There’s always sunshine after a storm, as they say: finals are just around the corner, but on the upside, Thanksgiving Break is closer as well! As the 10 days of our Thanksgiving holiday commence, many are leaving town to explore and revive. For the people who are staying here in Austin, you may be wondering what fun, social activities there are to do to feel the Thanksgiving spirit. To find out what’s so appealing about Austin, here are seven things you should do during Thanksgiving break this year!
1) Go to a UT Game!
If you’re feeling Texas Longhorn pride, the best thing to do with your friends or family is to go to a football or basketball game to support UT Austin! Just like us at St. Stephens’, the University of Texas is going into their winter season of sports, which gives way to more games you can attend! It never gets old, considering how intense and how fun it is to watch and be part of a crowd of spectators who are just as happy and excited as you are to be there!
2) Go shopping!
The Domain is waiting for you eagerly! As an open-door mall, it is known for having many restaurants and shops for you to enjoy this fall season. H&M has its Thanksgiving outfits just begging you to try them on, and it’s not only that! The new Coach cafe, opened in the Domain last year, and Starbucks are freshly ready with their Pumpkin Spice Lattes and other delicious snacks and beverages for you to indulge in!
3) Go to Barton Springs’ Pool!
The weather just seems to stay at a constant ambient temperature nowadays: it’s not too cold, but it’s not too warm either. If you want a cute picnic with your friends or a way to get some fresh air and cool water on your skin, then Barton Springs’ pool is for you! The perfect hangout spot in Austin, Texas, and it’s perfect for this weather too! Ideally, the best time to go is during the afternoon when the heat comes and creates perfect swimming conditions. Don’t forget to bring your bug spray and some sunscreen, though!
4) Volunteer at a food bank!
Thanksgiving is known to be the season of gratitude, and what’s better than commemorating the holiday by helping those in need? This Thanksgiving, many food banks and soup kitchens are available – great for those who want to do Service Learning. And, it’s perfect to celebrate our lives and the lives of those in need! Community First Village and Lunches With Love are perfect places to volunteer at your own accord to celebrate the joy of Thanksgiving and the thoughts of gratitude that the holiday celebrates! Don’t forget to consult with Dr. Blount if you want the hours, though– she’d be more than willing to assist!
5) Go to a nice restaurant!
It’s perfect to spend time with family and friends, especially by going a wee bit out of your budget and enjoying restaurants! Many steakhouses in Austin are open during this time, and if you want the perfect steak or the perfect turkey without having to put in the work, this is for you! Enjoy a cheerful evening with your loved ones, and have fun digging into the perfectly-cooked meats! An amazing way to celebrate the company around you on Thanksgiving, but also a perfect excuse to dress up nicely and look fancy!
6) Check out Turkey Trot!
If you can’t do any volunteering during the break, another way to support a good cause is to check out Turkey Trot! Turkey Trot is a long run whose funds go to Caritas of Austin, the non-profit organization that helps combat homelessness in Austin. All in all, the run fuels the Thanksgiving spirit and makes sure that you stay active during the break to get a breath of fresh air for a better future for those in need!
7) Relax!
Make sure to take a nice break and spend it with those you love, doing things that will benefit yourself and others in the community! Thanksgiving is a holiday for all of us to enjoy, and feeling and spreading joy to others and yourself in small, mundane ways truly pays off in the long run. So don’t forget to spend time with your loved ones and to help those around you! Happy Thanksgiving!