Saint Joseph has earned a lot of love from me. I wasn't so fond of the small town vibes before I left for college, and now I love coming back. Here are 15 things you know to be true if you're from Saint Joseph.

1. We have the cutest downtown area.

Downtown Saint Joseph is filled with coffee shops, boutiques and some really amazing restaurants. It's the hangout spot for everyone in our town.

2. Mason Jar

Mason Jar Cafe is the best breakfast place. You will undoubtedly run into someone you know when you go there. They have great coffee, a great atmosphere and even greater local food.

3. Silver Beach Pizza

Nowhere in this town will you find a longer line, three bars and some of the best pizza. Everyone you know works there. This is the place you come for everything and is a huge tourist attraction in the summer. They are known for their wonderful Schooners and Bloody Mary's and offers one of the greatest views of the lake.

4. Silver Beach

We are seriously lucky to have the beach we do. We see some of the most beautiful sunsets and get some of the best tans.

5. Light up the bluff

It's a holiday in SJ. We light the bluff with extraordinary lights, a huge tree and one giant frosty the snowman. It makes our town all come together one more time before the new year.

6. The lighthouse/pier

Every teenager in town loves to walk the pier. Every. Single. One.

7. Tourist Season (grr...)

The 45 mph speed limit because 15 mph after Memorial day thanks to the Chicago and Indiana tourists. Tourist season mean leaving for work 15 minutes earlier and trying to find a parking spot for 45 minutes.

8. Farmer's Market

I love, love, love the farmer's market (even when I can't find a place to park). You'll be sure to see everyone you know here. You can find and meet some really awesome locals here.

9. Antiques on the Bluff

Seriously the best part about Sundays is Antiques on the Bluff. There are some gems to be found here.

10. 4th of July

It's a holiday bigger than Christmas. Everyone's drunk, at the beach, having an awesome time. The fireworks are great, even if you don't remember them the next day.

11.The love of breweries and wine festivals

SJ loves their breweries and we love them, too. They are always popping up and we are always giving them business.

12. Krasal Art Fair

Probably the most expensive thing I've ever been to. Artists from all over come to set up mini galleries along the bluff, and with that comes that many more tourists.

13. Chan's Garden

LOVE THIS PLACE. Chan's has some of the best staff, best food, and cutest location. Every high schooler loves Chan's.

14. Shadowland

Where you'll find every child in the world, weddings, and events all in one place!

15. The community

I don't think I've ever felt a sense of community like the one offered in Saint Joe. We may know everything about everyone, but it offers a feeling a safety and I didn't understand that until i left and moved somewhere no one knew my name. Saint Joe can get on your nerves, but it's always home.