Last week, 24/7 Wall St. reviewed the scores of the Gallup-Healthways Well-Being Index to determine America’s most content and miserable cities (see the list). Much to our surprise, Mobile ranked as the third most miserable city in the nation. Les Miserables? We beg to differ. Our fair city is one to celebrate, a place with beautiful landscapes, amazing food and a unique culture that makes us never want to imagine living anywhere else.
In a recent Mobile Bay Magazine Staff Poll, we determined the following 13 reasons to love the Port City, rain or shine. Here's to you, Mobile; if loving you is wrong, we don't want to be right.
1. Minutes from the water. Growing up in Louisville, it took us at least 9 hours to get to the beach. Here, we are able to go for the day. It never gets old. I always remind my children how lucky they are to live this close!
2. Seafood. From Dauphin Island to the Causeway, you can’t walk into a restaurant around here without sampling some amazing sea fare. Or, you can always catch and cook it yourself.
3. Fresh finds. Just because we like our MoonPies and fried seafood, doesn’t mean we don’t save room for healthy choices too. The Port City boasts countless farmers’ markets with fresh fruits and veggies from local growers, not to mention our thriving seafood industry. Might I add that our beloved fortified oysters top the Science Channel’s list of best aphrodisiacs?
4. Dauphin Street. There's something special about this downtown thoroughfare that can’t be taken for granted. Wintzell's, Crescent Theater, Three George’s, Bienville Books…do I need to keep going?
5. There's never down time. Many cities have that depressing post-Christmas part of the year when it's gray, cold and there's nothing to do—especially not outside. Not Mobile. We jump straight into Senior Bowl and Mardi Gras.
6. The view. There's something life-affirming about watching the sunset while drinking a Long Island Iced Tea at Trader's on the Causeway.
7. Mobilians love a party. So be it if we have to skip a few Z’s, especially when plastic beads and pigskin are involved. Our locals simply prefer to take advantage of the opportunities to de-stress. Add those points to your test, please sir.
8. Talent. We play hard, we work hard. A number of talented writers, artists, athletes and musicians have Mobile in their roots. Hank Aaron anyone?
9. Canopy oaks. There is nothing better than running down Government Street beneath the large oaks. It certainly takes your mind off the running pain. This patch is especially cool during the Azalea Trail Run; it is such an adrenaline rush!
10. The music. Mobile has a sound all its own. It’s a melting pot of singer-songwriters, Southern rockers and beach bums. Whatever your taste, local tunes just make you want to move, so the next time you get the blues, play Jimmy’s “Cheeseburger in Paradise” or Wet Willie’s “Keep on Smilin’.” We dare you not to sing along.
11. Tradition. When you've got a good thing going, why mess with it? Dining at the Dew Drop then stopping for a scoop (or two) at Old Dutch is the same now as it was as a kid.
12. The best nap weather…ever. Sometimes nothing beats letting your lids slowly close as you listen to the steady sound of rain. The next time we are experiencing some of our notorious year-round showers, curl up with a blanket and a good book (or your favorite local publication) and give in to the urge to indulge in a snooze. It might be just what you need to recharge those batteries.
13. We're healthy. Nobody's had Yellow Fever in, like, 50 years.
find the article online at http://www.mobilebaymag.com/Mobile-Bay/Bay-Buzz/Blog-2013/Reasons-to-Love-Mobile/
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