10 CNY Things to Be Thankful For

On Thanksgiving, presumably, because the Pilgrims were so grateful to the Indians for not letting them starve to death - we take the time to reflect on the people and things we're thankful for. Some of these things are pretty universal, like good health, friends, and family. Others are specific to living in Central New York.

10 CNY Things to Be Thankful For

We get to experience the beauty of all four seasons. Yes, winter lasts six months, and fall lasts about 2 weeks (except for this year) but we still get to see the leaves change, the snow fall, the flowers bloom and feel the heat of summer. It might be easier in the south, but there's something special about getting to appreciate the spring after a harsh winter.
The amazing food. Need I say more?
The ability to drive an hour and be in the Adirondacks or a giant shopping mall - your pick. We get the best of both worlds - urban perks and the serenity of nature, all within a short drive.
Anywhere you go, you're bound to see a friendly face. Whether you're at a show at the Stanley, strolling thru the Clinton Farmer's Market, or even waiting in line at the grocery store, you're probably going to run into a familiar face.
Everyone is so darn helpful. People here let you in in traffic, they let you in front of them in line at the grocery store, and if you need help - they're always willing to lend a hand.
The Boilermaker. Not every community has such an iconic community event, that's accessible to nearly everyone...and that ends with beer. If you're not participating or cheering on the runners, hey, the road race gives you something to complain about for a day or three.
You can really get to know the people you do business with. You know the name of the guy who roasts your coffee, the farmer whose chicken lays your eggs, and the lady who owns that great shop where you picked up that cute sweater. That's what real community is.
Kids get to enjoy great kid things. Homecoming, trick-or-treating at the local firehouse, participating in all sorts of sports, school plays, visiting farms, museums, libraries - we have it all.
We have scale versions of everything a big city offers. From the Comets to Broadway Utica, to Munson-Williams, to the Utica Zoo, to Fort Rickey, to Water Safari - we have it all. There's always something to do - and it's never that hard to get to - or to find parking.
We hardly ever have traffic. It takes pretty much the same amount of time to get from point A to point B, whether its 'rush hour' or not. That's pretty awesome.