1. Going to the zoo is the best part of elementary school.

We simply have one of the most fantastic zoos and if you've grown up in Fort Wayne, I'm sure you've been there at least 20 times.

2. There's a church or car lot on every street corner.

If it's not either of those, it's probably a bar.

3. Hi, this is Fred Grote from Grote Automotive

We all know this is the most annoying commercial to ever air. Visit him between Lake and State on Coliseum if you want to buy a car from a screaming man.

4. Here we don't have summer, we have construction season.

Might as well add an extra half hour to your 10-minute trip because there will probably be 3 detours and a crash on your way.

5. We are close to everything.

Two hours south to Indy, 3 hours to Columbus, 2 and a half hours to Cedar Point, 3 hours from Chicago, 2 hours from Lake Michigan. Fort Wayne is pretty ideal if you like day trips (like me).

6. The hometown shops and restaurants are the best.

Bravas, 3412 Fairfield Ave.

The Friendly Fox, 4001 S Wayne Ave.

Mocha Lounge, 6312 Covington Rd.

Double Dragon, 117 W Wayne St.

Firefly Coffee House, 3523 N Anthony Blvd.

Powers Hamburgers, 1402 Harrison St.

Coney Island, 131 W Main St.

Castle Gallery, 1202 W Wayne St.

Creative Women of the World, 125 W Wayne St.

The City Exchange Shops, 127 W Wayne St.

Fancy and Staple, 1111 Broadway.

Pint n Slice, 816 S Calhoun St.

These are my absolute favorites. You can find more on visitfortwayne.com.

7. There are festivals every weekend during the summer.

German Fest, Greek Fest, Rib Fest, The 3 Rivers Festival, New Haven Canal Days, Hobbenobben Film Festival, Sweetwater Gear Fest, Buskerfest, St. Joe Pickle Festival, Taste of the Arts, The Allen County Fair, Grabill Country Fair, Middle Waves Music Festival, the Johnny Appleseed Festival, you name it we've got a festival for it.

8. The Glenbrook Mall was the cool place to go as a teenager.

I would like to take this time to apologize to my parents for driving me there for no reason at all, way too many times.

9. Going to football on Friday nights is the highlight of your high school career.

We all know there's nothing else to do as a teenager in Fort Wayne other than football.

10. Everyone, I mean EVERYONE goes to the Santa Claus lighting the night before Thanksgiving.

It's a group effort, and we also get Coney Island. It's a tradition.