Thanksgiving is Thursday and while the holiday will look different this year because of the coronavirus, there are still a few ways you can de-stress outdoors.
For those feeling overwhelmed, desperate for fresh air or just want to walk off the big turkey dinner, the Historic Triangle has some free places you can venture out to.
See our list of local spots below. Make sure to bring a mask and social distance around others.
Check out the fall foliage
While many city or county parks offices will close for the holiday weekend, most of the parks are actual open on Thanksgiving Day.
If you’re in James City County, all county parks are open so you can check out Chickahominy Riverfront Park.
You can also swing by Freedom Park and unwind at the Williamsburg Botanical Garden, which is open from 7 a.m. to sunset.
In Williamsburg, the “passive parks” like Bicentennial Park are open on Thanksgiving Day, too. But don’t head to Waller Mill as this particular park won’t be open. You can see a full list of the local parks here.
Those in York County can visit all the county parks which are open on Thanksgiving Day.
However, the parks have switched to winter hours and some places like New Quarter Park have certain days when the park is closed to vehicles but people can still go, ride their bikes and walk around the park.
Bike, walk or ride to your heart’s content
If you’re itching for a bike ride, why not ride the Virginia Capital Trail which goes from Richmond to James City County.
The entire trail is 51.7 miles but you don’t have to ride the entire thing.
Instead, you can access the trail from different points including Jamestown Settlement, the James City County Marina and other trail stops.
Besides the avid biker, the trail is also open to walkers, skateboards, dog walkers and people just looking to get outside too, according to the trail’s website.
Ride a ferry (it’s free)
Cross the James River to Surry in style by hopping aboard the Jamestown-Scotland Ferry.
You can look at Jamestown Settlement as you leave the dock and explore Surry or other nearby sites on the other side.
Not feeling a ferry ride? You can always take a scenic drive on Colonial Parkway, too.
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