While I'm outlining the pains of being from Gainesville, people from all over the county know these things to be true. Gainesville can be the best of both worlds. Sometimes it feels like a big place and other times the smallest. Growing up in Hall County, my friends and I always had the hardest times trying to figure out things to do. Sometimes you hate it, but you mostly love the place. I wouldn't have wanted to grow up anywhere else.

1. Green Street is a nightmare.

The road is narrow. How are you supposed to fit four lanes in what seems like one? Don't get distracted by the beautiful houses, because you will hit the curb. You get off at 5? Good luck, my friend. If you're turning left at the intersection between the post office and the big tree, DO NOT get in the left lane. Be nice and let those cars keep going.

2. Red elephants are a common thing.

Although it seems normal to us, I've heard we're the only place in the entire US who has this mascot. If you really think about it, people probably think we're crazy. Maybe unique, but definitely crazy. It's okay, though because everyone loves their Red Elephants.

3. Longstreet is the go-to for breakfast.

Biscuits, bacon, cinnamon rolls, you name it. They've got it. It's amazing how you can get like 6 different things and still come out under $10. Good service, and even better food.

4. Is it really summer if you didn't go on the lake?

Lake Lanier runs through all of Hall County. It's extremely crowded during the summer. It's the place to be. If you have a boat, you'll have plenty of friends. It's relaxing and you'll always have a good time.

5. If you're wondering why the town seems so dead on Friday nights in the fall, it's because everyone and their mother are at City Park.

Gainesville has tons of fans when it comes to football season. People from all over the town come to supports the boys. Win or lose, the fans are always cheering. Football is taken very seriously.

6. The square is so cute.

Want to shop? Dress Up, Image, JR Criders. Want to eat? Atlas, Avocados, Recess. Want to relax? Princeton or Inman, depending on what you want. Want to take some pics? Anywhere. It's a go-to for when you're bored and looking for something to do.

7. It's a real task to go to 'the other side of town.'

My mom used to say this all the time when I was younger, and I never understood why it was a big deal. Once I started driving, I got it. Unless you really need something that moment, you're probably not venturing. Unless it's food. That's always what tempts my friends and I. Thompson Bridge to Dawsonville Highway is like traveling around the world.

8. There's second, third, and maybe even fourth generations everywhere.

I know kids my age that have parents and grandparents that went to GHS and basically grew up the same way their children did. I wonder if Gainesville ever gets old to them, but in a way, I think it builds traditions and is kind of cool.

9. When introducing yourself and saying where you're from, you'll inevitably get the "OMG, that's where Deshaun Watson is from."

Being in college and having to meet new people all the time, I'm always asked where I'm from. I'll say "Gainesville, it's about 45 minutes away." "I've never heard of it... wait! Isn't that where Deshaun Watson is from?" It's the only reason why people know about it.

10. The rock seems like a normal thing.

We paint for rock for anniversaries, birthdays, and celebrations. When you ride by, you always look to see what's going on that week. It feels so normal, but when you tell others about it, you realize how strange it is. It's tradition, so it continues to be a part of us.