predicting groundhog. There’s the New Year’s Mummers Parade in Philadelphia, complete with thousands of costumed performers, and even Goose Day in Juniata River Valley, where eating goose is said to bring prosperity.
7. City, Suburb, and Farmland in One Afternoon
One of the state’s oddest delights is how quickly you can transition from urban chaos to small towns and then to farmland—often in less than an hour. You’re never far from state parks, forests, or Amish country, creating a life balance between big city perks and rustic escapes.
8. Mud Sales, Yard Sales, and Amish Auctions
Lancaster County is renowned for its “mud sales”—outdoor Amish-run auctions that support local fire departments, selling everything from buggies to antiques. Shoppers brave unpredictable spring mud for bargains and community fun, a tradition now found across Pennsylvania.
Pennsylvania’s quirks are part of its charm: a mishmash of food feuds, inventive language, seasonal confusion, and enduring traditions. It’s a place where history feels alive, the culture is distinct, and you’ll always find something to make you smile—or scratch your head in wonder.
Sources
[1] https://wheninyourstate.com/pennsylvania/8-quirky-and-unusual-things-no-one-tells-you-about-living-in-pennsylvania/
[2] https://www.reddit.com/r/Pennsylvania/comments/14o5rwc/pennsylvania_culture_vs_other_states_in_the/
[3] https://www.onlyinyourstate.com/state-pride/pennsylvania/traditions-pa
[4] https://www.visitpa.com/blog/post/annual-strange-and-unusual-events-pa/
[5] https://livability.com/pa/love-where-you-live/pennsylvania-residents-share-what-makes-living-there-unique/
