Have you heard the term, “The New South?” It shows up occasionally online and in magazine articles from some of my favorite monthly publications. It is also written about online by upstart bloggers who fancy themselves experts in all things Southern. I began to wonder what these trend-following writers meant when they discussed the New South in their writing, so I investigated.

After reading a number of interviews and articles, I came to understand that when current writers speak of a New South, they’re not talking about the call in the 1870s for a turn from agriculture to industry. They’re not even referring overall to a New South focus that encourages, and rightfully so, people to create new businesses, break down stereotypes and racial barriers, and fight injustice in this land that we call home. I believe we all would hope for dignity and opportunity for all those who live here, and applaud those who lead us toward those higher things. But that’s not the New South I’ve been reading about, either.

The “New South” phenomenon I have read about in some glossy publications, and to which I have given a disdainful sideways glance, is a mindset that seems to treat the South as if its people and customs are something to change out of, like a dirty pair of overalls, and force into a brand new $1000 suit.

Maybe it’s because I’m not in my 20s or 30s anymore, but I still feel that the South is beautiful, even with its flaws. I love cozy beach cottages with window unit air conditioners; they are considered passe to these “New South” writers, who encourage folks to flock to penthouse suites or massive homes overlooking the Gulf. They would have them choose escargot with their grits in some vaunted new restaurant instead of what you and I both know is the best thing going, shrimp and grits. They promote a Southern actresses’ clothing line, which features cute cotton dresses priced at $250, on average, as opposed to clothes that can be found in small town shops or made by grandmothers on their Singer sewing machines.

It seems the “New South” is a place inhabited by folks with lots of disposable income and without a full appreciation of our old ways (really, our current ways) of living. That looks fun, I suppose, in the publications, but I think anyone who lives such a shiny, whitewashed life misses out on a lot. Don’t you remember walking to the beach barefoot, with only a towel, some suntan lotion, and a cold drink? Those were fun times! Now, some people seem to feel they require entire outdoor rooms at the beach, with pop-up shelters, lots of furniture, coolers full of food, a sound system, numerous toys and blankets, and more.

Well, it’s ok if they want to have that “New South” experience. I’ve done both, honestly, and I prefer the true ways, which I guess would be considered the “old” ways. For example, I stayed in a gorgeous high rise on Pensacola Beach a few months ago, in a condominium with every luxury one might want. The balcony overlooking the Gulf had chic, comfy new furniture and the view was outstanding from so high up. But it felt…distant, I guess. I didn’t feel the oneness with the beach there as I do when I stay in a little cottage or townhouse on St. Joe Beach or Mexico Beach. In the high-as-the-stars condo, it was as if looking at the beach was like admiring it in an art gallery, to be enjoyed with a glass of wine from a distance and then walked away from as I went back inside to enjoy the Apple TV and the gourmet kitchen. But at St. Joe Beach last week, when I stepped out on the balcony of the condo we rented and felt the salty spray from the waves touch my face, I felt like I was actually a part of it. It drew me down onto the beach to enjoy it with bare feet and a full heart. I prefer that, so I’ll stick with it.

The same could be said about some of the “nouveau Southern” or “Southern fusion” cuisine that some restaurants try to pass off as an experience that you must have to really taste the South. They are pretty great sometimes, honestly, but I still prefer my grits with mullet or shrimp, and they may keep the escargot for the next person who comes along and wants to pretend that really improves our Southern food tradition. Did you know that one restaurant in a large city is trying so hard to make something trendy out of Southern food that the chef invented “Wonder bread puree?” Ugh. Get off my culinary lawn, kid.

Here, let me share with you some non-chic and inexpensive recipes to help you enjoy some Southern food. If they seem to fancy to you, do whatever you want to make it simpler, and then enjoy.