My entire life I've lived less than 10 minutes from the most beautiful beaches I've ever seen. While I always knew this was special, I took this for granted up until I went to college. Now, every morning I walk outside missing the sea breeze (even if it were low tide). Growing up somewhere that's considered a vacation town for everyone else in the state makes me realize my childhood was one long vacation I will always be grateful for.

1. Quick Drive to Get to the Beach

There is no better way to spend a summer day than laying on the beach with friends and family, especially when you can get there super fast. When you live there year round, beach days don't need to end when summer does. Come Winter, taking your furry pals to run in the sand creates some of the most amazing memories.

2. Sunrises and Sunsets

The most beautiful sunrises you will ever see are rising above the ocean as you cuddle up in blankets surrounded by your best friends. The sunsets are just as beautiful, watching over the bay as you're sharing ice cream with your loved ones or getting ready for the night to begin at one of the many free live music events held every summer.

3. Unique Restaurants

I will admit I'm completely spoiled but eating seafood anywhere but a shore town is completely out of the question. The restaurants on the island are all family owned and personal, with unbelievably delicious and fresh cuisine.

4. Awesome Summer Jobs

After going away to college, I've learned other people in different towns have a super hard time finding a summer job. Luckily, in a shore town, you have plenty of places looking for strictly summer help. These aren't your typical retail or grocery store positions either. Those unique restaurants mentioned previously give the best experiences. Every night you meet new people from new places, creating connections and relationships you never even knew you needed.

5. Memories

Almost all of my most memorable moments will forever live in my small shore town. From my godmother painting seashells with me every year for my birthday to having a beach day with my entire senior class to watching the sunrise next to the lighthouse with my mom the morning my grandfather passed away. No one knows shore town memories like the locals and I wouldn't change the experiences it's given me for the world...

Not only has growing up in a shore town given me an amazing childhood and such a positive outlook on life, but it has also given me a place I can always come back to. A place where I know I'll always know someone and always be welcome. A place to take my children one day to make new memories with. My shore town will always be my home no matter where my journey takes me, and for that, I will forever be grateful.