Freehold is a town located in Monmouth County. From its acres of woods on the west side of town to the chaotic yet convenient shopping mall, it has had a place in my heart since I was born. I was born and raised in Freehold and there are so many reasons why I love this town. This is where I have made my best friends and some of the most important memories in my life.
This town is where I learned everything I know. This is where I went to school, summer camp, and spent my teenage years loitering around the Freehold Mall on a Friday night. From the summertime concerts in Freehold Boro to the annual Monmouth County Fair, there are many locations in this quaint town to make some stellar memories. I remember walking down the hallways of Freehold Boro High School hearing people say, "Where should we go get food in town after school?" and the morning announcements with our school principal's caring yet authoritative tone. My first date was here as well as many Christmases, Thanksgivings, and Super Bowl Sunday parties.
Different generations of people in this town remember all variations of different places and events based on what was popular when they were growing up. My mother always tells me about how when she was a child, the roads were mostly dirt. Children would go outside all day and not come home until dinner was on the table. The schools were smaller and the "732" area code did not even exist. If she wanted to see a friend, she would ride her bike across town to knock on their door because she did not have to worry about the chaotic, traffic loaded highway that is Route 9.
Being away at my university has taught me how much I love my town because when I am gone, I miss all of the little qualities that made up my childhood. When I come home for breaks, I am able to go to my favorite restaurants, parks, and see my favorite people. This list is just 11 of the many, many reasons why I love Freehold and why you do too.
