I live down south and was in New England last week. I think the harsh winters make those people happier during the warmer months. Everyone (waiters, etc.) was nice and upbeat.
Reminds me of a business trip I took with a couple of co-workers from Florida to Connecticut in February. My co-workers ordered iced tea with their dinner. The waitress was nice but looked at them like they were crazy and said, "It's February". Co-workers asked, "So what?". Apparently, they only serve iced tea in the summer. Eventually they ordered hot tea and a glasses of ice to solve the problem.