Always getting the dreaded question, "How close are you to Boston?"

You're on vacation outside of Massachusetts and someone asks you where you're from. After that comes the dreaded question. When you explain that your town is two and a half hours from Boston, people kind of brush it off and act like all other parts of the state are irrelevant. #rude

Meeting people that are actually from Boston and they have no idea where your town is

If you're visiting Boston or just happen to meet someone that's from there, they have absolutely no clue what region your town is in, let alone where it is. Whenever you get this response you think, "Really? Western Mass takes up about half of the state...".

Having to explain that Western Mass is the "farm-town-nowhere" of Massachusetts

There is no number to count the amount of times that you've had to explain that Western Mass is mostly farms and country life. Yes, there is lots and lots of corn... and tobacco... and cows, lots and lots of cows. (Don't forget the apples, we do the fall season best out here!)

Dunks is a way of life

This is definitely applicable for the state but even more so in Western Mass. This is a place where Dunks is even more common than Starbucks. So basically, we have lots and lots of farms.... and Dunkin Donuts.

When you move away and everyone makes fun of you for saying "wicked"

Everyone remembers that first time they got a weird stare for using "wicked" in its not so usual context. No matter where you go or how long you have been away from home, it will always be part of your vocabulary.

Remembering the 2011 October Snow Storm or "Snowtober"

Between not being able to charge your phone and not being able to shower, it was the disaster of the century. You probably ran out of room on your phone from taking pictures of the damage. Everyone went out and bought a generator just because of this one time occurrence. Well... at least everyone now has a generator.

Two words: BIG E

While most people go to the Big E maybe one time in their lifespan, you have gotten the privilege of going every year at any time of day. There are even days dedicated to the surrounding towns! Nothing will ever beat the varied foods you can find at the Big E.

Going to Six Flags New England is no longer fun, nor enjoyable

At this point, you know that Six Flags is just the hang-out spot for teeny boppers going on their first date. It really isn't an enjoyable theme park to spend your day at. This is especially true because you can hit the entire park in half a day if you play your cards right.

The Berkshires are the main attraction to outsiders

Let's be real here – we do fall the RIGHT way here in Western Mass! The Berkshires take a big part in that. Between the scenery, apple orchards, and pumpkin patches, there are endless amounts of activities to do for a fall-filled entire weekend.

But obviously you know that there is WAY more attraction to Western Mass than just the Berkshires. There is so much to see and explore within this one region. Even this article just skims the surface of the infinite opportunities that are right in your backyard in Western Massachusetts.