By Kurana Doobay
Maybe you were unable to score a plane ticket back home because you waited until the last minute (like you do with all of your assignments). Maybe you’re from a different country altogether and don’t understand what Thanksgiving is at all (it’s too complicated to explain; most of us are just happy for the long weekend and the big meal that comes along with it). Or maybe you’re a local and just have no idea what to do (and can’t stand spending four straight days with your family while your annoying uncle is in town – especially after the election). For those of you staying at Adelphi during the Thanksgiving holiday, here are five things that are just a quick trip away. Thank New York for the MTA.
Have Thanksgiving Dinner at a Restaurant
Perhaps it won’t have the same charm as that of a home-cooked meal, but it also won’t have the same amount of uncalled-for raisins and it will be properly seasoned. There are many restaurants open in Garden City and the surrounding neighborhoods such as Mineola, Baldwin and Melville. You can trade some of the money you would have used for a plane ticket on a Thanksgiving meal at a nice restaurant, and then use the power of FaceTime to still feel included in your family festivities (and then hang up when things get tough and blame it on bad connection).
My top choice would be Uncle Bacala’s in Garden City. As long as you call ahead to reserve a spot, you are sure to be served a four-course meal with your choice of soup, a harvest salad, and then your choice of an entree and a dessert, all for $54.95. As a bonus, all Adelphi students receive 15% off the entire bill. That’s something to be thankful for!
The Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade
This year, with new character balloons as high as multi-story buildings, such as the glamorous Minnie Mouse making her debut, and some of our childhood favorites like Dora the Explorer and her trusty sidekick Boots making a comeback after 15 years, it’s sure to be a sight to behold. The parade spans 2.5 miles from West 77th Street and Central Park West to Macy’s flagship store at Herald Square. ABC-7 Eyewitness News said, “The best places to watch are along Central Park West, between West 75th and West 61st Streets, and along Sixth Avenue, between West 59th and West 38th Streets.”
As always, there will be musical performances, this year from Idina Menzel and T-Pain, so be sure to bring your dancing shoes (or just buy a pair from Macys!). If you are an WNBA fan, members of the New York Liberty, along with their beloved mascot Ellie the Elephant, will also be marching as part of the parade. Let’s go Liberty! Check out macys.com/parade for a sneak peek, the Parade Shop and more information.
Black Friday Shopping
Adelphi offers a shuttle straight to Roosevelt Field Mall. With Black Friday the day after the big meal, they are sure to offer discounts on everything from fragrances at Bath & Body Works to cute handbags at Kate Spade and new kicks at Crocs. Whatever is (or isn’t) in your price range, will be at the Roosevelt Field Mall on November 29. Besides, there’s nothing to be more thankful for than some Auntie Anne’s after a long day of fighting over the discount jeans at American Eagle. Just make sure you’re back in time to make the shuttle back to Adelphi.
Check Out Bryant Park Winter Village
If anyone ever tries to tell you magic does not exist, ask them: “How come there’s a
winter wonderland in midtown Manhattan?” Bryant Park transforms into a winter village during the holiday season, complete with igloos and ice skating. Located between 40th and 42nd Streets and Fifth and Sixth Avenues behind the New York Public Library, just a quick LIRR transfer, Bryant Park Winter Village is sure to transform your sad spirits to holiday holly. From shopping to skating and snacking — there’s something for everyone.
Start your own Thanksgiving Tradition
Make it whatever you want it to be! It can be as small as getting out a pen and a piece of paper and writing down what you’re thankful for or as big as going out to volunteer at a local soup kitchen. Find a nice trail and take yourself on a hike or take a cold stroll around a local park. Tell your friends how thankful you are for them. Buy yourself some pretty flowers from a local florist and show yourself how thankful you are, simply for being alive. With people like you, what isn’t there to be thankful for?
Even if you do nothing for four days, there’s just as much to enjoy about that, too. But if you do decide to change your mind, New York isn’t going anywhere.
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