PEOPLE Summer Special: 100 Reasons to Love America!

From McConaughey and the Mall of America to sandwiches and Shondaland, there's a lot to be thankful for this 4th of July
By People Staff
June 22, 2016 02:00 PM

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THE GRAND CANYON

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Nothing to see here. Nothing at all. Just perhaps the most stunning geological formation on the globe – one mile deep, up to 18 miles across and 277 miles long. No wonder nearly 5 million people visit each year.

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LOBSTER ROLLS & BEYOND

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Heaps of fresh lobster tossed with mayo (Maine style) or drawn butter (Connecticut style) and piled into a top-split hot dog bun? Yes, please. Also on our list: big bites like the Cuban, Muffuletta and Sloppy Joe. Because no one does sandwiches better than the US of A.

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LEBRON JAMES

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He won Cleveland's first title in 52 years. The King.

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ROUTE 66

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And the allure of the road trip. No map needed.

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LIN-MANUEL MIRANDA & THE HAMILTON CAST

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It's been a wild ride for the creative genius behind the musical-turned-cultural-force Hamilton. "I think if I saw myself from a year and a half ago … we would not recognize each other," he said after the show snapped up 11 Tony Awards. "It's been an unbelievable year and a half. I keep waiting for life to return to normal. And I'm starting to realize this is the new normal."

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GIRL SCOUT COOKIES

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Worth every mouth-watering calorie.

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THE GRAND OLE OPRY

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The birthplace of country is still making history.

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FARMER'S MARKETS

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Providing city slickers with deliciously fresh produce – and the chance to know where your food really comes from.

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OUR RESILIENCE

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In the wake of the country's worst mass shooting – the deaths of 49 people at Pulse nightclub in Orlando on June 12 – the city united, blood banks filled with donors and the nation rallied to support the hard-hit LGBTQ community. "Our hearts are broken too," said President Barack Obama. "But we stand with you and … we are here for you." For the rest of the list, click here.

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By People Staff