There are times where I hated living in a small town, such as half day traffic or not giving us a snow day. But if you stop and think about it, growing up in a small town can be the best advantage. Just thinking of all the memories I made back at home, I'm thankful, no matter how many times I say I hated my town, that I was able to grow up in a smaller town. Some of the best perks of small town living are what makes it great.

1. Friday Night Lights

There is nothing quite like high school football games. They will always hold a special place in everyone's heart no matter what, let's be honest. So this shout out is for my hometown high school for always providing the best of the best on game nights. And let's not forget the halftime performances either.

2. Movies

I love going to the movie theater, but my town still has a drive-in movie theater and I feel blessed. Going there on a weekend night with friends, sneaking food in under all of our blankets (usually pizza), and getting to watch two movies for nine bucks, such a bargain, by the way, makes going home all that more special.

3. Local Restaurants

There is nothing better than having umpteenth different food places to go when visiting back home. The local restaurants make small-town living bearable. And no brand name food chain will ever top local restaurants.

4. Car Rides

Pointless driving, with the windows down and music blasting, makes driving through town and the back roads feel like you're in some kind of movie.

5. Parks/Canals

There is literally a canal or walking path of some sort at every park back in town which makes going on a bike ride, run or even walk that much more enjoyable, since each one offers a different view.

6. Festivities

There is always some type of festivity happening. One of the most popular is the Petunia Festival, which is held 15 minutes away from where I live, but it offers a carnival during the day with other activities going on throughout the day, along with music and food trucks during the night. Quite the showdown if I do say so myself.

7. Hometown Friends

Growing up in a smaller town it's quite easy to make friends, but finding friends that last a lifetime is the best part of it all. Even if they aren't your best friend, you still were friends of some sort with them at one point during your middle school or high school years.

8. You Can't Get Lost

Literally, you will never get lost. Even if you don't know where you exactly are at, you'll eventually go down a block or something and be like "oh, now I know where I am at".

9. Walmart

There isn't much to do in a small town come weekend nights. And what do we all end up doing? Everyone goes out to Walmart late at night and messes around while posting it all on Snapchat. It doesn't get more fun than at Walmart.

10. Local Shopping

There's this boutique back in my hometown that sells cute clothing, accessories, shoes and I usually find myself going there at least once a month, or sometimes more. And the antique stores provide almost everything you might possibly need or don't need.

But the best part of it all is that most of the local shops are right downtown so you just park and go. But when there are sidewalk sales or some kind of festivity happening downtown, good luck finding a spot.

11. It Will Always Be Home

No matter how many times you say "I can't wait to move out of this town", or how far away you move, it'll always feel like a home. Which makes visiting much more bittersweet.

Growing up in a small town can leave you with the best memories and experiences that'll last a lifetime no matter where you end up.