Coming home from college for the summer was a happy time, since I hadn't seen my family since January. However, the South has its charms (and not just my boyfriend.) There are some things there that are nonexistent in the northeast. Even though I have lived here most of my life, I just got used to the area at college that I can call my home-away-from-home. A few of these things are restaurant chains, but some others are characteristics of west Tennessee or many other areas of the country that upstate New York simply lacks.

1. Sonic

This seems like a simple enough request to grant. I know that Sonics are not exclusive to Henderson and Jackson, Tennessee; in fact, there is one an hour away from me. But I don't drive, and I wouldn't want to make an hour trek simply to go get a Sonicburger.. no, it would be for the half price milkshakes after 8 pm. I really miss those.

And Happy Hour drinks. I am very deprived of Strawberry Vanilla Sprites right about now. Sonic runs were a part of my weekly routine, and you bet I can't wait to get back to college and go there.

2. Chick-Fil-A

Yes, another fast food chain. But this one may be the best on this planet. And I'm pretty sure the nearest one to me right now is still in another state. It's understandable that this is one of the things I miss most about the South, right? I mean, the friendly staff just can't be beat. And more than that, the waffle fries. And the chicken nuggets. And the milkshakes (I have a thing for milkshakes.) Well, basically everything. You can be certain that my first meal back in the Volunteer state will most likely be from Chick-Fil-A.

3. The Church environment

You Southern folk take this sooo for granted. It was so nice being at school and having at least 5 Churches of Christ in a 45 minute radius to choose from on Sundays and Wednesdays. People as a whole just take their faith so much more seriously in the Bible belt. I could not have chosen a better place to spend my money on for 4 years, but when I come home its hard not to see what is missing in regards to strong churches.

4. The heat?

It was nice when it was 45 degrees in December, but I would hate to be there in the summer. When its 90 degrees outside with a heat index of 105 on a regular basis, and its 85 and not humid here...

Nah, I don't really miss it right now.

5. The people (and I know this picture doesn't apply but I thought it was funny :)

...and their cute southern accents. Hahaha just kidding. However, there is something else about them that I do miss.

The people as a whole are just very friendly in the South. I wouldn't have pointed out people here at home that were "unfriendly" before because I was just used to living here, but upon coming back from school I have noticed a difference. My college town and hometown are both very safe, small towns, but my college town is noticeably friendlier. As are all the other towns there. Don't get me wrong, there are nice people here who will say hi to strangers on the street, but it is much less frequent.

So, with my remaining few months left in the Empire State before school starts back up, I will be drowning my sorrows in Stewart's shakes. Ironically, I miss this little corner store when I am away during the college months. To those of you who are southern dwellers and don't know what that is, I'm sorry that you don't get to witness its wonders.