I love California….it’s nice. Where I live there are really tall trees, big mountains to hike, whiskery elephant seals and delicious sourdough bread.
Oh yeah, and wine. Lots of wine.
But….I also love the South. It’s both my roots and my heart, and I feel quite confident that someday I will trade in my fancy Cabernet Sauvignon for sweet tea and my trendy black heels for cowgirl boots.
I love the lilt of the accents, the magnolia trees and the sticky sweet pralines made in big brass kettles through candy shop windows.
I love the trucks, the dust and the wide open roads…love the doctor pepper, the fried chicken and the churches on every street corner.
I even kinda love the humidity, although I’m pretty sure that I’ll regret saying typing those words when I experience my first summer back.
What makes your homeland special? The food, the culture, the people?
Jessica @ How Sweet It Is
November 1, 2010 at 7:30 amThose are such pretty pictures. I love where I live because of the changing seasons and the beautiful scenes. A little bit of city, but not too much. Lots of green and lots of color!
Plus, it is where my family is.
Andrea @ CanYouStayForDinner.com
November 1, 2010 at 7:34 amYour photography is just mesmerizing. Thanks for always sharing yourself with the world, Jenna; it’s a joy!
Alina @ Duty Free Foodie
November 1, 2010 at 7:40 amI love the humidity! Once I got to go to Florida for work in November, and my dry itchy skin felt completely amazing in 24 hours. It was a Southern Miracle.
Alina @ Duty Free Foodie
November 1, 2010 at 7:44 amOh, and Russia is special because it’s a riddle wrapped in a mystery inside an enigma. And that’s the only way it makes any sense.
Michele @ Healthy Cultivations
November 1, 2010 at 7:43 amI love where I currently live (Arkansas) because of the natural beauty and mountains. But I love where I grew up (southwest Ohio) because of changing seasons, small town seasonal festivals, rolling farmland with peaceful animals grazing in the fields, and Trader Joe’s.
suz
November 1, 2010 at 7:44 amGirl, we have fancy cabernet here! 🙂
Liz @ Tip Top Shape
November 1, 2010 at 7:44 amWonderful post! The pictures are just great in this one! I like the the business of Chicago and the random performers that entertain on Michigan. Never a dull moment here!
kyla
November 1, 2010 at 1:37 pmOr the beautiful skyline? And the fact that we can be at the beach AND in a city at the same time.
aubrey @ italktofood
November 1, 2010 at 7:52 amMy little hometown is Gardnerville, Nevada.
The name says it all. Surrounded my mountains, cows and lots of open land. There’s something so special about the town’s weekend craft fairs and the small town “everybody knows everybody”.
katherine
November 1, 2010 at 7:54 amas a fellow southern transplant to Cali (and fellow CofC alumni!), I hear you! I love embracing my southern heritage! Fortunately for me, my brother lives in downtown Charleston and flying there is not to bad from SFO….ahhhh….I dream of a non stop SFO to CHS…one day I hope! Beautiful pics!
Heather (Heather's Dish)
November 1, 2010 at 7:57 ami’m from Texas but live in Colorado, so i totally understand what you mean about living in a gorgeous place with wonderful things but missing all things southern. i miss the accents, the inherent politeness, the food, the dust, and SOMETIMES the heat. not to be totally morbid here, but it’s where i want to be buried when i leave 🙂
Natalia - a side of simple
November 1, 2010 at 8:06 amMy hometown in the fall is incredible. The trees change so vibrantly and there’s just a warm feeling in the air of the upcoming holidays. Everyone knows each other and even though it’s not exactly a hoppin’ place, it’s home 🙂
Such a heartwarming post, Jenna. I’m looking forward to going home this weekend that much more now!
The Wife of a Dairyman
November 1, 2010 at 8:06 amWow! those are some amazing homes! Humidity is great for your skin too:)
I live in northern CA and I truly cherish that we live so close to everything. We have a dairy farm, so we live in the country but only 30 minutes away from San Francisco, 20 minutes from the coast and very close to wineries as well.
{a little humidity would be nice here}
Lizzie
November 1, 2010 at 8:08 amWhat makes my homeland special? Well, the people who I love that are in it 🙂 But definitely the weather (nothing, I repeat, there is nothing like an Aussie summer), the fresh food (and I mean fresh), and the way you can go from beaches to country and back again and it’s always different.
