Despite what Michiganders see in the news about the lakeshore town that is Muskegon, I am proud to call this place my hometown.

For those who aren't familiar with Muskegon, it is located in West Michigan and it is the largest populated city on the eastern shores of Lake Michigan.

Did you grow up in Muskegon? If so, you will understand these 10 things about this beautiful lakeside town:

1. You attended Muskegon Summer Celebration every summer

I attended my first concert, which was Three Doors Down, at the age of 12 at Muskegon Summer Celebration. I remember walking around the midway during my middle school and high school years with friends and attending many concerts over the years until the festival was canceled in 2011 due to financial problems. I am hopeful Muskegon will one day bring this celebration back.

2. You went to the movies at Cinema Carousel

If you were like me, many of your Friday night plans included going to see the latest movie at Cinema Carousel in Norton Shores. You also took goofy pictures with your friends in the photo booth and rode the carousel no matter how old you were.

3. You also went to the Getty Drive-In

Getty Drive-In is another hot spot in Muskegon and one of the only drive-in theaters still in existence in the state of Michigan. I recall many fond high school memories of spending summer nights at the Getty Drive-In. I love watching a movie at the drive-in on a warm summer night and can't wait to go back for the first time in years this coming summer.

4. You spent every summer at Michigan's Adventure as a kid

Although I haven't been to Michigan's Adventure in almost 10 years, I spent many of my childhood summers there. I still remember the first time my friend convinced me to go on their infamous wooden roller coaster, Shivering Timbers. No, you can't convince me to ride that today.

5. Your after-school hangout was at the Lakes Mall

You could almost always find me at the Lakes Mall on weekends with friends looking for deals at Hollister, DEB, and Aeropostale.

6. You've been to the Harbor Cinema

If you wanted to see a movie for a good deal on a Tuesday afternoon, you went to the Harbor Cinema.

7. You had your birthday parties at Jumpin' Jupiter

In elementary and middle school, you had your birthday parties at Jumpin' Jupiter. If you're like me, you didn't know how to skate then and you still can't skate now.

8. You had birthday parties at Northway Lanes

I had many birthday parties at Northway Lanes as a kid and spent many weekends there too. I still can't bowl too well.

9. You went to Pere Marquette Beach every summer

If you wanted to go to the beach, Pere Marquette Park was only 15-25 minutes away. I remember spending entire days (and sometimes nights) there during my high school years.

10. You call Muskegon "Skeetown"

You know that Muskegon's nickname is "Skeetown" and you've called it that for years.

Even though a lot has changed in Muskegon over the years, I am grateful for the memories and good times I've had growing up. From the festivals to the many years spent on the shoreline of Lake Michigan, Muskegon sure is a beautiful place to call home.