I grew up in West Michigan just a few minutes from the coast of Lake Michigan. Every summer was filled with trips to Silver Lake, treks up the sand dunes, beach bonfires, and plenty of days spent lounging by the water. I've recently moved to an area where the waterfront access isn't quite as convenient and it has made me reevaluate some of the thoughts that I used to just accept as true.

1. Sunsets were only visible on the water

I know that this may seem ridiculous, but I had never seen a sunset where the sun was descending below anything but water. One evening while I was away at school, a friend asked if I wanted to go watch the sunset... over a corn field. My life had officially changed.

2. Fireworks can only be shot off over water

I have attended many nights of fireworks in the beginning of July, and all of them had been around a fairly large body of water. I didn't know that it was legal to shoot fireworks off over a field... I guess I just assumed the entire country had access to some kind of lake!

3. There are only two seasons: Tourist Season and Winter

Every summer around Memorial Day the seasonal shops would crack open their doors and begin welcoming the tourists inside. The beaches would begin to fill up with families trying to get to the lighthouse and I would catch myself grumbling "I'm a local" like it would help me get a better plot of beach sand.

4. Sand in the car was unavoidable and expected

I will apologize all day long for the books, empty water bottles, bags of extra clothes, and miscellaneous junk taking up space in my car, but the sand is there to stay.

5. Wesco had the best slushies and popcorn

A Wesco slushie was the perfect way to cool off on a hot day. One of the best things about living in West Michigan was being able to drive to Wesco to get a slushie and fill up the free popcorn bucket you bought from the elementary student that was going door to door. I still rant and rave about everything Wesco and make it a point to stop in every time I make a trip home.

6. Sunset watching was an event you did with your friends

Whatever plans I had made for the day, I could usually bank on meeting up with one of my friends to watch the sunset just for fun.

7. Bonfires were always better on the beach

I never thought that bonfires had to be on the beach, but it sure made them a whole heck of a lot better. Being able to lounge in the sand around a fire pit made for some of the best summer memories. Throwing around a frisbee, roasting marshmallows and jiffypop, and waiting for the sun to set made the experience even better.

8. West side is the best side

There is nothing like spending a summer (or a lifetime) in Western Michigan.