Jenny
November 1, 2010 at 8:10 amI’m from nashville and i love the weather change, the trees, and the rustic feel of the community.
Maria @ Oh Healthy Day
November 1, 2010 at 8:12 amGorgeous photos! I’m from the south too (Virginia), so I can relate and simply say I agree with each example you listed. The South is special. I too am in Northern CA right now and yes, it’s great, but I hope that someday (maybe sooner than later), I’ll be back in my homeland.
JenniferfromLaJolla
November 1, 2010 at 8:12 amI too am a Southerner living in California. And I feel the same way. Though what I miss most about the South did not make your list– and that would be the people. I miss Southerners. I miss good manners and the genuineness that Southern folks seem to have flowing throughout their DNA. I miss the friendly smiles and the quickness to laugh, especially at oneself. And I miss living amongst real college football fans!! I don’t miss the humidity, or the mosquitoes. And while “live and let live” can leave me cold at times, I do prefer the level of tolerance that is displayed here in California.
Molly
November 1, 2010 at 8:15 amThe lakes! (all 10,000 😉 )
Erika @ Food.Fitness.Fun
November 1, 2010 at 8:15 amI love where I live because of the changing seasons, the cozy atmosphere, and my friends.
Katherine @ Left Coast Contessa
November 1, 2010 at 8:22 amI have three places where I have deep roots. My home town north of Chicago is quaint and never changes. There are beautiful tree lined streets and its where John Hughes movies were shot. I love my first adopted home, Boston. I love the seafood, the cobblestone streets, the people, and the salty air. My current adopted home of LA is nice because it is laid back, has fresh food, is beautiful year round, and there are tons of things to explore.
LindseyAnn
November 1, 2010 at 8:23 amI’m Northern Michigan, born and raised. I love the Great Lakes. I love the 4 distinctive seasons–perfect fall colors, snowy winter days, apple and cherry blossoms in the spring, and summer sunsets on Lake Michigan and Lake Superior. I love the mixture of beaches, farm country, and forests. I love the crazy Polish people from my hometown area and the crazy Finnish people from my new-home in the Upper Peninsula and all their barely-pronounceable last names. I love all the signs advertising fudge, cherry products (in TC), pasties (in the UP), and ice cream. I love lining up on the day the ice cream stands open back up for the year, and standing outside next to the remnants of a snowbank in 40 degree weather eating the first treat of the year because “goshdarnit, it’s open and we can!”
I’m most likely leaving soon, so these things have been on my mind a lot. I love Northern Michigan so much.
Estela @ Weekly Bite
November 1, 2010 at 8:24 amGorgeous Pics!!!
I live just outside DC, but I’m from Texas, I love my culture and the food and the family! Its my heart.
grocery goddess jen
November 1, 2010 at 8:24 amI’m a Yankee living in the South. As much as I love the politeness (I never said yes ma’am until I was 25!) and the charm, I definitely get pangs for New England. I miss the classic New England little white churches, the most gorgeous fall colors, the accents, the pace, the ocean (I live in the mountains now), the snow (um, sometimes).
Tina @ Faith Fitness Fun
November 1, 2010 at 8:27 amI definitely love the South. It’s where I’m from and I couldn’t imagine living anywhere else. I enjoy visiting other places but always appreciate coming home. I love being close to mountains to hike and still not too far from beautiful beaches. I love the kindness of most people and the strong sense of community. I really love where I live.
Gavi @ GaviGetsGoing!
November 1, 2010 at 8:47 amI am a California girl through and through! Spending four years in Connecticut definitely made me realize how much I cherish the culture, weather (!), and people of California. I was born and raised in San Francisco, and there really is no place like it. It is such a beautiful, down-to-earth, warm, friendly place, and I feel so lucky to have moved back here!
ms
November 1, 2010 at 10:07 amgo Giants!! 😀
Cathy B. @ Bright Bakes
November 1, 2010 at 8:48 ambeautiful pictures! My hometown is special because, (as a former PA girl), everyone knows everyone…the houses and yards are kept neat-as-a-pin…and you feel like everyone loves you….
cathy b. @ brightbakes
Clare @ Fitting It All In
November 1, 2010 at 8:51 amI love that St. Louis is such a great place to raise a family. We have a beautiful suburbia. It is unique in that there are countless private single-sex schools (2nd only to Philly!). It takes no more than 15 minutes to get anywhere. Everyone loves our sports teams. Everyone knows everyone. And Everyone wants to know where you went to high school.
