Growing up in Middletown opened you up to a whole world of experiences. If it weren't for growing up here, you wouldn't be the kick ass person you are today. So, here's a few things you probably know if you grew up in Middletown, and a few things you have to thank your hometown for.

1. Whipporwill will always be terrifying.

No matter how many times you take a trip down Whippoorwill Valley Road, no matter the time of day, it will always be a haunting experience. Through all of the creepy stories about this road, you don't even know how you managed to gain the confidence to drive down this road...more than once.

2. The Junction is your go-to one-stop place for absolutely everything you could ever need.

Need to do laundry? You got it. Need a Dunkin' run? Sure thing. Want to order take out? There's more than one pizza place, more than one chinese restaurant, and of course, Gems. Need something from the supermarket but don't want to drive all the way there? Junction's got a Rite Aid, a 7/11, p pharmacy, and a convenience store. Need money from the bank? No problem. Want ice cream? Anna's and Carvel are there for you. Whatever you want, the Junction's got.

3. You still call the New Monmouth Diner the Middletown Diner.

How could you not? All your life it was called the Middletown Diner, and now it's the New Monmouth Diner. Do they really expect you to change your ways and call it anything else besides the Middletown Diner?

4. You can get to the Evil Clown of Middletown with your eyes closed.

You know you're close to home when you see this big guy on 35. If anyone ever needed directions to your house, you'd probably give them directions based off of where this guy is. (Okay, maybe not, but you get my point.)

5. You're probably going to wait 45 minutes for half-apps on a Friday night.

Between Midd North, Midd South, and Mater Dei, Friday nights at Apps are absolutely insane, but you would never miss it for the world.

6. North vs South is pretty much the best rivalry ever.

I mean if it wasn't, I wouldn't have written a whole article about it, would I? There is nothing better than when North and South get together to determine what everyone already knows: who's the best. (It's North, of course.)

7. It's the biggest small town ever.

Middletown is your home. Here, you pretty much know everyone and everyone pretty much knows you, but there's still a whole world to be discovered all within the confines of Middletown. More than anything, you love your hometown and wouldn't change it for the world.