“There’s no place like home,” Dorothy says at the end of The Wizard of Oz. Though I wasn’t born in Verona, I have lived there all my life and for me, it is home. For a small town like Verona, there is so much to do and so many places to visit. It's less than 20 miles from NYC. I love to sit at the park and embrace the surrounding nature. I love to grab a bite to eat at one of the many restaurants in town. Verona has given me a lot of inspiration. Here are my top 10 places and hangouts to check out in Verona:

1. Verona Inn

Verona Inn has been a staple to this town for decades. Since relocating to the center of town, this place has grown in popularity. This place is great for hanging out over drinks and watching a few games here and there. Fun fact: Former NJ Devils player Billy Guerin stopped by the inn with the Stanley Cup trophy in hand!

2. Bagelwich

I'm not gonna lie. Verona makes the best bagels in town. I'll always remember going to Bagelwich and grabbing a hot bagel after church every Sunday morning with my mom when I was younger. I would go here during my lunch hour senior year when I got to go out for lunch. Most of the time, I see HBW students hang out here everyday after school grabbing a bagel. This is the go-to bagel shop.

3. Frank Anthony's

If you're looking for good Italian food, Frank Anthony's is a great place to hangout for lunch and even dinner. I see a lot of my friends not only eat there, but work there as well. If you're wondering were some high schoolers go for lunch, this is the place.

4. Terry's

I know what you all are thinking: "A pharmacy as a hangout?!" As a matter of fact, it is. Everyday after school you will see a handful of HBW students running towards Terry's to grab a few snacks and sit on the benches. It gets crowded very quickly.

5. Pilgrim Diner

You're driving down Pompton Ave. at around midnight and you're thinking to yourself: who would go to a diner this late? You'll definitely see a lot of band and color guard students hanging out there after every band competition. Plus, their disco fries aren't that bad at all.

6. Subway

Like Bagelwich, you will see plenty of HBW students hanging out at Subway after school, especially after a half-day of school. You may also see a few young athletes grab a bite to eat there after practice.

7. HBW Track

Most of the time this track is occupied by the VHS Track & Field team and sometimes PE at HBW. However, there is a basketball court and you will see some kids playing around every now and again.

8. Verona Park

Whether it's jogging, walking your dog, playing on the playground, or riding on a paddle-boat across the pond, a lot of Verona residents will take a stroll in the park every once in a while.

9. Lakeside Deli

Everyone's favorite corner deli is another great hangout place. You'll see a lot of Verona residents, from students to those picking up their "Take-Out Tuesday" dinners. Lakeside Deli not only has awesome food, but attracts hungry Veronans for sure.

10. Anthony Franco's

Like Frank Anthony's, this pizza restaurant attracts a lot of hungry Verona residents. Seniors will stop by there during their lunch hour. Plus, it's crowded on a Friday night as well!!

There is also the Verona Community Center, Verona Diner, Walgreens, Everett Field, and so many more. Verona may be a small town but there is so much to do. Verona will always hold a special place in my heart.

Photos by MyVeronaNJ, VCG Times, and all local Verona residents and locations, used by permission.