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

woman at Jemison Park
There should be plenty of time to get outside over Thanksgiving weekend. Photo via Jacob Blankenship for Bham Now

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 😷

Nick Saban wearing a mask
Be like Nick Saban and wear a mask. Photo via Alabama Football’s Facebook

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 🍻

Thanksgiving dinner
Photo via Real & Rosemary’s Facebook

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. 

3. Have fun with the fam this Thanksgiving weekend 🚂

bongo, Birmingham Zoo
Meet Nakuru, an eastern bongo. Photo via the Birmingham Zoo.

Wondering what to do with kids out of school? 

4. Get out + about 🚘 🎨 🎅🏽

Jacob Lawrence painting
One of the many paintings as part of the Jacob Lawrence Exhibit at the Birmingham Museum of Art. Photo via Matthew Niblett for Bham Now

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. 

5. Go outside over Thanksgiving weekend🥾 🌅

Birmingham, Birmingham Botanical Gardens
Birmingham Botanical Gardens. Photo via Jacob Blankenship for Bham Now

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 🗺

Railroad Park
Railroad Park. Photo via Gregory J. Harber for Bham Now

Hit the road ✇

Little River Canyon 2 9 safe ways to enjoy the heck out of this Thanksgiving weekend
Little River Canyon. Photo via Bham Now

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

Native American made goods and art
Moccasins and art from the Poarch Band of Creek Indians. Photo via Poarch Creek Indians Museum & Gift Shop’s Facebook page

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

7. Make the season bright 🎄

Happy Holidays window display
Homewood has so many lovely holiday windows this time of year. Photo via Matthew Niblett for Bham Now

Nothing says holidays like a cozy, decorated home. 

8. Invest in a brighter future over Thanksgiving weekend 💵

Shipt
Want to be a holiday shopper for Shipt? Photo via Shipt’s Instagram

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

9. Give back 💕

multicolored learning toys
All the toys. Photo via Unsplash

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

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

Sharron Swain
Sharron Swain

Writer, Interviewer + Adventurer | Telling stories to make a difference

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