Ways to Plan an Unforgettable Thanksgiving

Photo credit: Winter Caplanson, CT Food and Farm

This year, why not let someone else do the cooking? You'll find fine Thanksgiving feasts at restaurants throughout Connecticut. Some of them are even offering their menu for take-out — like Bear's Smokehouse BBQ. Be sure to call ahead for reservations. Below are some places to consider for a mouthwatering holiday meal.

Cooking the meal from scratch? Make it extra special with farm fresh ingredients. From handpicked produce and local turkeys to homemade pies and other treats, here are some spots where you'll find fixings for your feast. Taking the trip to the farm can even be part of the experience! You may even decide to try a whole farmer's market like the West Hartford Farmers' Market or the Guildford Farmer's Market, which runs through mid December. Pick up goodies from the spots below!

There are plenty of ways to get outdoors and have fun with the family this Thanksgiving. Check out these hiking and biking trails — there’s a trek for every county! For a slower pace, you might even stroll through outdoor art locations like the New London Mural Walk, the Lincoln Financial Sculpture Walk, or even these Instagram-worthy outdoor murals.

If one of your Thanksgiving traditions is lacing up your sneakers and running for a good cause, here are a few Connecticut turkey trots to consider:

• Manchester Road Race
• Newtown Turkey Trot
• Southbury Turkey Trot
• Madison Turkey Trot
• Bethel Turkey Trot
• Greenwich Alliance for Education Turkey Trot
• Harbor Point Turkey Trot

As always, it's important to support Connecticut businesses. Whether you're an avid Black Friday shopper or simply browsing early in the season, consider these fantastic Connecticut-made gift ideas or even these unique presents that don't come in a box. Avoid large crowds by shopping online, at small boutiques, or even outdoor malls like the Promenade Shops at Evergreen Walk, the Shops at Yale, Olde Mistick Village, the Westbrook Outlets, or those in these shopping towns.

Do things differently. Make some traditions that aren’t so traditional this year – whether you’re picking out a fluorescent hot pink turkey at Gozzi’s Turkey Farm, serving up treats from a farm-to-table cooking class, or staying over in a treehouse, barn, storybook cottage, or any of Connecticut’s unconventional accommodations.

For the week of Thanksgiving (or maybe even the day of) check out these untraditional events and ways to make the day unlike any you’ve celebrated before. And find even more ideas here.

If you’re like many, the end of Thanksgiving means the beginning of Christmas! Luckily, there are so many ways to celebrate the season in Connecticut. Plan ahead for these dazzling light festivals and adventures or mark your calendar for a trip to these towns with holiday spirit . Or perhaps you'll attend Hartford's first Holiday Market, Winterfair. Starting Black Friday, downtown Hartford will be celebrating the holiday season with holiday-themed activities, vendors, pop-up kiosks, special weekend events and more — it's sure to get you in the holiday spirit!

If you celebrate Chanukah, plan for these holiday events.

And who could forget — the tree! Round up your household members and kick off the season by picking out your own tree at these Connecticut Christmas tree farms.