In Charleston, South Carolina, "hospitality doors" helped neighbors know when to stop by.
This Is Why Some Southern Houses Have a Porch Door, or “Hospitality Door”
Updated Mar. 10, 2022
For those of us that have settled down in the suburbs, the sentiment of “knowing your neighbor” means a lot. Living in a tight-knit neighborhood often creates close family friends, the ones you play outdoor games with and invite to backyard barbecues. In the neighborhood I grew up in, doors were rarely shut and locked during the day—and even if they were, neighbor kids were welcome to ring the doorbell and see who was home.
Times have changed, though. In a lot of neighborhoods, the front doors stay locked. But in the South, you’ll likely still see some open front doors, though, especially if they lead to the porch.
If you see a green porch light, this is what it means.
What Are Hospitality Doors?
You’ve probably come across the phrase “Southern hospitality,” which describes the welcoming nature of people in Southern states—doors and arms wide open. But unless you’re from the South, or have experienced Southern hospitality for yourself, you might not fully understand how big of an influence it has on Southern communities.
In Charleston, South Carolina, historic homes were built with an airy front porch that included a door separate from the one to the house. That porch door is a hospitality door, according to Glimpses of Charleston and It’s A Southern Thing.
Speaking of door-related trivia, you might’ve seen some old houses with two front doors—this is why.
What Are the Porch Doors For?
The hospitality doors were helpful social cues for neighbors and friends. If the porch door was propped open, it meant that the family inside was ready for visitors, and people were welcome to come in. If the door was shut—you guessed it—do not disturb. Though this old home feature has gone out of style, hospitality doors are still preserved in many houses in the South. Maybe one day they’ll even make a comeback.
See more features that only Southern homes have.
Classic Southern Recipes to Share
1 / 28
Green Tomato BLTI absolutely love tomatoes, any kind, any size. Being from the South, that includes fried green tomatoes. I created a special summer sandwich to show them off. —Hillian Holmgren, Del Rio, Texas
Sausage and Mushroom Cornbread DressingI learned about corn bread dressing while living in the south for a few years. I decided to combine it with a few of my favorite stuffing ingredients to give it my own spin. —James Schend, Pleasant Prairie, Wisconsin
Carolina Shrimp SoupFresh shrimp from the Carolina coast is one of our favorite foods. We add kale, garlic, red peppers and black-eyed peas to complete this wholesome, filling soup. —Mary Marlowe Leverette, Columbia, South Carolina 
Sweet Potato PieThis creamy sweet potato pie is subtly spiced and slices beautifully! We suggest baking up a few sweet potato pies around the holidays to give to friends and family. — North Carolina Sweet Potato Commission
Cornbread SaladCraving a taste of summer? Whip up this classic southern cornbread salad! Layers of sweet cornbread, creamy dressing, and fresh veggies take sweet and savory to a whole new level.
Southern Peach Upside-Down CakeA dear friend from the South gave me the idea for this peachy cake. I add bourbon and top each slice with vanilla or cinnamon ice cream. —Trista Jefferson, Batavia, Ohio 
Strawberry-Chicken Salad with Buttered PecansHaving lived in several states in the South, I love tossing pecans into recipes for a little added flavor and crunch. Fresh berries and other nuts round out this hearty salad. —Lisa Varner, El Paso, Texas
Southern Fried Chicken with GravyFried chicken may have been perfected in the South, but it is loved everywhere! Seasonings add a little something extra to this recipe, as does a rich gravy. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen 
Sweet Potato Casserole with PecansThis creamy, comforting sweet potato casserole with pecans is such a treat, it could almost be served as dessert. Most often, it makes an ideal sweet-savory side dish alongside green salad or roasted veggies.
Shrimp and GritsShrimp and grits is the kind of down-home comfort food that tastes great any time.
Sour Cream Peach Pecan PieFresh peaches, good southern pecans and real vanilla make this pie a special summertime treat. —Sherrell Dikes, Holiday Island, Arkansas 
Country-Fried SteakThis country-fried steak recipe features tender cube steaks coated in a crispy flour-and-cornmeal breaded coating and smothered in a rich, beefy gravy. Serve it as a cozy dinner with mashed potatoes, or top it with fried eggs for breakfast.
Black-Eyed Peas with BaconA real Southern favorite, black-eyed peas are traditionally served on New Year's Day to bring good luck. The bacon and thyme in my mom’s recipe make them extra special. —Ruby Williams, Bogalusa, Louisiana
Okra GumboWe used to live in New Orleans, but our taste buds don't know we moved yet. I still make many Creole dishes, and gumbo is one of our favorites. —Catherine Bouis, Palm Harbor, Florida
Creole JambalayaJambalaya is a traditional Louisiana dish, coming from our Spanish and French culture. Rice is the main ingredient, with different meats or seafood mixed in. I particularly like this variation with shrimp and ham. —Ruby Williams, Bogalusa, Louisiana
Buttermilk BiscuitsYou can make biscuits any day of the week with this simple 3-ingredient buttermilk biscuits recipe.
Pulled Pork TatersThis recipe is as hearty as it gets—part barbecued pork, part potatoes, but completely delicious. My family can't get enough of this comforting, warm-you-up baked potato dish. —Shannon Harris, Tyler, Texas 
Southern Sweet Potato PieSouthern desserts are known for being decadent and delicious, and this southern sweet potato pie recipe is no exception.
Peppery Hush PuppiesFor our family, a good fish dinner just isn't complete without these zesty hush puppies. You can also serve them alone as a satisfying snack. —Carolyn Griffin, Macon, Georgia
Creole-Spiced Shrimp Po'BoysMy father is Cajun, and I grew up eating Cajun food. This easy recipe makes me think of happy childhood memories. Sometimes I use oysters or crawfish instead of—or in addition to—the shrimp. —Stacey Johnson, Bonney Lake, Washington
Bacon Collard GreensThese smoky collard greens with bacon prove that leafy greens can pack a lot of flavor. Complete the ode to Southern cuisine by serving them with creamy mac and cheese, fried catfish or honey cornbread.Â
Collard greens are a staple vegetable of southern cuisine. This side dish is often eaten alongside smoked or salt-cured meats, such as ham hocks, pork or fatback. —Marsha Ankeney, Niceville, Florida[/rms_recipe]
Banana PuddingThis banana pudding layered with vanilla wafers tastes just like Grandma's: creamy, simple, comforting and filled with sweet banana flavor.
Jalapeno CornbreadWhip up our spicy jalapeño cornbread with ease, blending the sweetness of fresh corn with the savory sharpness of cheddar and a spicy jalapeño kick for a delectably balanced treat.
White Sausage GravyA Southern specialty, this hearty pork sausage gravy uses sausage drippings, milk and flour to make a thick creamy gravy traditionally served over biscuits. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen
Lemon Chess PieThis bright and creamy lemon chess pie cuts beautifully and has a smooth texture. It’s one of my favorites. —Hannah LaRue Rider, East Point, Kentucky
Southern Pecan CatfishI coat the catfish in pecans, then top it with a thick, rich cream sauce. It looks like you spent all day on it, but it's actually very speedy to prepare. Garnish it with lemon wedges, parsley or more chopped pecans if you desire. —Mary Ann Griffin, Bowling Green, Kentucky
Aunt Ione's Icebox CookiesWhenever we went to visit my Aunt Ione in south Georgia, her icebox cookies were our favorite treat. My mother later make these cookies, and I remember begging for a slice of the raw dough—I thought the unbaked cookies tasted just as great as the baked! —Jenny Hill, Meridianville, Alabama
Originally Published: January 26, 2022
