Despite the fact that it's practically holiday season according to every retailer, we'd prefer not to overlook Thanksgiving.
How could we? We'll never overlook a holiday that celebrates turkey, that reveres stuffing, that glorifies cranberry sauce. We would be totally remiss if we didn't mention we go wild for apple pie.
However, Thanksgiving isn't just about food (though you could've fooled us).
Turns out Thanksgiving is about, well, being thankful. It also turns out that there is plenty to be thankful for in New York City, and we figured it was high time we acknowledged it.
We're thankful for the stunning mass of skyscrapers that keep us wondrous, the opportunities that keep us inspired, and the people who keep us loving.
What else are we thankful for in NYC? Read on to find out.
1. Those views
Many of us, to varying degrees of sketchiness, have access to a rooftop in the city. Mad props if you have rooftop access in Manhattan. Even madder props if you have rooftop access in Queens or Brooklyn.
Why madder props? If you've been on a rooftop in Queens or Brooklyn, you wouldn't be asking that question. Not only do you have those dope river views, but you'll also get to witness the spectacle of the entire city laid out before you.
It goes without saying that climbing to a height and staring out at the radiance of the skyline could make believers out of anyone.
2. That food
All you have to do is take one quick browse through these NYC food Instagrams to see what we mean.
The food game here is on point. We've got a strong bagel game, and arguably even stronger pizza game, and we have that diversity game on lock.
You want Thai food? Welcome to an array of the most tantalizing selection of Thai food you could imagine. Korean barbecue? Yup. Italian food? Double yup.
We've got the best Vietnamese food under the sun, and some really great bakeries too. Whatever food is your favorite, we guarantee NYC has a few restaurants dedicated solely to perfecting that cuisine.
The best part about all of this is Seamless. We're kidding. The best part of all of this is that it isn't weird to go to restaurants by yourself here. So you never have to rely on someone else's involvement to acquire that sushi you've been craving.
3. Art
Are you an artist living in NYC? Join the throng. Being an artist, or someone who loves art, in this city is the height of excellence.
Maybe you'd think it wouldn't be. Maybe you'd think being someone who pursues a craft in a city with a ton of people doing the same thing would be ultra-competitive.
It's not, though. Well, sometimes it is, but mostly the artistic communities in NYC are so supportive and welcoming. Having pockets of people who love doing what you love doing is thrilling. Being able to participate in an open-mic night or watch a reading any night of the week is the best.
The point is, if you're yearning to see live music, you're in. If you love walking beside stunning murals, you're in. NYC rocks when it comes to art.
4. Public transportation
rzfimages Hudson Yards subway station. First new subway station in NYC in 30 years #hudsonyards #hudsonyardsstation #subwaynyc #7train #subway
Okay sure, we come at the subway a lot. With good reason, too, because the delays are frustrating, the trains are crowded, and the stations are dirty.
It helps to take a step back and stare at the situation with perspective, however. Imagine if we didn't have public transportation. We'd have to (gasp) drive cars and worry about parking. Or, we just wouldn't be able to get anywhere.
When you look at the subway with fresh eyes, eyes that haven't been clouded with frustration at the latest spat of L train delays, you'll actually be pretty impressed by the MTA's gargantuan feats.
The MTA transports 4.3 million people a day to 469 subway stations, 24 hours a day. This is much more wild than we realize, especially compared to other cities' public transportation.
,5. Optimism
charitywater We met up with this inspiring group of 5th graders earlier today as they walked along the East River in Manhattan to raise awareness about the water crisis. These world changers have already raised enough to help about 423 people get clean water, and they're not done yet. Check out our Snapchat (@charitywater) if you want to go behind the scenes with the kids. And then encourage them with a donation to their campaign: https://donate.charitywater.org/m1/2015
Is there a fever in the air? Or is it just that the bulk of NYC's population believes in a brighter future?
How do we know? Well, check it out. We've got all these organizations who spend all their time working tirelessly for the greater good. Guess what else? They're all head quartered in NYC.
There's PEN America, who dedicate themselves to promoting and protecting free speech around the world. There's RED, whose goal is to produce the first AIDS-free generation.
There's charity:water, whose mission is to bring clean, safe drinking water to those in need. They keep themselves inspired by plastering their office with the faces of ecstatic people splashing water into their mouths.
There's TED, whose mission is to promote ideas worth spreading, by finding exceptional people and giving them a high-profile platform to spread their message.
There's the Tanenbaum Center for Interreligious Understanding, who work to promote mutual respect among people, and combat prejudice in schools, workplaces, healthcare settings, and areas of armed conflict.
Our point is: there are a ton of people in NYC who spend all day, every day trying to make the world a better place for other people. That mentality is infectious, and obvious in this city.
6. Opportunity
Remember when we talked about how diverse and varied this city is? We're the most linguistically diverse city in the world. So if you want the opportunity to learn another language, you'll definitely get it.
You'll also have the opportunity to learn. There are plenty of artistic workshops available all throughout the five boroughs. We've also got lots of universities, like Fordham, NYU, and Columbia to name a few. These places offer classes for you to learn about pretty much anything you want.
You'll also be able to pursue that dream you've been harboring. There are 8.3 million people here, and the majority of these people are on fire with passion and drive. Whatever it is you want to do, you'll be able to find someone who's making money doing it.
With the right mixture of luck and preparation, hopefully you'll be able to join them.
7. Public spaces
Public spaces here are sacred. It's too true that we've got tiny apartments and there isn't too much space for us to stretch out.
That's why our public spaces: our parks and bookstores and cafes, are really, really valuable to us. Luckily for us, we've got a lot of great ones.
The Lowline is about to come up big as the world's first underground park. Soon, it won't matter that it's winter when it comes to park hanging.
We've got Poets House, the largest collection of poetry in the United States, and it's free to go there and hang out any weekday. We've also got a ton of really welcoming independent coffee shops where plenty of New Yorkers spend whole days reading books, slurping coffee, and messing around.
Of course, also we've got beautiful parks like Central Park, Prospect Park, and Brooklyn Bridge Park for which we've got to be incredibly thankful.
Check out 7 Ways to Have an Absolutely Free & Amazing November in NYC.
[Feature Image Courtesy Img Arcade]