Amanda (Eating Up)
November 1, 2010 at 8:51 amI love my homeland because it is HOME. I grew up in the same house my whole life and most people are still there when I visit. It’s the best feeling in the world to go back.
Candice @ ChiaSeedMe
November 1, 2010 at 8:55 amBeautiful pictures Jenna! I especially love the white house – awesome house and awesome angle!
I live in Oklahoma, and even though I always say I want to move somewhere more beautiful and exciting, I know I’d miss it if I left. When I lived in Thailand for a year, I missed the quietness, the wide open spaces, the fall season and tons of other stuff:)
Alexia@ Dimple Snatcher
November 1, 2010 at 8:57 amWhat makes Jamaica special?
EVERYTHING.
and it’s home.
love this post!
Errign
November 1, 2010 at 9:07 amI love New England because there’s seasons & SNOW and mountains & all of my other favorite things!
Amber K
November 1, 2010 at 9:14 amWell, being in the Pacific NW it definitely isn’t the weather! But I was born and raised here in Oregon so I can’t imagine living anywhere else.
Crystal
November 1, 2010 at 9:17 amI live on a beautiful jewel of an island in the Atlantic ocean. I may be a little biased, but I think it’s the most magical place in the world. 🙂
It’s tiny and a bit exclusive, the people are unique and wonderful.
Growing up here was like growing up in a small town that you can’t drive out of, but I wouldn’t have changed a minute of it.
Lena
November 1, 2010 at 9:17 amI simply love your photography! you’ve got a very good eye for angles and all! thanks!!!
am loving your blog and adventures!!
Lindsay
November 1, 2010 at 9:26 amI grew up in North Carolina and think it’s pretty because of all the green. People who’ve been there always tell me how beautiful it is, and I have to agree. But I live in North Dakota now. I love driving down the interstate and just seeing fields and open sky. The part of town I live in has a lot of old houses (from 1890 and up) and large trees, so it makes you imagine what it was like in that time period.
Amber's Notebook
November 1, 2010 at 9:28 amI’m a NorCal girl so I love the free spirits, the energy the excitement. The commitment to eat healthy, organic, local food. And the innovation.
chelsey @ clean eating chelsey
November 1, 2010 at 9:31 amI love the south too – although one thing I love about Chicagoland is how fast paced it is I find myself always getting mad when I go to the south because everything moves so slow! 🙂 I also love the food here and all the diversity!
Rachel @Balance and Blueberries
November 1, 2010 at 9:36 amI grew up in a small town in northern MI. I love the people there. Straight up. Going home just feels so wonderful, because, once again, I’m surrounded by a community of people that know me and that (still) love me. They are people that I have a history with. They are people that, no matter how little I see them, I will always feel connected to.
Sarah-Mae @ Eat, Run, Knit
November 1, 2010 at 9:38 amYou always find such lovely locations that make me want to go back in time and live there. Love.
Alexa @ The Girl In Chucks
November 1, 2010 at 9:38 amWhile I feel right at home in the south, having an entire side of my family coming from Georgia, you can’t beat California.
You just can’t.
I don’t love the California of television. Beaches, volleyball and 90210.
I love the Bay Area. I love when the fog rolls in over the Golden Gate and blankets my neighborhood, cooling us off from some weird near winter heat wave. I love that in San Francisco every neighborhood has its own climate…The Mission is usually hot, the Wharf usually foggy and cold.
I love that I can drive 4 hours north and be in the snow, or 8 hours south and be in the heat.
I love avocados and how everything can be made “Californian” by adding avocado to the dish.
I love Anchor Steam and Michel Schlumberger. I love that there is so much fresh produce here…farmer’s markets (including that amazing Ferry Building Saturday market that I can never get to due to work) several days of the week. I love that I can get ANY type of food in San Francisco. It’s all here.
I love that the Giants are one game away from winning the World Series.
