The Tri-Cities refers to the area in East Tennessee containing Kingsport, Johnson City and Bristol. Despite being only a few hours away from larger cities such as Knoxville and Chattanooga, this is a very unique area to grow up in. Here are 13 ways to tell you grew up in the Tri Cities.

1. Telling Everyone You're From Johnson City

No one outside of the Tri-Cities will ever know if you're actually from Johnson City, Bristol, or Kingsport.

2. You Know Everyone That Works at Pal's and Food City

Even if you leave town for college, you're always greeted by half of your high school when you want Cheddar Rounds or have to pick up milk for your parents on your trip home.

3. PALS

Speaking of Pal's, no one will ever understand the bond between Tri-Cities residents and Pal's. There's just something about cheddar rounds and a big Pal that you'll never be able to find anywhere else.

4. Everyone Knows Everyone

While you're on your milk run to Food City, you'll probably run into one of your grandmother's friend's who you've never seen in your life but somehow is able to tell you all about your childhood and "how much you've grown".

5. "I Got Stuck Behind a Tractor" is a Legitimate Excuse For Being Late

At first, it was funny. Now you just get mad that you're going to miss the breakfast cut-off at Pal's

6. A "Night Out" Before You Turn 21 Probably Revolves Around Blackbird Bakery and Sensabaugh Tunnel

7. Nothing Will Ever Smell Worse Than Eastman

8. Getting Out of School For NASCAR

Even if you don't like watching cars driving in circles, you still always look forward to the NASCAR races every year. Although everyone hates it, race traffic is a blessing to students.

9. You Spent Way More Time at Fun Fest and the Appalachian Fair Growing Up Than You Would Like to Admit

Trying to explain Fun Fest and the Fair to anyone who isn't from the area without making them sound like the redneck convention they are is impossible. As much as you "hated" them, you always ended up there because once again, there's nothing else to do.

10. Wagon Wheel Will Always Be Your Jam

Even if you don't like country music, you'll always be screaming "JOHNSON CITY, TENNESSEE" at the top of your lungs whenever you hear it. Let's be real, it's the only reason anyone outside of East Tennessee knows Johnson City exists.

11. Battle at Bristol Was Probably The Biggest Event You'll Ever Attend

What other time in your life will you be in a crowd of 156,990? (Other than Beach Hut on opening day)

12. High School Graduation Was The Best Day of Your Life

It was the last time you'll have to be in the same room as the people you've been forced to be with for the past 12 years. It was your first opportunity to finally get out of the area.

13. As Much As You Claim You Hate It, You Can't Imagine Growing Up Anywhere Else

As crazy as it sometimes is, you know that growing up here made you who you are as a person.