NEPA. The only area in Pennsylvania that calls itself by its cardinal direction. It is more or less the greatest place on earth. While you're living here, you don't realize how great it truly is. Since I go to college five-and-a-half hours away, I got to experience what it was like to be completely out of the area. (By the way, I wouldn't recommend it.) Man oh man, did I miss good old Northeast Pennsylvania more than anything. (I mostly miss the pizza, don't let me fool you.) But after leaving, I noticed how awesome my hometown was and I'm so grateful that I grew up here.

1. We come together in times of need.

I know how generic this sounds but I can't think of any other place that comes together as well as we do. Whether it's high schools, communities, or entire towns, we find a way to come together in times of need. I am so thankful for the support group that I have back at home.

2. The pizza.

On a lighter note, our food is out of this world, but most importantly our pizza is the best in all of the land. You can't even argue this. When I came to Washington, PA for college, I had no idea I would be so deprived of delicious pizza, and it was a terrible surprise.

3. The festivals, the food and the carnivals.

In the summer, there are countless fairs and carnivals to go to. Starting in May with the Jessup Carnival and ending in later August with the Wayne County Fair, there are enough events to fill your schedule. Especially if you are looking for good, home- cooked food, make your way to one of these.

4. The Scranton/ Wilkes-Barre Penguins

There is nothing better than a Friday night Pens game at the arena. Not only do you get to watch these great guys play in your hometown, but you even get to see some of them play with the big guys. (Pittsburgh Pens fan, where you at?)

5. Montage Mountain

The one and only place for your concert needs. Whether it's Froggy Fest or Warped Tour, The Mountain is the place to be during the summer months.

6. Our local bands

Ever hear of The Menzingers or Tigers Jaw? I'm assuming you have and I'm also assuming that you know that they are NEPA natives. These are just two of the thousands of our local bands that are rad as hell.

7. The Office.

"Where are you from?" "Scranton, PA" "OMG THE OFFICE???" Enough said.

8. Middleswarth chips

If you're from NEPA and haven't had them, who even are you? (BBQ is the best.)

9. SHEETZ > WAWA

This isn't even just a NEPA thing, but if you say that Wawa is better than Sheetz, you may get a punch in the face. Sheets>Wawa all day, every day.