PUT DOWN THE FORK: HERE ARE THINGS TO DO ON THANKSGIVING BESIDES EAT
Sure, you could treat this like any other Thanksgiving, stuffing yourself with … well, stuffing and watching some of the worst football of the season. Or you could make this a holiday to remember. Ready to get away from your family’s misguided political opinions and have some fun? Here are two ways to fill your time without filling your mouth.
Serve a meal to others. The annual Community Thanksgiving Dinner at Hudson’s Seafood House On the Docks offers room at the table to everyone in the Lowcountry — meaning those who might otherwise be alone on Thanksgiving have someone to share a meal with. Spend your turkey day in service to others and reap the good karma of making our community a better place. To volunteer, go to www.communitythanksgiving.com.
Burn off all those calories. Runners — or walkers — take your marks at a pair of Turkey Trot events: one on Hilton Head Island and one at Palmetto Bluff.
The Hilton Head Island Turkey Trot, 5K and Fun Walk will be 8 a.m.-2 p.m. at Dockside on Skull Creek, offering a chance to break a sweat and enjoy an afterparty with free beer, muffins and fruit. The $30 registration fee benefits the Island Rec Center. For more information, go to www.events.islandreccenter.org.
Join Palmetto Bluff for its annual Turkey Trot 5K on the Friday after Thanksgiving. It’s a fun, family-friendly race to benefit Meals on Wheels. The race starts and finishes in front of the River House in Palmetto Bluff; there will be an afterparty and awards ceremony following the race on the Village Green. The registration fee is $25 in advance and $35 on the day of the event; registration and packet pickup begins at 8 a.m. Nov. 29. For more information, go to www.palmettobluff.com.
NOV. 26-30
THANKSGIVING WAGON RIDE: Enjoy a festive wagon ride as you enjoy the fall colors and abundant plant and wildlife in Sea Pines Forest Preserve. Cookies and refreshments will be provided before the tour. Times vary. Heritage Farm, 185 Greenwood Drive, Hilton Head Island. 843-842-1979 or www.seapines.com.
NOV. 28
THANKSGIVING BUFFET AT PALMETTO DUNES: The annual Thanksgiving Day buffet will feature an assortment of entrees, side items, desserts and non-alcoholic beverages. Reservations and payment must be made in advance as seating and times are limited. $44 for adults, $22 for kids ages 12-6, and free for kids 5 and younger. 11 a.m.-4 p.m., Centre Court at Palmetto Dunes, 20 Carnoustie Road, Hilton Head Island. 877-497-2068 or www.palmettodunesthanksgiving.com.
THANKSGIVING DINNER AT ALEXANDER’S: Enjoy a Thanksgiving feast at Alexander’s Restaurant and Wine Bar. $55 for adults, $25 for children younger than 12. Noon-8 p.m., Alexander’s Restaurant, 76 Queens Folly Road, Hilton Head Island. 855-706-4319 or www.alexandersrestaurant.com.
THANKSGIVING SCAVENGER HUNT: Kick off your holiday festivities with this fun family-friendly activity. Reservations are required by Nov. 27. Cost is $25 per family. 9-11:30 a.m., Harbour Town, 149 Lighthouse Road, Hilton Head Island. 843-842-1979 or www.seapines.com.
NOV. 28-30
STAN SMITH THANKSGIVING TENNIS ACADEMY: Enjoy this Thanksgiving with Stan Smith, former U.S. Open and Wimbledon champion and U.S. Olympic men’s tennis coach. This is a unique opportunity for participants to not only learn from Stan, but to also get to know him. $305. 9 a.m.-noon, Sea Pines Racquet Club, 5 Lighthouse Lane, Hilton Head Island. 843-363-4495 or www.seapines.com.
NOV. 29
GREGG RUSSELL THANKSGIVING CONCERT: A very special Gregg Russell Thanksgiving concert for the entire family, as well as the official lighting of the Harbour Town Christmas tree. Before the concert, enjoy a special visit from Santa Claus from 5:30-7 p.m. Free. 5:30-9 p.m., Harbour Town, 149 Lighthouse Road, Hilton Head Island. 843-842-1979 or www.seapines.com.
PALMETTO BLUFF THANKSGIVING SOCIAL: A day of snacks, drinks and shopping, plus a reading and book signing by renowned Daufuskie author Roger Pinckney. Free. 4-6 p.m., Outside Palmetto Bluff store at Wilson Landing, 37 Boat House St., Bluffton. www.outsidehiltonhead.com.
