LONG BEACH, Calif. -- They say there is no place like home and for Misty May-Treanor, the AVP Crocs Slam Bud Light Long Beach Open this weekend is a homecoming weekend.

"I think that Long Beach as a community is really into their athletics and their city," said May-Treanor, who was an First-Team All-American and 1998 Honda Broderick NCAA Athlete-of-the-Year Award at her alma mater Long Beach State. "You find a lot of support through the ranks. Everyone loves this city and you can see it in the people and the way they are cleaning up downtown and making it people friendly. I heard it's one of the hottest places to move to because it's affordable. It's a great place to raise kids in. I feel safe here and everyone is friendly. Also, everything is convenient."

Some of the conveniences that May-Treanor looks forward when her travels bring her home start with one of the more popular parts of Long Beach, Belmont Shores.

"You've got to go to second street [in Belmont Shores]," said May-Treanor, who reached the 100-win mark earlier this year. "That's the hot spot as they've added more shops and restaurants. I like eating at Open Sesame, which is a Mediterranean style place. On second street they have everything from Italian, there are different pubs and bars. Also, there is shopping for the ladies."

Within walking distance to the tournament site this weekend is also another hot spot that is worth stopping at.

"In the Pike's Peak which has been cleaned up, there are different restaurants like Yard House, which is always a favorite," said May-Treanor. "Also, you can walk around to the carousel or the different shops. There is also the aquarium."

If you are looking for attractions, then according to May-Treanor who owns a home here with husband Matt Treanor, a catcher for the Florida Marlins, "I've only been to the Queen Mary for the Halloween Haunt because it is haunted," said May-Treanor. "You've got to go to Long Beach State if there are any athletic events going on. With the fall coming up there's [women's] volleyball and in the spring there is baseball. Long Beach State has a good baseball team. Seal Beach is right next door, but you can take a gondola ride in Naples. You can take your honey on a gondola ride which does remind you of Italy and the aqueducts."

Yet even when she is still thinking about volleyball, but isn't necessarily training for an upcoming tournament, Long Beach is still the place to be.

"We also like to take our dogs (two boxers named Gruden and Boogie) to El Dorado Park for a run and it's really fantastic," said May-Treanor. "You see a lot of people having picnics, you can walk your dogs, they have an archery club there, but it's a huge park where you can run, bike or walk."

"There are also some great golf courses with El Dorado Park Golf Course, the Bixby Course, Big Recreation and Little Recreation Golf Course and Skylinks. One of my favorite airports to leave out of it Long Beach Municipal Airport. It is small and easy so you can show up an hour before your flight and still get security out of the way."

While tourists to the area also enjoy some of these same comforts of Long Beach, May-Treanor herself is somewhat of a local attraction with her Long Beach State jersey proudly being displayed in some of the local restaurants.

"The Pyramid (Long Beach State University's home for indoor athletics) was the first place, but then my jersey was in Legends," said May-Treanor. "The first time I saw my jersey in Legends I thought 'wow, I'm up there with a lot of great people like my coach Debbi Green.' You see people of different athletes and it makes you wonder why your jersey is up there next to theirs when I am not that big [of a sports name].

"I gave Tracy's Bar & Grill a jersey to hang in there and they were scared to hang it up because they thought something was going to happen to it."

Yet even with how big of a name she is in the world of professional beach volleyball, the Long Beach area has been able to provide her some privacy.

"I say hi to everyone and people will recognize me," said May-Treanor. "Obviously I have my local stops like they know me at the dog groomer (Wags to Whiskers) down the street."

Long Beach is a great city in May-Treanor's eyes for all of the familiarity and pleasant environment it offers, but it also looks to be the place where she will be creating new memories once the Olympics are over.

"We plan to remodel our home and make it kid friendly," said May-Treanor. "We think it is a great area and proud to be here when we are here."