Before I moved away for college I thought that my small hometown was the most boring place in the world. After 18 years I grew tired of seeing the same shops and going to the same schools. But when I moved away I didn't realize how much I would miss that small town feel. Granted I only moved two and a half hours away to another small town, but West Lafayette is very different from Mishawaka. Though the Mishawaka- South Bend area has few attractions, I promise you'll miss these things and more when you leave.

1. Martin's Supermarket

Even though it's just a plain old grocery store that occasionally sells spirit wear from the local high schools, you will only find it in Northern Indiana and Southern Michigan. So if you're used to grabbing a dozen doughnuts on Sunday mornings or hitting up the Side Door Deli after school, you'll have to wait till you're home on a break because you might not have it when you leave for college. Now that you now that feel free to go binge eat their doughnuts- but leave some for me!

2. West End Bakery

Home of the BEST cakes and doughnuts ever. If you've had one, you know.

3. The Mishawaka v.s. Penn Rivalry

Regardless of the sport, the fan turnout is always huge. From the moment we could walk our parents taught us the other school is the enemy and our coaches have lectured us on the importance of beating the other. When you're at your first BIG 10 football game it will be pretty cool, but it won't compare to the Backyard Brawl.

4. The Morris Performing Arts Center

Every once in awhile some cool, big name artist will stop in. Though it is a great place to take prom pictures or even just artsy pictures to fill up your Instagram.

5. Hacienda

Hacienda has the best not-quite-authentic Mexican food around in my opinion. You won't realize how much you needed their ranch dressing in your life until you don't have it.

6. Silver Beach Pizza

Though it's not technically in Mishawaka, it's just a short drive away. Warm days spent here with friends after a day at the beach is something you are for sure going to miss.

7. Living minutes away from your friends

When you go off to school you guys might be hours, or even states, away. So while Mishawaka seems like it's the smallest place ever, you're gonna miss living 5 minutes away from your friends.

8. The Riverwalk

A beautiful place to go ride your bike or run by the river is something you probably won't have when you leave for school.

9. Rise n' Roll

Rise n' Roll just made it's way into Mishawaka but it was never far before. Take boxes of their crack doughnuts to school with you so you don't face withdrawals.

10. Four Winds Field

Home of the South Bend Cubs, Four Winds Field is a great place to catch a quick and inexpensive game with friends. Your school's baseball team may not be the greatest so you may miss seeing some talent.

11. Downtown Mishawaka

With plenty of cute shops and great places to eat, downtown sends off this nostalgic vibe that you're sure to miss even if you've only ever driven down it's streets.

I realize that most of the things on this list are food places. Trust me, when you've had dining court food for weeks on end, you will miss these places and more. Hopefully our little corner of the universe seems a bit brighter to you now. Take the time to explore and visit these places before you move away to do bigger and better things. When you come back these places will be here to welcome you home.