When trying to explain to people where you are from you probably just use the phrase, "It's on the North Shore of MA," or, "It's like 30 minutes north of Boston." But Ipswich is much more than a weirdly named town whose only relatable association is Boston. Only people who grew up there truly understand how precious this gem is. If you grew up there, you will understand a few more things as well...
1. You know how to pronounce Ipswich, as well as all other weirdly named towns in Massachusetts.
2. No matter how many you try, no apple cider donut will be better than one from Russell Orchards.
3. And no other ordinary donut will be better than a fresh one from Marty's at 1 a.m. (RIP Marty's, you are missed dearly).
4. In the summer time you lived at Crane Beach.
5. But you know that the beach isn't just a summer thing.
In fact, going for walks on the beach is actually best in fall.
6. You know that the pep band is better than the football team.
7. It was also hard to explain to friends not from Ipswich that being in band wasn't a nerdy thing.
8. The best cookies you will ever eat still come from the General Store.
9. And their turkey gobbler is by far the best sandwich on the menu.
10. You know at least five Greek people...if you aren't Greek yourself.
11. You easily notice a Crane logo on a toilet or sink.
12. You get your milk from Appleton.
13. You also take walks there knowing you can get some good nature pics.
14. At this point you could probably teach a college course on colonial history.
15. Because chances are you live in a historical house.
16. And your hometown has more history than 90 percent of the country.
17. You went on at least five field trips to the salt marsh.
18. And know all about the invasive nature of phragmites.
19. You know someone who has been pulled over on Linebrook for speeding.
20. You miss the good old days when you could go to a Castle Concert and know everyone there.
21. When you were in elementary school the biggest thing on your mind was the Doyon-Winthrop rivalry.
22. You grew up in a small community where everyone knows everyone.
23. No coffee shop will ever be as cute, homey, or cozy as Zumi's.
24. Outer Linebrook or the Neck might as well be the other side of the world.
25. You don't even bother eating clams if you don't know who clammed them.
26. You have watched the sunrise from the beach...and it was twice as good as any sunset you have ever seen.
27. The more places you visit or live, the more you realize your hometown is one of the prettiest places on Earth and was the perfect place to grow up.
