With Thanksgiving arriving tomorrow, now seems like a good time to give thanks to a few of the things that make Miami so great. The Magic City is one of the top destinations for tourists and travelers looking to take a break from the rise-and-grind life, but for those of us who call the 305 home 365 days a year, it's more than just a one-week getaway. It's a way of life.
This is the time of the year when the rest of the country unpacks their winter clothes and ties chains to their tires -- or at least that's what I've seen on television (still not really sure how that works). It's also the time of year when we realize how lucky we are, not only for the weather but also for getting to live in such a beautiful place with so many things to do.
So this Thanksgiving, we take time out to give thanks to you, Miami. Here are a few things that make you so special to us, and we thank you.
The year-round beautiful weather
It's what we are known for here in Miami, and it's what we are most thankful for. While this time of year the rest of the Country is bracing for who-the-hell-knows what, we in Miami are actually HOPING FOR a couple cold days, just so we can have the "Holiday feeling", but only for 24 hours or so, then you can have that crap back. The climate in South Florida is truly a blessing, and we couldn't be more thankful for it.
The Beaches
If you live in South Florida you probably take the beaches for granted, but you should always remember how totally shitty it is to not have them right around the corner. I've had arguments with family members that live up north because they call a lake "the beach", nah, that ain't the beach, stop lying to yourself, northerners. Even if you're not a "beach person" you love just looking at the beach. Having the beach readily available and at your disposal is a beautiful thing, and we in South Florida are spoiled with the plentiful beach options in our area. Let us give thanks!
The beautiful people
Listen, I've been to Buffalo, you need to thank your lucky stars on this one. The people of Miami are notoriously beautiful, and they aren't afraid to show it. Whether it's dudes, women, or hell, both, not many places got anything on Miami when it comes to attractiveness. Yeah it ain't everything, but it doesn't suck to look at.
The Diversity
Miami is known as a melting pot, and it's one of the things that makes it such a wonderful place. The multiple cultures and diversity in the community make Miami one of the most unique places in the United States. The diversity in the area gives Miami an international atmosphere, and enables it's people to experience multiple different cultures, while at the same time being more accepting of their beliefs, something that makes Miami a great place to live.
The Miami Heat
Since Micky Arison purchased the Miami Heat and subsequently hired Pat Riley to oversee all basketball operations, the Miami Heat have been the best show in town. Three titles since 2006, and some of the most dramatic entertainment anyone could find anywhere in the world. No team in sports carries itself with more class from top to bottom, which is why the team is a go to destination every time a player is a free agent. That, and because it's Miami -- but the family atmosphere certainly doesn't hurt.
The Festivals
Whether it be Art Basel Miami Beach, the South Beach Food and Wine Festival, or the Winter Music Conference, Miami is known as an international city that plays host to multiple international events. You don't have to go anywhere, pay for a hotel, take time off work, nothing! So many events come right to your front door, and for that we are thankful.
The Restaurants and Food
From Little Havana to Prime One Twelve and Joe's Stone Crab, Miami has everything you could ask for when it comes to satisfying your the foodie in you. Whether you have $5 or $500, Miami offers some of the best, most diverse food in the country. There is a little bit of everything in Miami, and that holds true to the dining scene as well. La Carreta itself is a legendary Cuban spot that makes us thankful for the food in Miami.
The architecture
The Art Deco district on South Beach is famous for its architecture, and its classic 1920s design. The hotels are featured in movies and TV shows. Some of the more famous are Park Central Hotel and the Imperial. The 800-plus buildings from the 1930s and '40s represent a piece of Miami history, and make for a great place to take people visiting the area.
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