Nestled in Talbot County, Maryland lies the town of Easton, with a population of almost 17,000 people. As a student at Washington College in Chestertown, which is home to only about 5,000 individuals, I now know that Easton definitely was far better than I made it out to be while growing up. From your first awkward date to the small movie theater to being in middle school and ice skating every Friday night with your friends, Easton will always hold your childhood memories. The following list contains 9 things that those who grew up in Easton know to be true.
1. You have to explain to out-of-towners that Waterfowl is a festival that seriously does celebrate ducks, geese, and other waterfowl.
No, despite what they may think, you definitely were not making this up. From the variety of crab based foods, to duck calling competitions, all the way to dog shows, Waterfowl tends to have it all. It's a town-wide festival where people from around the globe seem to visit for reasons you've never been certain, but you never questioned it. After all, you did get a few days off from school!
2. Everyone seems to know you...
...and you seem to know everyone. If you don't know their name, you're most likely able to recognize their face from something that has happened in the past. You most likely can't leave the house or go to work without someone you have never met before asking about one of your relatives, or relaying how much you look like one of your parents.
3. You constantly crave any type of food from the Amish Market.
From their chicken to their fresh soft pretzels, from their wide variety of pies to homemade fudge, anyone and everyone can find their new favorite food within the variety of food stands. No one will believe how wonderful the food within the Market is until they actually taste it, and once they do there is no going back.
4. You know the pain of Route 50 summer traffic.
Ocean City has always been a popular ocean-side destination, and those who are traveling to enjoy the sandy beaches take Route 50 right through Easton to get there. The locals are forced to sit through an extra half hour of traffic, at least, just to drive across town. The drive that takes you five minutes to make during the winter now takes about twenty five minutes, and you can't help but curse at those who are simply on their way to their vacation destination.
5. You probably worked at the Dairy Queen...
...And if you didn't, either you knew someone who, or you used to, work at the DQ. Maybe one of your parents used to work there, or that girl who sat across the room from you in English, or maybe even someone you were friends with back in the third grade. Either way, the local Dairy Queen was home to celebrations after every softball game and fundraiser for school clubs.
6. You always attend the Fourth of July Fair...
...despite its cheap rides, greasy food, and expensive games. The ground is muddy, the seats are sticky, and you can't help but be irritated by the screaming children. Even though looking back at it you probably should have had a miserable time, you'll always remember the time your old best friend threw up from the zipper or you finally won the giant stuffed bear you were striving for.
7. No coffee can compare to Rise Up.
This independent coffee roaster and retailer is home to the best coffee not only in Easton, but at least on the Eastern Shore, maybe even farther. This small chain of 100% Organic and Fair Trade Coffee shops serve strong and flavorful coffee in classic coffee concoctions, but their coffee smoothies are to die for.
8. You can't tolerate long car rides.
You're only 45 minutes from either Salisbury or Annapolis, and only a hour and a half from Baltimore. There may not be a lot to do in Easton itself, but you're only a short car ride from multiple cities and activities.
9. You always talk about how you want to leave...
...but you will always have a soft spot for the old streets and familiar people. Easton will always contain people you dislike and memories you wish to forget. Despite this, it's also where you lived out multiple years of your life, where your family and old friends reside, and where you began to develop into who you are today. No matter where you end up in the future, you never forget your hometown.