San Francisco. <3
Rachel @ The Avid Appetite
November 1, 2010 at 9:42 amI am born and raised in New Jersey with a special passion for New York City. I went to NYU and can’t get enough of the city! Now I live just across the river from it. Though the hustle and bustle can be draining, I wouldn’t want to live anywhere else! Unless, of course, it was in a villa in Aruba…
Camille
November 1, 2010 at 9:43 amI was born and raised in Southern California but I have wanted to move for as long as I can remember. This summer I finally moved up to Oregon and even though I’m not originally from here, It is my home. I have never felt more at home or in love with a place in my life. It just feels like where I belong.
eml
November 1, 2010 at 9:52 amWell, I’m up North – so it’s all the South to me!! But I guess there would be quite a difference!
I always feel the same way about humidity. Are you going home for T-giving and Xmas this year? Does Almanzo go with you? …or will he that “someday” you return for good?! 🙂
Jessica @ The Process of Healing
November 1, 2010 at 9:57 amGotta love the South! I’m definitely a southern girl at heart.
Jasmine @ Eat Move Write
November 1, 2010 at 10:01 amI’m from Indiana and currently live in Southern California. What’s special about where I’m from (Bloomington) is the funky, college town vibe. Bloomington is a town of thousands and thousands of college students from all over the world, which means there are tons of ecclectic restaurants, shops, and clubs. It’s a really great little liberal feeling town and part of it will always have my heart.
Ella
November 1, 2010 at 10:02 amFenway park, New England clam chowder, the Boston ballet, the dirty water, laying out on the common, make way for ducklings, crunchy leaves, sailing, changing seasons, the lack of rs…I love Boston..
Suzanne de Cornelia
November 1, 2010 at 10:04 amBeautiful pix & post.
Home is where the heart is. I’ve been just about everywhere in the U.S. but my heart is in Northern California. I kiss the ground of the Golden State.
Judith
November 1, 2010 at 10:08 amHaving been fortunate to be born and raised in Northern California, I love livng here. Right now in a sorta small town 30 miles outside of San Francisco, I truly can’t imagine living anywhere else. The variety of options is amazing, a world class city less than 1 hour away, Wine country, the coast, Monterey, Lake Tahoe, Yosemite and so on.
But, after living in Paris, I must admit to a lustful relationship with that city, Its beauty is heart stopping.
My perfect situation? A pied-a-terre somehwere on the Left Bank, and keep my house here too!
Robyn @ Frugal 'n' Fit!
November 1, 2010 at 10:31 amThis is the time of year when I begin to dread my homeland (frigid Canada!), but on a beautiful, colourful autumn day like today, I don’t mind it so much. Plus I am just beginning a year-long maternity leave, which is most definitely something I LOVE about my home!
grace b
November 1, 2010 at 10:58 amI love my home state of Maryland (probably because I run into so few Marylanders where I go to school in Pennsylvania–and when I do I get so excited!) because I’ve lived in the country, in the city (where my family is now), at the beach (down the shore, hon!) and in the suburbs. I love how easy it is to get around, all of my friends that still live there, the state park where I used to sun bathe four miles across the bay from my house and the variety that Maryland has. I probably won’t stay there but I’ll always know where my loyalty lies! Can’t wait to move further South, hopefully this will be my last Pennsylvania winter!
I love these pictures Jenna!!
Ashley
November 1, 2010 at 11:21 amI am from the inland empire of california but I always felt like I should be from the south. My fiance and I are convinced we would love it but we are so close to our friends and family that live here so we choose to live the southern lifestyle on the west coast.
Hope
November 1, 2010 at 11:23 amGorgeous pics as always
I think what makes New Zealand is the wide open spaces, the green grass and beautiful mountains, the wine and of course the people – laid back and cheeky
Sandy
November 1, 2010 at 11:26 amI love my small Indiana town because it is home. I love living in the heart of a farming community and the summers here. I dream about the day when I can live in the south and then I’m sure I will long for days of country roads and cornfields and seasons. Ah, the grass is always greener.
Marie-Journey to Body Zen
November 1, 2010 at 11:34 amYou just made me so homesick! 🙂 I’m from Georgia and moved to New Hampshire two years ago. There’s nothing like home, thats for sure, but I’m learning to love my new roots too. You can’t beat New England clam chowda, a guaranteed white Christmas every year, and delish apple crisps!
