My whole life I have lived in Western Massachusetts and I cannot imagine growing up anywhere else. I love being in a small town and having the ability to get in my car and drive anywhere.

I rarely worry about traffic and I always have a scenic ride to my destination. Here are just some of the reasons why I love Western Massachusetts.

1. The foliage in the fall

I am never without a beautiful view outside my bedroom window or walking down the street. People come from all over the country to see the foliage of the Northeast, and it is right in my backyard.

2. Hiking Rice’s Preserve, Mount Tom, Peaked Mountain

There is always an outdoor adventure waiting to happen. One of my favorite outdoor activities is hiking and the views in the fall are amazing with all of the leaves changing color. Even when it’s not fall, though, I love to go hiking to escape from my stress and just be in nature.

3. The Big E

The Big E is an amazing fair that happens every September that I have been going to since I was a toddler. There is delicious food from every Northeast State and a ton of fun rides and games.

4. Rice’s Fruit Farm

Rice’s is a local farm near me that has best apple cider donuts, coffee and homemade ice cream. Every time I come home, I can't wait to go there.

5. Bike trails

There are lots of bike trails that are a short drive away from my house that I love to go biking on, as well as run. There is always a view of rivers, farms or woods that makes your bike ride or run go by so much faster.

6. Late night drives through town with the windows down.

Some summer nights, my friends and I would just drive around town, roll down the windows and listen to country music.

7. Going camping in your backyard all summer long.

Growing up, I loved having sleepovers in tents in my backyard or my friends’ backyards. We could stay up all night and be as loud as we wanted, without disturbing anyone inside the house.

8. Bonfires and s'mores in your backyard.

Nothing tastes better than s'mores on a summer night and a bonfire to sit around to stay warm when it gets cooler outside at night.

9. Riding my bike to my friend's house.

There was a sense of independence when I could call my friend who lived down the street to see if she wanted to hang out and then be able to bike over, without one of my parents having to bring me.

10. Running cross country and always having a beautiful view to look at during the 3.1 miles.

I cannot stand running on a treadmill and looking at the same wall or window for miles on end. I loved cross country because there was always a new view and place to run. I ran races in parks, woods and reservoirs, and the view always helped the distance feel a little shorter.

11. The slower pace of life.

I love driving down country roads and not having to worry about always rushing to places and getting stuck in traffic. One town near me doesn't even have any stop lights.

12. Local farms

Every week in the late spring and summer, I would drive down to the local farm stand and get my produce for the week. Native Strawberry season was always the best.

13. The community of living in a small town and always running into people you know.

Whenever I go home, I always run into people who still go to my high school and I love being able to quickly catch up with them about how cross country, tennis or classes are going for them.

14. Independent bookstores and coffee shops

I love being able to have a cup of coffee or tea in an actual cup, and sit at a table and read or hang out with friends.

15. If I want a big city, Boston is only a little over an hour and a half drive east on the Pike.

For me, Boston is the perfect weekend or day trip for some great shopping and food. I love being able to take a short trip to the city, but also being able to return back to home, away from the busy city life.