Definitely took growing up in Annapolis for granted. It wasn't until I went off to school that I realized just how wonderful our little town is. College has made me realize just how lucky I am to live here, and every time I start seeing exits that say "Annapolis," my heart fills with joy. Here are just a few of the things I realized I miss whenever I'm away.

1. Downtown

Main Street was basically my playground growing up, and I never realized how cool the area actually is. When I'm at school, I find myself wishing that I was sitting at City Dock throwing bread to ducks and watching motor boats pull in and out of Ego Alley.

2. The Water

Whether it be sailing, power boating, kayaking, paddle boarding, tubing or simply hanging out at the community beach, it seems as though every Annapolitan spends plenty of time by the water. Now that I go to school nowhere near the Chesapeake, I realize how much I love living by the Bay.

3. Preppy Apparel

No one seems to understand the importance of Vineyard Vines and Lilly Pulitzer like an Annapolitan. If you live for guys in colored pants and Sperry Topsiders, then Annapolis is the place to be.

4. Seafood

Because no one does crabs, crab dip, crab cakes, steamed shrimp, rock fish, oysters or any other form of seafood like Annapolis does (except maybe Baltimore, but that's open for debate).

5. City Dock Coffee

Yeah, Starbucks is great, but there's nothing better than this charming little coffee shop in DTA.

6. The Traditions

People who aren't from Annapolis just don't understand the importance of events like The Annapolis Cup croquet match, Army v. Navy games, Blue Angels, the Herndon Climb or the Boat Show.

7. Shopping

There's no denying that Annapolis has some amazing shopping destinations. Whether it be Downtown, on Maryland Avenue, at Westfield, the Harbor Center or Parole, you'll never run out of options.

8. Tourists

As much as we love to complain about them, the tourists do hold a special place in our hearts. Yes, they make traffic unbearable, take up all the parking spots, make the waits at your favorite restaurants ridiculous and feel the need to take pictures of everything, but it's pretty cool to know that your hometown is a vacation destination.

9. Ice Cream

Everyone has their favorite ice cream shop in Downtown. Are you team Storm Brothers, Annapolis Ice Cream Company, Kilwins or Main Street Creamery (more commonly known by their former name of JoJos Cupcakes and Creamery)?

10. Free Music

On a nice summer night, it's almost impossible to visit Downtown and not hear local talent putting on a show.

11. Quiet Waters

In the winter, we miss ice skating outdoors with our friends. In the summer, we miss taking walks or riding our bikes along the trails.

12. The Restaurants

It's no secret that Annapolis has some of the best restaurants in Maryland. Whether it be Joss, Iron Rooster, Vida, Vin 909, Boatyard, the Charthouse, Lewnes', Davis', Sofi's Crepes, Nano, Naval Bagels or Mangias, it's impossible to go hungry in our town. You find yourself craving food from your favorite restaurants on a daily basis.

13. Historic Buildings

Annapolis is full of rich culture and history. Being one of the 13 original colonies, we have plenty of neat historic buildings to visit. Growing up, I definitely took this part of Annapolis for granted, but now that I'm older I've learned to appreciate our history even more.

14. The Amish Market

The fact that they're only open a few times a week is a bummer, but I would do anything for their soft pretzels and milkshakes. Going to the Amish Market is an experience every Annapolitan needs to have because their food is some of the best.

15. Midshipmen

Even if you don't consider yourself a Mid Hound, you can appreciate a man in uniform. You probably grew up chanting "Go Navy, Beat Army!" and it's weird not seeing mids on every corner.

16. The People

Annapolitans are special people. I constantly find myself wishing other people from my school were from Annapolis, because no one understands just how great our city is like we do.

I wouldn't trade living in Annapolis for the world. Leaving for school definitely has it perks, but I constantly find myself wishing I could teleport back to my favorite city. I will forever be proud to call myself an Annapolitan!