Averie (LoveVeggiesAndYoga)
November 1, 2010 at 11:48 amI grew up in MN, then lived in Chicago. After that, lived in both NC and SC for a few years and experienced southern living.
However, I am a southern CA girl forever, now. I tried leaving here and bought a house in Phoenix b/c the real estate is so much cheaper but found myself missing San Diego so badly that we moved back here, 9 mos later. Upside-down much$$? But that’s a whole different story!
Anyway, glad you’re loving be back “home”. The pics are glorious. Your camera skills are amazing!! Are you sure you’re not teaching one of the camera workshops at FBuzz?
🙂
Lizz @ Leading the Good Life
November 1, 2010 at 12:17 pmI love Nebraska because of it’s seasons. Really hot, sunny (yet sometimes humid) Summers, crisp Falls with lots of colorful leaves, Winters with snow (yay!!), and lots of beautiful, allergy-inducing Spring blooms. 🙂
Mary @ Bites and Bliss
November 1, 2010 at 12:24 pmYoure homeland’s gorgeous. 🙂 That’s exactly how I want my future house to look like- the first white house picture. Except maybe not so big 😛
My homeland’s special because of all the memories I could have in it. We had a huge front, back, and side yard, woods in the back with a creek running through it, and a lake right down the block. It was quaint and everybody knew each other..perfect 🙂
Katelynn
November 1, 2010 at 12:41 pmGorgeous photos.
Tracey @ I'm Not Superhuman
November 1, 2010 at 12:55 pmI feel the same way, only about New England. I’m living in Virginia now (which, for me, is the South) and it’s nice and all but I miss the real fall where the leaves change crazy bright colors. I miss the summers, when the air isn’t thick enough to touch. And if I didn’t return home for the holidays every year I’d also miss snow on Christmas. A snow-less Christmas and New Year’s feels fake.
meagan
November 1, 2010 at 1:28 pmI’m from Texas and I have to say it’s just a different kind of place. I love to travel and often fantasize about living somewhere else, but then I get homesick even thinking about it. I’m from the Gulf Coast and there’s nothing like the giant, cotton-ball summer clouds, the flat yellow-green coastal plan that stretches as far as the eyes can see or the endless sky.
Living in Austin is different. It’s the land of any-kind-of-taco and any-kind-of-beer, gnarled oak trees, dry summer heat and hipsters. Though the latter definitely gets on my nerves, it’s still a beautiful place to live.
Megan
November 1, 2010 at 1:33 pmWhat I love about my homeland is Lake Tahoe, the mountains, the pine trees, 24 hour stores, and the fact that it’s a city but still has a small town feel. I love the dry heat in the summer, the mild autumn, the snow in the winter, and the fact that no matter what the weather “should” be it does whatever it feel like.
Laura
November 1, 2010 at 1:59 pmProud New Zealander! 🙂 I live (and always have) in the South Island, around the region where they filmed the Lord of the Rings movies. Love the mountains, lakes and beaches. I’d still like to travel more, but I can’t see myself living permanently out of NZ.
katie
November 1, 2010 at 2:49 pmi grew up near the coast in Maine. and i think its the short summers that make it so good because you really try to make those few months of warmth extra special
Chelsea @ One Healthy Munchkin
November 1, 2010 at 4:15 pmWhat I love about Ontario is our northern region. It has the most gorgeous lakes and forests. Some of my best memories are of my summers at camp and doing canoe trips there. I feel like it has become such a big part of me because of that. 😀
Karen
November 1, 2010 at 4:23 pmSimply lovely photos and remberances, Jenna (and all!)
Sarah K. @ The Pajama Chef
November 1, 2010 at 5:07 pmi grew up in indiana and i just love the friendliness of everyone. i love how i know everyone in my hometown (west lafayette), how run-able the city is, and all the great coffeeshops/restaurants/etc. i still live in IN but not in the same city so i miss it!
Meg
November 1, 2010 at 5:13 pmSeattle = cozy, rainy days with hot coffee and comfy clothes. Juxtapose that with the most perfect summers (July 5-late September) with zero humidity, 80 degree days and all the water you could ask for. Heaven.
