You know the saying, "Home is where the heart is?" For most, this quote applies to their hometown, the place that no matter how far they travel away from, whenever they come back home, it's like they've never left. Many of the same buildings, sites and novelties are still in the same place they were when you left. Granted, there are some things that change while your away, but just the feeling of being home is the same every time. Home for me is St. Mary's County, Maryland. St. Mary's, just like many other counties around the area, has it's own quirks, and whenever I go home over break, I can always count on the "St. Mary's County Welcomes You"
There's no greater site in the world to welcome you back to your hometown. Driving across the Solomons Island Bridge and seeing this sign, you know that you're home (and that you're drive is almost over). It's like a bright, shining face that personally welcomes you after you've been gone for three-plus months at college.
2. Your favorite meal is by far crabs. 
Eating Maryland Blue Crabs is something that you look forward to during the summer, and it's more than just a meal. When you're eating crabs, it's a special occasion each and every time. It's a whole ordeal gathering the crabs and when it comes time to eat, you're ready to get down and dirty to get that meat. The amount of individuals you can find on the side of the road selling crabs is amazing, but one of the best restaurants to get crabs is Stoney's.
3. Speaking of crabs, you probably put Old Bay on pretty much everything, especially the crabs.
The more the merrier. Your crabs are probably DRENCHED in Old Bay, and you can't help but lick your fingers after picking out all the crab meat and getting Old Bay all over your fingers. You probably also put Old Bay on other foods as well, like french fries, in soup and on chips, and it's just the way you like it.
4. You call St. Mary's County "The County."
In my experience, people always get a little confused when they figure this one out. Like why shorten it and call it "The County?" To be honest, I don't really know the answer to that question, it's just a thing that we do.
5. Bay is #1.
The Chesapeake Bay (aka the Patuxent River) is at the center of Southern Maryland life. You spend your elementary, middle and high school years continuing to learn about it, and you've probably had a field trip to or near the Bay multiple times throughout grade school.
6. The Dyson's Spongebob
This famous Spongebob has been next to Dyson's for as long as I can remember, and I've been able to witness various versions of this Spongebob. He's been Santa Claus, Batman, a pirate and more throughout his time at the Dyson Building Center. Many people even get their picture taken with him, which is something that I need to add to my bucket list.
7. The Holiday Tradition of going to Bubba Knott's Farm.
Bubba Knott's, or Flat Iron Farm as others call it, is one famous place that people in St. Mary's County know and love. Visiting Bubba's during the Christmas season has always been one of my favorite traditions, and I love to go as often as possible whenever I am home for Christmas. The farm is decked out with lights, decorations and history. Visitors are able to get out and pet all the animals and go in-and-out of the shops around the farm. Plus, you see everyone you know at Bubba's, which makes St. Mary's county feel like a great community.
8. Solomons Island
Solomons Island is one of the most beautiful spots around the area and more than likely when you're home (or even away), you will see countless sunset pictures on your Snapchat, Facebook or Instagram with the Solomons Bridge being featured. Solomons Island is home to the boardwalk, Coney Island (my personal favorite), Stoney's, the Tiki Bar and various other shops and restaurants. A walk on the boardwalk is a nice and relaxing way to end your day.
9. When the DMV is actually the MVA.
What is typically referred to as the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) in other states, in Southern Maryland and all of Maryland, DMV is used to refer to DC, Maryland and Virginia, the triad of greatness. Everyone else's DMV is our MVA, Motor Vehicle Administration (MVA).
