Living in Woodstock, Georgia as a teenager is comprised of several key aspects. I didn't think I would ever miss these common things, but moving out of Woodstock has made me all sorts of sentimental.
1. Starbucks is overrated. So you go to Copper Coin.
Those black-wooden booths are some of the best spots in town to work on homework, and if you haven't carved your name into one of them, you certainly have considered it. If you decide against Copper Coin, you drive the extra 10 minutes to get to Cool Beans. You know you love that outdoor patio, despite the frequent smokers.
2. All of your friends (or you) work at Chick Fil A, and "My pleasure" is a normal phrase.
3. Rope Mill Park is a way of life.
You've taken pictures up against that graffiti wall and you've crossed the railroad tracks, and then cried on the way back (or you didn't... but if you're like me, you cried). You probably sit by the river sometimes and wonder if it's safe to swim, or if there is some random creature lurking in the water. Really you're just there to "illegally" go back to the railroad tracks.
4. That Steak n Shake on Hwy 92 is the bomb. Oh, so is Canyon's. Especially Canyon's.
5. You've made plans with about three different people to move into those cool apartments in Downtown Woodstock.
6. You've also made plans to go take yoga at the Hot Ember yoga place in Downtown Woodstock, but you know you're never actually going to do it.
7. "Do you go to First Baptist Woodstock?"
8. If you want to be cool, you go down to Chastain and climb at Stone Summit. But if we're being honest, most of y'all just go to take Snapchats.
9. Downtown Woodstock parking became even more of a problem after Pokemon Go was released.
10. Woodstock has everything - super Target, Sam's, the Outlets, about 500 Chick Fil A's, plenty of Starbucks, and WaHo - except a Bubble Tea place.
11. Woodstock's teenage population is divided into several major categories: the hipsters, the preps (complete with EVERYTHING Vineyard Vines), the intentional Goodwill shoppers, the punks, and the vapers.
It's got easy access to everything. I miss Woodstock. Don't take it for granted, kids. It's a grand little place.
