Top 10 Things I Love About New England

If you told me I would be writing this post two years ago, I would have laughed (or more accurately, cried.) It was a very tough move from California to the east coast for me. I once told Ryan I would rather gouge my eyes out than live in New Hampshire. Well, I've come a long way, baby. It's amazing what two years can do. I have come to appreciate the unique things that this part of the country has to offer. So without further ado, here is my Top 10 list of things I love about New England.

10. The fall. This picture says it all. Beautiful. If you want to visit us, the best time of the year to come is the second and third week in October.

9. The spring. Follows autumn closely on my list. There is nothing better than the blossoms on the trees in April to raise your spirits after a long, crappy winter.

8. Boston sports fans. If you thought Kings fans were nuts, you haven't seen anything until you've been to a Red Sox game. Jeff and Stacey, am I right??

7. Got a hankerin' for a donut? Good news. There is a Dunkin Donuts (aka "Dunks") just a block away. What? You are out in the middle of nowhere? It doesn't matter. There is a Dunks nearby. I promise. Ryan passed 6 on his way to work from our old apartment.

6. History. Want to teach your kids about the Revolutionary War? Just drive 45 min down the road and you can walk the route Paul Revere took on his midnight ride or visit the sight of the Boston Tea Party.

5. The accents. I will never forget getting off the plane in Boston the first time and trying not to laugh hysterically how people were talking. It was wicked funny.

4. Ice Cream. The seasonal road side ice cream stands are to die for. They sell home made ice cream with flavors like Purple Cow and Moose Tracks, not the store bought mass produced junk. I celebrate the day when The Big One opens for business in the spring.

3. No state income tax or sales tax. Live free or die!

2. Nature trails. When you can only be outside 6 months of the year, you tend to take advantage of the outdoors more. This is my favorite place, Mine Falls. I ran countless miles training for my half marathon here. I also took a sweet tumble on my mountain bike. Biggest, nastiest bruise ever. It was on my butt so I couldn't take a picture, although I was tempted.

1. NorEasters. It is kind of fun when you know a big old storm is coming. You can just hunker down, light a fire, and enjoy watching the snow fall. This will also be on my list of Top 10 Things I Hate About New England. Stay tuned for that post coming this winter.