Palmerston North, like its fellow inland compatriot Hamilton, has often struggled withthe negative perception embedded in the minds of many New Zealanders. Palmy, P Town or Swamp City, as many know it by, may get a bad rap for having dreary weather and being a bit boring,but it is not without its charms. Though it doesn'thave the big city excitement ofAuckland or thestyle and cultureof Wellington,Palmerston North has several attractiveattributes that might surprise those who have thrown stones at the city without having visited. As a trio of young professionals who are relatively new to life in Manawatu, we have decided to seek out andshare some of the city's best kept secrets. 1. It has an animal hospital Wheredo you finda one-eyedtuatara, a kereru, a little blue penguin and a kiwiall living together? Wildbase Hospital, that's where. TheMassey University facilityhas an expert team of vets looking after creatures from all over the countrythat need a little bit of TLC. Anew rehabilitation centre,Wildbase Recovery, is also in the fundraising stages. Whenit's completed it will offer thepublic a chance to view theanimals as they get back on their feet. 2. There are walkstodiefor Palmerston North and the surroundingarea havesome incrediblescenic walks, bike trails and hunting spots. In the warmer months crowds of people walk, run, cycle and push prams along the Manawatu Riverside Walkway, taking in views of the Manawatu River and the Anzac Cliffs as they go. The Manawatu Gorge track is anotherpopular attraction, catering for people of varied fitness levels and offering views of the turbines, river rapids and the major slip site that closed the gorge for more than a year. 3. This place is diverse The wider Manawatu region was the first refugee resettlement area for the country, with Pahiatua welcoming Polish refugees in the 1940s. 
Since then, the region has welcomedthousands of refugees who have enrichedthe city with their culture and eager sense of community.
Palmerston North was also the destination for a quarter of the emergency intake of Syrian refugees and severalAfghan interpreters.
This cultural melting pot is best viewed duringthe annual Festival of Cultures, where at least 30 different cultural groups share their way of life.
4.It's a great place for a nosh
Anecdotally we've heardrumours that Palmerston North has the most cafes per capita in the country.
While we can't confirm if that'strue, we can confirm that the city is packed with quality coffee joints.
There is also a good mix of fine and casual dining, plus a range of ethnic eateries, including Cambodian, Vietnamese, South Indian, North Indian andItalian restaurants.
And when it comes to cafes, be they the bog-standard panini slingersor the likes of a French bakery serving up buttery-crunchyalmond croissants, there are loads of places to eat and get your caffeine fix.
5. The city cares about its community
This community cares about its own. Organisations like the Kind Hearts Movement, Palmy Revolution andJust Zilch do their bit to helpthe city's most vulnerable people on a daily basis.
Just Zilch serves hundreds of people a week, giving them free and healthy food with no questions asked.Palmy Revolutiondo just about anything they can to find your kid a school uniform,stationery or a Christmas present if you're struggling.
The Kind Hearts Movement just want you to be kind and pass it forward. Whether that's a coffee or a simple message of kindness, it shows thatPalmerston North is full of good sorts.
6. It's a beautiful spot
Though some of our architecture leaves a bit to be desired, from an aerial view you can see a city surrounded by green paddocks,rugged mountainsand thickbush.
Many of us are toobusy on ourphones or in our textbooks to notice thebeautyaround us. Whether it's the clock tower litup like a rainbow at night, or thesetting sun reflecting inbrilliantburnt orangeoff the surrounding windturbines, it only takes a moment to realise how lucky we are to call this city home.
7.Manawatu takes to thestage
Manawatu virgins might be surprised to learn that Palmerston North is a hot spot for the arts.
Whether it'ssolo performances atThe Dark Room, crowd-pleasers at Centrepoint,student shows at Black Sheep Theatre orShakespearean dramaat The Globe, the city is swarming with theatrelovers. Plus, there'sfull-scale musicals at The Abbey and Hokowhitu Auditorium.
Not a thespian or theatregoer? There are plenty of other things around, like artexhibitions at Te Manawa museum and the Palmerston North City Library, as well as the country's National Rugby Museum.
8. We have good vibrations
The city has plenty of good sounds.Two Palmerston North institutions, The Stomach and Great Job,foster the city and surrounding area's musical talent, offering classes and venues for bands to play and record. PNC, Benny Tipene and Billy TK are all proof of the talent coming from Palmy.
Throughout the summer there arealso a series of free concerts in the Victoria Esplanade that are perfect for a familypicnic.
9. We care about our students
With Massey University, UCOL andIPUbased here,Palmerston North is brimming with some of the country's brightest young minds.
Sure, this means we get the odd out-of-control toga party and a burnt couch or two, but it also means the city is lively and fun and packed withcreative and innovative people.
10. We love our agriculture
Surrounded by farmland and home to several important research facilities, Palmerston Northis a leading light in agriculture research.
Among the institutions that call the city home areMassey University, Agresearch, Food HQ and the country's only vet school.
Whether it's looking into ways to increase farmproductivity, attempting to make yoursteak tastier or growing the sheep milk industry, the hub over the Manawatu River bridge is brimming with expertise and possibilities.
11. It's a stone's throw from a lot of fun places
New Zealand is an easy place to travel around and Palmerston North's central location makes it a perfect staging point for wider explorations.
Justunder two hoursfrom Wellingtonand a six toseven hourdrive from Auckland,Palmerston North is also close to theNorth Island's skifields, several beautifulbeaches,Hawkes Bay's wineries andMount Taranaki.
12. It's windy, but that's a good thing
Wind farms filled with turbines line the ranges so it should be nosurprise to anyone that this place is windy.
Palmy is flat and is cut off from the east side of the North Island by a long line of mountains,so with that geographic situationcomes a whole lot of wind.
This windhelps power the city, but canproverather annoying on those sideways-rain kind of days. Be sure to stock an umbrella, or two, for thewinter months.
13. It has unique rugby supporters
Regardless of the Manawatu Turbos' standing on the scoreboard, theirdiehard supporters, the Bucketheads, are always staunchly behind them.
Head to any Turbos game, both at home and away, and you're likely to see them in the stands. If you're seated nearby, get readyfor plentyof banter and laughs, as well as the odd cringe-worthy moment.
14. There is plenty of pedal power
It might be windy but there are few hills to battle in the city, which means thecycling scene in Palmerston Northis massive.
Mini-pelotons of lycra-clad enthusiastscan often be seen enjoying the region's roads, and cafes, at weekends.
15. It's a centre forbig business
Take a seat Auckland andcool your jets Wellington, Palmerston North is also a forcewhen it comes to innovationand business.
Ever heard of a littlecompany called Toyota? Well their national customer centre is based here. Fashionista? EziBuy'sinternationaldistribution centre is here.Hungry? Palmerston North has two Foodstuffsdistribution centres, which take care of all of the company'sdry goods chilled and frozen food distribution requirements.
Food innovators Food HQand major insurance company FMG also call Palmy home.
