If you grew up in a town of less than 20,000 in Missouri, you know there are certain things you realize make your experience so much different than others. From never going to the store without seeing someone you know, to never having a secret, there are some things about a small town that you will always love and remember.
1. The sunsets there will always be one of your favorites.
Maybe it's because of memories of playing outside with friends until the sun goes down, or maybe it reminds you of a specific memory. Regardless, sunsets bring around memories about when you were younger. The bright colors get to shine through less light pollution than in the city, bringing forth great hues that ingrain themselves in your mind.
2. The one breakfast place you'll always love.
The food may not be gourmet. Honestly, it's probably just greasy. But still, it's good. It's pretty gosh-darn good. It's always the perfect place to go after a late night, or even early in the morning when it's only the 60+ crowd.
3. The one little store you've practically grown up in is always there to welcome you back.
You know the place...you know the owner, their kids, their product. There are probably only a handful of items that you actually bought there, but it still holds a special place in your heart.
4. The post office isn't a boring, old government building.
Sure, it's old. But it's actually pretty, and clean. Plus, there's the fact that the workers are actually nice, most of the time. It makes for going to the post office a slightly better experience than with other places.
5. Antiquing is enjoyable there.
Personally, I enjoy antiquing regardless. However, there is something about going to an antique shop in your hometown that is especially enjoyable. There are mementos from past citizens laced throughout the rooms of the store that have their own story behind them.
6. The sky is beautiful and open.
There's nothing quite as blue as the sky from back home. With clouds or without, the sky seems bluer, life seems simpler.
7. There's one coffee shop that you will always remember as having the best coffee.
Maybe that's not true, or maybe it is. But the taste of the coffee you'd go to get after school brings up memories of when you drank coffee for fun, and not because you had to to stay even remotely awake.
8. The local fair.
Not nearly as important as number nine, but still important, the fair was the place to be each summer. Hot, miserable and crabby, in the moment it may've been just fine; however, looking back, the fair was and is an essential part of your life.
9. Fair food.
That is all.
