While “Southern Hospitality” is a stereotypical expression, we found it to be quite true on our venture to Virginia. Basically, the quality of the service at a restaurant was directly proportional to how far South we were. The service at the Olive Garden in Richmond (which we went to Friday night since we were too late for the GPT) was the best service I have ever had in a restaurant. It was just, very, very, impressive. Have others who’ve traveled found the same to be true, or were we just lucky and happened to find a great server?
It’s not just service. People in general are just friendlier.
But yes, I’ve noticed.
And I’ve talked with southerners about it… apparently it’s all a facade and you don’t understand it until you live there.
Oh, and it doesn’t hold up in DC.