BV raises a fascinating and quite revealing concept. Here is a perfect example of the "state boundaries don’t tell the whole cultural story."
QFan grew up in a rural farming/oil producing region in Southern Illinois. "Southern" Illinois is roughly defined as that part of Illinois that lies south of US Route 50 (or I-70 if you prefer). It is mostly made up of small counties and towns which were settled by people who immigrated up from the KY, TN, the Carolinas and various other southeastern states. Folks who live in that part of Illinois still say things like "you’ns", over "yonder" and generally have a VERY rural, southern-type accent to their language. This part of IL bears virtually no resemblance to the northern two-thirds of the state which was settled primarily by northern Europeans who came due west from the Atlantic Coast area either for land or as part of the Industrial Revolution during the 19th century.
Most importantly, the food traditions in this part of the state are extremely southern. On a recent visit back there, nearly every little town had small cafes and truck stops where the height of "good food" was frying everything and seasoning all vegestable and side dishes with bacon. QFan has been gone from that area for over 40 years, but in some ways it was like going back into a cultural time warp. [:0][:0]

QFan
Bonita Springs, FL