Things to Do in Atlanta on Thanksgiving

Thanksgiving is a holiday traditionally filled with a spread of food, family and good friends. While many enjoy a day of eating turkey and dressing around the table, others may look for a more active or creative way to spend the holiday. If you find yourself in Atlanta on Thanksgiving, there are many ways to enjoy yourself away from the table and television.

Hit the Trails

Atlanta has many hiking and biking trails conveniently located just outside the hustle and bustle of the inner city. Consider driving 13 miles northwest of Atlanta to the Silver Comet Trail. This serene trail is a total of 61 miles long and winds through several surrounding counties. Bring your bike, roller blades or the family dog and set out to enjoy the beautiful, peaceful countryside.

Visit Serenbe

The community of Serenbe is located 30 miles from the Atlanta International Airport. This green community is a stark contrast to the urban development of metro Atlanta. Though it is a residential community, here you will also find shopping, art galleries and a thriving agricultural outpost. On Thanksgiving, stop in for the critically acclaimed fare at The Farmhouse, one of three Serenbe restaurants. Here you can enjoy a farm-fresh, certified organic Thanksgiving meal that will leave you feeling good about your dinner. Reservations are recommended.

Holiday in Lights

For a great way to walk off your Thanksgiving meal, head to Centennial Olympic Park in downtown Atlanta. Here you will find a 21-acre oasis that serves to commemorate the Atlanta Olympic Games and provide a revitalized refuge for the Atlanta community. Get into the holiday spirit while you walk around the expansive park and enjoy the Holiday in Lights display that illuminates the park with thousands of dazzling lights from mid-November to January.

Ice Skating

For a little more adventure, go ice skating while you visit Centennial Olympic Park. The covered outdoor ice rink, open mid-November to January, is the perfect way to usher in the Christmas season after your Thanksgiving celebration. Enjoy views of downtown Atlanta lights while you skate to holiday music. Admission and skate rental costs are low, and if you have the whole family in tow, group discounts are available.

Atlanta Marathon & Half Marathon

If running is one of your favorite past times, you will not want to miss the Atlanta Marathon & Half Marathon that takes place every year on Thanksgiving day. The path takes you through the heart of downtown Atlanta, from the Braves' Turner Field to scenic Peachtree Road. Marathon runners go a total of 26.2 miles, while the half marathon runners go 13.1. Whether you choose the whole or the half, you will no doubt enjoy the company of 6,000 runners while you take an up-close look at what Atlanta has to offer.

References

• Silver Comet Trail
• Serenbe
• Centiennial Park