Going home for Thanksgiving break in just a few days has me thinking about how much I love my hometown. Of course, when I lived there, I didn’t always think it was all that great. Now that I’m on the opposite end of the state, I appreciate going home and all things associated with home a little more. Neenah, WI was a great place to grow up and there’s some certain things that helped make it just that.

Riverside Park

Did you really live in Neenah if you never took prom or homecoming pictures on the dock at Riverside? Everyone who lives in Neenah loves Riverside Park. The park is situated right on Lake Winnebago and offers a great view no matter what season.

Kimberly Point Park

Located right near Riverside is what we call "the point". In the summer, there's nothing better than going through the Dairy Queen drive-thru and eating your ice cream as you drive through the point. The city's oldest and biggest houses are located on the street facing the lake, and the light house is at the end of the point.

High school football games.

Neenah definitely had the best student section in the whole conference and I don't think anyone could argue against that. Friday nights in the fall were designated to Rocket football.

Downtown

From the Saturday farmers market to eating breakfast at the local coffee shop, downtown Neenah is a great and worthwhile place to visit.

The Fourth of July

Neenah takes the Fourth of July pretty seriously, which is probably why it's one of my favorite holidays. Events begin in the morning and end with a boat parade and fireworks over the lake at night.

The size of the city

I'm not saying Neenah is a small city, but with a population near 25,000 people, it was a good size for me. The drive across town is only about fifteen minutes, but we were lucky enough to at least have a Walmart in our town.

"Half-Apps"

I'm not completely sure if other cities took part in the half of appetizers past 10 at Applebee's or if that was just us. Our city may be pretty big, but there wasn't that much to do. So, after every home football or basketball game, we'd hit up Applebee's for some spin dip or buffalo wings...yum.

The community

Regardless of the season, the community of Neenah is always present at events. Whether it be the live manequin tradition downtown each December or the traditional Streetball tournaments that used to take place every June, there was sure to be a crowd of community supporters.

Next time you're thinking about how much you can't wait to leave your hometown, please take a second and reconsider all of the ways your hometown shaped you. Don't be in such a rush to leave because you will miss it someday. Moving away makes you appreciate and cherish the things you once took for granted.