Growing up in a small town is an experience in itself. People are born there, grow up there, and a lot of times stay there. Everyone is familiar with each other and it's not very often you see a new face. I grew up in the small, rural town of Paris, Illinois. It has a population of about 9,000 people and is located in central Illinois. Not a lot happens there, but there are some things that set Paris apart. Here's some infamous places and activities that are well known to you if you grew up in Paris:

1. Ernie Eveland Gym

Ernie Eveland gym is where a lot of time was spent, whether it be from Mayfete to basketball games to gym class. For a lot of people, it symbolizes hard work and success. For others, like myself, it was a time when you wanted to cry because you didn't want to run the stairs.

2. Mayfete

Mayfete is the moment that every girl anxiously waits for. It's a time when the senior girls wear the prettiest dress they can find and feel like a princess. The underclassman make up dances to present them. Most of the town attends, and it's a time for everyone to come together.

3. Joe's Pizza

Ahhhh, Joe's Pizza. Joe's is what anyone in Paris will tell you is the best pizza place around. It's the place to go after games and crowd too many people into one booth.

4. Driving around for no reason.

There's not a lot of things to do around town. Some of the best memories are made by just driving around in a car and jamming to all of your favorite songs with your favorite people on those beautiful country roads.

5. Lights in the park.

One of the best things when you're a little kid, and even can adult, around Christmas time is the lights people put up around the lake and park. Getting a candy cane when you donate change is the best part, along with the Spongebob and Patrick the end.

6. The Walmart parking lot.

The parking lot at Walmart is a spot where a lot of people just hang out with their friends or meet up with people. You can drive by on the weekends and see a ton of cars and teenagers just standing outside talking! It doesn't seem like it would be much fun, but your friends make it interesting.

7. Brett Eldredge

Brett Eldredge is a household name in Paris. He's the town's own superstar. With hard work and determination, he's made a name for himself despite being from a small town. Most people in town have a connection with him in some way and feel a sense of pride when talking about him.

8. Theater

No matter who you are in high school, you fit in with the drama club in Paris. They're on of the most accepting groups and will find a spot for anyone. It's home away from home for a lot of students, myself included when I was involved. The whole community pitches in to put on amazing productions that bring in huge crowd. There's a lot of talent in that small high school, and this program showcases it so well. There's no feeling like the bright lights on your face and showing what you love to do.

9. Kurly Q

Kurly Q is just a small, family-owned business that's only open part of the year. From the cheese curds to pizza burgers, the food does not disappoint. The food and service keep drawing people back every time it reopens. It's a definitely a hot spot in the summer.

10. It's home.

No matter how much you complain you want to leave and that you "hate" it there, it's home. There's no feeling like coming back when you've been gone for a while. A feeling of coziness, familiarity, and community come flooding back. There's nowhere like it.