Happy Thanksgiving - Gobble Gobble!

As a Boston native, I thought I would share some ideas for Thanksgiving in my beloved home state of Massachusetts, and beyond. Happy Thanksgiving!

Plimouth Plantation: You just can't get any more "Thanksgiving" than Plymouth, MA! Why not take a lovely autumn drive to see where the the Pilgrims and Native Americans shared their very first Thanksgiving dinner. They ate turkey, potatoes, squash, corn, and even seafood and lobster at this first of many Thanksgiving meals. You can even make reservations to eat your turkey dinner at Plimouth Plantation! (One of these days we've got to do that...I hear you have to reserve months in advance though.) Visit the authentic village and Wampanoag Home Site to see traditional Native American Wampanoag and Colonial Englishmen and women "actors" living as they did back in the 17th century. A wonderful, historical place for adults and children of all ages.

Cook some great Thanksgiving recipes: I posted a few recipes earlier, but I suggest you go to Epicurious.com to find all the best recipes from Bon Appetit, Gourmet and many others.

Go out for Dinner: Not in the mood to cook this year? I don't blame you! Visit OpenTable.com to find restaurants hosting seatings on Thanksgiving Day!

Volunteer in a Soup Kitchen: While many of us are warm and comfortable at home eating turkey, sadly, there are many people who go without. Volunteer serving dinner at Rosie's Place or the Pine Street Inn. Or, help packing and preparing meals for those who are sick or hungry.

Buy a Pie for Charity: One of my favorite charitable organizations is Community Servings in Jamaica Plain, which delivers weekly meals to those suffering from AIDS or other life-threatening diseases. Every year their "Pie in the Sky" program sells pies online via their donated from hundreds of restaurants, bakeries and hotel to generate funds for the program. I have helped behind the scenes putting together boxes and delivering pies with this group for many years. In addition, you can contact them to bring a group of friends or co-workers to lend a hand during the week or on weekends to prepare and package meals. It is a great way to give back to the community.

Watch the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade! Always a tradition in our house, watching those gigantic floats and balloons in the sky coming down Broadway in New York City. My favorites include Snoopy, Tom the Turkey and of course, Santa Claus!

Go see a movie: Every Thanksgiving, great movies come out. I am looking forward to the vampire book turned movie "Twilight" and "Australia" with Nicole Kidman and Hugh Jackman. Come Christmas time, we can't wait to see "Marley & Me" starring Jennifer Aniston, Owen Wilson and the beloved yellow lab Marley. If you love dogs, you must read the book and see this movie!

Go Shopping! Shopaholics know that "Black Friday" is the kick-off for the holiday shopping season. If you are a bargain hunter and thrive on chaotic department stores and long lines, go for it! If you fear the mall (like I do!), then stay away on Friday, November 28th! You have been warned!