Everyone has a place that they can call home. Mine happens to be a small town in central Illinois called Windsor. Central Illinois is more commonly referred to as the "217," which is the area code. There are hundreds of landmarks and entertaining, hidden gems that lie within the 217. If you know the following like the back of your hand then you must have been born and raised in the 217.

1. The Original Burger King

You know you're from the 217 if you have been to (or at least have heard of) the Original Burger King, that is located in Mattoon, Illinois. No, it is not the same as the Burger King chain. The Original Burger King's signature burger is actually called the Hooter. Oh, and don't forget to ask for a Chocolate Coke when you stop in!

2. Route 16

You know you're from the 217 if you have driven on this old Route at least once. It runs from Hardin in western Illinois to Paris in eastern Illinois, hitting numerous key towns in the 217, such as Mattoon and Charleston.

3. The Infamous Hamburger Horseshoe

Central Illinois is known across the nation for its hamburger horseshoes especially in Springfield, Illinois. D'arcy's Pint has even been on the Food Channel for their horseshoes. You know you were raised in the 217 if you've ever craved a hamburger horseshoe.

4. Good Ole Honest Abe

When people think of Abraham Lincoln, most think of him as the president who ended slavery. To those of us who were raised in the 217, we think of him as so much more. We were slightly brainwashed into always thinking of him as our favorite president. But who wouldn't? I mean we do live in the "Land of Lincoln."

5. Eastern Illinois University

Yes, there are many colleges and universities in the 217, but it seems like everyone at least knows someone who attends EIU. From Chicago kids to the locals, EIU is always open for a good time with a great education.

6. High Schools Without Football

What!? In the 217 there's actually a whole conference (NTC) without football. Communities are often too small to have a football program so they have two baseball seasons instead. You know you're from the 217 if you attended a homecoming in the winter because it had to be during basketball season.

7. Cowboy Boots

You know you're from the 217 if you own at least one good pair of Justins. Enough said.

8. Chicago

Of course a visit to Chicago is nice every once in a while, but when politics comes into play it's a whole different story. You know you're from the 217 if you have said that Chicago needs to be its own state at least once in your life.

9. Chili Bowl Mullet Man

The Chili Bowl Mullet Man seems to be an icon for the Springfield area. If you know who he is, you are DEFINITELY from the 217. If you don't, you should probably look him up.

10. Two-Story Outhouse

A two-story what? Yeah, an outhouse. This hidden gem lies in the heart of the 217 in a village called Gays (yes the town is called Gays), Illinois. Gays' two-story outhouse is one of only two in the entire country that is still standing.

11. The Amish Community

You know you're from the 217 if you have ever had to dodge a horse and buggy on a highway. Whether it's in Arcola or Arthur, you know you're bound to run into a few of them.

12. "217 Problems"

If you don't follow the "217 Problems" accounts on every social media site there is out there, are you even from the 217?

13. Tractor Day

Shoutout to all of the high schools in the 217 who had to drive your tractor to school day during FFA week!

14. The Cubs/Cards Rivalry

People of the 217 are always butting heads over which teams they're currently rooting for. The most popular of these rivalries would have to be the division of the Cub fans and Cardinals fans... Which one are you?

15. Cows

Yes, I said cows. You're most likely from the 217 if you have ever had to take a different country road because there is a cow blocking your way.

16. Angelo's

Whether it's in Taylorville or Mattoon, all of us born and raised in the 217 know where the best place to find some amazing Italian food is.

17. Lake Shelbyville

If you're truly from the 217, you have definitely been out on the lake AT LEAST once or twice. Not only is it a weekend favorite for the locals but even Chicagoans like to come down and spend the weekend out on the water.

18. Teachers

You're most likely from the 217 if at least one of your high school teachers not only taught your siblings but taught your parents as well.

19. Krekel's Custard

Have you ever seen that weird car that is designed like a rooster? If so, you're from the 217 and you know that Krekel's is the best place to go get some dessert.

20. Sunsets

Anyone can take a picture of a pretty sunset setting over some hills or mountains but the 217 gives a whole new meaning to the word. You know you're from the 217 if you have ever sat on the tailgate of a truck and watched the sun go down over the flatlands of central Illinois. Those of us born and raised in the 217 take pride in watching the sunset in a pink sky over the beautiful cornfields of Illinois.