If you’re on co-op or hail from Alaska, Africa or Japan, traveling home for Thanksgiving break may not be an option. However, there is no need to spend the Turkey Day in solitude, living off the random hours at the dining hall and wandering around the half-deserted campus.
There’s plenty to do around Northeastern and the Boston area, tryptophan in your system or not:
‘Turkey Run’
Although commonly known as a day of eating, watching football and eating some more, this could be the year to start your own new tradition. The 8th Annual Thanksgiving Day 5K Road Race in Boston Volvo Village at 9 a.m. is a run/walk through Brighton to benefit Best Buddies International, a nonprofit organization to help people with intellectual disabilities.
“I guess people like the idea of running in the morning on the day they’re going to be gorging themselves,” event chairman Jack Laverriere said. The race, $20 in advance; $25 on the day of, is a loop through the Brighton area and is a short walk from the Harvard Street stop on the “B” branch of the MBTA’s Green Line. The organization hopes to draw 1,000 runners this year, Laverriere said. For more information about the event or to register for the race, visit www.coolrunning.com.
Gobble it up
Cooking may not be your strong point, but that doesn’t mean Thanksgiving has to consist of a peanut butter and jelly sandwich. Boston Market, with locations on Massachusetts Avenue and at Faneuil Hall, offers both take-out and catering for Thanksgiving. Turkeys, mashed potatoes, pumpkin pies and more already cooked and ready to eat. Go to www.bostonmarket.com for more information and hours of operation.
Float on
Feeling ambitious? Hop on the Fung Wah bus for $15 and head to the Big Apple for the 79th Annual Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade. With giant floats, marching bands and celebrity sightings, it is a part of a national Thanksgiving tradition. Beginning at 77th Street and Central Park West at 9 a.m. and ending at noon, the official Macy’s Parade Web site suggests spectators arrive at 6:30 a.m. to ensure they have a good view.
Lend a helping hand
Circle K and NU Hillel host an annual PB Jam! in which students help make a Thanksgiving meal for the homeless. Although it takes place on Monday, Nov. 21, a couple of days before Thanksgiving, it is a nice way to get into the holiday spirit early and help a good cause.
The sandwiches are donated to Rosie’s Place, Boston Rescue Mission and various other shelters throughout Boston. This event kicks off at 6:30 p.m. in the West Addition and there will be a DJ and prizes to spice things up. For more information, contact Maria Pavlou at [email protected].
Replace the sofa with yoga
On the stretch run of a semester’s work, take a break this Thanksgiving with a free yoga class sponsored by the Spiritual Life Center. The free beginner class will be held Tuesday, Nov. 22 and is taught by Diann Siegel. Call 617-373-2727 for more information.