Shannon
November 1, 2010 at 6:18 pmI love the pictures! With my sister living in Savannah and me never being able to visit (and missing her like crazy!!)I feel like I have a glimpse into her life through your pictures 🙂
I grew up on a suburb of Philadelphia and now work and live in the city. Although I must admit i am getting ready to do just what you said, give up Rittenhouse Sqaure for a town that is 4 square miles. But there is something to be said for the small towns of America 🙂 They have an uncanny draw to those who started their lives in them 🙂
Lacey @ Lake Life
November 1, 2010 at 6:29 pmYour pictures are beautiful!
My hometown (and where I still live) was recently voted “World’s Most Beautiful Wine Region” by Budget Travel Magazine. I’m sure you, of all people, can appreciate that 🙂
http://www.prweb.com/releases/Finger-Lakes-Wine-Country/Budget-Travel/prweb4543094.htm
Helen
November 1, 2010 at 7:43 pmI live about 30 minutes NW of New Orleans….the culture, the food, and the people make my home special! If you have never been to the Big Easy, I would highly suggest you take a trip….especially for the food 🙂
Jackie
November 1, 2010 at 8:43 pmHelen – I agree. I live in New Orleans and I am a transplant from the Northeast. I’m not sure I’ll ever go north of the Mason Dixon line again……the people here are just too nice!
jenna
November 2, 2010 at 12:02 amMy parents LOVE visiting New Orleans, mainly because there’s nothing my dad loves more than a good meal. They actually just went, and everytime I heard from them, they were waiting to eat somewhere that sounded amazing. I hope to join them on a trip sometime soon!
Kasey
November 2, 2010 at 6:16 amHelen & Jackie- I agree! I have lived in Nola most of my life (minus my college years) and still have a list of restaurants I must try. If you ever vist Jenna, I can give some dining recommendations!
Lindsay @ Summit Sandwiches
November 1, 2010 at 9:11 pmI’m from the beautiful state of Colorado, and I can say without a moment’s hesitation that what makes Colorado so amazing is the land. It is all-encompassing and awe-inspiring and majestic. It’s all snow and the smell of the forest and the rustle of the aspen and barren mountain summits and endless horizons and plains and towering pines. It’s a laidback place for laidback people who love everything this land has to offer us….and trust me, it offers us so much.
jenna
November 2, 2010 at 12:00 amI’ve from East Tennessee, and I’m a student at UT now. I used to think I wanted far, far away from here, but now I really can’t imagine moving very far away. UT’s campus alone is about 25 times the size of my hometown. Sometimes I miss sitting out on my front porch (with my Daddy) looking out at the bright stars and hearing the crickets chirp and the cows moo. On days I’m feeling like a lonely fish in a big sea, I miss never seeing a strange face. But I really believe East Tennessee is one of the most beautiful and wonderful places on earth no matter if you’re in a tiny town or a (comparatively) bigger place. My drives through the mountains are breath-taking, especially now that the leaves are changing. People can cook well, and the lifestyle is just a little slower. And of course, everyone is obsessed with SEC football!
Rebecca
November 2, 2010 at 8:55 amMy homeland is also the South. I love California, but every spring I get nostalgic for the dogwood trees, azaleas and the hospitality. Spring in the South is far superior to spring in California no matter what anyone says!
Caroline
November 2, 2010 at 7:43 pmI’m from Quebec, Canada but I’ve just move back from one year in Vancouver, BC. I felt totally in love with that place!!! The ocean, the islands, the mountains, the nature, the healthy lifestyle, the restaurants, etc… Everything was so wonderful, except that I was missing my family so badly in Quebec. That why I’m back here… But..I’m happy to rediscover the real winter and the first magical snow! I like Christmas in the snow!
I’ve been around San Franscisco last year in a road trip from Vancouver. I love the place, but I was also a bit scary with the big dark clouds, the rocks along the beachs, the thunderstorm (in camping…). Napa valley is wonderfull, but my “coup de coeur” is Big sur….mostly THE Big Sur bakery!! What a memorable experience!
I like to travel a lot, but it’s not easy to do everything we like all the time… 🙂 Why we do need the money to live? 🙂
I love your pictures…