Growing up in Manchester, Connecticut has taught me to appreciate coming home for a weekend from college, and thinking to myself how thankful I am to call this place home. It's a town where at the end of the day, we all are able unite together. Manchester has made myself and many others appreciate it's charm for many different reasons.

1. The Annual Thanksgiving Day Road Race

The Thanksgiving Day Race is where thousands of runners from all around the world come together and participate in not only a race, but an event that resembles Manchester's unity. Whether you're running the race, or just standing and cheering, the experience creates a warm, and appreciative feeling to be a part of Manchester on a special holiday.

2. The Diversity

While attending Manchester Public Schools my whole life, I've learned to appreciate the diversity that Manchester offers. The diversity taught myself and others to always recognize other cultures and accept them, which Manchester is known for.

3. Close Community

Even though Manchester is a big town, it has a small town feel. Especially if tragedies occur, we all come together as one at the end of the day. I am beyond grateful for when we all do come together as one, the feeling of safety, and appreciation that never fails. I feel honored to be part of a town that has such great businesses run by such genuine people.

4. Breakfast Options

I am beyond grateful to belong to a town that offers amazing breakfast options, especially since breakfast is the best meal of the day. If you want a quaint, and welcoming breakfast place, Manchester is the place to be. Whether it's a delicious stack of pancakes from Center Perk on Main Street, or a delectable Sunday morning breakfast at Cosmic Omelet, the choices are unlimited.

5. Silk City Coffee

Manchester's newest, and greatest, coffee shop. Whether you're catching up with girlfriends, studying for school, or just grabbing a quick coffee and mouth-watering cinnamon bun, it is always worth the stop. It's an intimate, and rustic atmosphere where you can sit back and relax with an amazing latte or cappuccino.

6. Line Street

Line Street, where drives with your best friends feel never ending. Line Street has the capability to make you feel at ease because of it's scenery and the never ending narrow road. It's a place to put on your favorite jams and keep on driving.

7. Case Mountain

Case Mountain is the perfect climb for a warm, spring day, or to just watch summer sunsets. Ever since I was little, it was always nice to know Manchester offered a destination where once you reach the top, you suddenly feel a sense of relief and able to take in the beautiful views.

8. Shady Glen

Saving the best for last, of course, Manchester's ultimate hot spot, Shady Glen. The ideal place for an amazing cheeseburger, or a milkshake. However, the fried cheese, enough said. It's a quick and quaint restaurant to bring friends and family to for a mouth-watering meal. Manchester wouldn't be the same without it!