It's not until you leave the cities that you realize what they have given you. I never thought that I would miss the beautiful Twin Cities so much once leaving for college. It has given me great friends, memories and adventures that will always stay near and dear to my heart. And it continues to amaze me each and every day. Here are a few things that made growing up in the Twin Cities the best time of my life.

1. There is always something to do.

Whether it be going to a summer Twins game, farmers market or visiting Minnehaha Falls, there is always a sight to see or a new adventure to be found. Nothing beats walking through Rice Park's winter lights or exploring the cities in general. If you're bored you can jump in your car and drive into the cities with your friends until you find something to do. It doesn't work like that very many other places.

2. The sweets are beyond amazing.

Anywhere you go in the cities, there are always sweets to be found. Between Glam Doll Donuts, Insomnia Cookies and Izzy's Ice Cream, you can always find something to satisfy your sweet tooth. There's even places such as Black Coffee and Waffle bar that'll fix your craving for breakfast sweets. Once you experience a taste of the Twin Cities, you'll never be able to find anything quite like it.

3. You're never too far from a lake.

Nothing beats a day out on the lake, and there is never one more than a short drive away from the cities. Whether it be a Minnesotan favorite, such as Lake Minnetonka, or a smaller one, there is no better way to relieve stress than by sitting on a boat with your friends and not having a care in the world.

4. Even the middle of the cities are scenic.

There is no part of the Twin Cities or its suburbs that isn't beautiful in its own way. Minnehaha Falls, First Ave, Lake Calhoun or the Minneapolis Sculpture Museum are just a few of the beautiful spots you can find in the least expecting of places. Anywhere in the beautiful Twin Cities is considered Insta-worthy in my book.

5. You'll never get over the city at night.

There is no better sight to see than the Twin Cities all lit up and beautiful. Rice Park, The Capella Tower or the iconic 1st National Bank sign are just a few examples of the night lights that illuminate the cities. The I-35W Bridge even changes the color of its lights occasionally; like after the death of Prince, the city decided to light the bridge purple to honor his legacy. This is just another reason to love the Twin Cities, there is truly no other place I would want to call home.