Hailing on the southern shore of the small, neglected state of Connecticut, Guilford is the quintessential New England small town. But even if it's a typical, run-of-the-mill kind of town, there are still telltale signs that you call it home.
1. You frequent The Docks.
The beauty of living on the shoreline is summed up by the afternoons spent sitting in your car, windows down, listening to music at the docks. However, the atmosphere is quite different at night. I think it is safe to assume we’ve all come across a couple enjoying each others company or a girl crying by herself.
2. 58 is more then just an exit number.
58 is the beginning of every Friday or Saturday night. You meet up with your friends, someone is inevitably late (usually myself), and then you all argue about who is driving, decide, and get your night on the way. Just remember the number one rule: you always meet on the big side.
3. You have a minor Dunkin addiction.
My last count had a total of four Dunkin Donuts within the small shoreline town. Proportionally, this may be obscene, but ask anyone from here, and they’ll say it was necessary in order to feed their bad iced coffee habit.
4. You have spent more than one Friday night sitting in Ashley’s.
Whether you worked there, or there was just nothing else to do, most of the high schoolers spend a dull Friday night eating over priced, yet oh so addictive homemade ice cream.
5. The Junior/Senior Lot gives you nightmares.
Trying to pull out of Guilford High School at 2:08 every day is just one big game of ‘chicken.’ Can you beat them out of the junior lot gate? How long are you going to suffer through waiting in the senior lot line? Did they notice be back up into their car?
6. All the stop lights turn off past 10 p.m.
The small residential town expects most of its inhabitants to be safely in bed by roughly 10 p.m. each night. However, if you are in fact driving past this time, you’ll likely see minimal cars pass you, as well as all the major stop lights are now flashing red or yellow. Makes getting home a lot quicker.
7. You’ve hiked Lost Lake more than once.
Lost lake is easily the quickest, most convenient and by far easiest hike in all of Guilford. Not to mention it over looks the very scenic lake for which it is named. On a nicer day, you will likely run into someone you know while making this hike.
8. Madison, Connecticut will always be your rival.
It does not matter if you graduated eight years ago, or are even still in middle school, you will always feel a bit of good, old-fashioned rivalry for the neighboring town of Madison, Connecticut. Though the two towns are nearly identical in most aspects, the competition within our sports teams is astronomical. You have to admit, you’ve likely attended several ‘white-out’ basketball games or hockey double headers. Plus, it is almost a given you went in the freezing cold to the Thanksgiving rival football game.
9. You crave Mr. J’s.
The Asian bistro, serving up incredible sushi, Thai, and classic Chinese, has been a staple part of your diet, and a go to when your friends cannot decide where to go out to dinner.
10. You hate this place, but you also really miss it.
Growing up in this town can be difficult at times, especially due to its “small town” nature. However, there are certain quirks you will always appreciate about it, and no matter what, it is always going to be home.
Oh, Guilf, can’t wait to see you and all your glory in a few weeks J
