Brian Manzullo

Detroit Free Press

If you live in Michigan, congratulations: You live in the best state in America!

At least that's according to Thrillist, which ranked all 50 states based on everything possible in "The Definitive and Final Ranking of all 50 States."

No, this is not a scientific study. No, there's no hardcore data proving why Michigan's the best state. We know it's up for interpretation. Kevin Alexander and Matt Lynch, the writers of this ranking, even admit: "As this is the Internet, we expect disagreements."

But you know what? Since this is 4th of July week, this is still a great time to focus on the great things Michigan offers that other states don't, such as the most coastline in the mainland United States, incredible breweries within driving distance of each other, an Upper Peninsula which almost feels like a totally separate state in itself -- and even the Motor City is on the rise.

"Far too much of the Michigan narrative centers on Detroit and its many issues," Alexander and Lynch wrote. "The Motor City's become a scrappily rising underdog you can't help but root for, but Michigan's greatest strengths lie in the state as a whole.

"Did you know Michigan has more coastline than any state other than Alaska? Did you know it has such an embarrassment of beer riches that you can easily hit Bell's and Founders in the same afternoon? Did you know the UP is so remote and uniquely beautiful that it almost feels like a secret 51st state where they inexplicably love British meat pies? Did you know most residents are more than happy to apologize for Kid Rock?

"If you answered yes to at least three of these than you already understand Michigan's charms. If you answered no to these questions, you should listen to the dulcet tones of Michigan tourism pitchman Tim Allen and get yourself there immediately."

Thrillist already ranked Michigan the 4th-best state for beer last August, behind Colorado, California and Oregon. It also ranked Michigan 20th in its food and drink selection.

We have a few more things to add to the list of why this state's so awesome: Michigan is home to the greatest sports city in the country (where else can you find four major pro sports teams *and* two competitive college sports programs?), you can point out where you live just by showing people your hand, the Sleeping Bear Sand Dunes, the birthplace of Motown, the world's largest Christmas store (Bronner's Christmas Wonderland in Frankenmuth) and Traverse City cherries.

The rest of the top 10 states, in order, according to Thrillist: Maine, Kentucky, Wisconsin, Louisiana, Hawaii, Minnesota, Washington, California and Colorado.

The worst state in the union? Yep, that would be Florida. And Ohio, labeled by Thrillist as "the Florida of the North," is right near the bottom at 48th.

Contact Brian Manzullo: bmanzullo@freepress.com. Follow him on Twitter at @BrianManzullo.