We’re a blessed state, Arkansas, and there’s a lot to be thankful for around here. We have our ups and downs, and we have our faults like everyone else–but there’s nothing like living in the Natural State. We here in Arkansas are grateful for what we have! Other states might scoff and say that we don’t have much here. The truth is, though, what we have counts a lot more than what anybody else in America has to offer. Thank God for Arkansas!
15. The Seasons
No matter what time of year it is there's something to be thankful for about every season in Arkansas. Summer and winter are particularly a photographer's paradise here even though fall and spring shine when they're at their finest here.
14. The History
Arkansas takes a lot of pride in its history. We're thankful for the state we've become today, so we place high value on Arkansas history and the culture of past generations. Town anniversaries are celebrated and cultural festivals take place around Arkansas year-round.
13. The Music
We've got the King Biscuit Music Festival in Helena every fall. We've got Wakarusa in Mulberry Mountain every summer. We've got folk music, rock music, orchestral music, and we've got to be thankful for all of this musical variety in Arkansas.
12. The Diversity
Never say an Arkansan isn't cultured. There are people from here who have traveled extensively. There are Arkansas citizens who have moved here from either two states away or from another continent. As the overall population gets younger and more open minded, the more diverse Arkansas will continue to be--and that's a great way to break down old stereotypes of 'they don't accept anybody down there'.
11. The Cost of Living
I've said it before and it's still true; people love the prices in Arkansas. We'd better be thankful for how good we have it here compared to the food and housing prices in other states!
10. The Accessibility
I can't say how thankful I am to be from Arkansas where I know everything is. Even if you'd just dropped down here from the planet Mars all you need is a good GPS and you're no longer challenged when it comes to directions. Plus, it doesn't take too long to get to where you want to go. A road trip to Fayetteville is a snap. A trip down to El Dorado? No problem. Headed to Fort Smith? Enjoy the view on the way. Everything here isn't so very hard to find.
9. The Beverages
Support your local winery or brewery! Arkansas has a lot of awesome vineyards and wine cellars where enthusiasts can taste the best and drink to your health. If you're not much into wine, try the microbreweries where craft beer is becoming a Natural State phenomenon.
8. The Spirituality
Be thankful that you'll always find like-minded souls here in Arkansas. We're a spiritual state full of people ready to say a nice grace over their Thanksgiving dinner--and we're very happy to have attitudes of gratitude.
7. The Myths (or are they?)
You may or may not believe that there's a Boggy Creek monster lurking in Fouke. You might be skeptical as to whether or not the Crescent Hotel in Eureka Springs is really haunted. You might wonder where all the ghostly Arkansas road stories started. Whether or not you believe them, you have to be thankful that Arkansas natives have enough imagination to add fuel to these mythical fires with wild stories and strange videos.
6. The Legends
We've been blessed with talent here in the Natural State. Whether it's a music legend like Johnny Cash or a sports legend like NBA Hall of Famer Scottie Pippen, we Arkansans have a lot to be thankful for in the way of bringing forth people who leave quite a mark on the world.
5. The Razorbacks
WPS, by God! Nobody brings a state together like the Razorbacks. We're thankful for the Hogs win or lose.
4. The Nature
Well, Arkansas is the Natural State, after all. It'd be a shame not to be thankful for what we've been so generously given. To add to that, nobody else does nature quite like Arkansas. The scenery takes front stage here and we're all happy to live out our roles and play (much like the youngster on this Jessieville tree) in such a fine location.
3. The People
What's wonderful about the people from Arkansas is that so many of us make others from various states proud to know us. We're good folks, that's why. Sure, there are bad apples everywhere, but the overall impression of an Arkansan is a generally good one. Credit our good manners--and our great cooking--for that.
2. The Food
Oh, the Arkansas food will always rank highly on any list--whether it's from an upscale restaurant or your granny's kitchen. We're always thankful for the culinary delights around the Natural State no matter what season. Thanks to all the excellent Arkansas cooks, bakers, and chefs, too, you're much appreciated!
1. The Fun
Many people who have been to Arkansas or lived here are thankful for the memories that they have of good times at the lake during a summer trip. Others think back to a Christmas they spent here with relatives and we were lucky enough to get snow that year. There's so much that's just good fun about living here in Arkansas, and we'll always be grateful for that.
Have a happy and safe Thanksgiving, Arkansas! Always enjoy the wealth of natural beauty that we have here and may we never take the good things we have for granted. Leave a comment about why you’re so thankful to be here in the Natural State.
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