The spirit of Thanksgiving can be about gathering with family members around a warm fire, eating s’mores with hot chocolate, and talking about how fast the year has gone by. With Thanksgiving break on the horizon, here are things to do and places to visit to ensure that you make the most of it.
Thanksgiving break is the best time to get cozy and catch up on shows and movies. It is also the perfect time to start a new series. Plus, if the weather is cold and rainy, then watching a short thriller with a hot cup of coffee or tea is a great way to relax, especially for seniors going through the college application season.
“In my opinion, the best way to spend the Thanksgiving break is with a cozy mystery/thriller on Netflix with my blanket, and a cup of coffee,” said senior Kayla Chan.
The holiday season can mean that some organizations may need an extra hand. This also means you can be the one to help people in need and lighten up their Thanksgiving break. This break could be the time to give back to your community by volunteering at your nearby homeless shelters, such as the Foothills Unity Center and Volunteers of America housing. Volunteering at a nearby food bank, such as the Los Angeles Regional Food Bank, is also a great idea.
If staying indoors or around your neighborhood is not for you, there are also many outdoor places to visit that you can travel to. However, it is also important to consider the costs and crowd. Here are some unique and fun places to visit during the break.
Most people would go to extravagant and popular cities like Los Angeles or Miami for some fun-filled nights in the city or by the beach. However, that is not the move for this Thanksgiving. Big cities like L.A. and Miami will be filled with tourists this Thanksgiving, with over 2.5 million passengers using the airport from Nov. 16 through Nov. 20 at Los Angeles International Airport (LAX).
State parks can be one of the best places to go with family or friends. You can camp but most parks require reservations to be made ahead of time. Furthermore, you can hike through the woods, look at wildlife, and take pictures. If you plan on camping, make sure to make reservations at California’s state park website a couple of months in advance as many backpackers and travelers alike flood to the parks in search of a good vacation as well. Many teenagers today think they need the flashy lights of the city to look cool in pictures, but posing next to mountains can come pretty close too.
For example, drive down to Red Rock Canyon State Park in Cantil, California, with its amazing natural rock structures that can leave many speechless. It is a 2-hour drive from Arcadia, but rest assured as there is another thing to do on the way.
The Prime Desert Woodland Preserve in Lancaster, California, is in the middle of the route to Red Rock Canyon, with some of the best views of the Milky Way in Southern California. During the famous “Moon Walks” offered throughout the park, you can join local astronomy experts to stargaze and explore the beautiful nature.
Thanksgiving break can also be the best time to visit Lake Tahoe, as it’s extremely beautiful during November, offering views of the mountains and the lake. Most properties there offer an exclusive selection of rental homes in top destinations such as Kings Beach, Tahoe City, and much more. Ski season begins in November in Lake Tahoe, and skiing can be a great activity to do. It is also one of the best ways to spend time with family and friends. The northern part of the city is serene and best fit for anyone seeking tranquility or athletic activities. Meanwhile, South Lake Tahoe is known for its bustling entertainment center, filled with casinos, concerts, etc.
“I would say the best time to visit Lake Tahoe is over the Thanksgiving break because the weather is manageable and the scenery is breathtaking,” said junior Andreo Sagayaraj.
All in all, the spirit of Thanksgiving is to bond together with family. Wherever you go this coming break or whatever you decide to do, remember to be thankful for your family and loved ones.
