By Cate Reynolds
Happy Thanksgiving! The Thanksgiving weekend is a great time to surround yourself with the people you care about. After you've filled up on turkey and stuffing, make the most of your long weekend (and maybe even work off some of that food!). For a list of more fun happenings this weekend, visit our online calendar at Whatsupmag.com. Here are a few activities to enjoy with family and friends this weekend:
Take to the ice
There are plenty of indoor and outdoor ice rinks in Maryland that offer public skating hours. In the Annapolis area, check out the ice rink at the John McMullen Hockey Arena , the outdoor rink at Quiet Waters Park, or, in the West County region, the Piney Orchard Ice Arena in Odenton. On the Eastern Shore, visit the ice rink at the Talbot County Community Center or inside the Carousel Hotelin Ocean City.
Get Lit
Step right into the holiday season by visiting a beautiful light display! Pile the family in the car and enjoy a drive-through light show, like Lights on the Bay at Sandy Point State Park or Symphony of Lights at Merriweather Park at Symphony Woods in Columbia. On the Eastern Shore, board the Winterfest Express and enjoy 58 acres of decorative lights in Northside Park during Ocean City's Winterfest of Lights. If you prefer to explore lights by foot, check out the North Pole Lights Walk at Willow Oak Flower and Herb Farm or the famous Miracle on 34th Street display in Baltimore.
Support Local Businesses
Skip the rush on Black Friday and get your holiday shopping done on Small Business Saturday, this Saturday, November 24th. Small businesses make our communities special, and support our local economies. Spend a day exploring Downtown Annapolis, Downtown Cam idge, Downtown Chestertown, Downtown Easton, or Downtown Denton. Visit your favorite shops and purchase unique gifts. Afterwards, grab a bite to eat at a local restaurant.
Play Tourist
Be a tour guide for out of town guests while rediscovering the cool sights in your own backyard. In Annapolis, tour the Maryland State House, the Naval Academy, or the William Paca House. On the Eastern Shore, stop by the Harriet Tubman Underground Railroad State Park or Chesapeake Bay Maritime Museum. Looking for a day trip? Head to D.C. and check out all the famous sights and museums, or visit the birthplace of the national anthemin Baltimore.
Show Your Team Spirit
Thanksgiving means turkey and football! Though the Washington Redskins will be away this weekend playing a Thanksgiving Day game against the Dallas Cowboys, the Baltimore Ravens will be taking on the Oakland Raiders at home on Sunday, November 25th, 1 p.m. Or, take a eak from football and cheer on the Washington Capitals or Washington Wizards at Capital One Arena. The Caps will face off against the Detroit Redwings on Friday, November 23rd, 4 p.m., and the Wizards will play the New Orleans Pelicans on Saturday, November 24th, 8 p.m.
