Growing up in South Mississippi on the Gulf Coast is a privilege. When I went to college, I crossed right over the state line and started at the University of South Alabama, but some of my most favorite things are right in my hometown. It takes a while to explain these to someone from out of town, but us who live here are all too familiar with them.

1. Standing in line for over an hour for crawfish at Bozo's.

Not many people are patient when it comes to food, but we will always wait in a line that goes out of the door for the best crawfish on the coast.

2. Snow cones from The Dog House.

These are literally the best snow cones around. It seems like all the kids in the Moss Point School District are here waiting for a snow cone after school (that is, once they open up for summer).

3. A big, well known rivalry game.

Football, baseball, basketball, soccer, softball, chess, basket weaving, you name it — anyone from Moss Point or Pascagoula will do anything to beat their rival team.

4. Beach Boulevard and River Road rides.

Need to clear your head or looking for something to do? Jump in your car and head down one, or even both, of the most popular roads to ride in town.

5. Living less than 10 minutes from fresh water and salt water.

Have a preference when it comes to fishing? Would you rather be on the river than in the Gulf, or vice versa? Don't worry, take a left or right and you'll end up at either one!

6. The excitement of a new store in town.

A lot of people in bigger cities are used to rapid development, but us, we aren't. It's a really neat thing anytime we get something new in town, and we do our best to support it and make sure it does well.

These are just a few things that make growing up here so special. Everyone has their own favorites, but can agree that these are some of the top. There's just something about the Gulf Coast that makes you want to stick around!