Over the last few years, I began to realize that maybe the place I called home for 20 years isn't so bad after all. Sure, it's small and you can't go somewhere without seeing someone you know, but it's home. In fact, maybe I've got a lot to thank that little town for. When I go home on the weekends or when I bring friends to visit my family, I find myself eager to relive some of the moments that made growing up in Clinton, NC.. something incredibly special. I'm proud to be from Clinton and with that, there comes many things that I've realized make Clinton a really special place. If you are from Clinton, here are 12 things that you probably know to be true:

1. Vanilla cokes from Abbigail's are a must.

Vanilla cokes, ice cream, coke floats...you name it. You know that the snack bar at Abbigail's is the perfect place to stop in for an afternoon pick-me-up.

2. You know the courthouse confusion all too well.

It is one way all the way around, but if you're not from Clinton, you probably get really confused. You witness this confusion pretty often as you see someone driving the wrong way around at least once a week.

3. The smell of the Lundy's plant (now Smithfield) makes the whole town smell.

Does it smell like bacon or poop? Well, it really all depends on the day. Clinton wouldn't be the same without it, though.

4. You eat at the Mexican restaurant at least once a week.

OK maybe twice a week. But, Clinton is a fairly small town so you eat at the same few places quite often.

5. Alfredo's has the best pizza in town.

Not only that, but their new building is the perfect place for any event. I mean, seriously, I don't think I could love it any more than I already do. That place is like "Fixer Upper" heaven.

6. When you go out somewhere, you always see someone you know.

It's true-- everybody seems to know everybody. When you go out, you know you will probably spend just as much time visiting with the people you see on your errand as you actually spend doing whatever you need to do. It is kind of unavoidable.

7. Before you head out of town to shop your needs, you shop local first.

Downtown Clinton is flourishing with shops-- Royals, Rebecca's, Simply NC and many more. Before you drive an hour to Raleigh or Wilmington, you shop the local shops first. Growing up in a small town has really taught you how important small businesses are so you try to support them whenever you can.

8. Burney's sweet treats are irresistible.

It's hard to go to Burney's and leave with just one treat. You usually end up taking a box home, so you will have some to eat later.

9. You never missed a Friday night football game.

It's a Friday night in a small town. What else are you going to do? All of your friends are going to the football game so you have to. Actually, you wouldn't have missed it for the world. People say there isn't much to get excited about in a small town, but in a town like Clinton, you make your own excitement.

10. Ribeye's has the best salad bar in town.

Not only is their salad bar tasty, but their steaks are good too! Lunch or dinner at this place is always a good idea.

11. You go to church with your doctor, teacher, lawyer, dentist or florist.

If not all of them then just a few of them, but you more than likely go to church with one of them.

12. You couldn't wait to leave.

But you are happy to come back home. It's true-- you grew up thinking about what it will be like when you get to leave this small town for good, but once you leave for a while, you realize you will never outgrow your roots.