Danbury, Hat-City, D-block, whatever you want to call it, it's a pretty great place. We may not have appreciated it as much until we all left for college, but being away from home makes you realize how truly great it is. We're about three weeks away from returning home for winter break, so close, yet so far away. Here are 10 things us college Danburians look forward to coming home to.

1. Bagelman

Self-explanatory. Bagelman is easily the number one go-to right when you get home, maybe even before you get to your house.

2. Danbury Fair Mall

Not only do many towns and cities not have their own mall, but many that do only have strip malls, or small ones with mediocre stores. We are lucky to have such a big mall that continues to expand its store selection. Practically anything you need can be found here!

3. Elmer's Diner

24-hour diner? Say no more. Where else can you get drunken gravy cheese fries at 3 a.m.?

4. The DHS parking lot

Let's be honest, if you need to get out of the house but have absolutely nothing to do, odds are you'll end up in the DHS parking lot (Asia in particular) with all your friends trying to figure out what the move is. Then once you finally figure it out, some people will most likely leave their cars in Asia until the night is over.

5. Pippa's

Where else can you eat wings or a Yankee burger that's this good?

6. Candlewood Lake

Ice fishing, snowmobiling, ice skating, you name it! Candlewood Lake is perfect for all things winter activities.

7. Molly Darcy's

This go-to bar scene for college kids is the perfect place to spend a Friday night with all your friends. Definitely avoid if you're not OK with a Danbury High School reunion!

8. Tarrywile Park

Until there's snow on the ground, Tarrywile is the perfect place to hike, walk your dogs, or go for a run. The view is great and the trails are even better.

9. The Hilltop Manor/Gregory Street

Drive over to the corner of Hilltop Manor and Gregory Street, tune into the radio station and enjoy candy canes from the owners of the house!

10. The Christmas Tree

Last but not least, the ginormous Christmas tree that gets put on top of the M&M Precast Corporation building every year on Padanaram Road. You can see it lit up all the way from the high school and it definitely gets everyone into the holiday spirit!

Take advantage of all that Danbury, CT has to offer. Winter break is only so long! See you all in three weeks!