Coming home from college has made me realize how thankful I am to live in beautiful Bucks County, Pennsylvania. And here are some reasons why.

1. We are so close to Philadelphia

I go to school in Philadelphia and its so nice to live somewhere so close! When people ask me where I'm from I automatically say "Oh, right outside Philly!" Bucks may not be 10 minutes away, but we are less than an hour away which makes going into Center City so easy!

2. We're also SO close to the beach

Bucks County is in such a convenient location. If you want to go the beach we're only about 50 minutes away from my personal favorite, Point Pleasant Beach. It's so nice being able to go spur of the moment to enjoy a wonderful day at the beach.

3. We have a ton of beautiful parks

One of the best things to do on a hot summer day is to go to one of the parks in Bucks. My favorite is Tyler State Park. It's perfect to go on a little hike or bike ride, or to just sit on the rocks by the water and hang out with your friends. It also holds a ton of covered bridges! The covered bridges are so cool to walk around, and some of them are said to be haunted. Another great one is Core Creek Park where you can rent a kayak or paddleboat and go out on the water with your friends.

4. We have a Grange Fair!

When talking to one of my friends recently about how excited I am for the Grange Fair, she looked at me and had no idea what I was talking about. Anyone from the Bucks County area can tell you that the Grange Fair is one of the best things around. It's a county fair that has everything from carnival rides to fried Oreos and funnel cake to tractors to animals and so much more. I love going to the Grange Fair with my friends, it's definitely one of the best parts of the summer.

5. New Hope

New Hope is a beautiful little town that is so much fun to walk around! People come from Pennsylvania and New Jersey to drive though or walk around New Hope. It's the perfect stop for people on motorcycles because you can see the Delaware River! It has so many little shops to walk in and nice views, perfect for a spring or summer day.

6. We do Halloween right

If you're from Bucks, you've probably been to at least Shady Brook and Valley of Fear for the Halloween festival. These were the spots to be on Friday nights in high school. It was a great place to go for a night full of terror, hot chocolate and bon fires.

7. We also do Christmas right

Shady Brook is known for it's iconic Christmas light show. During December, you can drive though Shady Brook for the light show and its definitely one of the traditions for many families in the area.

8. Peddler's Village

Peddler's Village is the best place to go during the fall. It has the best scarecrow contest! It also has a ton of shops and restaurants to enjoy on a brisk fall day with your friends and family!

Bucks County totally has its good side and its bad side, but its the place I call home and I wouldn't want it any other way.