by Tracey Allen

Created on: October 30, 2010   Last Updated: November 01, 2010

Thanksgiving weekend is an opportunity to celebrate the harvest and take some time with the family.  And just like the plenteous harvest fêted there are numerous activities to do with your family for the holiday weekend.

Farm Activities - Consider taking the family out to pick apples, pumpkins or take in a hay ride/corn maze while enjoying the fall foliage in your area.

Directory of Corn Mazes can be found at http://www.cornmazesamerica.com/

 Virginia Area

Back Home on the Farm Corn Maze & Family Farm - www.hesscornmaze.com Belvedere Plantation - www.belvedereplantation.com And more to chose from.

Corn Mazes in the Maryland Area:

Amazement Corn Maze - www.amazementcornmaze.com Jumbo's Pumpkin Patch - www.jumbos.org  And many more.

Washington Area:

Colville Corn Maze & Pumpkin Patch - www.colvillecornmaze.com Carleton Farm - www.carletonfarm.com And more found on the directory website note above.

Fall Festivals/Parades

Fall festivals give you lots of activities to choose from including great food experiences.  Below you will find several festivals to attend in or around the Thanksgiving weekend.

 Virginia Area

Virginia Thanksgiving Festival November 7th – http://virginiathanksgivingfestival.wordpress.comAcc ording to their website, “There will be period re-enactors, strolling the grounds, and a re-enactment of the 1619 landing of Capt. Woodlief and his men, which portrays America’s First Thanksgiving.  There will also be a formal program that includes music, informative speeches and The Chickahominy Indian Tribal Dancers will perform and explain their history.”  And of course what is a festival without food – there will be lots of turkey and tasty treats along with some apple cider and hot chocolate to keep you warm.

 Or Join the Parade of Activities for the 20th Annual Reston Holiday Parade

Toddlers or teens can run with Alan Webb a local hero, Olympian and US record-holder for the fastest mile (3:46). Then watch the parade that starts at11 am and includes; “Macy’s-style balloons, marching bands, musical groups, dancers, antique cars, community groups, costume characters and more welcoming the arrival of Santa and Mrs. Claus in a horse-drawn carriage.” http://www.restontowncenter.com/

Maryland Area - Silverspring Thanksgiving Parade http://www.silverspringdowntown.com/event/thanksgivi ng-parade Join the downtown area on Saturday, November 20th from 9:30am to noon and enjoy a parade of fun with entertainment complete with floats and marching bands then grab a lunch at one of the local restaurants.

 Washington Area - For Washington Festival and Events check out www.freshfarmmarkets.orgto “shop for seasonal fresh fruits and vegetables, local cheeses, eggs, honey, yogurt, gelato, pasture-raised meats, charcuterie, hand-made pasta, preserves, soups, pastries, cut flowers, orchids, herbs, plants, fragrant soaps, wool, crabcakes, and empanadas!”

 No matter what activity you decide on for your family remember to be thankful for all we have and for the family and friends we share our lives with.

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