Like many small towns within a twenty-mile radius of a big city, Boyertown, Pennsylvania, has not remained unscathed by the rapid accumulation of heroin in suburban towns; the growing drug problem as well as Boyertown's undeniable problem with racism in the 90s have both contributed to giving my hometown something of a bad rep. However, I'd like to point out that most of the people who complain about Boyertown are the same people who never leave. And also it seems like nearly every small-town young person in America has the tendency to point out all the negative things about their hometown instead of realizing how lucky they are to have had a roof over their head and received an education in that small town.

So, instead of pointing out all of the BAD things about my town, I'd like to point out some of the GOOD things, especially because a lot of these things are new places that have opened in recent years to contradict the disparaging, overrun-by-drugs picture that many people like to paint of our little town. A lot of people, myself included, might overlook the hidden gems here--so check out this list if you live in Boyertown (or, better yet, if you're a college student who loves to complain about going home), and you don't know all the cool things our town has to offer.

1. The Book Nook

According to the website, Boyertown's book nook actually opened for the first time in 2011. If you're like me, you didn't know it was there until maybe a year ago. And I'm ashamed to say that I was just there for the first time this past week. The store has a huge selection of used books, and the owner will look up any author or title in her computerized catalogue system so that you don't have to scour the shelves to find what you're looking for. Bonus: you can trade in your own used books for credit toward other books.

2. The Other Farm Brewing Company

Often referred to as "the old Hard Bean," what is now The Other Farm Brewing Company went from a hipster-y, perhaps overpriced cafe to a pretty cool hangout for people of all ages with its recent transformation into a nano-brewery. Even smaller than a micro-brewery, a nano-brewery typically brews just a few barrels of beer a week for on-site use only. The Other Farm Brewing Company brews its beer with locally-grown hops and also offers a selection of local wines and ciders. The little pub often has live music and other themed events.

3. Patsy's Potpourri of Gifts

Yet another hidden gem that I hadn't ever been to until recently, Patsy's is a cute little gift shop located right across from the Boyertown library. The shop offers a wide selection of jewelry, pottery, woodwork, and more, made primarily by local artists. Stop in to find unique gifts--for other people or yourself!--and say hello to the shop's lovely owner!

4. Studio B

After stopping in at Patsy's, you can continue down the road to Studio B, a space dedicated to the craft of local artists. This community art center offers workshops and classes in everything from drawing, painting, sculpture, and cartooning, to public-speaking, poetry, and narrative writing. Studio B is a great source for learning a new trade and also the promotion of our talented local artists; furthermore, its revolving art exhibits are always free & open to the public.

5. Revive Upscale Resale Consignment

A consignment shop that opened back in 2012, Revive Upscale Resale Consignment store is an alternative option for women and juniors who want to look trendy without emptying their wallets. Comparable to a Plato's Closet without all of the snobby employees, Revive tends toward name-brand and/or higher quality clothing. You can also set an appointment with the shop owner and possibly earn some extra cash if you have an overabundance of clothing that you can do without.

6. The Twin Turrets Inn

A fully restored Victorian mansion that dates back to 1865, the Twin Turrets Inn has served as a quaint bed & breakfast for about thirty years. The Inn is decorated with original Victorian antiques and artwork and is owned by the mayor of Boyertown, Marianne Deery, and her husband Frank. Despite its fully functional purpose in Boyertown's community, the historic landmark is a beautiful place to visit even if you're not looking to stay overnight.

Although of course there are many other interesting places to see, I thought that this list was a good representation of our town's changing image; Boyertown has overall become a quiet, charming town with a close-knit sense of community. So instead of calling good old B-town a drug-infested hick town the next time someone asks you what it's known for, remember that every town has its issues, and--unlike many others--ours is doing its best to combat them.