People always say that New York City is the best city in the world. That might be true, but no matter how great the city you move to is, you're always going to miss your favorite things about the city or town that you grew up in. I moved to New York City this past October for school but I grew up in and around Chicago. I love New York and everything about it, but there are a few things that I do miss about Chicago.

1. Millennium Park

Millennium Park was and is one of my favorite places to go in the summer, winter, fall and spring. Central Park might be pretty but there's nothing quite like taking a touristy photo at the Cloud Gate sculpture, more commonly known as “the bean” or ice skating there in the middle of January.

2. The Restaurants

Soupbox, Chicago Pita, Portillo’s, the list could go on for forever. Whether you want a light vegan meal or a fancy steak dinner there's a restaurant for you and it's amazing.

3. Lake Michigan

There's something really special about being able to look out at Lake Michigan from Navy Pier or while you're driving to work on Lake Shore Drive.

4. The Spitting Faces

A.K.A. Crown Fountain. The most refreshing thing in the world is walking in the water that comes out of this sculpture in the middle of summer. It's like the city’s unofficial official free water park. People literally go in their bathing suits and hang out in the water all day.

5. Water Tower Place

Water Tower is one of the most popular places to shop in Chicago. It has all the stores that you'd want to shop at and more. I'd spend hours upon hours shopping here.

6. Pizza

There's pretty much a secret war between Chicago pizza and New York pizza and I'm sorry but having had both I'd have to say that Chicago wins. I'm completely biased though, but c’mon, deep dish is great.

7. The Chicago River

The river is one of the most beautiful things I've ever seen, especially in the winter. Walking across it or along it is one of the most relaxing things you can do, and it makes for some pretty great Instagram posts.

8. Garret’s Popcorn

I know that they've opened up Garret’s popcorn stores in various states now but Garret’s is and always will be a Chicago thing. The Chicago mix will always be the Chicago mix in my heart, no matter what the menu calls it. Cough, cough. “Garret’s mix.”

9. The Pride We Have For Our City

We might not be from the biggest city, or the most known city, or have the most songs written about our city but we are all still proud to be from the Windy City. There's so much passion and pride in Chicago for Chicago. Whether it's for sports teams or just the city in general. No matter where I am or where I live I will always be proud to be from Chicago.