9 safe ways to enjoy the heck out of this Thanksgiving weekend

Hard to believe Thanksgiving is here, but chalk it up to the general weirdness that is 2020. Turkey Day traditions may be a little (or a lot) different this year, but there’s no reason you can’t still have a good time. We pulled together 9 safe ways you can enjoy the long Thanksgiving weekend in Birmingham.

1. Be safe this Thanksgiving weekend 😷

We know most people are hitting saturation point with COVID news. And, without doing the deep dive into the numbers, the virus that won’t go away is doing its thing.

So, consider this your friendly PSA, brought to you by Bham Now and State Health Officer Dr. Scott Harris: whatever you do, be COVID safe, not sorry. Your future self will thank you. 

2. Eat, drink + be merry 🍻

Luckily, you’ve got a pass to take that mask off when you’re ready to cheers and dig in, as long as you’re far apart from the people who don’t live in your home and in a well-ventilated area. 

• 25 Grab your Thanksgiving meal to go at one of these 9 restaurants
• Give the vegan in your life a break from turkey talk by taking them to one of these places
• There’s no reason to limit these festive cocktails to the Iron Bowl (yes, it’s still the Saturday after Thanksgiving—some things have not changed in 2020). 
• If you’re wondering what wine goes with what, Red or White can help you decide.

3. Have fun with the fam this Thanksgiving weekend 🚂

Wondering what to do with kids out of school? 

• Head over to the Magic of Model Trains at McWane, because model trains are awesome.
• Go visit Nakuru, the new Eastern Bongo, at The Birmingham Zoo.
• Whether you’ve been naughty or nice this year, go see Santa.

4. Get out + about 🚘 🎨 🎅🏽

There are so many places you can go over the long Thanksgiving weekend. You’ll need to call first to see what’s open when. 

• Whether it’s food, medicines or retail therapy you’re looking for on Thanksgiving Day, we’ve got you covered.
• See the once-in-a-lifetime Jacob Lawrence exhibit right here at the Birmingham Museum of Art.
• Check out Hoover’s newest restaurants, and go see Santa while you’re at it.
• If you’re eager for a change of scenery but don’t want to stray far from home, go visit West Homewood. Bonus: Patriot Park is super wheelchair-friendly, if you or someone you know needs that. 
• Go for a self-guided walking tour along Morris Avenue in downtown Birmingham.
• Borrow ideas from the creative college student’s guide to enjoying the break. 

5. Go outside over Thanksgiving weekend🥾 🌅

If you’ve ever spent any time hanging out with us at Bham Now, you know we love to get outside. Here are just a few ways you can get out for the long Thanksgiving weekend.

Keep it local 🗺

• Visit Railroad Park. 
• Go to the Birmingham Botanical Gardens.
• Start making your bucket list for where to go on the Red Rock Trail System.
• If you’re an early riser, catch a sunrise at one of these spots.
• Hit up a mountain biking trail.
• Hike at Ruffner + see why people think it’s so awesome.
• Look for falling leaves or birds, because Alabama in the winter’s a great place to be, if you’re a bird.
• Work on your garden like a pro, with tips from the Botanical Gardens.

Hit the road ✇

• Go to Little River Canyon and see if you can spot a black bear.
• Visit #alabamastateparks and see why somebody decided “Alabama the Beautiful” was the perfect name for our state. You can even get Thanksgiving lunch at one of four state parks if you get your reservation or takeout order in soon enough: 
  • DeSoto State Park’s Thanksgiving Buffet
  • Joe Wheeler State Park’s Thanksgiving Lunch
  • Lake Guntersville State Park’s Thanksgiving Lunch
  • Lakepoint State Park’s Thanksgiving Luncheon

6. Shop ‘till you drop 🛍 + find the perfect gift 🎁 for everyone on your list

In 2020, it’s more important than ever to support our local businesses. It’s been a hard year for pretty much everybody, in a bunch of different ways. Put your dollars where your heart is and help local businesses at the same time. Search our full small database here. 

• Get in on the Black Friday action.
• Save big at La-Z-Boy’s Black Friday sale.
• Take part in REV Birmingham’s Great Receipt race—shop local + save big.
• Go try on some boots at Tecovas at The Summit.
• Check out our ultimate holiday gift guide.
• Shop local for the outdoor enthusiast in your life. 
• Shop local for toys.
• Celebrate Native American Heritage Day by buying Native American made goods right here in Alabama.
• Put your order in now for the man or woman who has everything.

7. Make the season bright 🎄

Nothing says holidays like a cozy, decorated home. 

• Whether you’re in the mood to cut your own, buy from the Scouts or get a tree delivered, 2020 has lots of options to get the perfect tree.
• Get your home’s holiday windows ready with help from an interior designer.

8. Invest in a brighter future over Thanksgiving weekend 💵

Whether it’s a job or a leadership course you’ve got in mind, 2021 can be better.

• Apply for a seasonal job.
• Tell anyone in your life who’s looking for a job about this fantastic resource. 
• Sign up for Highlands College’s Impact Leadership Conference so you can be your best self in 2021. It’s free, and virtual, and it’s happening right here in Birmingham December 2.

9. Give back 💕

Birmingham is nothing if not generous. Here are just a few ways you can give back. 

• Contribute to one of these local toy drives.
• Support domestic violence survivors.
• Get together (virtually) with your people + start a fundraiser for Children’s of Alabama.
• Make a commitment to volunteer and find out how here.
• Help someone make ends meet with United Way.

Now tell us, Birmingham, how are you planning to spend your Thanksgiving weekend? Tag us on social @bhamnow and let us know!