Coming up this month on the fourth Thursday of November, many of us will celebrate the American tradition of Thanksgiving. A holiday to reflect and give thanks that has endured centuries. Ok, here is a little trivia. Think of the game show Jeopardy for a moment…What year was Thanksgiving celebrated as an official tradition in the United States?

What is 1863. Yes, it was during the American Civil War in 1863 that President Abraham Lincoln declared November 26th was an official holiday of Thanksgiving.  It is one of the top 6 holidays in the USA, and gastronomically one of my favorites. Now, next question, what year was the very first Thanksgiving (the one with the Pilgrims and Native Americans)?

What is 1621. Last question, How long did it last? What is 3 days.

The “First Thanksgiving” according to Wikipedia was  “celebrated to give thanks to Native Americans for helping the Pilgrims of Plymouth Colony survive their first brutal winter in New England. The first Thanksgiving feast lasted three days, providing enough food for 53 pilgrims and 90 Native Americans. The feast consisted of fish (codeels, and bass) and shellfish (clamslobster, and mussels), wild fowl (ducksgeeseswans, and turkey), venisonberries and fruitvegetables (peaspumpkinbeetroot and possibly, wild or cultivated onion), harvest grains (barley and wheat), and the Three Sistersbeans, dried Indian maize or corn, and squash.”

It took place in 1621, (although some sources cite 1619) but the Plymouth Pilgrims according to Wikipedia took place at Plymouth Plantation after a successful growing season with a purpose to be thankful for their blessings.

So, In honor of our American Tradition, which I frequently spend 3 days in Rocky Point celebrating, it is only fitting that I thank the town of Rocky Point for all their blessings.

Here are 9 reasons to be thankful for Rocky Point.

1.       Beautiful weather. November in Rocky Point has outstanding weather, temps in the 80’s, blue skies, light winds and warm clear sparkling seas. Ever heard of indoor/outdoor weather? Come experience it in Puerto Peñasco in November.

2.        No snow on the ground. Snow is nice at Christmas but after a hot summer I’m not ready for it just yet. In Rocky Point there is no snow to impede your trip to your thanksgiving dinner. Sure we have our fair share of sand (we are on the Sea) and a few sandy roads to grandmother’s house but no window defogger or ice scrapers needed here.

3.       Shrimp and Crabs. Shrimp and Blue Crabs are plentiful in November, large and juicy. How about a Thanksgiving shrimp instead of the turkey? Fish and shellfish were part of the original Pilgrim/Native American menu so give it a try. Go old school.

4.       Friendly people, kind merchants and businesses ready for you to enjoy your vacation. Be thankful for them, all the businesses in Rocky Point.  They are still here for us. They lasted through this tough economy to help us enjoy our vacation.

5.       I’m thankful for Rocky Point Laziness. If you don’t want to leave your condo on the beach? Guess what? you don’t have to. Want to sleep in? Go ahead, sleep away. Hungry? Most condos and hotels offer onsite restaurants or check out the local eateries that deliver to your door listed in the Rocky Point Times!

6.       Walking vendors on the beach. In the heat of the summer, there they are… merchants displaying their jewelry, crafts and vases strolling up and down the hot sand in the blistering heat. Need a hat, they bring one to you. Need a pair of sunglasses, here you go and at bargain prices of $10 and under. Yes, I’m thankful for the walk-by-shopping and all the vendors who work so hard.

7.       No rush hour heavy traffic and annoyed drivers. Check out the new coastal highway in November and capture a little of “how it used to be” when there were very few cars on a scenic road and folks are just out for a Sunday drive. Pull off at some of the visitors information stops and read about the Pinacate. I’m thankful for the pace of life and pint-sized traffic.

8.       Delectable Mexican cuisine. Choose from famous Rocky point shrimp cocktails to fresh fish dishes that will melt in your mouth. Taco stands, burritos and freshly made guacamole. Some new restaurants have opened up and old favorites are still here. I’m thankful for the food in Rocky Point because it is so delicious and I relish in the taste.

9.       My home away from home. With Rocky Point only being a 3.5 hour drive from Phoenix it has provided an affordable, amazing, lovely beach town as my second home. I’m thankful Rocky Point exists with all its charm and scenic beauty, and has survived all that comes it way. I’m just thankful for this little coastal fishing town which endures and keeps on thriving.

 

So became a little nostalgic this month and take a three day celebration and give thanks to those who helped you survive just as the Plymouth Pilgrims did back in 1621. Have a feast, express gratitude to those who assisted you, invite them over, share your food and count your blessings. Happy Thanksgiving to all the readers, I’m thankful for you! So on this upcoming Thanksgiving holiday, if you haven’t tried one in Rocky Point, check it out….. you may find some new things to be thankful for.

 

Anita Kaltenbaugh is the Mexico travel examiner at examiner.com and author of the book “Travel Secrets- Insider guide to planning, affording and taking more vacations” available on Amazon.com