I never really appreciated my hometown until I came back from college. I guess it's true when people say "you don't know what you have until it's gone." And even though my hometown of Northville, Michigan, was never gone, being away from it made me realize how much I truly adore it.

DOWNTOWN NORTHVILLE

Downtown Northville is the heart and soul of the city. With its close-niched, small-town feel, Downtown Northville lives up to its victorian heritage. From the surrounding colorful colonial style houses, to the the vintage brick buildings that make-up the downtown area, Northville is full of character; victorian character, that is.

THE CLOCK TOWER

If you live in Northville, there's no doubt that you've passed the clock tower that stands right at the heart of the downtown area. If you don't know what I'm talking about, go through your filters on SnapChat, the clock is one of them. The clock may not be super significant, but in my opinion, Northville wouldn't be the same without it.

SMALL, LOCAL BUSINESSES

One of the things I missed most about Northville was the small, local businesses that give the city life. Northville is special in that most of the downtown stores are run by owners who are actively investing their time and energy into their business. There aren't many places where you can walk into a shop and know the staff personally; each trip is like catching up with an old friend. The relationships between residents and the local business owners are genuine, and truly make Northville special.

SUMMER FRIDAY NIGHT CONCERTS

During the summer months, Downtown Northville hosts an array of music artists to perform on Friday nights for the city's residents. These events are so fun in that many people come downtown with their family to enjoy the music, along with stopping into the local stores or eating at one of downtown's restaurants. The Summer Friday Night Concerts is something I always look forward to once the school year ends. Additionally, the best part about going downtown during these concerts is that there are dogs everywhere, so that's always a plus!

GREAT HARVEST BREAD CO.

In my opinion, it's pretty much impossible to go downtown without stopping inside Great Harvest Bread for a free bread sample (as if I don't already know what their bread tastes like...). The aroma of freshly made bread can be smelled from outside of the bakery, making it impossible to resist the temptation of stopping in for some heavenly bread.

CUSTARD TIME

If there's one thing I've learned not to take for granted, it's good ice cream; and Custard Time has just that!

NORTHVILLE MUSTANGS

The city of Northville is home to the Northville Mustangs. If you're from Northville, you're a Mustang; and once a Mustang, always a Mustang.

PARMENTER'S CIDER MILL

When you're away from something for so long, you really start to appreciate it a little more. That being said, there's nothing I've missed more than cider and donuts from Parmenter's Cider Mill. I've tried other cider mills while away from Northville, but nothing compares. I will always come back to Parameter's; it just can't be compared!

There's no doubt that being away has made me realize how much I love my hometown. Northville is my home, and it's truly a blessing to live in a place and be part of a community that makes saying goodbye so hard.

Northville, you will always have my heart.