There's no doubt that this Thanksgiving might look a bit different than in years past, but it presents the perfect chance to start new traditions with your family. Before you fall into a tryptophian-haze, dreaming of football and leftovers, check out this guide for staying active over the holiday, while staying safe!
Why not burn a few extra calories and have that extra slice of pie, guilt free?! Whether you get out and about or stay home, you might find a new hobby or tradition along the way!
Turkey Bowl
Start a new tradition this Thanksgiving with your very own family Turkey Bowl! Grab those cloth napkins (ask mom first!), some belts, and a pigskin, and have a friendly game of flag football! If your backyard isn't flat enough to field a team or two, head to Walter Y Elisha Park near Downtown Fort Mill and entertain the passersby with your best impression of Cam Newton (we miss you, Cam!). You never know, you might discover your Aunt Edna has a hidden talent for scoring touchdowns! Get the kids involved- have them make a keepsake Turkey Bowl trophy that you can pass around to the Family MVP for many Thanksgivings to come!
Turkey Trot
One Thanksgiving tradition we don't have to skip this year is the Turkey Trot! While we might miss being packed like sardines at the start line, seeing the faces of friendly Baxter Village neighbors, hearing the bass from the DJ, or that delicious post-race coffee or hot cocoa, we don't have to miss the feeling of accomplishment that comes with knocking out 3.1 miles before (or after) we eat our weight in turkey & stuffing!
This year, the whole family can participate with free registration for the 5k, 1 mile fun run, or trail run. Routes will be marked on Thanksgiving morning, but you can complete the run at your convenience. Just download the app, enter your Turkey Trot time by 11pm Thanksgiving evening, and you'll automatically be entered in a raffle for prizes! So grab your spouse, your kids, or your crazy uncle, and get those steps in! Join the Baxter Virtual Turkey Trot 2020 HERE.
Go for a Ride
Dust off the family bikes and head to the Riverwalk! The paved 3.35mi Piedmont Medical Center Trail offers wide paths perfect for getting the whole gang out together. While enjoying the scenic Catawba River which runs alongside, the intermittent hills will be sure to test your endurance and leave you working up a sweat- and appetite! For those seeking to ramp up the excitement, the Riverwalk offers mountain biking trails of various difficulties. And, for the ultimate Thanksgiving adventure without leaving town, grab your kayaks & fishing poles, and head to the boat launch just beside The Pump House.
Take a Hike!
The perennial family pleaser, the Anne Springs Close Greenway offers a little bit of something for everyone in your family. Let the rugged and adventurous try their hand at mountain biking, or take a scenic but short walk (perfect for littles!) around Lake Crandall (both convenient to the Adventure Rd. entrance). To make a morning of it, try the 1.75 mile Lake Haigler Nature Walk, and follow the guide (linked) to find all 13 points of interest! Remember, the Greenway will be closed on Thanksgiving Day, and open to members only Friday-Sunday.
Try a new sport!
One of the best things 2020 has brought is virtual access to learning almost anything we could want. Take advantage of Kids Professor - a free resource created by a local coach and learn the "gentle art" of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu in the safety and comfort of your own home. Although designed for kids, these easy to use instructionals and videos are perfect for any beginner to use with a training partner. From takedowns to sweeps, BJJ will help you work up a sweat and leave you better prepared in the self-defense department. Spend this winter training with your family, getting (literally) closer than ever. When you're ready, show off your new moves at Fort Mill's top spot for family-friendly training, Great Grappling Brazilian Jiu Jitsu.
