When you travel around the country, it becomes pretty obvious that each city possesses its own set of character-defining qualities, marked by the habits and tendencies of its residences. Beyond the surface-level differences in word pronunciation or whether people call it “soda” or “pop”, there are several signs to help people know where you’re from. Toledo has some unique qualities that set it apart from the rest of the country. The following 12 signs will surely prove that you are in fact from Toledo, from the basic facts about you to the things you’re drawn to. See how many of these signs ring true for you!

1. You’re not fazed by bipolar weather.

Toledo has four distinct seasons, all of which have the potential to occur in a 24-hour period. While visitors or new residents may be confused to see a thunderstorm after snow falls from the sky, you know that the sun might peek through the clouds at any moment. You calm them down with jaw-dropping weather stories from your past, slip on your flip-flops and winter sweater, and walk outside with confidence.

2. You could direct someone through the zoo without a map.

Photos courtesy of  Toledo Zoo

Because of the popular and well-traveled zoo we have in Toledo, it’s likely you can navigate the premises without a map like it’s your own home. It was a common destination for field trips with your school as a child, you continued going as a teenager, and now you might even take your kids to the Toledo Zoo to relive some of your favorite memories there. The countless exhibits filled with exotic, beautiful and interesting animals just never get old!

3. You tolerate sand from Lake Erie’s shore in your hair throughout the entire summer.

Toledo is surrounded by several bodies of water, the most significant of which is Lake Erie. It’s likely you spend several hot afternoons during the summer dipping your feet in the water at Maumee Bay State Park, or even an entire weekend at a cabin along the shore. You know first-hand the luxury of being in the bustling city one minute, and then 15 minutes later, looking out over the calming waters of Lake Erie.

4. You consider buying a Jeep “shopping local.”

Because Jeep is based here in Toledo, you probably know several people who work for the company. Jeep Wranglers and Cherokees are assembled at Chrysler’s Toledo Complex, which has been in operation since 1910. Although it is a world-renowned brand, you consider Jeep as local as your neighborhood farmers’ market. Just drive your Jeep along Jeep Parkway in northwest Toledo to feel the ultimate sense of hometown pride!

5. You have the ability to be in two places at once.

Toledo is situated extremely close to the Ohio–Michigan border, which has given you the superpower ability to be in two places at once by straddling the state line. Although there is an intense rivalry between the Ohio State Buckeyes and the Michigan Wolverines, it’s nice to know you can travel to another state in a matter of minutes. In fact, because the Wolverines play just about an hour away in Ann Arbor and the Buckeyes are 2.5 hours away in Columbus, the jury is still out on which team most Toledoans favor!

6. You have a strong appreciation for the arts.

With several centers celebrating the arts in the city, you’ve started to catch the contagious creative bug. This is likely to occur after admiring masterpieces at The Toledo Museum of Art, hearing the Toledo Jazz Orchestra perform at the Valentine Theatre, or catching a concert at the Stranahan Theater. Or simply walk along the streets of downtown Toledo to catch glimpses of public art on display at every corner!

7. You can’t tolerate subpar hot dogs outside of the city.

Photos courtesy of  Tony Packo’s

Once you’ve tasted Tony Packo’s, you simply can’t go back. Friends from other cities might be familiar with Tony Packo hot dogs because of their reference on “M*A*S*H”, but only true Toledoans have tasted the original hot dog topped with mustard, onions and a trademark sweet chili hot dog sauce. With several locations throughout Toledo, Maumee and Sylvania, you simply have no excuse if you haven’t yet sampled this mouth-watering goodness.

8. You prefer minor over major when it comes to baseball.

While Toledoans love a good major league baseball game on TV, there’s nothing quite like watching the Mud Hens play on a warm summer night under the lights at Fifth Third Field. The local community goes crazy over this team, creating a lively baseball-centric culture downtown before and after the game. This has also become a Toledo family tradition, as kids and kids-at-heart are equally enthralled with the Mud Hens.

9. You dream about time traveling to the Old West End in the late 1800s on a daily basis.

You might find yourself veering from your normal commute route to drive through the historic Old West End neighborhood, lined with exquisite homes straight out of a vintage painting. At this point, you may get lost in a daydream as you imagine yourself traveling to the time period this neighborhood experienced the most growth in the late 1800s and early 1900s. You don’t care which of these homes is yours as you admire the Victorian, Edwardian, Queen Ann, Georgian, French Second Empire, Colonial, Dutch Colonial, and Italian Renaissance structures. But you do have your eye on that one home with yellow trim on the corner with a perfect view of Rosary Cathedral...

10. You graduated from the University of Toledo or Bowling Green State University.

The city of Toledo has a strong university presence, as the city is populated with students from both the University of Toledo and Bowling Green State University, located just 15 miles south of the city. Whether or not you graduated from either of these major universities, you probably know someone who went there or is currently enrolled. This constant activity of college students moving in and out of our city keeps things fresh and exciting!

11. You have access to a local park close to your home.

Fallen Timbers Northwest Territory Trail / Photo courtesy of Metroparks Toledo

Toledo makes use of its generally flat land by providing an exceptional metroparks system for the city to enjoy. If you live in Toledo, it’s likely you have a neighborhood park you frequent nearby —  or you at least have a favorite across the city! If not, take a look at some of our favorite hikes, several of which weave in and out of said parks.

12. You wouldn’t want to be anywhere else.

At the end of the day, you’re proud to call Toledo home. You fully embrace the city’s charm, quirks, and qualities —  enough to let the world know how great Toledo is! If so, feel free to share this list with your friends and family in other cities.

How many of these signs were true for you?

Let us know if you’re a tried and true Toledo resident!